Trivandrum Travel Guide

Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram as it is now known first became the capital of the Raja of Travancore in 1750. The name is derived from ‘Tiru-Ananta-Puram’ the abode of the sacred serpent ‘Anantha’ upon whose coils lies Vishnu in the famous Padmanabhaswami temple.Built over seven forested hills Thiruvananthapuram is a beautiful city of magnificent structures created in an amazing architectural style.The characteristic red-tiled roofs in cool green gardens narrow winding lanes intimate corner cafes and friendly efficient people are absolutely endearing. While the city is modernizing and familiar problems such as air pollution are appearing it is still one of India’s most pedestrian-friendly cities.

Places of attraction in Thiruvananthapuram

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple : The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings.The 260-year-Old Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple covers an area of 2400 sq.mts. Its main entrance the eastern gopuram towers to over 30 mts. In the inner sanctum the deity Padmanabha reclines on the sacred serpent.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum : The 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 also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collection of the royal family and is located near the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Museum Complex

The Napier Museum : The Indo-Saracenic structure dating back to the 19th century boasts of a ‘natural’ air conditioning system. It houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts bronze idols ancient ornaments a temple chariot and ivory carvings and life-size figures of Kathakali dancers in full costume. The use of plastic is banned in the museum premises.

Sree Chitra Art Gallery (Open 10.00 am-5.00 pm Closed on Mondays and Wednesday forenoons) This art gallery is located near the Napier Museum and displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich.The exhibition also includes other exquisite works of art from the Rajput Mughal and Tanjore schools of Art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China Japan Tibet and Bali.

The Zoological Park (Open 10.00 am-5.00 pm Closed on Mondays) One of the first zoos in India it is located in a well-Planned botanical garden.With huge trees like Frangipani and Jacaranda dotting the sprawling lawns and wild fowl swimming in the lake it is like a small jungle and different species of snakes is also located in the premises.This garden set among woodland and lakes are open 9 am to5.15 pm Tuesday to Saturday.

The Kanakakunnu Palace : 800mts. northeast of the Museum now belongs to the Government. It is well worth being taken around by the interesting and knowledgeable guide. The palace and its sprawling grounds today serve as a venue for many cultural meets and programmes.

Science and Technology Museum Complex (Open 10.00 am – 5.00 pm. Closed on Mondays).With its interactive displays is about 100mts. west of the KTDC Mascot Hotel. The exhibits here are related to science technology and electronics. The nearby planetarium has daily 40-minute shows for Rs.10.

Kerala Legislature Complex: Located at Palayam it is a new building where the Legislative Assembly of Kerala meets.With its towering dome exquisitely carved galleries ornate teak panelling and ceiling combined with the most modern acoustic treatment and state-of-the-art sound systems the hall is a beautiful blend of classical grandeur and modernity.

The Shanghumukhan Beach (8 kms.): This is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram airport and Veli Tourist Village.An indoor recreation club the Matsya Kanyaka (a gigantic 35mts. long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are the major attractions here.

Veli Tourist Village : (Open 8.00-6.00 pm ) This spot has sprung up where the Veli lake meets the Arabian Sea. It offers boating facilities like pedal boats and paddle-boats on hire to explore the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. For a quick ride over the waters speedboats are available for hire.Children enjoy climbing over huge sculptures that dot the landscape.The well-designed Veli Tourist Park contains fine sculptures by local artist Canai Kunuram.The sculptures potray a distinctive sense of balance and harmony sometimes combined with the erotic. The park well worth a visit is on the shores of Veli Lagoon 8 kms west of the city-centre.

Akkulam Boat Club: (Open 10.00-5.00pm.) A picnic spot with boating facilities Akkulam is a place children flock to. It has a well-equipped children’s park and a paddle pool.

Puthe Maliga Palace Museum : The Puthe Maliga Palace Museum is housed in a 200-year old palace of the Travancore Maharajas. Notable for its Keralan architecture the palace took 5000 workers four years to complete. Many of the exhibits reflects the spice trade with China and Europe.

CVN Kalari Sangam: Near the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple the CVN Kalari Sangham was built in 1956.Its founder played a significant role in the revival of Kalarippayattu Kerala’s martial art.Ayurvedic treatment for ailments is also available here.