TOURIST ATTRACTIONS/ PLACES TO VISIT

1) MUSEUMS:

The Napier Museum was established by the ruler of Travancore in 1855 and is named after the then Madras Governor, General John Napier. Chisholm, its British architect, combined Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian styles of architecture in his design. This architectural splendour has a natural air conditioning system which keeps the museum pleasant in any weather.

Napier Museum houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot, ivory carvings and life-size Kathakali dancers. The figurines preserved here amply illustrate the varying features of South-Indian sculpture from the 8th to 18th century. Napier Museum forms part of the attractions within the Museum premises such as the Sree Chitra Art Gallery, Trivandrum Zoo and Natural History Museum.

Timings : 
Open from Tuesdays to Sundays - 10 am to 4.45 pm.
On Wednesdays, the museum opens only at 1 pm. 

Location
Museum-Vellayambalam Road, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram 
Tel: 0471-2316275

The Natural History Museum in Thiruvananthapuram is housed in a spacious, modern, double-storeyed building at the eastern end of the Napier Museum and zoo complex within the museum premises. This museum was established with the personnel collection of minerals and books presented by General Cullen in 1885. The varied and rich collections are now on display at this new building built in 1964. The museum has separate galleries displaying stuffed mammals, birds, lower vertebrates and invertebrates. The exhibits of fossil tree trunks near the entrance are another big draw. There is an art collection that highlight Kerala's rich heritage in stone, wood and metal sculpture. There are index collections, a skeleton gallery and laboratory. Besides these archeological and cultural specimens, this museum has an excellent ethnographic collection. This includes implements and models of the various communities, primarily of South-India. Replicas of traditional houses (Tharawad) and customs of the communities of Kerala are exclusive exhibits at the Natural History Museum.

 
Location
Museum-Vellayambalam Road, Thiruvananthapuram

The Numismatics Museum housed on the ground floor of the Koyikkal Palace is the only one of its kind in Kerala. The coins displayed here belong to different parts of the world as well as to different eras. Among the exhibits are some of the oldest coins of Kerala - Ottaputhen, Erattaputhen and Kaliyugarayan Panam. A Venetian coin named 'Amaida', believed to have been presented to Jesus Christ, is also a property of this museum. The most valuable among the Indian coins found here are 'Karsha'. These are nearly 2500 years old. Rasi, the world's smallest coins are also on display. The museum also has on display coins used by various Indian dynasties.

Location
Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram

Also known as Puthenmalika Kuthiramalika Palace or Puthenmalika (the new mansion) is situated on the south-eastern side of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. This wooden architectural delight was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, the ruler of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. Kuthiramalika, which literally means Horse Bungalow, takes its name from the roof beams that are carved to resemble the faces of horses. This rare specimen of workmanship in traditional Travancore style of architecture has exquisite woodcarvings. A portion of the palace is converted into a museum which has on display paintings, ornaments and artifacts of the royal family. Swathi Thirunal's ivory throne, marble idols, Chinese artifacts and rare musical instruments are kept in the museum. The 16 rooms in the palace feature 16 different patterns. The Swathi Sangeethotsavam (a 7-day music festival), conducted in the front courtyard at Kuthiramalika, is regarded as one of the best music festivals in South India. Navratri concerts are also held in the nearby mandapam complex. A private discrete passage is believed to connect the Padmanabhaswamy Temple with this palace. The palace is open all days except Mondays between 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Location
Near Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram 
Tel: 0471-2473952

Set up in 1992, the Folklore Museum is a treasure house of quaint musical instruments, occupational implements and models of folk arts. The exhibits include rare articles like 'Chandravalayam', a small percussion instrument and 'Nanthuni', a sweet sounding musical instrument made of wood and string. Housed on the first floor of the Koyikkal Palace, the museum also has a wide range of household utensils including wooden kitchenware, brass and copperware. 'Thaliyola' (old manuscripts), 'Chilambu' (a sort of anklet) used by Umayamma Rani and Maravuri (dress material made of the bark of trees) etc. are well preserved at the museum.

Location
Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram.

The Kerala State Science and Technology Museum, established in 1984, is situated close to the Napier museum and the Postmaster General's Office in Thiruvananthapuram. It serves as a dynamic medium of science communication and the activities are aimed at popularization of science among the common man especially students. This is a study-cum-recreation center and an important tourist attraction. The museum aims at setting up of galleries with working/animated and participatory type of exhibits, on all disciplines of science and technology. Organizing and conducting mobile and temporary science exhibitions and competitions along with science film shows and conducting science educational programs through TV, radio and other media of communication are some of its objectives.

