Thiruvananthapuram which was previously called Trivandrum is an ancient city with trading tradition dating back to 1000 BC. Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of Raja of Travancore in 1750. The name is derived from 'Tiru Ananta Puram', the abode of the Sacred serpent Ananta upon whose coils Vishnu lies in the main temple. It is bounded by Kollam district in the north, Tirunelvelei district of Tamil Nadu in the east, Kanniyakumari district of Tamil Nadu in the south and Lakshadweep Sea in the west. It is a peaceful attractive city built on the low hills by the sea. Away from the transport hubs and busy Mahatma Gandhi (MG) road, Thiruvananthapuram had managed to retain some of the ambience characteristics of Kerala such as red tiled roofs, narrow winding lanes, intimate corner cafes. The typical gabled pagoda like roof style is unique to Kerala and Coastal Karnataka.
Thiruvananthapuram is an important entry into India with communication link to Maldives, Sri Lanka and many countries to the west Arabian sea. It is also an excellent base to explore the interiors of Kerala, the southern most region of India. The city offers all modern facilities needed by a visitor and is a center for cultural activities. The traditional handicraft industry in the District is flourishing since time immemorial. Ivory carving is the major handicraft industry of the District.Best time to visit this place is September to May
Sri. Padmanabhaswami Temple | Kanakakunnu Palace | Kuthiramalika Palace Musuem | Padmanabhapuram Palace | Koyikal Palace | Observatory | Veli Tourist Village | Aruvikkara Dam | Neyyar Dam | Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave | Agasthyakoodam | Ponmudi | Museum | Beaches
Sri. 
Thiruvananthapuram's most interesting temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian style of architecture. It is a best example of south Indian architecture, with an impressive seven -story gopuram (tower). It is known for its murals and carvings. In the main courtyard, the Kulashekara mandapam, there is some intricate granite sculpture; more can be appreciated on nearly 400 pillars supporting temple corridors. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple and they have rules of clothing even for male Hindus, who must enter wearing only a white dhoti. The temple opens from 04:15-05:15hrs, 06:45-07:30hrs, 08:30-10:30hrs, 11:30-12:00hrs, 17:15-19:30hrs. Ph : 0471-450233
Kanakakunnu Palace :
It is situated 800meter NE of the Napier museum. Now it belongs to the Government. Today the palace and its sprawling grounds are the venue for many cultural meets and programmes. An all India Dance Festival (October to March) is organised by the Department of Tourism every year. During this period the classical Indian Dance Performances are conducted every day. Ph : 0471-314615.
Kuthiramalika (Puthemalika) Palace Musuem :
The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Tirunal Balarama Varma, the King of Travancore who was also a great poet, musician, social reformer and state man. This palace has wood carvings in the traditional Travancore style. The palace museum displays various painting collections of the royal family. It is situated on the South East side of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple. It will be open from 8:30-12:30hrs and 3:30-5:30hrs. It will be closed on Monday.
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This majestic old palace is 63kms from Thiruvananthapuram. It is situated at Thucklai, on the way to Kanyakumari. This palace was once the capital of the State of Travancore. The palace is built in the Travancore architectural style. This is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, colored mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, durbal hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Belgian mirror, pictures of Lord Krishna, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors which make a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand. It will be closed on Mondays. Read More
Koyikal Palace :
This is at Nedumangad which is on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Courtallam Water falls. This ancient palace built during the 15th century on a traditional nalukettu style.
Observatory :
Located at the highest point in the city (60mt above the sea level), near the museum complex. It is one of the oldest in India. There is a well laid out garden in front of the hill with a beautiful rose collection. From here, one can have a bird's eye view of the city.
It is about 10km from the city and boating facilities are offered at this picnic spot. Speed boats and restaurant in well landscaped gardens with sculptures are available. It is open from 8:00am-6:00pm. Ph : 0471-500785.
Aruvikkara Dam :
It is situated 16km north of Thiruvananthapuram. It is gifted with lavish scenic beauty and this international renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt for tourist since 1930's. On the banks of the river, an ancient temple is situated which is dedicated to Durga.
