OVERVIEW

 

Located in the Southwestern tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram is bounded by the Arabian Sea in the West and Tamil Nadu in the east. Named after Anantha Padmanabha or Lord Vishnu, the city is home to many ancient temples. But the Landmark is the Shree Padmanabha Swamy Temple around which the city has been built on seven low hills. The wooded highlands of the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought-after tourist destination. Clean and green, Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala is one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

 

1. PADMANABHA SWAMY TEMPLE:

 

Located inside the East Fort of the Padmanabha Swamy Palace, this temple is dedicated to Lord Visnhnu, and is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the serpent. The idol, plated in gold and made out of a rare composition known as katu-sarkara-yogam, is acclaimed as a marvel. It is also noted for its mural paintings and stone carvings. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Dress code: Men – Dhoti without any upper clothing; Women – Saree or full skirt and blouse; Handbags, mobile phones, cameras, etc. are not allowed.

 

 

2. AGASTHYAKOODAM:

 

 

Part of the Sahyadri range of mountains Agasthyakoodam, at a height of 1,890 m above sea level, is the second-highest peak in Kerala. Teeming with wildlife, the forests of Agasthakoodam 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, and also from Bonakkad. Trek, where even the very air is supposed to have healing properties. It is believed that sage Agasthya, the mythological character lived here. Women are not allowed up the peak and permission is required to trek. The season from December to April is advocated for trekking, for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Department.

 

 

3. KOVALAM BEACH:

 

This internationally renowned seaside destination has been a favourite haunt for tourists since the 1930s. Just a short drive away from the State Capital, Kovalam is easily accessible. It encompasses three adjacent crescent-shaped beaches – Lighthouse Beach, Eve’s or Howah Beach and Ashok Beach. Golden sands, miles of shimmering sea, and rocky promontories constantly caressed by the sensuous surf and brilliant sunshine, make this place truly sensational. A charming village in its yesteryears, Kovalam today has all the trappings of a popular beach destination. Lined with shops, restaurants, ayurvedic centres and accommodation options to suit all budgets, the place has the unmistakable ambience of a resort. Kovalam Beach offers a variety of activities including snorkelling, catamaran rides, sunset viewing, cycling on the beach etc.

 

 

4. CHOWARA:

 

This fishing hamlet near Kovalam has many picturesque spots. The Chowara Ayyappa Temple, atop a hill, offers an amazing view of the beach below. Chowara is also home to the ancient Analothbhava Matha Church. The Azhimalathara Beach here is identified as the only place where the sea recedes from the coast and does not eat into the beach during the monsoon.

5. VARKALA:

 

 

A seaside destination, red laterite cliffs rise majestically from its coastline.  The cliff-top is an ideal place to watch the spectacular sunset. The famed Papanasam Beach, believed to wash away sins, is a paradise for those who worship the sun, sand and surf. This serenely beautiful destination along India’s western coast is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. A dip in the Papanasam sea is considered holy. According to a myth, sage Narada threw his valkkalam (cloth made from the bark of a tree) 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 Papanasam Beach. This calm and secluded beach is much-loved by tourists.

 

 

6. PONMUDI:

 

 

An idyllic hill station, Ponmudi is located 915 m above sea level. One of the very few hill resorts situated close to the sea, Ponmudi is teeming with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs. Apart from the spice and tea plantations, the area is studded with waterfalls, picturesque viewpoints and rich flora. With a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, wild orchids, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and a deer park nearby, this hilly destination offers excellent trekking trails and camping opportunities. The tree house view tower is another attraction. Kallar River is a charming stopover en route to Ponmudi. A kilometre up is the Golden Valley, where a tributary of the Kallar joins the main river. The nearby Meenmutty Waterfall offers an excellent trekking opportunity.

 

 

7. THE NAPIER MUSEUM:

 

 

Built in the 19^th century, this Indo-Saracenic structure boasts of a natural air-conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The Javanese shadow play leather figures, used to depict the epics of Mahabharata and the Ramayana, are very interesting.

 

 

8. SHREE CHITHRA ART GALLERY:

 

 

Located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery opened in 1935 by the then Maharaja of Travancore, Shree Chithra Thirunal, displays original paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich; exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India as well as paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali. The collection also includes unique copies of Indian mural paintings from pre-historic times down to the 18^th century.

 

 

9. VELI TOURIST VILLAGE:

 

 

This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Pedal boats and paddle boats 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. Children can also enjoy climbing over the huge sculptures that dot the landscape.

 

 

10.  KUTHIRAMALIKA PALACE MUSEUM:

 

 

The beautiful two-storeyed Kuthiramalika, near the Padmanabha Swamy Temple, houses numerous artefacts. The unique Navarathri Mandapam in front of the palace, a venue for concerts, uses traditional sound reflectors comprising of 50 clay pots hung upside down from the ceiling, creating an effect that outdoes even modern acoustic systems. This 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 has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless.