Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) Kerala
There are a number of tourist attractions in Thiruvananthapuram, India. A must on every tourist itinerary for Thiruvananthapuram, the Padmanabhaswami temple with its gopuram (tower) soaring majestically upwards, is believed to be one of the 108 shrines sacred to the Vaishnavites in India.
Besides this magnificent temple, Thiruvananthapuram offers a great deal more. There is the Observatory to start with, established over a hundred years ago in Thiruvananthapuram in India. Several kings have also built their palaces in and around the Thiruvananthapuram, India, each more impressive than the other. Despite a few attempts at modernity, Thiruvananthapuram retains its discreet, old-world charm.
In Thiruvananthapuram one can visit the Museum with its profusion of gables and turrets. A repository of fine works of art, the chief attraction here is the 250-year-old temple car made for Lord Vishnu, artistically designed and ornamented. Besides this, objects carved out of wood, models of temple, antique jewelry, etc., make the museum worth a visit.
Lying within the museum compound of Thiruvananthapuram, Sri Chitra Art Gallery proves to be an ideal place for art lovers. The piece de resistance is the large section devoted to the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, an Indian painter of distinction in the history of the country's modern art. Besides him, the Indian section also contains works of Rabindranath Tagore, Jamimi Roy, K. K. Hebar, miniatures from the Rajput and Mughal schools of painting and the famous Tanjore paintings encrusted with semi-precious stones. The gallery's collection also includes paintings from Indonesia, China, and Japan.
Then, of course, a trip to Thiruvananthapuram in India is incomplete without a boat-ride on its enchanting backwaters. These waterways of Thiruvananthapuram in India teem with life. One can be seduced by the panorama of beautiful landscapes, beaches and waterways, coconut palms and, of course, beautiful, friendly people of Thiruvananthapuram in India.
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres.
Varkala Beach
Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several places of tourist interests like a beautiful beach, a 2000-year-oldVishnuTemple and the ashramam - Sivagiri Mutt a little distance from the beach. At the serene Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs. A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins; hence the name 'Papanasam beach'.
Padmanabha Swamy Temple:
(Open 0415 - 0515/m, 0645 - 0715 hrs, 0830 - 1115 hrs, 1145 - 1200 hrs, 1700 - 1815 hrs, 1845 - 1930 hrs) Located inside the East Fort, this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the Serpent. The idol, plated in gold and made out of a rare composition known as katu-sarkara-yogam, is acclaimed as a marvel It is also noted for its mural paintings and stone carvings. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Dress code: Men -Dhoti without any upper clothing; Women - Saree or full skirt and blouse; Handbags, mobile phones, cameras etc. not allowed. Ph: 2450233.
Varkala Beach
Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several places of tourist interests like a beautiful beach, a 2000-year-oldVishnuTemple and the ashramam - Sivagiri Mutt a little distance from the beach. At the serene Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs. A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins; hence the name 'Papanasam beach'.
Padmanabha Swamy Temple:
(Open 0415 - 0515/m, 0645 - 0715 hrs, 0830 - 1115 hrs, 1145 - 1200 hrs, 1700 - 1815 hrs, 1845 - 1930 hrs) Located inside the East Fort, this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the Serpent. The idol, plated in gold and made out of a rare composition known as katu-sarkara-yogam, is acclaimed as a marvel It is also noted for its mural paintings and stone carvings. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Dress code: Men -Dhoti without any upper clothing; Women - Saree or full skirt and blouse; Handbags, mobile phones, cameras etc. not allowed. Ph: 2450233.
Meshan Mani:
On the eastern side of PadmanabhaSwarnyTemple, installed in 1833 during the reign of Swathi Thirunal, is the Mcshan Mani (clock). It has on its dial, a man's face with two goats on either side. Crafted from mahogany by an artisan called Kulathooran, every time the dock completes an hour, the man opens his mouth and the goats hit his cheeks.
Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) PalaceMuseum:
(Open 0830- 1300 hrs, 1500 - 1730 hrs. Closed on Mondays) The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family and is located near the PadrnanabhaSwamyTemple. Entrance fee: • Adults. Rs. 10. Children. Rs.3 • Foreigners: Rs.20. Camera permit (outside). Rs. 15. Video: Rs.500 Ph: 2473952
CVN Kalari:
(Open 0630 - 2030 brs. Tourists only on Wednesdays) The most famous amongst the many Kalari centres, CVN Kalari has its own Ayurvedic clinic. Located near thePadmanabhaSwarnyTemple, this place which teaches Kerala's ancient martial art, is within walking distance from the Central Railway Station.
Napier Museum:
(Open 1000 - 1645 hrs. Closed on Mondays, Wednesday forenoons, January 26th, August 15th, Thiruonam and Mahanavami) Built in the 19th century, this Indo-Saracenic structure boasts of a natural air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivolry carvings, The Javanese shadow play leather figures, used to depict the epics of Mahabharata and the Ramayana,are very interesting. Ph: 2318294
Sree Chithra Art Gallery:
(Open 1000 - 1645 hrs; Closed on Mondays & Wednesday forenoons) Located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery opened in 1935 by the then Maharaja of Travancore, Sree Chithira Thirunal, displays original paintings of RajaRaviVarma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich; exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India as well as paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali. The collection also includes unique copies of Indian mural paintings from pre-historic times down to the 18th century.
Entrance fee (Museum & Art Gallery): • Adults: Rs.10 • Children: Rs 4
On the eastern side of PadmanabhaSwarnyTemple, installed in 1833 during the reign of Swathi Thirunal, is the Mcshan Mani (clock). It has on its dial, a man's face with two goats on either side. Crafted from mahogany by an artisan called Kulathooran, every time the dock completes an hour, the man opens his mouth and the goats hit his cheeks.
Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) PalaceMuseum:
(Open 0830- 1300 hrs, 1500 - 1730 hrs. Closed on Mondays) The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family and is located near the PadrnanabhaSwamyTemple. Entrance fee: • Adults. Rs. 10. Children. Rs.3 • Foreigners: Rs.20. Camera permit (outside). Rs. 15. Video: Rs.500 Ph: 2473952
CVN Kalari:
(Open 0630 - 2030 brs. Tourists only on Wednesdays) The most famous amongst the many Kalari centres, CVN Kalari has its own Ayurvedic clinic. Located near thePadmanabhaSwarnyTemple, this place which teaches Kerala's ancient martial art, is within walking distance from the Central Railway Station.
Napier Museum:
(Open 1000 - 1645 hrs. Closed on Mondays, Wednesday forenoons, January 26th, August 15th, Thiruonam and Mahanavami) Built in the 19th century, this Indo-Saracenic structure boasts of a natural air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivolry carvings, The Javanese shadow play leather figures, used to depict the epics of Mahabharata and the Ramayana,are very interesting. Ph: 2318294
Sree Chithra Art Gallery:
(Open 1000 - 1645 hrs; Closed on Mondays & Wednesday forenoons) Located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery opened in 1935 by the then Maharaja of Travancore, Sree Chithira Thirunal, displays original paintings of RajaRaviVarma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich; exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India as well as paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali. The collection also includes unique copies of Indian mural paintings from pre-historic times down to the 18th century.
Entrance fee (Museum & Art Gallery): • Adults: Rs.10 • Children: Rs 4
Napier Museum:
The Napier Museum was built in 19th century. It was opened to the public by a committee, in which The maharaja of Travancore Sree. Utram Thirunal was the director and the resident of Travancore General kallan was the Chariman . At the starting time it has a few collection of metals from all over the world, some books of Genral Kallan.
A new building was built in 1880 by the supervision of an architect named Mr.Chishome. The building was inaugurated by Mr. Napier, the Governor of Madras and so the museum was called as Napier Museum. Now it has a vast collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, plastic casts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings.
Angengo:
The small historical town is situated 10km; north-west of Attingal is hemmed between Lakshdweep Sea and Anjengo Kayal. The English East India Company established a factory in 1673 and also built a fort with the permission of Queen of Attingal in 1695. The beach ruins of the fort and flagstaff, tombs of Dutch and British are some historic places to visit.
