Thiruvananthapuram

Kovalam Beach Ponmudi Hill Station Varkala Beach Padmanabha Swami Temple Napier Museum

MUST SEE

Area : 2192 sq kms Population (2001) : 32,34,707 Altitude : Sea Level Clothing : Tropical Tourist Season : September to May

The southern most district and the capital of Kerala, God’s own country. One who visits Thiruvananthapuram, visits heaven experiencing the ecstasy of being here. Travancore and Kochi were two princely states while Malabar was a province of Madras. It was in 1956 that these three territories were put together and made into the state of Kerala with Thiruvananthapuram, the remote south, being her capital. Thiruvananthapuram is enveloped by the Arabian Sea in the West, Nagarkovil and Kanyakumari of Tamilnadu in the East and South respectively and Kollam in the North. The wooded highlands in 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 places, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination. Thiruvananthapuram which got this name from Anantha, the serpant king of Hindu mythology has three major rivers, namely Neyyar, Karamana and Vamanapuram. Rich with greenery backwaters of Veli, Kadinamkulam, Anchuthengu and Edava Nadayara canals Thiruvananthapuram gives a heavenly experience. Traditional buildings and monuments stand as great examples of culture and overwhelming splendour.

Telephone Access Codes

Attingal ++ 91 470 Chirayankeezh ++ 91 470 Nedumangad ++ 91 472 Thiruvananthapuram ++ 91 471 Varkala ++ 91 470

Transport and Communication

Air - Trivandrum international airport ( 6 kms from the city). International and domestic flights of major companies operate to cities and countries from here. Airport International Ph: 2500140, Domestic - 2702311. Rail - From the central railway station there are direct trains to all the main towns in Kerala and to the major cities in India.Railway station, Thampanoor - Ph: 2321568. Railway enquiry - Ph: 139, 1397. Road - Thiruvananthapuram is connected by road with several tourist centres and cities in India.Long distance buses operate from the Central Bus Station, Thampanoor - Ph : 2323886. Local Transport - Buses, Taxis and Autorikshaws. Short Distance buses operate from the City Bus Station, East Fort - Ph: 2463029. Tourist Information Offices - Tourist Facilitation Centre, Department of Tourism, Park View - Ph: 2321132, 2326812. Tourist information centre, domestic airport - 2501085. Tourist Facilitation Centre, Kovalam - 2480085. Tourist Reception Centre (KTDC), Thampanoor - 2330031. District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Vellayambalam- Ph: 2315397.

Places Interested

Natural History Museum: The Natural History Museum is housed in a modern spacious 2 stored building at an elevated ground at the eastern end of the Museum and Zoo complex, Thiruvananthapuram. The varied and rich collections in Natural History which started with the personnel collection of minerals and books prese-nted by General Cullen in 1885 has found satisfactory housing in this new building in 1964. The Museum has separate galleries for Mammals, Birds, Lower Vertebrates, Invertebrates, separate room for Index collections, Skeleton gallery, Ethnology gallery Library, Laboratory and office accommodations. There is also an outdoor exhibit of Fossil tree trunks near the entrance of the Museum.

Priyadarsini Planetarium: Show times 1030, 1200,1500 and 1700 hrs. Entrance Fee: Adults Rs. 15.00 Children Between 3-10 yrs Rs. 10.00

Fascinating Destinations

Agasthyakoodam | Akkulam Lake and Tourist Village | Aruvi Waterfalls/Vaiyantho | Aruvikkara Dam | Attukal Sree Bhagavathy Temple | Chacha Nehru Children's Museum | Chowara | Kanakakkunnu Palace | Science and Technology Museum | Kovalam | Kowdiyar Palace | Koyikkal Palace | Kuthiramalika Palace Museum | Meenmutty Waterfalls | Napier Museum | Neyyar Dam | Observatory | Padmanabha Swamy Temple | Padmanabhapuram Palace | Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary | Ponmudi | Poovar | Priyadarsini Planetarium | Rock Cut Cave | Sankhumukham Beach | Santhigiri Ashram | Science and Technology Museum | Secretariat | Sivagiri Mutt | Sree Chithra Art Gallery | Sree Chithra Enclave | Thiruvallam | Varkala | Veli Tourist Village | Vizhinjam | Vyloppilly Sanskrithi Bhavan | Zoological Park

Padmanabhapuram Palace This was once the seat of the erstwhile rulers of Travancore.