Neyyar Dam, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary :
It is situated at 30km east of Thiruvananthapuram, at the foot of western ghats. It was established in 1958. It is occupying the basin of the Rivers Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. This popular picnic spot has a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park. The 128sqkm Neyyar sanctuary occupies a beautiful wooded and hilly landscape, dominated by the peak of Agasthya malai. Wild life includes gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat and Nilgiri langur but most commonly seen animal are wild elephants and sambar deer. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave :
It is about 17km from the city. It is a historic spot which was left unnoticed for long time. There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple. The granite cave here encloses a one celled shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshnimurthi.
Agasthyakoodam :
Agasthyakoodam is the second highest peak in Kerala, at a height of 1890mts above sea level and is a part of the Sahyadri range of mountains. The forests of Agasthyakoodam is rich in rare medicinal herbs and plant, and hued orchids. In 1992, an area covering around 23 sq kms was established as Agasthya Vanam Biological Park. The intension was to restore the degraded forests and to use it for educational purpose. The season from December to April is advocated for trekking.
Ponmudi :
Ponmudi is the nearest hill station to Thiruvananthapuram (65km). It is located 915metres above sea level. It is an idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding path ways and cool, green wooded environs. It serves as a good base for trekking, bird watching and visiting the near by dear park. The natural scenery, salubrious climate and the scope of hiking in high trails make the visit an exhilarating experience. There is a charming deer park which is only 3kms from Ponmudi.
Napier Museum :
It is situated north of the city, at Museum road and 400m east of Indian airlines. It displays an eclectic assortment of historical and contemporary ornaments, temple carts, ivory carvings and life-size figures of kathakali dances in full costume. It has a famous collection of 8th-18th century south Indian bronze. The visiting time is from 10am to 5pm, closed on Monday and forenoon of Wednesday.
Natural History Museum :
It is situated to the east of Napier museum. Ticket covers entry to all museum and galleries in the complex. It has a rudimentary ethnographic collection as well as an interesting replica of a Nayar wooden house built in the Keralian style.
Sri Chittira Art Gallery :
It is situated to the North of Napier museum and has an excellent collection of Indian art with examples from early to modern schools. Paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and works from Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings and Tanjore paintings embellished with semi- precious stones are displayed. There is a Zoo and Aquarium nearby. It will be open from 10am to 5pm and closed on Monday and Wednesday mornings.
Museum of Science and Technology :
It is situated near the mascot hotel. It highlight the science, technology and electronics. Open from 10am to 5pm, closed on Monday. There is a small entry fee.
Botanical Gardens and Zoo :
Open from 9am to 4.45pm, closed on Monday. It is situated 400m east of Indian Airlines. It has a wide collection of animals. There are other parks and gardens in the city around the secretariat, Gandhi park, waterworks gardens and at veli tourist village.
Chacha Nehru Children's Musuem :
This museum is established in 1980 and is named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who is remembered for his great love towards children. The museum displays a vast range of objects like traditional and proclaim dolls from all over the world, a mini aquarium and the first issue of children's literature in Malayalam. It will be open from 10am-5pm and closed on Monday.
Shanghumugham Beach :
It is situated about 8km from the city and is a popular city beach adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram airport. An indoor recreation club, the children's traffic training park, the matsya kanyaka, a gigantic 35mt long sculpture of a mermaid and a restaurant shaped like a star fish are some of the attractions here.
Kovalam 
Kovalam beach is 16kms away from Thiruvananthapuram. This unique and wonderful beach will get pride of place amongst the loveliest beaches in the world. It is a sheltered bay and is endowed with unusual natural beauty. Kovalam's sandy beaches are lined with palm-fringed lagoons and rocky coves. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southern most, known as the Light house beach, is the most popular of the three. Kovalam is becoming one of the governments majors tourist centers. Kovalam is filled with restaurants, most of which serve, delicious sea food. Kovalam is also a centre for Ayurvedic treatment. Many hotels offer complete health and revitalization packages. Best seasons to visit is from December to March. More Details
Varkala Beach:
Varkala Beach, is a very secluded beach situated at a distance of 51km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. The beach lying on the south west coast of India, is also known as Papnasam beach and is an important Hindu center of pilgrimage. Hundreds of Hindu devotees perform 'Vavubali', a ritual performed for the ancestors soul to rest in peace, on the new moon day of the Malayalam month Karkidam. There is a belief that a dip in the holy waters of this beach will purify your body and soul, washing out all your sins. More Details
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