Angengo
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
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
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.
Govt. Observatory
Govt. 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
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 & 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
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.
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum. This unique internationally renowned wonderful beach will get pride of place amongst the loveliest beaches in the world has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s.
Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look.
The palm-fringed 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 palms and the rocky promontories, makes this beach paradise. This marvelous beach is a tourist's dream come true.
Sankhumugham
Beach
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 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
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
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
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
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 Museum
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
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
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.
The 'Gajendra Moksham' Mural which is one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala is seen on the ground floor of the Palace. A museum with antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes is housed inside the building. The Palace is situated 47kms from Alleppey.
Napier Museum
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.
The National
History Museum
The National History Museum
It is a small museum with a decent collection of stuffed animals and dolls wearing traditional costumes
Chacha Nehru
Children's Museum
Chacha Nehru
The small historical town 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 places of interest. A large collection of Toys from various parts of the world is available here. There is a good number of stamps and masks on display in this museum. A mini aquarium and the first issue of children's literature in Malayalam are also exhibited here. Chacha Nehru Museum is set up in the model of Shankar's International Doll Museum in New Delhi. The museum is situated about 1 km north of Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station.
Sree Chithira
Art Gallery
Sree Chithira Art Gallery
Next to the museum, this is in a smaller, traditional building established in 1935 has a century old world famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, the pioneering Indian genies in the art of oil painting. It houses the collections of the Travancore ruling family, and included an interesting assortment of turn-of-the-century Bengali school paintings, Rajasthani and Mughal miniatures. Tanjore paintings and a selection of works by a Russian emigrant, Svetosku Roerich and by Kerala's favorite artist son, Raja Ravi Varma is major attraction. The latter's works include a number of portraits of maharajahs and their families, British residents and distinguished individuals, and by studying their faces one gets a glimpse of a part of Kerala's history. The architecture has a combination of Kerala tradition. Bronze images, ivory carvings, temple chariots and historical ornaments present an excellent collection. One can spend few hours easily viewing all the displays.
This place is open for visitors from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and remains closed on Mondays & Wednesday forenoons.
Padmanabha
Swamy Temple
Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Renovated in 1733 AD by the then ruler of Travancore, Raja Marthanda Varma, this holy shrine attracts thousands of Hindu devotees. Located inside the east fort, this fascinating temple is the most important landmark of Thiruvananthapuram. The temple portrays both Kerala and the Dravidian styles of architecture. It is a grand seven storied structure adorned by innumerable stone carvings, ancient inscriptions and colourful murals. There are around 324 pillars in the temple corridor.
The main Deity in this temple is Lord Padmanabha, who reclines on Anantha, the thousand-headed serpent.