A rare collection of electronic components are displayed at the Electronics Engineering Gallery. Visitors can acquire information about the natural form of electricity, its generation, distribution, application and usage with the help of various exhibits at the Electrical Engineering Gallery. Educative medical and bio-medical film shows and interactive working models of bio-medical equipments along with animation graphics on computers and digital announcement systems are the major highlights of the Bio-Medical Engineering Gallery. Interactive models on basic mathematical principles and number spectrum are exhibited at the Mathematical Puzzle Corner. Admissions to the museum and galleries are through tickets. The museum is open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except on Mondays and holidays notified by the museum authorities.

Location
PMG Junction, Thiruvananthapuram
Tel: 0471-2306976

2) LANDMARKS:

The Priyadarshini Planetarium is situated within the Kerala State Science and Technology Museum premises in Thiruvananthapuram. It is one of the most sophisticated and versatile planetariums in India. The marvellous planetarium complex has a centrally air-conditioned sky theatre, conference hall, workshops and a sound-studio. The planetarium, rated as one of the best horizontal domed planetariums by global standards, has a seating capacity of 184 persons. The planetarium organises various science-related shows, the best example being – "Man and the Universe", which deals with the origin and different stages of development of astronomy, the structure of different planets and the origin of the Universe. The museum park at the planetarium premises has numerous outdoor exhibits which include models of rockets and aeroplanes.

Timings of the Planetarium shows:
Malayalam: 10:30 am, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm 
English : 12 Noon 

Ticket Rates: Adults -Rs 15 Children (3-10 yrs) 
	      and 
	      authorised batches of students with teachers - Rs 10 

Location
PMG Junction, Thiruvananthapuram

The Observatory in Thiruvananthapuram, situated 60m above sea level, is located on a hill near the Napier Museum and the Kanakakunnu Palace. It is one of the oldest observatories in India built by Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, the king of Travancore, in 1836. There is a well laid out garden in front of the hill, with a beautiful rose collection. The observatory, noted for its architectural splendour, is one of major landmarks of Thiruvananthapuram. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surroundings from the observatory.

Location
Museum-Vellayambalam Road, Thiruvananthapuram

The Sri Chitra Art Gallery, near the Napier Museum, in Thiruvananthapuram was established in 1935. The gallery has on display a century old world famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. The gallery also has a good collection of miniature paintings from the Mughal and Rajasthani schools, Roerich paintings, paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali and copies of murals. The four hundred year old Tanjore miniature paintings encrusted with semi-precious stones are also on display at the gallery.

The gallery is open from 10 am to 5 pm.
The gallery is closed on Mondays and Wednesday mornings.

Location
Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram

The Kerala Government Secretariat building, in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, is the seat of the state administration. The foundation stone of this white impressive building was laid in 1865 by His Highness Ayilyam Thirunal Maharaja. The building was constructed on the lines of the Roman and Dutch architecture by Barton, who was the chief engineer, under the supervision of Dewan Madhava Rao. The Secretariat began to function from 23rd August 1869. Earlier, the Secretariat was known as Huzur Cutchery, Public Office or Puthen Kacheri. The Secretariat came to be known as 'Government Secretariat' from 25th August 1949.

Location
Statue, Thiruvananthapuram

3) BEACHES:

Kovalam Beach, an internationally renowned tourist destination and seaside resort with three adjacent crescent beaches, is around 15 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. It is undoubtedly the most popular beach hangouts in India today. The beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts. On the southern side is the most popular one - the Lighthouse Beach. The central beach and the northern beach are called Hawah and Samudra respectively.

Kovalam Beach, a favorite haunt of foreign tourists, has crystal clear blue waters, rocky promontories and miles of white sands. The leisure activities at the beach include sunbathing, swimming and herbal body toning massages. Shops dealing in handicrafts, jewellery and clothes are situated along the beachfront. Delectable sea-food such as lobsters and king prawns are available at the beachside restaurants. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities make Kovalam Beach a paradise for tourists from all over the globe. There are a variety of lodging options near the beach, which range from luxurious resorts, five star hotels and affordable budget class hotels.

Location
Thiruvananthapuram

Shanghumugham beach, a popular city beach adjacent to the airport, is located 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city. This beach near the Veli Tourist Village is an ideal spot for watching the sunset. An indoor recreation club, Children's Traffic Training Park and a star shaped restaurant are some of the facilities at the beach. A gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid called the 'Matsya Kanyaka' is the major attraction of the beach. Shanghumugham beach is a perfect spot for a refreshing holiday among the busy city life.

