Sightseeing in Trivandrum

• How to get there
• Kerala facts
• Activities
• 101 things to do
• Sightseeing
  • In Trivandrum
  • From Trivandrum
  • In Fort Kochi

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.