THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala. Located in the southwestern tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram is bound by the Arabian Sea in the west and Tamil Nadu in the east. Named after Anantha Padmanabha or Lord Vishnu, the city is home to many ancient temples. But the landmark is the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple around which the city has been built on seven low hills. The wooded highlands of the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought-after tourist destination. Clean and green, Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala is one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
Main Tourist Attractions:
- SRI PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE
Spread over an area of 2,400 sq. metres, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple is believed to be over 260 years old. The temple with its gopuram (tower) towering majestically is believed to be among the 108 shrines sacred to the Vaishnav in India. The main entranceof the temple is through the eastern gopuram which towers to over 30 metres and is built in the Dravidian style. Padmanabha (an incarnation of Vishnu) the deity of the temple reclines on a sacred serpent in the inner sanctum. The main sanctum sanctorum inside the temple is well safeguarded with a number of massive doors and one can have the darshan (audience) through one the three-door openings into the sanctum sanctorum.
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SRI PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE
Dating back to 1880, the Napier Museum building combines the Mughal, Kerala, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. The building has a natural air-conditioning system. The museum offer glimpses of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. The museum showcases an excellent collection of bronzes historic ornaments, ivory carvings and chariots, and life-size figurines of the Kathakali dancers in full costume.
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NAPIER MUSEUM
The Sri Chitra Art Gallery displays paintings from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art. Besides these, the gallery houses some rare collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Svetoslav and Nicholas Roerich. An Oriental collection of paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali are a visual treat to the visitor.
The spacious zoological garden at Trivandrum is set amidst the pleasant surroundings of woodlands and lakes. It provides delightful shaded walks for the visitors. The zoo also has wide variety of the animals and birds. The Reptile House has snakes worth seeing. The nearby botanical gardens offer a large number of trees which can be identified by their labels.
The Vetti Muricha Kotta is a part of the heritage East Fort and located on the south of the iconic East Fort gate. According to a popular belief, this fort was named, 'Vetti Muricha Kotta', meaning 'cut open fort', as this section of the fort, which was once a wall, was demolished to build a new gate. This was done to facilitate an alternate entrance for King Vishakam Thirunal of the Travancore dynasty who was advised against the use of the main gate by an astrologer. Today, this gate is preserved by the State's Archaeological Department and has room for guards on either side.
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