Thiruvananthapuram : The Majestic Capital

  • How to Get There
  • Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
  • Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
  • Napier Museum
  • Priyadarshini Planetarium
  • Kovalam Beach

Thiruvananthapuram : The Majestic Capital

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the majestic state – Kerala is known for its energetic and easy-going demeanor. Sometimes, it is still being referred by its colonial name – Trivandrum.To get a taste of city life down the south of India, every tourist must come here to the “Abode of Lord Anantha” as the name Thiruvananthapuram literally translates into. The town of Thiruvananthapuram is situated to the South of the state. Being the capital, it is also the hub of all political activities. Popular places of tourist attractions include a zoo, beautiful beaches, temples, and quite a few Victorian museums. Enjoy nature to the fullest here. The following places of tourist attractions mustn’t be missed from your itinerary.

How to Get There

By Air :

The capital of Kerala state, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is well connected to other major cities of India and the adjoining countries. The airport is 6 km from city. A number of national and international flights of several airlines fly from this airport.

By Rail :

Thiruvananthapuram is well connected to other important cities of Kerala as well as the country by trains.

By Road :

An excellent network of roads connects Thiruvananthapuram to all major towns and cities in South India. The Central Bus station is located adjacent to the Central Railway Station at Thampanoor. Distance from other cities; Alappuzha (Aleppy):149 km, Kochi: 206 km, Munnar: 270 km, Varkala: 47 km, Thekkady: 209 km, Wayanad: 462, Kovalam: 18 km

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The magnificent temple of Lord Padmanabhaswamy or Vishnu is located inside the East Fort. This ancient temple dates back to the 8th century and has its mention in Epics and Puranas. The temple exhibits a blend of Dravidian and Kerala styles of architecture. It is one of the 108 Divya Dasams or holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu. The preceding deity of the temple is about 18ft long and is seen here reclining on Anantha, the hooded serpent. The temple is all stone and bronze with beautiful paintings and murals adorning the interiors. The temple also has a “dhwaja stamba” or the flag post, which is about 80ft high and is made from gold plated copper sheets. There are also halls inside the temple has beautiful sculptures of different Hindu deities. In the “nataka sala” of the temple, Kerala’s classical art form – Kathakali is performed during festivals in the Malayalam months of Meenam and Thulam.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

The Kuthiramalika Palace museum or the Puthenamalika Palace museum at East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram is a must-visit spot for tourists. It is a two-storeyed palace that houses numerous artifacts of both ancient and modern era. The Navarathri Mandapam in front of the palace is the primary venue for concerts. Interestingly, you can find the use of traditional sound reflectors comprising of 50 clay pots hung upside down. If you happen to attend an ongoing event, you’ll be amazed at the effect that can outdo modern acoustic systems. The museum exhibits rare workmanship in the form of exquisite wood carvings in typical Travancore style. Inside the museum you can find an impressive display of paintings and priceless collections of the royal family of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma

Napier Museum

The Napier museum of Thiruvananthapuram was built in the 19th century. The building has an interesting Indo-Saracenic structure that boasts of a natural air-conditioning system. The museum houses a rare collection of historical and archaeological artifacts. Visit the museum to marvel at the rarest collection of ancient ornaments, bronze idols, ivory carvings, and a temple chariot. The Napier Museum is also called the Government Art Museum and has been named after the former Madras Governor general, John Napier. You can see a combination of Mughal, Chinese, keralean, and Italian architecture styles in the main structure of the museum building.

Priyadarshini Planetarium

Opened for public viewing since 1994, it is one of the most versatile planetariums of the country. The planetarium features GM-11 star field projector that can project almost the complete universe and its components. In the planetarium you can enjoy the star-studded night sky over any location on the earth on almost any day of the last 12, 500 years till 12,500 years into the future! Special shows and events are also held from time to time for the visitors. The park adjacent to the planetarium exhibits model rockets and airplanes.

Kovalam Beach

Tourists to Kerala never goes back home without a dip in the sea by the Kovalam beach. This beach in Thiruvananthapuram is internationally renowned. It has three adjacent crescent beaches. The massive rock promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for bathing.The beach provides a plethora of leisure options. You can enjoy sunbathing, herbal body massages, and cruising. There are also activities for adventure lovers. They can enjoy catamaran cruise, parasailing, water diving, wind surfing, and various other water sports on the Kovalam beach. Remember, Kovalam tourism is also about lip-smacking cuisines. So, don’t miss that! Kovalam beach can be visited any time of the year.