Thiruvananthapuram

MAP
 Thiruvananthapuram (Malayalam: തിരുവനന്തപുരം,
tiruvaṉantapuraṁ ?, also known as Trivandrum (Anglicized
name), is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the
headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. It is
located on the west coast of India near the extreme south
of the mainland. Referred to by Mahatma Gandhi as the
"Evergreen city of India", the city is characterized by its
undulating terrain of low coastal hills and busy commercial
alleys. With almost 745,000 inhabitants per the 2001
census, it is the largest and most populous city in Kerala;
the wider urban agglomeration has a population of more
than one million. Apart from being the IT hub of the state
with over 80% of the state's software exports,
Thiruvananthapuram ranks first in the number of
international tourists in Kerala also.
 The city is the state capital and houses many central
and state government offices, organizations and
companies. Apart from being the political nerve
centre of Kerala, it is also a major academic hub and
is home to several educational institutions including
the University of Kerala, and to many science and
technology institutions, the most prominent being the
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Techno park,
the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
(IIST) and the
Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research
(IISER). It is also considered as one of the cleanest
cities in India
Geography and climate
 Thiruvananthapuram is built on seven hills by the
sea shore and is located at 8.5°N 76.9°E on the west
coast, near the southern tip of mainland India.
 The city situated on the west coast of India, and is
bounded by Arabian Sea to its west and the
Western Ghats to its east. The city and the suburbs
spans an area of 250 km2 (96.53 sq mi). The
average elevation of the city is 16 ft (4.9 m) above
sea level. The Geological Survey of India has
identified Thiruvananthapuram as a moderately
earthquake-prone urban centre and categorized the
city in the Seismic III Zone.
Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy
Temple
 Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is located inside
the East Fort,Thiruvananthapuram.It is the state temple
of erstwhile Travancore.The temple is dedicated to Lord
Vishnu,who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha,the
hooded snake from which the city derives its name
“Thiruvananthapuram“. This ancient temple is the most
dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram,Overlooking
the Padma Theertham Tank.
 The temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles

of architecture.It is known for its mural paintings and

stone carvings.Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are
worth admiring one among the 108 sacred Vishnu
temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord
Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Holi Serpent.
 It is an 18 feet long imposing figure built with
Salagrama stones brought from Nepal and it is
covered with gold and precious stones.This
holy shrine attracts thousands of Hindu
devotees. Outside the temple courtyard,there
is a medley of shops that sell handicrafts,
woodcarvings and handiwork of sandal.One
can witness the craftsmen do their work right
from carving the wood to polishing.
 In the October/November months of every
year,there is held the Navarathri Festival of
musical concerts at the Navarathri
Mandapam,adjacent to the main building of
the temple.
INTERIOR OF THE TEMPLE
 This temple in its present form is built by
Maharaja Marthanda Varma (1729-1758),one
of the most powerful rulers of Travancore.
The work on the temple was started in
1731.In 1750,the Maharaja dedicated his
kingdom to Lord Padmanabha, the presiding
deity of the kingdom and assumed the title
Padmanabhadasa or the servant of Lord
Padmanabha.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
 The Kuthiramalika Palace Museum in
Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most renowned and
most popular museums in the city and was established
by Maharaja Varma, the former King of Travancore, in
1800 AD. Noted for his love for poetry, music and art, he
established the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum in
Thiruvananthapuram in order to encourage and promote
the traditional forms of Indian art.
 The Palace Museum is an apt testimony of typical

Travancore-style architecture. The interiors of the

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum are adorned with royal
paintings and the exquisite collections of the
Travancore's imperial family are also preserved there.
 The name Kuthiramalika means 'palace of horses'
and is derived from the frieze of 122 wooden
horses on the exterior walls. The roof beams are
designed in the shape of horse faces and its
unique architectural design truly reflects the
meaning of Kuthiramalika, the horse bungalow.
Besides the paintings, the exhibits also include
jewelers items, metal idols and weapons used by
the members of the royal family.
 Noted for the Kerala-style architecture, the
palace took 5,000 workers over 4 years to
complete.
 The visiting hours at the Palace Museum are 8.30
AM to 12.30 PM and from 3.30 PM to 5.30 PM.
Sri Chitra Art Gallery

 Main Attractions: Large collection of paintings by

famous painters Located near the Napier museum,
the Sri Chitra Art Gallery of Trivandrum is an art
lover's paradise. Only a true admirer of art will know
the joy of visiting this beautiful art gallery that has
some of the best paintings of famous painters of
India. A very famous landmark in Kerala, Sri Chitra
Art Gallery of Thiruvananthapuram has a vast
collection of paintings not just from India, but also
countries like Japan, China and Indonesia.


The section that attracts all visitors alike

is the one that is dedicated to Raja Ravi
Varma. This famous painter has carved a
separate niche for himself in the world of
art. His paintings look so real that it
seems as if they speak. Raja Ravi Varma
was fondly called as "Prince among
painters and painter among princes".
Apart from his paintings, one can find the
works of Rabindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy
and K.K. Hebar.
Kanakakunnu Palace
 Location : The Kanakakunnu Palace is situated near
the Napier Museum in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Kanakakunnu Palace was constructed in the reign
of the Travancore King, Hiss Highness Sree Moolam
Tirunal (1885-1924). The Palace was the main venue
for Royal banquets. Later Hiss Highness Sree Chithira
Tirunal modified the Palace and constructed tennis
courts in the palace premises.
 This stunning piece of architectural excellence was

used by the Travancore royal family to entertain their

guests in the earlier days. The interiors are decorated
with large crystal chandeliers and exquisite pieces of
royal furniture.
State Science & Technology Museum
 Established in 1984, the Kerala State Science
& Technology Museum, is an autonomous
organization, setup by the Government of
Kerala, to serve as a dynamic medium of
science communication for the public and for
inculcating a sense of inquiry and scientific
temperament in the minds of the young. This
is also a study cum recreation centre and an
important tourist attraction.
Kovalam Beach

 Location Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

 Famous As The Most Popular Beach in Kerala
 Main Attractions Yoga and Other Health

Related Activities.
On the Malabar coast along the Kerala
shore line is a small village, called
Kovalam. This sleepy town suddenly
came on the tourist map when its
fabulous beaches were discovered.

