Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivendrum) the capital of Kerala. Located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shorline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.

Places to Visit: Kovalam Beach, Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, The Napier Museum, Sree Chitbra Art Gallery.

Places to visit :

Kovalam Beach -
16 kms away 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, is the most popular Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple -
The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, & 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 in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on anantha the serpent.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum -
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 also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family.

The Napier Museum -
Built in the 19th century, the indo – saracenic structure boasts a “natural” Airconditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plaxtic is banned in the museum premises.

Sree Chitbra Art Gallery -
Located near the Napier Museum. This are gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of Art In India. Other places of interest 1.. The zoological park , priyadarshini planetarium , observatory, shankhumugham beach & connemera market.

Cities :

Kumily :
(4 km from Thekkady) This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region is in Kumily.

Murikkady :
(5 km from Thekkady) Washed in fresh spice scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi :
(5 km from Kumily) This picturesque place is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu State border is a popular picnic spot. Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer’s delight.

Pullumedu :
(43 km from Thekkady, 26 km from Periyar) The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar river, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu, which can be accessed from a jeep.

The famous Sree Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Joythi illuminations at the shrine are visible from here. Since it is part of the restricted forest zone, special permission to visit Pullumedu has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady or The Range Officer, Vallakkadavu.

Stacking Your Postcard :

Kovalam Beach:
The exotic beach of Kovalam located very close to Trivandrum is a must for everyone who loves to frolic around the sand. See the beauty of coconut grooves, Make sand castles, play with the sea waves…Simply superb !!!

Padmanabha Swamy Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu the temple is much revered pilgrimage for tourist visiting Trivandrum. You will just love the exquisite carvings and the antique murals embellishing the temple walls.

Vizhinjam:
Visit the ancient port and now a modern fishing harbor of Kerala where you get to see the Dutch and Portuguese commercial settlements.

Veli Lagoon:
If you enjoy water sports, then come to this water resort and indulge in pedal boating , row boating , swimming on the placid waters of the veli lake.

Kanakakunnu Palace:
The palace is one of the most beautiful edifices in Kerala. The palace is a venue for cultural events because of its lavish grounds. The archaeological and architectural marvel is a must for tourists.

Napier Museum:
The museum is located in the compound of Kanakakunnu Palace. The tourist to this 19th century museum get to see the rare and beautiful collection. You will appreciate the Indo Sarcenic architecture of this monument. It is must for historians and tourists alike.

Chitra Art Gallery:
Within the compound of Kanakakunnu Palace is the Chitra Art Gallery. It is an epicureans’ delight. The art lovers can enjoy many paintings of Raja Ravi Verma at the gallery. In the Indian section you also get to see the works of Rabindranath Tagore, Jamimi Roy, K. K. Hebar. Specimens of Rajput and Mughal school of paintings, Tanjore Paintings adorned with semi precious stones and paintings from Indonesia, China, and Japan are a prime attraction here.