Ponmudi:
The salubrious hill station of Ponmudi is at a distance of 61 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Ponmudi is located 915 metres above sea level. An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and a cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 915 metres above sea level. Along with a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies and small rivulets the natural scenery, salubrious climate and the scope of hiking in high trails make the visit an exhilarating experience. There is a charming deer park which is only 3kms from Ponmudi. One will find oneself compulsively pausing every now and then to drink in deep the spectacular sweep of the hill ranges, tea-estates and the mist-covered valleys, peppered with little toy-like stone cottages painted a pretty violet, pink, or white with pointed and peaked roofs.
Agasthyakoodam:
This is a prominent peak in the Sahyadri range and is the second highest peak in Kerala, at a height of 1890 metres above sea level. Teeming with wildlife, the forests of Agasthyakoodam abound in rare medicinal herbs and plants and brilliantly hued orchids. A bird watcher's paradise, this legendary mountain is accessible by foot from Kotoor, near Neyyar Dam, as also from Bonacaud. .The mountain is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, as it is believed to be the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara as well as of the sage Agastya, a disciple of Shiva.
Government Observatory:
Located on a hill opposite to the Kanakakunnu Palace, another attraction worth a visit is the Government Observatory which offers a lovely view of the city from its roof terrace.
Aruvi Waterfalls:
Beautiful and serene, the Aruvi is blessed with a weather that is as perfect as the land itself where 4 ft. cascade, is one of the most verdant and unspoiled spots in Kerala. It is 60 kms from Trivandrum. Tourists are mainly attracted to this place because of the natural scenery. The temple of sage Agasthiar near the waterfalls draws a large number of devotees on the full moon day in the months of April and May. Trekking can be done in this place.
Neyyar Dam & Lion Safari Park:
Neyyar dam, lying against the southern low hills of the Western Ghats, 32 kms away from the city is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site. Neyyar dam is situated 90-18000 metre above sea-level. It is an extension of Kallikad Tiger Reserve and Mudanthura Wild life Sanctuary of Tamilnadu. Neyyar dam affords a panoramic view of the mountains and the lake. The lion safari is a star attraction. The reservoir also offers boating facilities in addition to a crocodile farm. The project offers facilities for boating and mountaineering. A miniature wild life sanctuary, a lake garden and a swimming pool are the major attractions.
Peppara Wildlife:
Peppara wildlife sanctuary is a 'gene pool' sanctuary, with a rich variety of flora and fauna over a rugged terrain with running rivulets, rolling hillocks and green meadows. The sub tropical and tropical evergreen forests are populated with a variety of wildlife. This sanctuary with its rich fauna and birds is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to Elephants, Sambhar, Lion-tailed Macaques, Leopards, and assorted birds. Gaur, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Tiger and the Nilgiri Langur are also among the main inhabitants of the park. A boat ride on the site is a fulfilling experience. Although Peppara is theoretically open all year, the main season is from January until May.
Sankhumugham beach:
The beach is located 8 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city and is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, is a favourite spot of sunset watchers. The Sankhumugham Beach is just not a mere beach but a hot bed activities and boasts of some exciting nearby sites. A 35meter long sculpture of a matsya kanyaka is the main attraction of Shankumugham. Another one is a starfish shaped restaurant. Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules. The beach is a fishermen village ensures an interesting sight of fishermen having their daily catch.
Varkala Beach
Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important hindu centre of pilgrimage. Situated at 42 km away from Thiruvanathapuram, is the best spot along Kerala coast for watching sunset. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The Varkala sands have become an ideal spot for confluence of cultures exotic and alien.
The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions here. High cliffs border the excellent beach.
It's a beautiful beach that has a more than 2000 years old shrine of Lord Vishnu. This beach is rich in mineral water springs that are known for their medicinal value. A dip in the holy waters of this beach is believed to purge the body and the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' for this shore. At the break of dawn following the new moon in the Malayalam month of 'Karkidakam', thousands offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual believed to help the souls of ancestors rest in peace.
Akkulam Lake:
Akkulam Lake is situated 3 kms away from Ulloor junction, in Thiruvananthapuram city and is only 10 kms away from the Central Railway Station. The spot is developed on the banks of Aakkulam Kayal (lake), which is an extension of the Veli Kayal (lake).
