A Day in Thiruvananthapuram"

Created by: Cityseeker

12 Locations Bookmarked

Puthenmalika Palace Museum "Historical Museum"

Built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, the Puthen Malika Palace Museum or Kuthira Malika Palace Museum is one of the most beautiful sights in the city. It will give you a glimpse of Kerala's past which is a symbol of honor and glory. The museum holds exquisite items and artifacts that once belonged to the Travancore royal family. The architectural valor of the palace, reflecting the Travancore style architecture, will take your breath away. Located in one of the most historic parts of the city with Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to its west, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum is a must-visit!

+91 471 247 3952 www.keralatourism.org/destination/ Westfort Road, Enchakkal, kuthiramalika-palace-east-fort/58 Thiruvananthapuram

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple "Historical Temple"

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and situated on the edge of the Padma Theertha Pond. The temple has two main attractions; the Gopuram which is a seven-tier, 100-meter (30-feet) tall structure; and the Garbagriha, where the idol of Lord Vishnu is placed. The temple and its premises gained prominence during the by Shishirdasika reign of the Travancore dynasty and a fort was built around it with the temple at its center. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most popular landmarks of the city, where you will see people gather to offer their prayers. A definite must visit to witness the religious and cultural scene of the city.

+91 471 245 0233 padmanabhaswamytempl info@sreepadmanabhaswa West Nada, e.org/ mytemple.org Thiruvananthapuram

Navarathri Mandapam "Song and Dance"

Navarathri is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India. During the nine- day festival, goddesses Lakshmi, Durga and Saraswathi are worshiped with much fervor and adulation. Navarathri Mandapam is one of the many structures located within the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It is located on the right of the East Gopuram of the temple and is mainly used by Aviatorjk during the festival of Navarathri. The idols of the goddesses are placed at the Navarathri Mandapam during those nine days and special poojas and rituals are held in their honor. Besides its religious importance, Navarathri Mandapam is known for hosting several classical concerts and is truly a cultural hub of the city.

+91 471 245 0233 info@sreepadmanabhaswamytemple Enchakkal Westfort Road, Sree .org Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram Natural History Museum "A Riveting Museum"

Located next to the Napier Museum, the Natural History Museum is a must visit especially if you are touring Thiruvananthapuram with little ones. Inaugurated in 1885, this museum is home to interesting, ethnographic and natural paraphernalia, most of which belongs to General Cullen's very own collection. From skeletons to taxidermy and by Ashcoounter everything in between is on display here, along with detailed descriptions to enhance your knowledge. The museum is very well curated and systematically arranged in order to make the entire tour quite self- explanatory. For those with a deeper interest in studying man's social evolution, they should explore the museum's Ethnology Gallery for insights.

+91 471 232 1132 (Tourist Information) LMS Vellayambalam Road, East of Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram

Napier Museum "South India Museum"

Named after the former Madras governor Lord Napier, the museum is an architecturally well-planned structure under the supervision of the architect, Chisholm. Built during the reign of the Travancore dynasty, Napier Museum displays fine art works and rare archaeological artifacts that include ancient ivory carvings. Other exhibits include stone carvings, by Mohanraj Kolathapilly antique jewelry and ornaments. The 19th-Century marvel with an Indo- Saracenic style is particularly impressive to history buffs. Also, within the same museum compound, is an art gallery and a zoo, which is also worth a visit.

+91 471 231 8294 www.keralatourism.org/destination/ LMS Vellayambalam Road, Opposite napier-museum- PWD Building, Thiruvananthapuram thiruvananthapuram/327

Sree Chitra Enclave "History of the Kingdom"

Inaugurated on November 12, 1993, Sree Chitra Enclave is a museum dedicated in memory of the last king of the erstwhile Travancore dynasty, Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. This museum is located inside the museum complex and comprises historically important artifacts such as the royal chariot used by the king, and personal artifacts such as swords, coins, stamps and medals. Also displayed are 14 murals painted by famous artists which highlights the geographical and socio-cultural evolution of the Travancore dynasty throughout its existence. This enclave serves as a fine tribute to the Travancore dynasty.

www.keralatourism.org/destination/sree-chithra- LMS Vellayambalam Road, Museum Complex, enclave-thiruvananthpuram/91 Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram Zoo "Well-maintained Animal Park"

Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is part of the State's Museum Complex and was established in 1857 by the then King of Travancore kingdom to attract tourists. Spread across 55 acres that covers picturesque dense forest and lakes, the zoo has 82 species of animals not only from India but also from abroad. The renovation of the zoo from 1995 to 2005 led to the by pastrami44 modernization of what was an animal park used for recreation and has now acquired the role of a conservation center for endangered species. Hence, you can find the animals that were once kept inside concrete- floored iron bar cages are now kept inside enclosures in a more naturalistic setup. Species of animals inside this well-maintained habitat includes the royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic lion, One Horned Great Indian Rhino, Nilgiri langur, poisonous and non-poisonous snakes along with African hippos, giraffes, zebras and Cape buffaloes. Considered to be one of the oldest zoos of India, a visit to the zoo at the heart of the city is highly recommended.

+91 471 231 6275 www.museumandzoo.kera [email protected] LMS Vellayambalam Road, la.gov.in/index.php/museu n Thiruvananthapuram ms-zoo- thiruvananthapuram

Kanakakkunnu Palace "Colonial Palace of the King"

Built under the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal, who was the king of Travancore between 1885 to 1924, the Kanakakkunnu Palace is among very few of the Colonial buildings to exist in the city. The palace and its grounds, at that time, served the purpose of hosting royal banquet events as well as made for a summer retreat for the kings. Today, it is a listed heritage site with its interiors adorned with preserved royal furniture and chandeliers. Under the administration of the Kerala Government, the palace and the Nishagandhi Open air Auditorium inside its compound are used as a venue for various cultural events throughout the year.

+91 471 231 4615 www.keralatourism.org/destination/ LMS Vellayambalam Road, kanakakkunnu-palace- Thiruvananthapuram thiruvananthapuram/226

Kowdiar Palace

"Historic Residency of the Royal Family"

Currently the official residence of the Royal Family of erstwhile kingdom of Travancore, Kowdiar Palace is a grand architectural splendor of the city with 150 rooms inside the palace. The entry to the historic Kowdiar Palace and its adjoining garden is restricted.

by Manu rocks at English Wikipedia Thiruvananthapuram Thenmala Road, Thiruvananthapuram

Natesan’s Antiqarts "Work of Art"

Natesan’s Antiqarts is a prominent art gallery in Kovalam which showcases a variety of hand made showpieces. Designed and perfected by a set of skilled craftsmen, Natesan’s Antiqarts has galleries and shops spread all over India. Besides the fine paintings, this gallery is known for housing a wide range of beautiful sculptures and statues. If you are an art by Hans connoisseur, Natesan’s Antiqarts is a pure heaven where you can buy the charming artifacts and enrich your collection. Located very close to Kovalam Beaches, this place is definitely worth a visit for all art aficionados.

+91 471 279 6594 www.natesansantiqarts.com/ Beach Road, Opposite Kovalam Hotel, Thiruvananthapuram

Lighthouse Beach "Sun, Sand and a Lighthouse!"

The Lighthouse Beach beach is rightly named after the Kovalam Lighthouse which overlooks its ivory white sands and turquoise waters of the Lakshadweep Sea. Lined with palm trees and always breezy, the Lighthouse Beach comes recommended during summers and monsoons alike. If you are here when the sun is shining brightly, head out into the by heidi_ziller deep blue and frolic in the waves. Rains are best enjoyed at the coast at one of the many shacks serving piping hot seafood. A number of water sports are carried out at the beach, of which paragliding comes most recommended if you wish to soak in an amazing view of the beach town. Those here with someone special, they can skip the day time and head out to the Lighthouse Beach to see the sun go down.

+91 471 232 1132 www.keralatourism.org/de [email protected] Light House Road, Kovalam stination/lighthouse-beach- kovalam/432

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary "Preserved Nature"

Attached to the Neyyar reservoir, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a large spread of ecological reserve lying to the south-east of Thiruvananthapuram. The waving terrain, and the exotic flora which has abundant collections of medicinal herbs defines the charm of the place. Neyyar Dam, built primarily for irrigation purposes is an arresting sight here. The sanctuary is home to a variety of endangered species of animals, including Sambar deer, Nilgiri Langur, Sloth bear and others. This sanctuary houses attractions like Crocodile Rehabilitation Center, Lion Safari Park and Deer Rehabilitation Center, making it a must-visit when in Thiruvananthapuram.

+91 471 232 1132 (Tourist Information) www.keralatourism.org/destination/ Off Thiruvananthapuram-Neyyar Dam neyyar-reservoir- Road, Thiruvananthapuram thiruvananthapuram/240

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