Padmanabhapuram Palace: (Closed on Mondays) This was once the seat of the erstwhile rulers of Travancore. This superbly built palace with teak, granite etc. stands within the massive stone town walls that kept Tipu Sulthan unable to invade. Ceilings carved in floral pattern, windows laid with jewel-coloured mica, floors finished to a glittering polish with a special compound of crushed shells, coconuts, this palace invite envy from others. Now this palace is situated at Thuckalai, in Tamilnadu,on the way to Kanyakumari but hardly 52 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city.

Napier Museum Built in 19th century, it is a perfect example of Indo-Saracenic structure.

Napier Museum: (Open 1000 - 1645 hrs. Closed on Mondays, Wednesdays forenoons, January 26th , August 15th, Thiruvonam and Mahanavami) Napier Museum is a reservoir of bronze idols, historical ornaments, ivory carvings, temple chariot and other archeological treasures. Built in the 19th century, this museum is a perfect example of Indo-Saracenic structure. The use of plastics is banned in the museum premises. Ph-2318294. Observatory: (Open 1000-1830 hrs.) The observatory which is situated 60 mts above sea level in one of the oldest in India. Located near museum from here one can get a bird’s eye view of the city. Ph-2322732.

Kerala State Science and Technology Museum: The museum which has more than 350 attractions on science and technology was established in 1984. A children’s science park is also added to the museum in 1997. Galleries for electricity, electronics, mechanics, biomedical, solar energy etc are the attractions here. Ph: 0471 2306024.

Sree Chithra Art Gallery: (Open 1000 - 1645 hrs. Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays forenoons) The art gallery is near to Napier Museum. A good collection of original paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, the piccasso of Kerala, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich are the real treasures preserved here. Copies of Rajput, Mughals and Tanjore schools of arts and painting of Ajantha Caves, collections of eastern paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali are also exhibited. Entrance Fee : Adults - Rs.5.00, Children - Rs.3.00.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple The temple is a rare blend of Dravidian architecture and the Kerala style.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple: (Open : 0415 - 0515 hrs, 0645 - 0715 hrs, 0830 1115 hrs, 1145 - 1200 hrs, 1700 - 1815 hrs, 1845 - 1930 hrs) Dress Code : Men - Dhothi without any upper clothing, Women - Saree and Blouse. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Located inside the East Fort, this Vaishnava temple is very famous in India attracting countless devotees from all parts. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu sleeping on Anantha, the Serpant King, this temple is a rare blend of Dravidian architecture and the Kerala style. It is also known for its murals and stone carvings. In front of the temple on the south of the Pathway one can find hawkers of handicrafts and other items. On the other is a vast pond Theerthakulam meant for the devotees to bathe before enter into the temple. Overlooking the temple are Theerthapada Mandapam and Swati College of Music. In Theerthapadamandapam one can participate in any classical art presentation everyday. Ph: 2450233. Vyloppilly Sanskriti Bhavan: It was opened in 2001 in memory of great Malayalam poet Vyloppilly Sreedharamenon. The bhavan is attractive with its Padipura and Koothambalam which have wooden flooring and distinctive lamps. K.C.S. Panicker’s Gallery: Established in the year 1979 a gallery solely dedicated to the paintings of contemporary Indian art of K.C.S. Panicker who is nominated as one of the nine eminent artists inIndia.

Kowdiyar Palace: This palace was the residence of the late Maharaja Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family. The visitors are not allowed inside the palace. Agasthyakoodam: This is the second highest peak in Kerala which has a height of 1900 metres above sea level. Blessed with a lively wildlife, the forest of Agasthyakoodam is an abode of rare medicinal herbs and plants. There are brilliantly hued orchids also here. A paradise for the bird watchers, this legendary mountain is accessible by foot from Kottoor, near Neyyar Dam, as also from Bonacaud. The trekking gives an unforgettable expereince during December to April and a special permission should be received to make trekking from Wildlife Warden, Forest Department, PTP Nagar, Thiruvananapuram. Koyikkal Palace: (18 km from Thiruvananthapuram) Located on the way to Ponmudi Hill station and the Courtallam waterfalls this famous Palace is a representative of traditional Nalukettu, the typical old Kerala architecture. This ancient palace dates back to the 15th century. Here you can see a double storeyed traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archeology. The Folklore Museum set up in 1992 is a treasure house of quaint musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils, models of folk arts etc. Displayed in the Koyikkal Palace, they focus attention on the cultural background of the state. The Numismatics Museum houses rare and historically valuable coins expressing the trade relations of the state. Chacha Nehru Children’s Museum: (Open 1030 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays) The museum is named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who was the first Prime Minister of India and a great lover of children. The museum which established in 1980 displays a vast collection of dolls, stamps and masks from all over the world. Ph-2324939

Sree Chithra Enclave: Sree Chithra Enclave was opened in 1993 in memory of Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma who was the last Maharaja of Travancore royal family. The evolution and geographical-socio-cultural history of Travancore State are explained with the help of audio-visual presentation. The belongings and artifacts of royal family are also exhibited here.