Location
Shanghumugham, Thiruvananthapuram

Varkala Beach, one of the famous tourist destinations in Kerala, is situated on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. This white sandy beach, of about 1 km stretched along the western coastline of India in the Arabian Sea, is around 51 km north of Thiruvananthapuram city. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing beach holiday without the crowds and bustle of some of the busier beaches in Kerala. Varkala Beach has a number of tourist attractions nearby. The mineral springs near the Varkala Beach are considered to have medicinal and curative properties and many people visit here to drink and bathe in the water from the mineral springs. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple is another major tourist attraction near the beach.

The Varkala Beach is otherwise known as the Papanasam Beach. It derives this name from the word 'Papanashini’ which means the destroyer of sins. It is believed that a dip in the holy waters of this beach purifies the body and the soul of all the sins. Thousands of pilgrims come to the Varakala Beach to pray and offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual performed in honour of their ancestors and relatives and to help the departed souls rest in peace. Excellent accommodation facilities are available near the beach.

Location
Papanasam, Varkala

Varkala, a coastal town, is situated around 50 km north of Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km south of Kollam. Varkala is a calm and quiet hamlet that has several places of tourist interests, the prominent ones being the Papanasam Beach, the Sivagiri Mutt and the Vishnu shrine dedicated to Lord Janardhana. According to a myth, sage Narada was approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned. Narada threw his valkkalam (the bark of tree which the mythical sages used to wear) into the air, and the place where it landed was subsequently named Varkala. The mendicants were directed by Narada to offer their prayers in the newly created place by the seashore. The place where they prayed for redemption came to be known as the Papanasam Beach.

Varkala is a famous Hindu pilgrimage centre, being the eternal resting place of the eminent social reformer and philosopher, Sree Narayana Guru. Varkala is also a beautiful sea side resort with mineral water springs. A dip in the holy waters of the Papanasam Beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Varkala offers excellent accommodation facilities for the tourists and is fast becoming a popular health resort with many ayurvedic massage centres.

4) Sivagiri Mutt:

The Sivagiri Mutt was planned and designed by Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928), a spiritual leader, renowned philosopher and social reformer of Kerala. Presently, the Sivagiri Mutt is the samadhi (memorial/ final resting place) of Sree Narayana Guru. The Sivagiri Mutt, built in 1904, is situated at the top of the Sivagiri hill near Varkala. Even decades after the guru breathed his last here in 1928; his samadhi continues to be thronged by thousands of devotees, donned in yellow attire, from different parts of Kerala and outside every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days - 30th December to 1st January.

The Sivagiri Mutt is also the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Sangham, a religious organization established by the Guru to propagate his concept of ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God'. The Guru Deva Jayanti, the birthday of the Guru, and the samadhi day are celebrated in August and September respectively every year. Colourful processions, debates and seminars, public meetings, cultural shows, community feasts, group wedding and rituals mark the celebrations.

Location
Varkala

5) Ponmudi:

Ponmudi is a beautiful hill station with natural scenery and salubrious climate, situated 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram city. The name Ponmudi in Malayalam means 'Golden Crown'. Tucked away in the Western Ghats, this quaint little hill station lies at an altitude of 1100 ft above the sea level. Ponmudi is famous for its mist-covered valleys, tea-estates, winding streams and verdant woods. The scope of hiking in high trails makes a visit to Ponmudi a lively and joyful experience. Trekking is also a passion with visitors to Ponmudi.

The places of interest around Ponmudi are the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Golden Valley and the Deer Park. Ponmudi, with excellent dining and cottage accommodation facilities for the tourists, is on the verge of being a major hill resort. Ponmudi is worth visiting any time of the year except during monsoons.

 
Location
Thiruvananthapuram

6) Akkulam Tourist Village:

Akkulam Tourist Village, located about 11 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, is a popular local attraction for the city dwellers. It is a beautiful picnic spot developed on the banks of the Akkulam lake, an extension of the Veli lake. The tourist village has a boat club, a well equipped children's park, snack bar and a paddle pool. There is a swimming pool for adults. The calm and serene atmosphere attracts a large number of tourists.

