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 :-
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple:
The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu
the temple is 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:
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. Timings: Open 10.00am-5.00 pm Closed on Mondays and Wednesday
forenoons
The Zoological Park:
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 in the 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. Timings: Open 10.00 am-5.00 pm Closed on Mondays
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:
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. Timings: Open 10.00 am – 5.00 pm. Closed on Mondays
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:
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. Timings: Open 8.00-6.00 pm
Akkulam Boat Club:
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. Timings: Open 10.00-5.00pm.
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.