Today Kovalam has become one of the

most popular beach hangouts in India.
Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees
and truly the coconut trees along the
beaches give a ravishing look.
Varkala Beach
Location : 41 Kms From
Thiruvananthapuram City, Kerala
 Famous As : Janardana Swamy Temple
 Main Attractions : Papanashini
 Best Time To Visit : September to May.


Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an

important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs
with rich mineral springs rise majestically from
the coastline.

Varkala is a beautiful beach that has a more than

2000 years old shrine of Lord Vishnu. This beach
of Kerala is rich in mineral water springs that are
known for their medicinal value.

 A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is

believed to purge the body and the soul of all the
sins hence the name 'Papanashini' for this shore.
Kanyakumari
 The southernmost tip of the Indian mainland,
Kanyakumari is truly unique destination.
 Sprawled out on the shore of this great

‘Triveni sangam’, the confluence of the Bay of

Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean,
Kanyakumari is known for its beautiful
temples, chief among them is the Kumari
Amman temple, a colorful beach bazaar and
the Vivekananda Rock Memorial standing
sentinel over the sea.
Kanyakumari
 Just as famous is the Padmanabhapuram
Palace, an 16th century monument made
entirely of wood. Less than 100 kilometers
Trivandrum, Kanyakumari is just a few
hours drive away, through smooth metalled
roads that offer gorgeous views of the
surrounding countryside.
Thiruvallam Backwaters

 Thiruvallam is a green backwater getaway

about 6 kilometers (3.75 miles) from
Trivandrum, popular for canoe rides. At the
confluence of Killi and Karamana rivers,
Thiruvallam opens up a vista of sleepy fishing
villages thick with exotic flowers fringing the
serene backwaters. The place is also popular
for its temple dedicated to Lord Parashurama
believed to be the creator of Kerala..
Back waters & house boats
Neyyar Dam
It is situated at 30km east of Thiruvananthapuram, at
the foot of western Ghats.
 It was established in 1958. It is occupying the basin of

the rivers Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. This popular

picnic spot has a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion
safari park and deer park.
 The 128sqkm Neyyar sanctuary occupies a beautiful

wooded and hilly landscape, dominated by the peak of

Agasthya malai. 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.
Alappuzha (Alleppy) District

 Alappuzha is an easy-going pleasant market

town. Built around canals, backwaters and
surrounded by coconut palms Alappuzha
town is the headquarters of the district. There
are several canals and lakes in the district
those are fit for boating. Houseboats with all
amenities are available for hire. Alappuzha is
accessible by rail and road. The nearest
airport is Kochi, about 75km north.
Places to visit
 Nehru Trophy Boat Race:
 Ambalapuzha : The Sri Krishna temple
 Mullakkal Rajarajeswary Temple :The temple

is in the heart of the town.

 Pathiramanal: beautiful island in the

Vembanad Lake
 Karumadi :9th century black granite sculpture

of Buddha.
Kottayam District

 Situated between the palm-fringed

backwaters on the west and Western Ghats on
the east, Kottayam presents some of the most
beautiful natural scenes of Kerala. Kottayam
town is the district headquarters. The town
can be accessed by rail or road from other
places of the state. The nearest airport is
Kochi 100km north of Kottayam.
Places to visit
 Valiyapalli :St. Mary's Church
 Kumarakam Bird Sanctuary: On the banks of

Vembanad Lake, 12km from Kottayam,

Kumarakam is a bird watcher's heaven known
for local and migratory birds.
 Vikom :Famous for the Shiva temple, Vikom is

40km from Kottayam.

 Cheriyapally: smaller St. Mary's Church
Kollam District

 Situated on the banks of Astamudi Lake,

Kollam is the district headquarters. The town
is situated about 71km from
Thiruvananthapuram and is a major railway
junction. National highway NH47 passed
through it. The nearest airport is
Thiruvananthapuram. Kollam was an ancient
seaport where spices with Chinese, Arabs and
Europeans were traded. It is still one of the
important commercial centers' in Kerala
Places to visit
 Ashtamudi Lake : one of the largest lakes in
Kerala
 Thankassery : 18th century church
 Palaruvi : water falls
 Krishnapuram Palace Museum : The

Krishnapuram Palace, a fine example of

Kerala style architecture, is fully restored and
converted into a museum
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.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Suchindram Thanumalaya Temple
134 feet in height, built in the best traditions of South
Indian temple architecture. Sheer poetry exudes in
the sculptures and inscriptions that make up the
exterior, promising equal brilliance inside.
While non-Hindus and foreigners are permitted
inside, men have to take off their shirts. Nor are any
electronic items - hence photography - allowed
inside. The temple complex is ringed by a single
corridor that envelopes the compound and its many
mandapams inhabited by the priests and pilgrims
alike. Inside, the crowd of worshippers begins welling
towards the sanctum where a large lingam reposes.
Suchindram Thanumalaya Temple