TRIVANDRUM SIGHTSEEING

 The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is not only an important spiritual and architectural landmark but also a site of immense historical and cultural significance:

· Lord Vishnu, worshipped here as Padmanabhaswamy, reclining on the serpent Anantha (Adi Shesha).

· It is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples)

· The temple is built in a blend of Kerala and Dravidian styles

· The richest temple in the world.

· The Travancore royal family has traditionally been the custodian of the temple

Dress code for men

Wear Dhoti and Angavastram (not compulsory) and should not cover anything on the head.

Dress code for women

wear Sarees, wrap a Dhotie above the pant, Pavadas with blouse or other coverings as appropriate to their age. Salvar sets and other modern dresses are not allowed. 

Entry is restricted for foreign nationals & Non Hindus.

“Puthen Malika” means “New Mansion.” The name “Kuthiramalika” (literally “Mansion of Horses”) comes from the 122 horse figures carved into wooden brackets under the southern eaves of the palace

· Built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma of Travancore, in the 1840

· Traditional Kerala architectural style: sloping roofs, verandahs, overhanging eaves, courtyards.

· Part of the palace is converted into a museum showcasing Travancore royal family possessions.

· A guided tour is available inside the palace

Collections

Life‐size Kathakali mannequins

Belgian, Italian mirrors

Bohemian crystal and ivory thrones

Oil paintings; musical instruments; ivory cradles

Various sculptures; weapons and armour 

The Napier Museum, a landmark of the city, is noted for its unique ornamentation and architectural style, which is influenced by Indo-Saracenic style, with a mix of Kerala, Mughal, Chinese, Gothic, and even Italian influences school of architecture.

 The museum houses a rare collection of  550 exhibits

· Archaeological and Historic artifacts

· Bronze idols – 8th to 17 Century 

 The bronze collection of the museum showcases pure craftsmanship and artistic brilliance at its best.

· Wood carvings

· Stone Sculptures - The stone sculptures belong the period from 1st to 18th C CE. 

Many of it has a Dravidian influence.

· Lamps - bronze or brass - more than four centuries old

· Ivory Carvings - Carvings is a manual work and is practiced by experts with tools like knife and chisels.

· Coins 

· Musical instruments - Some of the instruments are rare personal collections of Sri Chithra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma

· Ancient ornaments

· A temple chariot and ivory carvings

· The Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana are the inspiration for the museum's collection of Javanese shadow play leather puppets

· The museum's most popular exhibit is that displaying the sword of Veluthampi Dalawa, one of the bravest of people and one of the first martyrs of the Indian Freedom Struggle.

 Sree Chitra Art Gallery located within the museum and zoo complex in Thiruvananthapuram.

Sree Chitra Art Gallery was established in 1935, inaugurated by Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. It was originally named the “Sree Chitralayam” and is now called the Sree Chitra Art Gallery.

The gallery houses approximately 1,100 paintings, spanning traditional and contemporary works. 

Its collections include works from various Indian schools.

· Travancore Royal Collection, Indain Art, International Art collection

· Travancore paintings,

· Mughal, Rajput

· Bengal, Rajasthani, and 

· 400-year-old Tanjore miniature paintings

The gallery has 

· 15 original works by the Roerichs

· 43 original works by Raja Ravi Varma.

· Ravi Varma's rare pencil sketches are also displayed at the gallery

Kovalam Beach is one of the most famous beach destinations in Kerala, located about 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere, it attracts both domestic and international tourists.

Three Crescent-Shaped Beaches

Lighthouse Beach – The most popular, with the iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse that offers panoramic views.

Hawah Beach (Eve’s Beach) – Known for its calm atmosphere, once popular among topless sunbathers 

Samudra Beach – Quieter and less crowded.

The Vizhinjam Lighthouse is one of the most striking coastal landmarks near Kovalam. Commissioned in 1972, though Vizhinjam has a maritime history dating back centuries.From the top, visitors get a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, Kovalam’s crescent-shaped beaches, and the fishing harbor.

A rehabilitation and rescue centre for elephants, located inside the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the largest elephant rehabilitation centres in Asia. The centre is spread across 176 hectares of forest and currently have 16 elephants.

· Watch elephants being bathed in the Neyyar river

· Learn about elephant care, feeding, and training

· A boating option is available at the Neyyar Dam nearby5

Ponmudi is a beautiful hill station located in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India. Known for its lush greenery, misty peaks, and cool climate, it’s one of the quieter, less commercialized hill destinations in the state.

 Highlights of Ponmudi

· Golden Peak: The name “Ponmudi” literally means Golden Peak.

· Scenic Drive: The route to Ponmudi has around 22 hairpin bends with stunning views.

· Trekking: Popular treks include the trails to Agasthyarkoodam, one of the highest peaks in Kerala (requires a permit).

· Kallar River & Meenmutty Falls: Located en route—great for short hikes.

· Flora & Fauna: The region is part of the Western Ghats and rich in biodiversity.

· Tea Gardens: Small plantations and viewpoints along the way.