Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
The capital of Kerala state,
is, decidedly, one of the cleanest and most well-planned cities of India.
The word Thiruvananthapuram means the city of Anantha or the abode of
the sacred thousand-headed serpent Anantha, who forms the couch on which
reclines Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu trinity.
Built on seven hills, the city has grown as an important tourist and commercial
centre, with an own international airport.
The city's scenic appeal, its enchanting beaches, and overwhelming greenery
only add to its uniqueness. It embodies the magical feel of Kerala, as
a whole, and lends terrific insight into the culture of the state.
Sightseeing in Thiruvananthapuram
Botanical Garden within the Zoo, houses specimens of almost
every tropical tree existing.
Padmanabha Swamy Temple: The temple is located inside the
East Fort. It was constructed by a Maharaja of Travancore, in 1733. 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. One among
the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord
Vishnu reclining on Anantha - the Serpent. The temple is open only to
Hindus.
Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum: located near the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple It was built in the traditional Travancore style of architecture by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. The name Kuthiramalika means 'palace of horses' and is derived from the frieze of 122 wooden horses on the exterior walls.
Kuthiramalika Palace was constructed with teak, rosewood, granite and marble. Elaborate carvings within the palace include two thrones - one is made entirely from elephant tusks and the other from Bohemian crystal. In Maharaja's music room where visitors have a good view of the temple, which was a source of inspiration for the ruler. The palace museum displays exquisite wood carvings, paintings and various royal collections.
The Kanakakunnu Palace: This palace in the heart of Trivandrum
city is one of the most beautiful buildings. The palace and its sprawling
grounds are today the venue for many cultural meets.
The Napier museum, the Natural History museum, the Reptile house and the Shri Chitra Art Gallery are in the same complex amidst a well laid out garden and park.
In the same area is located also the
Zoological Garden which is, said to be, among the most well-planned zoos in Asia. It was established in 1859 and is one of the largest in India. The spacious animal enclosures are set among woodlands and lakes to provide a simulated natural habitat for the animals. The Zoo contains a large collection of animals, over 75 species, from India and abroad. Among the indigenous wildlife are the lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion, and Royal Bengal Tiger. The Aviary and
Reptile House is an additional attraction as well as the Aquarium in near Vizhinjam (Kovalam) that offers a selection of fish and other marine creatures and plants.
Maharaja’s Observatory: Located at the highest point
in the city (60mt above the sea level), near the museum complex. Commenced
its operations in 1837 by the King HH Sri Swati Tirunal; and is one of the
oldest of its kind in modern India. There is a well laid out garden in front
of the hill with a beautiful rose collection. From here, one can have a bird's
eye view of the city.
The Napier Museum: Built in the 19th century, the Indo - saracenic
structure boasts a "natural" air conditioning system. Offers to its visitors an interesting and rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient
ornaments, an antique temple chariot, ivory carvingsand life-size Kathakali dancers. The figurines preserved here amply illustrate the varying features of South-Indian sculpture from the 8th to 18th century. Open from Tuesdays to Sundays - 10 am to 4.45 pm. On Wednesdays, the museum opens only at 1 pm.
Sree Chithra Art Gallery: Established in 1935. Located near the Napier Museum,
this art gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and
Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools
of art in India. The gallery also has a good collection of miniature paintings from the Mughal and Rajasthani schools, Roerich paintings, paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali and copies of murals. The four hundred year old Tanjore miniature paintings encrusted with semi-precious stones are also on display at the gallery. The gallery is open from 10 am to 5 pm is closed on Mondays and Wednesday mornings.
The Science and Technology museum, the Government Secretariat, the Kowdiar palace,
the Senate house, are some of the other tourist attractions in the city.
This enchanting beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation
Bharananganam
This is one of the important pilgrim centers of the Christians in Kerala. The mortal remains of Sister Alphonsa (1916-46), who was pronounced as blessed is kept in St. Mary's Church here. This 1000 yrs old church features an attractive grotto of Virgin Ma 
Chakyar is one among the many upper cast Hindus, dependant on the temple, living by the sacrament food and meagre salary from the temple, adept in telling stories from the legends in a humorous and enchanting manner.
The term Koothu literally means dance which may be 
The sanctuary was set up in 1983 taking into account its diversity in ecological, faunal and floral content. The sanctuary has substantial natural vegetation cover ranging from sub tropical forests to tropical evergreen forests.
The sanctuary covers a total area of 5 
