 Thiruvananthapuram,
located at the South Western tip of the India,
the Capital City of Kerala still remains its
regal ambience with a number of colonial and
traditional buildings.
The City built at seven
Hills, lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea.
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.
| Main
Attractions in Thiruvananthapuram |
Kuthiramalika
Palace Museum
Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the
King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician,
social reformer and statesman, built the palace.
This rare specimen of workmanship in the Traditional
Travancore style of architecture also has equisite
wood carvings.
The Napier Museum
Built in the 19th century, the Indo - Saracenic
structure boasts a "natural" air conditioning
system and houses a rare collection of archaeological
and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient
ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings.
Padmanabha
Swamy Temple
 The
temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated
to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala
and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known
for its mural paintings and stone carvings. One
among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India,
the presiding deity is here is Lord Vishnu reclining
on Anantha the Serpent. Only Hindus are allowed
inside the temple.
Dress code
: Men - Dhoti; Woman - Sari and Blouse
The
Zoological Park
One of the first zoos in India, it is located
in the 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.
The
Kanakakkunnu Palace
The palace and its sprawling grounds are today
the venue for many cultural meets and programs.
 Shankhumugham
Beach
Just 6km 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
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.
Science
and Technology Museum
The exhibits here are related to science, technology
and electronics.
Veli
Tourist Village
The picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the
Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Pedal
boats and paddleboats can be hired to explore
the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner.
For a quick ride over the waters, speed boats
are available for hire.
Kovalam
Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly
the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a
ravishing look. The palm - fingered bays in secluded
coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless
blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white
sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the
stalwart pals and the rocky promontories, makes
this beach paradise. This marvelous beach is a
tourist's dream come true.
A sheltered
natural bay with cool soothing palms and gentle
waves. Where when you are tired of aquatics, swimming
or sunbathing, you can explore the handicrafts,
jewelry and cloth shops spread along the waterfront.
Not to speak of the delightful sea-food fare including
lobsters available at the beachside restaurants. |
