ListKerala.com

Thiruvananthapuram District

Thiruvanathanpuram, the capital of Kerala. The southernmost district of the State, Thiruvananthapuram is bounded by the wooded highlands of the Western Ghats on the east and northeast, and the Abrabian sea on the west. It has the blend of ethic and modern forms of Architecture. The Palaces of the Maharajas that ruled this princely state is still preserved in this traditional form.

Also known by the names Trivandrum and Ananthapuri, Thiruvananthapuram is a well- known pilgrim centre. This ancient city is a prosperous place for trade and commerce, a meeting point of various religions, scholastic and artistic ability, a land of educational, devotional and martial training and also a place of scenic beauty.

The city gives a towering example of communal harmony with a good number of temples, churches and mosques located close to one another. At Palayam in the city, the famous St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Juma Masjid and the Ganapathy temple stand very close to one another quite symbolic of the communal harmony.

Places of Interest

Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Open: 0415-0515 hrs, 0695-0730 hrs, 0830-I030 hrs, 1130-I195 hrs, 1713-1930 hrs. A famous pilgrimage centre and one of the major attractions in Thiruvananthapuram city. It was the Maharaja of Travancore who built this famous temple with its seven-storey carved gopuram in the Dravidian style in 1733. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and mural paintings of natural pigments.

The temple is dedicated to Vishnu who reclines on the sacred serpent Ananda. The image of Vishnu is 18 feet long and a lotus grows from Vishnu’s navel and Brahma is seen in the lotus. Several art forms like Krishnanattam, Koodiyattom, Pavakkoothu, Nokkuvidya, Velakali, Kathakali etc. thrived under the patronage of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

Kovalam This internationally renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, in the most popular Kovalam offers accomodation options to suit all budgets.

Shankhumugham Beach
Just 8 km from the city, this is a favorite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village. An indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here. Cha-cha Nehru Traffic Training Park here provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules.

Ponmudi
Ponmudi an idyllic resort with narrow winding path ways and cool green wooded environment is located 915 meters of above sea level. It is famous for the beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets and springs. The hill station has excellent trekking trails. Ponmudi which means golden crown was named so because of the golden glow cast over its crest by the evening sun.

The Govt. Art Museum (NAPIER Museum) It is an absolute gem of architectural exuberance, combining traditional Kerala styles with good doses of Chinese and Mughal influences. The 19th century English architect, Chisholm, threw in a few touches ended up with a building that is guaranteed to leave you smiling at its electric charm.

The interior is every bit as intriguing as the exterior with pink and bobby blue stripes alternating with stripes of yellow and cherry red, scalloped arches of a banana yellow, elaborately carved balconies, the whole, linked together with red and white lattice work and mock friezes. The collections are as varied and electric as the building and you will spend a pleasant few hours browsing through them. Make sure to have the keeper explain the unique natural air-conditioning system.

East Fort The Fort area in the Capital City of Thiruvananthapuram bears a lot of historic significance. The Fort houses several magnificent palaces, palatial houses, and agraharams (Brahmin houses). Standing out is the Padmanabha Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Padmanabha an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Fort has stood witness to many events in the annals of erstwhile Travancore Kingdom.

The Zoological Park
One of the first zoos in India, it is located in a well-planned botanical garden. With huge trees like frangipani and jacaranda dotting the sprawling lawns and wild fowl swimming in the Lake, it is like a small jungle in the heart of the city. A reptile house with different species of snakes is also located in the premises.

Kanakakkunnu Palace
Situated on a hillock in the Museum compound, this beautiful old palace of the Travancore Rajas is a stunning piece of architectural excellence. At night when the palace grounds are lit by garden lamps, the gabled, pagoda style red brick structure comes alive, bringing to mind the royal majesty of the kings who once inhabited its mighty interiors. Inside one can see large crystal chandeliers and exquisite pieces of royal furniture.

Science and Technology Museum
The exhibits here are related to science, technology and electronics. It is an esthetically erected ultra modern Science &Technology Museum in the city. The Museum with its PLANETARIUM is of high educative value catering to the needs of the students of Science & Technology.

How to reach Trivandrum?

Can't find what you are looking for?
Please feel free to contact us with your exact requirements.