Trivandrum Tours

Thiruvananthapuram was previously called Trivandrum is an ancient city with tradition dating back to 1000 BC. South Kerala, particularly the Thiruvananthapuram district, had in the early past a political and cultural history which was in some respect independent of that of the rest of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland spreading over a total of 2,192sq.km.

In 1684, during the regency of Umayamma Rani, the English East India Company obtained a piece of land at near Thiruvananthapuram city. It was from here that the English gradually extended their domain to other parts of Thiruvithamcore (Travancore).

Some of the Places of Trivandrum
Padmanabha Swamy temple
There are a number of tourist attractions in Trivandrum, India. The Padmanabhaswami temple with its gopuram (tower) soaring majestically upwards, is believed to be one of the 108 shrines sacred to the Vaishnavites in India. The idol in the laying position is amazing. The rock curving works behind the temple is stunning and matchless.

Observatory
Several kings have also built their palaces in and around the Trivandrum, India, each more impressive than the other. This observatory, established over a hundred years ago in Trivandrum in India. Though the city has grown to a modern metro pole, Trivandrum retains its discreet, old-world charm.

Museum
While visiting Trivandrum, one should include the Museum with its profusion of gables and turrets. One can visualize the fine works of art, the chief attraction here is the 250-year-old temple car made for Lord Vishnu, artistically designed and ornamented. It is really worth to visit the museum you can see objects carved out of wood, models of temple, antique jewellery, etc.

Sri Chitra Art Gallery
Sri Chitra Art Gallery proves to be an ideal place for art lovers. The large section devoted to the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, an Indian painter of distinction in the history of the country's modern art. Besides him, the Indian section also contains works of Rabindranath Tagore, Jamimi Roy, K. K. Hebar, miniatures from the Rajput and Mughal schools of painting and the famous Tanjore paintings encrusted with semi-precious stones. Located in the Napier Museum grounds, Sree Chitra 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 collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali. The gallery's collection also includes paintings from Indonesia, China, and Japan.

Excursions from Trivandrum (India)
Veli & Shankhumuggam Beach
Two nearby places worth visiting while in Trivandrum are Veli and Shankhumuggam. Veli has been converted into a superb tourist village and Shankhumuggam boasts of lovely temples and a huge statue of a mermaid presently being worked upon by a famous sculptor.

Kovalam Beach
Kovalam lies barely 18 km away Trivandrum. The beach is considered one of the finest in the world. Besides swimming, there are opportunities for surfing and water skiing-even an exhilarating catamaran ride into the sea.

Aaranmula Boat Race
The Aaranmula Boat Race is performed every year in the scenic village of Aaranmula in August / September. This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula Parthasarthy temple, dedicated to Parthasarathi or Lord Krishna is said to date back to the days of the Mahabharata. The Vaishnavite Alwar Saints have sung its glory.

Varkala Beach
Varkala is a sea side resort, there are a number of hotels came up this place. It is also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2,000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions here.

Agastyarkoodam
Agastyarkoodam Peak is a spectacular peak in the Western Ghats that rises to a majestic height of about 1868 m in the form of a sharp cone. It is accessible only on foot, with 61 kms of trekking from Bonacaud, and 32 kms from Neyyar Dam.

Aruvippuram
Aruvippuram is a pilgrim centre located in a picturesque location, 24 kms from Trivandrum. It is also a small but lovely picnic spot. The place derives its name from a stream.

Napier Museum
The museum contains a fine collection of Kerala's bronzes, ornaments and contumes, and a model of "Tharawad' the traditional Nair family home.

Neyyar Dam
Neyyar dam, lying against the southern low hills of the western ghats, 32 kms away from the Trivandrum city is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Neyyar sanctuary is spread over the Southeast corner of the Western Ghats, and covers a total area of 128 sq kms. The Neyyar reservoir is easily navigable and extends 9.06 sq. km.

Nishagandhi Festival
Every year, from February 21st to 27th renowned classical dancers perform at the Nisangandhi, an open air theatre in Trivandrum city.

