Neighbor to the famous Napier Museum stands Kanakannu Palace, an embodiment of excellent craftsmanship and architecture. This palace is the proud possession of the state of Kerala. Built by Sree Moolan Thirunal for holding royal ceremonies and banquets retains its image as a place of entertainment for the royal family. At present too, the palace plays host to many cultural programs. It has been named as the heritage monument by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
Kanakakunnu Palace is the cultural hub of the city. The palace complex now owns two auditoriums, where a large number of cultural events take place. If you plan a visit, make sure you catch up the All India Dance Festival, popularly known as Nishgandhi festival hosted annually here.
A treasure of ancient culture and tradition that has stood witness to valiant heroes and age-old customs of God’s Own Country, Padmanabhapuram Palace an edifice that flaunts traditional Kerala style architecture is located in Kanyakumari district. This magnificent palace regarded as Asia’s largest wooden palace was once the official residence of the Travancore dynasty. Spanning across an area of 6 acres, Padmanabhapuram Palace is well-known for its intricate wooden carvings, 17th and 18th century mural arts, sprawling corridors, unique rooms and 14 structures, enticing sculptures and so on.
Splendid architecture with ethereal beauty, the Napier Museum situated right in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram stands as the main attraction of the capital city. This Indo- Saracenic structure built in the 19th century holds a rich cultural heritage by housing a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, ivory carvings, ancient coins, wooden ornamental box, bronze idols, a temple chariot and ancient ornaments. In the museum, epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana are depicted using Japanese Shadow play leather figures. The museum got its name from the Governor General of Madras, Mr. John Napier, who inaugurated the new building during the reign of the then monarch of erstwhile Travancore, Sri Uthradom Thirunal.
Neighbor to the famous Napier Museum stands Kanakannu Palace, an embodiment of excellent craftsmanship and architecture. This palace is the proud possession of the state of Kerala. Built by Sree Moolan Thirunal for holding royal ceremonies and banquets retains its image as a place of entertainment for the royal family. At present too, the palace plays host to many cultural programs. It has been named as the heritage monument by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
Kanakakunnu Palace is the cultural hub of the city. The palace complex now owns two auditoriums, where a large number of cultural events take place. If you plan a visit, make sure you catch up the All India Dance Festival, popularly known as Nishgandhi festival hosted annually here.
A treasure of ancient culture and tradition that has stood witness to valiant heroes and age-old customs of God’s Own Country, Padmanabhapuram Palace an edifice that flaunts traditional Kerala style architecture is located in Kanyakumari district. This magnificent palace regarded as Asia’s largest wooden palace was once the official residence of the Travancore dynasty. Spanning across an area of 6 acres, Padmanabhapuram Palace is well-known for its intricate wooden carvings, 17th and 18th century mural arts, sprawling corridors, unique rooms and 14 structures, enticing sculptures and so on.
Splendid architecture with ethereal beauty, the Napier Museum situated right in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram stands as the main attraction of the capital city. This Indo- Saracenic structure built in the 19th century holds a rich cultural heritage by housing a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, ivory carvings, ancient coins, wooden ornamental box, bronze idols, a temple chariot and ancient ornaments. In the museum, epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana are depicted using Japanese Shadow play leather figures. The museum got its name from the Governor General of Madras, Mr. John Napier, who inaugurated the new building during the reign of the then monarch of erstwhile Travancore, Sri Uthradom Thirunal.
An ancient temple with a rich cultural and historical heritage, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, devoted to Lord Vishnu is believed to be the world’s richest temple. Thiruvananthapuram got its name from the deity of this temple, Anantha Padmanabhan (Lord Vishnu). The deity reclines on a serpent with five-hoods. The temple exhibits a merge of Dravidian and Kerala architectural style along with a 100 feet high magnificent Gopuram. With an ancient history that dates back to the 8th century, it is one among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India. The temple is splendid with intricate artworks, exquisite mural painting, and sculptures.
Attukal Bhagavathy Amman Temple is one of the popular shrines in south Kerala, located in Trivandrum city. It is the point where millions of women yearly gather together for the famous Attukal Pongala Festival held in the month of February and March. The principal god of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is Attukal Devi or Attukal Bhagavathy. She is deemed to be a manifestation of Goddess Parvathi and is portrayed to have four arms bearing a spear, a sword, a skull and a shield. Besides the deity of Attukal Bhagavathy, there are also statues of Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha. The temple is decorated with many sculptures, which is an architectural mixture of both Tamil and Kerala history.
