About Thiruvananthapuram
Located in the southwestern tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram is bound 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 Sree 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.
Telephone Access Code: +91 471
Altitude: Sea level
Area: 2192 sq. km
Population: 3,234,356 (2011 census)
major tourism attractions
KOVALAM
Fringed by headlands that rise steeply above the shore, Kovalam Beach is almost completely covered by coconut palms. Of the three small bays separated by rocky outcrops, the southern-most, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. The lovely old lighthouse that gives the beach its name is the Vizhinjam Lighthouse. Edakallu, a rocky headland, separates Eve's or Howah Beach .
VARKALA
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 was approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned. 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.
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 Agasthyakoodam abound in rare medicinal herbs and plant~, and brilliantly hued orchids. A bird watcher's paradise, this legendary mountain is accessible by foot from Kotoor, near Neyyar Dam, as also from Bonakkad. Trek,
PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE
A magnificent wooden palace of the 16th century, Padmanabhapuram Palace lies at the land's end of mainland India - Kanyakumari. An enticing ediffice to any lover of art and architecture 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. The antique interiors are replete with intricate rosewood carvings
PONMUDI
An idyllic hill station, Ponmudi is located 915 m above U 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 view points and rich flora. With a variety of beautiful mountain flowers
VELI TOURIST VILLAGE
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
KUTHIRAMALIKA PALACE
The beautiful two storeyed Kuthiramalika [Ho Palace], near the Padmanat Swamy Temple, houses numerous artefacts. The unique Navarathri Mandap: in front of the palace, a ven for concerts, uses tradition, sound reflectors comprising of 50 clay pots hung upside down from the ceiling, creating an effect that outd even modern acoustic syste
AKKULAM TOURIST VILLAGE
A picnic spot with boating facilities, run by DTPC Thiruvananthapuram, Akkulam is a place children flock to. It has a well-equipped children's park, a paddle pool and a swimming pool for adults. Ph: 2443043 Boat rentals: [Open 1900 - 1730 hrs] � Safari boat [20 min.]: Rs. 400 for 12 people.Pedal boat [30 rnin.]: Rs. 60 for 2 persons, Rs. 100 for 4 persons.
VAZHVANTHOL WATERFALLS
This 5 km not so hard trekking to Vazhvanthol is an amazing experience. At top, you can see two waterfalls.
Chittipara
Chittipara is a solid granite peak that pokes out of the landscape at the very foothills of the western ghats. It stands out like a sore thumb in the surrounding heavily vegetated landscape.
Poovar Island
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.
KALLAR
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.
THE NAPIER MUSEUM
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.
SREE CHITHRA ART GALLERY
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 Indian mural paintings
SREE CHITHRA ENCLAVE
Opened in 1993, this museum depicts the history of the Travancore Royal Family and displays their personal belongings and artefacts. Old newspaper footage and deeds describing the events are also exhibited here.
THE ZOOLOGICAL PARK
One ofthe first zoos in India, it was established as early as 1859. The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is among the best-designed in Asia and is set amidst woodland, lakes and lawns. A reptile house with different species of snakes and a vulture house are also located .
PADMANABHA SWAMY TEMPLE
This temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples
BEEMAPALLY
Beemapally Dargah Shareef is dedicated to Bee Umma, a pious Muslim woman who was believed to possess great spiritual powers.
ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL, PALAYAM
This 125-year-old church is very popular among the Catholic followers and is an important landmark of the city.
VIZHINJAM ROCK CUT CAVE TEMPLE
The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall God Siva with Goddess Parvathi.