Top tourist places to visit in Trivendrum
If you are planing to visit Trivendrum and Kanyakumari this is for you,
TRIVENDRUM:
Kuthramalika Palace Museum
Located adjacent to Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum is the rarest specimen of workmanship. Built by Maharaja Swathi Balarama Varma, this palace displays valuable collections of royal family.
Beside the rich collection that it displays, this museum is an exemplary example of traditional Travancore-style architecture. Intricate wood carvings and distinctive patterns constitute a masterpiece of its kinds. Overhanging attics, pillar-lined courtyards and sloping roofs contribute to the exclusive look of the museum.
Visitors can expect a display of a collection, including Belgian mirrors, paintings, Kathakali mannequins, exquisite traditional furniture. The two royal thrones; one manufactured of Bohemian crystals, embossed with an emblem of ‘Conch’ on the backrest and the other made of ivory are the prime attractions of the museum. Marble-made idols and sculptures, musical instruments and the alcove used by Swami Thirunal have also been kept in the showcase. An illusion portrait by veteran painter Sveroslav Roerich is another attractive feature here.
Kuthiramalika, which is often called as Puthenmalika Palace Museum remains open for visitors from 8.30 AM to 1.00 PM and 3.00 PM to 5.30 PM. Monday is the day that it seeks rests from all week-long visits. The best time of the year to visit Kuthiramalika is January. Commemorating the famous Swathi Thirunal, a lively music festival is conducted each year between 6 and 12 January..
THIRUVANANTHPURAM ZOO
- Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of the oldest terrarium in the country which was established as a supplemental to the Napier Museum in the year 1857 by the former Maharaja of Travancore, which was originally opened for recreational purposes, the zoo becomes a conservation center of wildlife over a period of time.
The zoo has a wide array of 35 species of animals, 28 species of birds and 17 kinds of reptiles. The zoo also houses botanical gardens with more than 200 species of trees, thousands of beautiful plants, orchids and snake farm.
How to Reach: The zoo can be reached by any local transport due it’s in city location.
Timings: Opened daily from 9 AM to 5:15 PM.
Price: Approximate price starts from 20 INR.
SHRI PADMANABHSWAMI MANDIR
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the famous places to visit. This holy shrine is one of the 108 abodes of Lord Vishnu. A large number of devotees throng the temple on multiple occasions.
The place of worship has lent its names to the capital city as ‘Thiru’ ‘Anantha’ ‘Puram’, which means Sacred Abode of Lord Anantha Padmanabha. Dravidian style of architecture is prominent in this holy structure.
The chief attraction is the deity of Padmanabhaswamy, enshrined in a reclining posture. However, the main deity remains that of Lord Vishnu and his heavenly consorts namely, Sridevi and Bhudevi. The sacred idol is covered with a special ayurveda mixture that helps in keeping the plaster intact and clean. Devotees donate a large sum of money and precious articles in this temple. The assets are believed to be value around 90,000 crores. The invaluable donations are kept safe in 6 different cellars.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple should definitely be included in the itinerary of the places to visit in Trivandrum. Indeed, the temple remains impeccable in appearance and religious sentiments attached to it.
Kovalam Beach
Epicentre of tourist flow, Kovalam Beach needs no introduction. This water delight seizes the top position in the list of tourist places in Trivandrum. Often crowded with both local and foreign tourists, it is located 13km away from the city.
Kovalam Beach is the treasure of multitude of adventure activities. Along with the sessions of para sailing diving and wind surfing, the beach also allows you to go on a leisure walk and offers a playful swimming time. Tourists have a choice to opt for lounge chairs to just sit and gaze at the most extraordinary sunrises and sunsets. The gleaming blue water and silver sands offers a quality time to enjoy nature at its best.
There are many beach resorts that offer customized services. From lip-smacking dishes to allocation of rooms, these retreats have impeccable services which one can easily avail. The well-trained staff offers comfortable and convenient environment. Assisting in planning a day on the beach, the stays take special care of the guests. It would be ideal to book in advance in order to avoid inconvenience.
Ayurvedic therapies are on the top rank when it comes to things to do in Trivandrum. Enjoy outstanding facilities such as Ayurvedic massages and therapies in God’s Own Country. Kovalam beach proves to be an ideal place to experience the benefits of old Ayurve
Along with sightseeing and mouth-watering cuisines, enjoy a session of rejuvenating Ayurveda massage on the Kovalam Beach. The best time to visit here is during the month of September and March. However, visit in monsoon season allows the best experience of ayurvedic therapies and treatments.
NAPIER MUSEUM
Named after Lord Napier, this art and history museum was established in 1855. An exemplary example of gothic architecture-style, Napier Museum boasts greatly of its natural air conditioning system. It houses an exceptional collection of ornaments, bronze idols, chariots and ivory carvings. The museum offers insight into rich Kerala Culture.
The great contribution made by Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art along with the skilful work by several Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan artists can be found in here. The Japanese leather figures depicting the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana catches the eyes of tourists.
Napier Museum is certainly one of the most visited tourist places in Trivandrum. Situated in the Museum compound, ground floor of this place houses India’s oldest zoological garden. Another important feature is Sree Chithra Art Gallery, established by Maharaja Chithira Thirunalin in 1935.The gallery contains epic works from much famed Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich.
Amid a well laid out garden, the zoological park houses a lake and boat club. The park offers an excellent day outing for children and adults alike. It boasts of 75 different species of animals and birds from India, Ethiopia and Australia. It is also a home to the Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Manipur deer, Indian Rhino, Nilgiri Langur, Asiatic Lion and the Royal Bengal Tiger. There is prominent fauna found here along with habitats of giraffe, hippopotamus, zebra and Cape buffalo.