Padmanabhapuram Palace
A place of elaborate woodwork, it was the ancient seat of the Travancore rulers. It contains relics of historical and artistic value.

Paripally Gajamela
Paripally, 48 kms north of Trivandrum is noted for its Gajamela or Elephant pageant. Over 50 elephants are taken out on a ritual procession on the tenth day of the festival (February- March)

Priyadarshini Planetarium
Priyadarshini Planetorium is one of the most sophisticated and versatile planetaria in India

Sankhumugham Beach
Located 8 kms from (Trivandrum) Thiruvananthapuram city, the Shankhumugham Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Trivandrum Airport and Veli Tourist Village. The long stretch of clean sand is located near the airport. The water here, however, is not suitable for bathing.

Science & Technology Museum
The Science and Technology Museum, situated in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) was established with the prime objective of setting up of galleries with working or animated and participatory type of exhibits, on all disciplines of Science and Technology. more..

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Caves
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave basically constitutes the rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. more..

Peppara wildlife sanctuary
Peppara wildlife sanctuary is a 'gene pool' sanctuary, with a rich variety of flora and fauna over a rugged terrain with running rivulets, rolling hillocks and green meadows. A boat ride on the site is a fulfilling experience.

Veli Tourist Village
A large recreational centre located near the airport along a sheltered lagoon offers landscaped gardens and water-sports facilities. It is a popular picnic spot. Accommodation facilities are available in the youth hostel.

Vizhinjam
Near Kovalam, it's a fishing port, which is also important for an ongoing pioneer project to generate electricity from wave energy.

Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram Palace is a magnificent palace that speaks volumes about the ancient architecture of Kerala. Padmanabhapuram palace is a place that should not be missed at any cost. The palace walls are adorned with ancient murals that date Padamanabhapuram is 45 Km from the town and is known for its fort which encloses a beautiful palace and a temple. The Government Museum has a good collection of old coins, tribal artefacts, bronze sculptures and wooden carvings. Olakkay Aruvi and Thirparappu Water Falls are a few outdoors attractions near Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari
The distinction of being the southern-most tip of India draws thousands of tourists to this town. Although Kanyakumari Beach isn't safe for swimming, the spectacular stretches of sands and the amazing sunrise and sunset views are the reasons enough to draw tourists. The famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, which protrudes into the ocean is one of the most visited attractions. Regular ferry services to the famous rocks where Swami Vivekananda meditated, are available. 

Another famous monument is the Gandhi Memorial, built over the spot where the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was kept for public viewing before immersing them in the waters. The architecture of the memorial resembles an Orissa temple.

The Kumari Amman or the Kanyakumari Temple, located on the shore is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Other famous temples in and around the town are Alvar Tirunagari Temple dedicated to Lord Adinatha, where saint Namalvar attained enlightenment under a tree; Temple of Goddess Bhagavati and the Temple at Suchindram.

Padamanabhapuram is 45 Km from the town and is known for its fort which encloses a beautiful palace and a temple. The Government Museum has a good collection of old coins, tribal artefacts, bronze sculptures and wooden carvings. Olakkay Aruvi and Thirparappu Water Falls are a few outdoors attractions near Kanyakumari.



Best Time
September to May Thiruvananthapuram, formerly known as Trivandrum is gateway to one of the most beautiful Indian states, Kerala

Stretching along the southern coast of the country, with the Backwaters reaching deep into the verdant countryside, Kerala affords a fascinating experience. The city of the Thousand - headed Anatha, the holy serpent on which Lord Vishnu reclines.

Trivandrum is one of the most beautiful cities of India. Perched on undulating terrain of low coastal hills near the southern edge of the Indian mainland, clean and green Trivandrum, which was previously called Trivandrum, is an ancient city with trading tradition dateing back to 1000 BC.

The city once formed a part of the capital of Travancore, which had its capital at Padmanabhapuram, now in Tamilnadu.The city is also a welcome departure from other large cities of India in its spacious layout and regulated life.

It is also an excellent base to explore the interiors of Kerala, the southernmost region of India, and from Kochi, the Lakshadweep Islands. The city offers all modern facilities needed by a visitor and is a centre for cultural activities