Rock Cut Cave: (17 km from Thiruvananthapuram) There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple Vizhinjam. The granite cave envelops a one-celled shrine with a sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half complete relics of the Hindu God Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.

Attukal Sree Bhagavathy Temple: The Attukal Sree Bhagavathy Temple one of the ancient temples of South India, is popularly known as Sabarimala of Women. The Goddess is worshipped as the Supreme Mother, creater of all living beings and the mighty preserver as well as destroyer of them all.

Kovalam Consists Lighthouse beach and Hawah beach

Kovalam: The Kovalam beach is a paradise and all experience golden moments in this world renowned beach. Idyllic and dreamy, this seashore village was very tranquil and deserted once, except the fact that it was a fishing center. Today it has been printed with golden letters in the history of world tourism, drawn in golden ink in the world map of tourism. Thousands of tourists from all parts of Europe, England, USA and elsewhere throng into Kovalam every year to enjoy the unforeseen experience. Kovalam consists of two palm fringed cover, Light-house beach and Hawah beach, separated into north and south by rocky headlands.

Kanakakkunnu Palace: This palace is a great museum showing glorious history and tradition of Kerala. Now, the palace and its premises are also venues for manycultural meets and programmes. Ph-2314615

Neyyar Dam: (32 km from Thiruvananthapuram) A popular picnic spot, Neyyar Dam has a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir. Sivagiri Mutt: The Sivagiri Mutt is an Ashram founded by the great Hindu reformer and philosopher, Sree Narayana Guru. The Guru breathed his last here in 1928 AD, his Samadhi (resting place) continues to be thronged by thousands every year. The Sivagiri pilgrimage is conducted in between December 30 and January 1. The Sarada Temple and Sivagiri Mutt set in picturesque hill of Sivagiri near Varkala. Poovar : (12 km South of Kovalam) An isolated but spectacular beach, Poovar is situated close to the Neyyar River estuary. A trading port in its early days, it is today an important tourist destination.

Thiruvallam: (10 km from Thiruvananthapuram) A temple dedicated to Saint Parasurama situated here and it is a famous pilgrim centre for Hindus. The Kerala Film Development Corporation’s studio, Chithranjali, exists here. Thiruvallam is also a serene, sapphire like backwater stretched on the way to Kovalam and famous for its canoe rides. Vizhinjam: Hardly one kilometre away from Kovalam and 17 kms away from the city lies the tiny fishing village of Vizhinjam, a sobering contradiction to the excesses of Kovalam. It is a big artificial harbour. A mosque on the northern side and a church on the south both twanging prayer halls and masses in the early hours. Santhigiri Ashram: As the name implies, Santhigiri has developed as a mountain of peace (Santhi = Peace, Giri = mountain). Also it has become a fountain of love and mercy to all people, irrespective of the differences and discriminations of caste, creed, colour, community, culture or country. The proper synthesis of Dharma and Karma is preached and practiced here. Dharma means a good life leading to salvation, the ultimate goal of human birth without compromising on virtues, truth, righteousness, mercy and kindness. Aruvikkara Dam and Devi Temple: (16 km from Thiruvananthapuram) This picturesque picnic spot associated with the blessed name of Sree Narayana Guru, the greatest social reformer our time has witnessed, is on the bank of Karamana river. Near the famous Durga Temple here, there is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the vistors. Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum: (Open : 0830 - 1300 hrs and 1500 - 1730 hrs. Closed on Mondays) Entrance fee : Adults - Rs.10, Children - Rs.3, Foreigners - Rs.20, Camera permit - Rs.15, Video Rs. 500. The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma who was a versatile genius. It was the Maharaja, one of the outstanding poets of classical lyrics and a greate musician, who revived many of the classical arts from death bed. A multi-linguist, the Maharaja composed kritis in elegant Sanskrit, pure and lucid Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil and Hindustani. The annual Swati music festival is held here. This Palace is a rare specimen of artistry in the traditional Travancore style of architecture and also contains splendid wood carvings. The palace museum displays rich paintings and several priceless collections of the royal family and is located very near to Sree Padmanabha temple. Ph-2473952. Secretariat: This is centre of administration of Kerala Government. The building is the best example of Roman Architectural style. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: (50 km from Thiruvananthapuram) With its astoundingly beautiful flora and fauna and dotted with hillocks Peppara is emerging as a great attraction for wildlife adventurers. Peppara is also famous for its eucalyptus plantations. This attractive sanctuary is on the way to Ponmudi and spread over 53 km on the Western Ghats. With its rich flora and fauna, Peppara, dotteded with hillocks and forests, is a great attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.