A 500-year-old ‘Madre-de-Deus Church’ (meaning Mother of God Church) located on the north-west coast of Thiruvananthapuram is a famous pilgrimage centre. Believed to have been established by St. Francis Xavier, the missionary who came to India to spread the gospel, this church enfolds a rich tradition, culture and custom. Scores of people visit this church irrespective of caste and creed. The church is famous for the annual “Feast of Christ the King” festival. This 10-day festival ends in the last Sunday of the liturgical year.
A realm of eternal beauty, Kalakkayam Waterfalls is situated amidst the lush woods near Idinjaar in Thiruvananthapuram. A walk through this picturesque forest rich with flora and fauna is an enchanting experience. This stunning cascade which is a part of the Mankayam stream has its origin in the Agasthyavanam forest. The pool at the bottom of the waterfalls awaits you with cool water to vivify the soul. One can reach Kalakkayam from Thiruvananthapuram via Palode.
Vazhavanthol welcomes one with its endless array of mesmerising scenery and the gurgling music of the stream. Located amidst Kannithadam forest near Vithura, this is an ideal location for adventure lovers. This secluded waterfall located amidst the woods offers one with options for trekking. Take each step with utmost care and attention as the upper falls is dangerous and the rocks are slippery. The pond at the base adds to the beauty of this destination.
Located 45 km from Thiruvananthapuram, this idyllic destination with an enchanting aura bursts forth from the ever gorgeous Kallar River. Trek through the dense forest to reach this heavenly shower. Enroute to the captivating waterfall one can see many birds, butterflies and diverse fauna. The Kombaikani Waterfalls is situated 2 km upstream of Meenmutty.
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.
An exceptionally beautiful dense wood splendid with enticing flora, fauna including Tiger, Leopard, and Asian Elephants, the Neyyar Wild life Sanctuary is located about 32 km from Thiruvananthapuram. This splendacious beauty on the mighty Western Ghats is a fascinating picnic spot that attracts tourists with the Neyyar River, along with a dam, and a Lake. Neyyar has breath-taking sceneries and a plethora of diverse wildlife. The picturesque dam site also has a watch tower, crocodile farm, a lion safari park and a deer park and boating facilities.
Spanning across an area of 53 sq. km on the majestic lush Western Ghats, Peppara Wildlife sanctuary is a truly astounding fairyland of mystery with its dense wild forests, fabulous dam site and diverse flora and fauna. Located about 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram, this wildlife sanctuary established in 1938 is a favourite haunt of wildlife enthusiasts. With its crystal clear streams, tree-topped green knolls and hillocks, and eucalyptus plantations the sanctuary lets one merge with its enticing beauty. Apart from Sambar, Asian elephant, lion-tailed macaque, and leopard, rare birds like White-bellied Treepie, Malabar Grey, Small Sunbird, Hornbill etc can also be seen here.
A quaint and pristine hill station relaxing in the laps of the mighty Western Ghats, located 915 m above sea level, this paradise welcomes you with its winding roads through the mist laden woods, and chilling climate. Along with the lush greenery, the cascade of waterfalls like shimmering pearls on an exuberant green backdrop makes this hill station a favourite of tourists. Ponmudi is also home to divergent species of flora and fauna. The ever charming Kallar River and the gorgeous Meenmutty Waterfalls add to the beauty. Ponmudi offers you trekking and hiking options too.
An enchanting green paradise that welcomes one with its deep lush woods and diverse wildlife, Agasthyakoodam is a part of the Western Ghats which stands majestically at a height of 1,890 m above sea level. With a wide variety of medicinal plants and herbs, even the air of this legendary mountain is supposed to have healing powers. Being the second highest peak in Kerala, it provides you with excellent trekking options. Agasthyakoodam is accessible by foot from Kottoor, near Neyyar Dam, and also from Bonakkad. Bonakkad is the base station of Agasthyakoodam with splendid scenery. Mythology says that sage Agasthya (a sage in Hindu mythology) lived here.
