The temple is located in Trivandrum town in the East Fort and covers an area of 2400 sq m. The temple built in the Dravidian style of architecture is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, reclining on Anantha, the serpent. History has it that the shrine is 3000 years old, though the present structure was built by Marthanda Varma in the beginning of 17 th century. The construction of the t emple was finished in a record time of just 7 months with the help of 100 elephants, and 1000s of artisans and maisons.
This 200 years old palace of the Maharajas of Travancore is built in the wonderful Travancore style of architecture. The palace next to the temple also offers a rare glimpse into the various priceless collections of the royal family. Two ornate throwns, one made of elephant tusks and the other of Bohemian crystal are the main attraction.
Napier Museum : This 19th century structure built in the Indo- Saracenic style boasts of a natural air conditioning system. The museum has good collection of Temple chariots, ivory & bronze carvings, historic artifacts and life size figures of Kathakali Dancers with full costumes
It has a selected display of paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Rocrich. Works of the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore styles together with painting from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali makes the collection a must see one. Zooligical Park : One of the early zoos in Inida, it is located in a well planned botanical garden. Except the miserable condition of some animals everything else is near to perfection.
This was the seat of the rulers of Travancore, one of the most celebrated royal families of the land. Their kingdom extended to the entire South Kerala and Western coast of Tamil Nadu. This palace on the way to Kanyakumari was built in 1550 AD and was occupied for over 2 centuries before the head quarters was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram. The legacy of the Kingdom’s trade relations with Chinese traders are evident in the palace. This is a must see place if you happen to be in Thiruvananthapuram.
This is a popular picnic spot, of the local people. The crocodile farm, safari park and deer park are the added attractions. Boating facilities are available here.
An idyllic hill resort with landscaped path, wooded hills and valleys give an out- of-the-world experience for the silence loving traveller. If you are the one who looks for action you are in the wrong place. But the 61 km travel from Thiruvananthapuram will take you through banana, rice, rubber, tea and pepper plantation and some thickly wooded forests and will give a glimpse into the village life of Kerala.
This 15th Century palace built in the traditional Kerala Nalukettu style is located on your way to Ponmudi or Courtralam Waterfalls. The folklore museum which houses quaint musical instruments, models of folk arts and house hold utensils throw a glimpse into the cultural back ground of the land.
This is the second highest peak in Kerala and is ideal for trekking. (season : December to April). Agastyakoodam can be accessed from Kotoor near Neyyar Dam or from Bonacaud. The permitting authority is the wild life warden, PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram. So, obtain pass from Thiruvananthapuram before proceeding to Agastyakoodam.