There is a tranquil picnic spot on the banks of the Akkulam Lake. Akkulam is a place of great scenic beauty with a picturesque lake. There is a boat club with over dozens of boats, available for joy riders. The children's park here is one of the biggest in Kerala.
Lazing on the cool banks or boating on the placid waters is good ways to spend a holiday. There is also a children's park. Akkulam is one of the first picnic spots in the suburbs of Thiruvananthapuram City.
The calm and serene atmosphere and its unique natural beauty is fascinating for the tourist. The village consists of the Boat Club, Swimming Pool, Children's Park, an Anthurium Project and a Snack Bar.
Veli Tourist Village:
Located 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, the Veli Tourist Village is bordered by the Veli lagoon and the Arabian sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar.
The Veli Tourist Village on the outskirts of Trivandrum is a delightful waterfront park which has become extremely popular with Keralites. The nearby Veli Tourist Village will provide luxurious comfort to the tourists. The long stretch of clean white sand of the beach is perfect for an idle stroll along the sea. One can also relax in the beach, watching the fishermen doing their daily chores. During the festivals, the Thiruvananthapuram's Sankhumugham Beach witnesses the maximum crowd that gathers for the idol immersions. It is a nice place for tourists with young children to spend an afternoon. There are lots for the kids to do, and they will meet many of their young Keralite counterparts, all of whom will be eager to make new friends and try out their English.
Aanchunthenghu Fort:
Aanchunthenghu Fort located at 36 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram. The historic remains of the fort built by the British East India Company in the 17th century and an adjoining cemetery are the noteworthy relics of this first major British trading station on the Malabar Coast.
Padmanabhapuram Palace:
The Padmanabhapuram Palace, about 60 km from Tiruvananthapuram, was once the home of the Royal family of Travancore. It is one of the biggest palaces in India with intricate carvings and beautiful woodwork. Travancore, which was a princely state for over 400 years, included a large part of present-day Kerala and the western part of Tamil Nadu. Though the palace is now in the State of Tamil Nadu, it was once the traditional home of the royal family of Travancore, so it is maintained by the Government of Kerala.
The palace is one of the best examples of the traditional wooden architecture of Kerala. The Palace is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, coloured mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Belgian mirror, pictures of Lord Krishna, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors which are made from a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand.
Kuthiramalika Palace:
Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) palace is located near Padmanabhaswamy temple. Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, built this magnificent palace. He was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. The palace, built in the traditional Travancore style of architecture depicts excellent craftsmanship and possesses exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum has on display, enchanting paintings and other priceless collections of the royal family.
The palace remains open from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm and is closed on Mondays.
Kanakakkunnu Palace:
Kanakakunnu Palace is the summer-house of Travancore Royal Family. The palace and its grounds are today the venue for many cultural meets and programmes.
Koyikkal Palace:
Koyikkal Palace is located 18 km from Trivandrum on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Kuttalam waterfalls, this ancient place that dates back to the 15th century, is famous in the history of Kerala as the official residence of Perakom Thavazhi (the maternal lineage), especially of Umayamma Rani of the Venad royal family. Here you can see a double storied traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and two museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archaeology.
This place is open for visitors from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and remains closed on Mondays & Wednesday forenoons.
Tours for Thiruvananthapuram India
Tourism of Kerala provides complete information on tours for Thiruvanathapuram India. Thiruvananthapuram is a wonderful tourist destination in Kerala that offers tourists palm fringed beaches and wonderful monuments. Thiruvananthapuram has a number of tourist attractions that you can tour. Some of the important tourist attractions in Thiruvananthapuram include Padmanabhaswami Temple, Kanakakunnu Palace Shanghumugham Beach, Kovalam Beach, Botanical Gardens, Zoo Koyikal Palace and Ponmudi.
Tourism of Kerala offers complete information on Kerala travel and tourism. Tourism of Kerala also offers various tour packages to Thiruvananthapuram India and to book tour packages for Kerala, please fill up the form given below. Tourism of Kerala will get back to you.
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