Varkala Papanasam Beach One who takes a bathe here will be relieved of all his sins.

Varkala: (40 km from Thiruvananthapuram) Varkala is a religious, spiritual, pilgrim and tourist spot. It is also a sea side resort and spa. It is at Sivagiri, a hill top near Varkala that Sree Narayana guru, is laid to eternal Samadhi. High cliffs with mineral springs rise majestically from the coast line of Varkala. The Papanasam beach here is very famous. It is believed that any one who takes a bathe here will be relieved of all his sins. (Papanasam = redemption from sins). Myth explains that a group of mendicants who committed certain sins approached Narada, the celestial Saint and sought his help. The seer threw his Valakalam (Clothe made of the bark of a tree) into the air and the place where it landed came to be known as Varkala. The mendicants were advised by Narada to offer their prayers in the newly emerged place near the sea shore. That is Papanasam. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple, a century old tunnel and Nature Cure Centre are the main other attractions here.

Ponmudi Located at a height of 915 metres above sea level.

Ponmudi: (61 km from Thiruvananthapuram ) Ponmudi is located at a height of 915 metres above sea level. This is an idyllic hill resort with tiny, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs. One of the very few trekking trails in the state, Ponmudi has a variety of mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and a deer park.

Chowara: (8 km south of Kovalam) This fishing hamlet near to Kovalam has many picturesque spots. The Chowara Ayyappa Temple atop a hill overlooks the beach and offers an amazing view of the beach. Chowara is also home to the ancient Amalothbhava Matha Church.

Akkulam Lake and Tourist Village: (12 km from the city. Open 1000 - 1800 hrs) This is the another interesting picnic spot with natural splendour. Boating facilities are available here. The children’s park here is one of the biggest in the state. There is a swimming pool for adults too.

Sankhumukham Beach: (8 km from the city) Sankhumukham beach adjacent to the airport is a lovely beach which attracts many people, particularly during the evening time. This is a favourite of sunset watchers. An indoor recreation club, the matsyakanyaka (a gigantic, 35 mt long sculpture of a mermaid, choreo- graphed by Kanayi Kunhiraman, the celebrated sculptor) and a restaurant shaped like a star fish are some of the attractions here. Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park nearby provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules.

Veli Tourist Village Lovely wading pools are fascinating

Veli Tourist Village: (9km from the city. Open : 0800 - 1800 hrs) Veli tourist village, situated by the sea side, is an exotic picnic spot. The gardens and the lovely wading pools are very fascinating. One can avail the benefit of boating and water sports in the lake here. The boat club has pedal boats, row boats and motorized boats. Children can enjoy climbing over huge sculptures which dot the landscape. Ph-2500785. Veli youth hostel - 2501230. Boat Rentals (1000 - 1730 hrs). Aruvi Waterfalls/Vaiyanthol: (60 km from Thiruvananthapuram) This is an unspoiled tourist spot with 4 feet cascade. One can reach here only through trekking which gives a heavenly experience and prior permission should take from the forest department to enter the area. Zoological Garden: Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of the oldest in the country, was established as an annexe to the Museum in 1857 by the erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore in order to attract more visitors. This Zoo was originally set up for recreational purpose only.But with more and more loss of forest and wildlife in the process of human development, the goal of the Zoo changed from recreation to conservation. Today Zoos are seen as the last resort for endangered animals and birds. Spread over in 55 acres of land located in the heart of the temple city of Thiruvananthapuram, the Zoo offers a rare opportunity for the visitors to experience and enjoy unparalleled picturesque and panoramic sylvan surroundings besides vivid animal collections.