Location
Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram

7) PALACES:

The Kanakakunnu Palace, situated near the Napier Museum in Thiruvananthapuram, is one of the last vestiges of the colonial era. Kanakakunnu Palace is a testimony to grand times and the resort of kings. This palace was constructed during the reign of His Highness Sree Moolam Thirunal. Swati Tirunal, one of the most popular rulers, of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore, modified the palace and constructed tennis courts in the palace premises. He once used it as a summer retreat. This stunning piece of architectural excellence was used by the Travancore royal family to entertain their guests in the earlier days. The interiors are decorated with large crystal chandeliers and exquisite pieces of royal furniture.

A major renovation project which was taken up by the State Government gave Kanakakunnu Palace a fresh lease of life and much of its lost glory has been restored. The palace and its sprawling grounds, now under the control of the Tourism department, are ideal venues for cultural meets and programmes. The serene palace grounds are an ideal location for a family to spend an evening very much within the city. For hundreds of city dwellers, the palace grounds also serve as an ideal place for jogging and workouts. The Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has documented the palace as a heritage monument.

The Nisagandhi open-air auditorium, within the Kanakakunnu Palace compound, is now one of the most sought- after venues for conducting stage shows and cultural extravaganza. A week long festival of Indian classical dances is organised at the Nishagandhi open-air auditorium. Leading artists of Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, modern ballet and other folk dances participate in this dance festival. The Sooryakanthi auditorium is a popular venue for staging exhibitions, trade fairs and cultural programmes. A week long international food festival is also held at the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds in which renowned hotels from across Kerala take part.

Location
Museum-Vellayambalam Road, Vellayambalam, Thiruvananthapuram
Tel: 0471-2314615

The Kowdiar Palace was built in 1915 by Sree Moolam Thirunal and was gifted to Sethu Parvati Bayi. It was the home of the late Maharaja Sree Chitra Thirunal Balarama Varma and his family. Presently, the descendants of the royal king reside here. The Palace's architectural work is famous and has over 150 rooms. The Kowdiar Palace is off limits to the public. Visitors can get a glimpse of the grand old building from the gate.

 
Location
Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram

The Koyikkal Palace, an ancient palace, is located 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram on the way to the famous Ponmudi hillstation and the Kuttalam waterfalls. The Koyikkal Palace dates back to the 15th century. The palace 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 who ruled the land between 1677 AD and 1684 AD.

This two storeyed building with slanting gabled roofs is famous for 'Nalukettu', the traditional style of architecture. The Department of Archaeology has set up two museums at Koyikkal Palace, namely, the Folklore Museum and the Numismatics Museum. Visiting Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days, except on Mondays.

Location
Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram,

The Kilimanoor Palace is located 50 km away from Thiruvananthapuram. Kilimanoor Palace is situated in a sprawling and green landscape. Kilimanoor Palace is a complex comprising big and medium sized buildings, temples, sacred groves and two huge ponds.

Presently, a branch of the royal family, related to the Travancore Royal House, resides here. Famous artist, Raja Ravi Varma was born in this palace. Swathi Thirunal Bala Rama Varma, Maharaja of Travancore, visited this palace as a child.

 
Location
Kilimanoor, Thiruvananthapuram

The Padmanabhapuram Palace, a magnificent wooden palace of the 16th century, is situated at Thuckalay, 60 km from Thiruvananthapuram, in Kanyakumari District. This old palace of the Rajas of the erstwhile Travancore (1550 to 1750 AD) is a fine specimen of Kerala's indigenous style of architecture. Padmanabhapuram Palace, actually a complex of 14 palaces, is spread over 6.5 acres. The antique interiors are replete with intricate rosewood carvings and sculptured decor. The palace also contains 17th and 18th century murals.

The ancient and majestic Padmanabhapuram Palace, an epitome of Kerala architecture, is housed in a small idyllic town set against a backdrop of hills. The Palace was the seat and capital of the rulers of Travancore, a princely state, for over 400 years, which included a good part of present day Kerala and parts of western Tamil Nadu. A heritage museum has been opened within the premises of this spacious and antique palace. The walls of its central hall are extravagantly decorated with mural paintings. The themes of paintings are various episodes and moments drawn from Hindu epics.

The museum, even though it is geographically in Tamilnadu, is managed by the government of Kerala. The palace, known for its exquisite architecture and fine woodwork, is maintained by Kerala Archaeology Department.

