Travel and Tourism of Thiruvananthapuram

About Travel and Tourism of Thiruvananthapuram

Agasthyakoodam

Located to the north east of Trivandrum, Agasthyakoodam is the second highest peak in Kerala and is a part of the Sahyadri range of mountains. The mountain is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, as it is believed to be the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara as well as of the sage Agastya, a disciple of Shiva. The forests of Agasthyakoodam are rich in rare medicinal herbs and plant, and hued orchids. In 1992, this area was established as Agasthya Vanam Biological Park. The intention was to restore the degraded forests and to use it for educational purpose.

Aruvikkara Dam

Situated to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, it is gifted with lavish scenic beauty and this international renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt for tourists. On the banks of the river, an ancient temple is situated which is dedicated to Durga.

Kanakakunnu Palace

Situated to the north east of the Napier museum, it is this Palace where the Travancore royal family once entertained their guests on the top of the hill. Today, the palace and its sprawling grounds are the venue for many cultural meets and programmes. An all India Dance Festival is organised by the Department of Tourism every year. During this period the classical Indian Dances are performed by professional artists every day.

Koyikal Palace

This Palace at Nedumangad is on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Courtallam Water falls. This ancient palace was built during the 15^th century on a traditional Nalukettu style.

Observatory

Located at the highest point in the city near the museum complex it is one of the oldest peaks in India. There is a well laid out garden in front of the hill with a beautiful rose collection.

Neyyar Dam

Situated to the east of Thiruvananthapuram, at the foot of Western Ghats, Neyyar Dam was established in 1958. It is occupying the basin of the rivers, the Neyyar, the Mullayar and the Kallar. It also has a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park. The Neyyar sanctuary occupies a beautiful wooded and hilly landscape, dominated by the peak of Agasthya malai. The wild life includes gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat and Nilgiri langur but most commonly seen animals are wild elephants and sambar deer. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.

Veli Tourist Village

This village is a beautiful picnic spot where the boating facilities are offered. The place has speed boats, restaurants and well landscaped gardens.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

This majestic old palace is 63kms from Thiruvananthapuram. It is situated at Thucklai, on the way to Kanyakumari. This palace was once the capital of the State of Travancore. The palace is built in the Travancore architectural style. This is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, colored mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, durbal hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Belgian mirror, pictures of Lord Krishna, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors which are made from a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand.

Padmanabha Swami Temple

This temple in Thiruvananthapuram is the most interesting temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian style of architecture. It is the best example of South Indian architecture, with an impressive seven -story Gopuram (tower). A flagstaff encased in gold stands in the huge courtyard. It is known for its murals and carvings. In the main courtyard, the Kulashekara mandapam, there is some intricate granite sculpture and nearly 400 pillars are supporting the temple corridors. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple and they also have the rules of clothing. Even the male Hindus, must enter the temple wearing only white dhoti.

Ponmudi

Ponmudi is the nearest hill station to Thiruvananthapuram. It is an idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding path ways and cool, green wooded environs. It serves as a good base for trekking and bird watching. The natural scenery, salubrious climate and the scope of hiking in high trails make the visit an exhilarating experience. It also has a charming deer park.

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave

The Vizhinjam historic spot which was left unnoticed for long time has rock cut sculptures of the 18^th century in the cave temple. The granite cave encloses a one cell shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinmurthi.

Mahatma Gandhi Road

Mahatma Gandhi Road is the City's main road which runs from the Victoria Jubilee town hall to the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple. Among the many impressive buildings that line this road are the Secretariat, the Headquarters of the State government, the University College and the Public Library. To the north beyond the Charming Connemara market, are the JamiMasjid, St Joseph's Gathedral and the neo-Gothic building of Christ Church.

CVN Kalari Sangham

This Training Centre for Kalaripayattu was established in 1956 to revive Kerala's martial arts tradition. Students are trained to perform a series of exercises that will help them develop the necessary combat skills. The centre also has a shrine to the deity of martial arts, the Kalari Paradevata, and an Ayurvedic Clinic where students are given oil massages.