 
Location
Thuckalay, TN

8) WILDLIFE:

Neyyar Dam is situated around 32 km east of Thiruvananthapuram. It is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site. This area has some of the rarest medicinal herbs in Kerala. The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1958. Covering a total area of 128 sq km, it is located at the foot of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary, of which the dam is a part, is the habitat of over a hundred rare species of fauna including elephants, wild buffaloes, wild boars, porcupines, tigers and a variety of snakes. It is the drainage basin for the Neyyar River and its tributaries - Mullayar and Kallar. The sanctuary has a wide variety of vegetation and landscape, ranging from tropical wet evergreen forest to grasslands. The best way to explore the sanctuary is by boat.

A crocodile farm-cum-breeding centre, started in 1977, and a lion safari park are located at the dam site. The gardens near the dam have large statues. The fascinating Agastyakoodam mountains in this area provide an opportunity for the visitors to engage in hiking, trekking and mountaineering. On the upper reaches of the Neyyar reservoir there are two magnificent waterfalls; the Meenmutty and Kombaikani waterfalls.

Location
Thiruvananthapuram

The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of the oldest and the best in the country, actually forms part of the Botanical Gardens. The zoo was established as an annexe to the Napier Museum in 1857 by Maharaja Swati Thirunal, the erstwhile maharaja of Travancore.

Spread over 55 acres of land in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the zoo which is set among woodlands and lakes is a natural habitat for the animals. The zoo provides people from all over the country a chance to watch 75 different species of animals from India and abroad. The Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion and the Royal Bengal Tiger are the prominent attractions of the zoo. An aviary and a reptile house with different varieties of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes are located within the premises.

The snake house at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, which is nearing completion, would be the nocturnal home for housing creatures such as the slender lorris, jungles cats and porcupines. The reptile house and the open enclosure for the panther are the last major construction works in the ongoing modernisation project at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo. The entrance to the snake house resembles the head of the snake as the overall structure resembles the undulating body of a snake in motion. The king cobra and the python, however, would have enclosure twice as big. The speciality of the snake house is that each of these cubicles would have a `micro-climate' designed to simulate the natural habitat of each variety of snake. The zoo plans to add five new species of snakes to its collection once the snake house is operational. The exit point of the snake house will serve as the entrance to the rest of the reptile house that would be the home of the crocodiles, the turtles and the monitor lizard.

The Botanical Garden, also within the zoo premises, has varied specimens of tropical plants and trees.

Location
Museum-Vellayambalam Road, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram

Peppara, situated on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, is well known for the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. It is about 50 km north-east of Thiruvananthapuram city enroute to Ponmudi. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 53 sq km. on the Western Ghats. Considering the ecological significance of the area, it was declared as a sanctuary during 1983. The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is composed of the dense forests and the Peppara dam constructed across the Karamana River. Parts of the Palode (24 sq km) and Kottoor reserves (29 sq km) form part of this sanctuary.

The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, with its rich fauna and birds, is a popular attraction to tourists and wildlife enthusiasts. This area is dotted with large hills and numerous hillocks with forests and Eucalyptus plantations. The sanctuary is home to elephants, sambhar, lion-tailed macaques, barking deer, wild boars, tigers, nilgiri langurs and leopards. The area has a variety of moths and butterflies. Several species of snakes including the king cobra and python are present in this sanctuary.

 
Location
Thiruvananthapuram

9) Veli Tourist Village:

Veli Tourist Village is around 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city. It is a well developed and beautiful picnic spot where the Veli Lake merges with the Arabian Sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar. The gardens at this recreational centre have been landscaped by Kerala’s famous sculptor Kanai Kunhiraman whose exuberant sculptures dot the greenery. There are facilities for boating and water sports in the lake. An 18 acre waterfront park with a floating bridge connecting the village to the beach and a floating restaurant are the main attractions. There is an enchanting lagoon for swimming. Pedal boats, paddle-boats and speedboats can be hired to explore the lagoon. Pony rides are also available. The youth hostel at Veli provides dormitory type of accommodation.

Location
Thiruvananthapuram

10) Agasthyarkoodam:

Agasthyarkoodam, a prominent peak of the Western Ghats, is in the form of a sharp cone. It is about 1869 metres above sea level. This peak, a pilgrim centre of the Hindus, according to tradition was home to the great sage Agastya, who was a confirmed bachelor. Hence, the aborigines dislike the presence of women on the hill. Women are not allowed up the peak.

Agasthyarkoodam is 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The place is famous for its abundant ayurvedic herbs and medicinal plants. Another major attraction of this spectacular peak is the Neelakurinji, a flower which blooms only once in twelve years. A forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden at the Forest Department for trekking.

Location
Thiruvananthapuram