This ancient temple was built in the honour of Lord Vishnu and finds mention in our ancient holy texts such as Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, and Brahma Purana. This destination should definitely be in your Thiruvananthapuram city tour, as it is a major attraction in Thiruvananthapuram tourism. The architecture of the temple is a classic Kerala-style, one which often sees Dravidian influences. The sanctum sanctorum or 'garbhagriha' inside the temple is built on a stone slab and is the location of a majestic 18-feet long idol of the deity. The stone and bronze structures and stunning murals adorning the walls spellbind the visitors with their intricate designs. There's a broad corridor on the eastern side that has 365 ornately carved granite pillars. The ceiling displays the nine planets and is known as the Navagraha Mandapam and is a major attraction. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams which are the principal centres of worship for Vaishnavites. Vaishnavites are the followers of Lord Vishnu and the Divya Desams are considered the abodes of the lord.
This temple has strict rules of conduct which include entry to Hindus only. Visitors and devotees have to be attired appropriately. If possible, try to visit between 3:15 – 4:15 PM for Nirmalya Darshanam which we are sure will leave you with a sense of tranquillity.
Let us now take you to a palace which is considered to be one the best in the world and features prominently in every Thiruvananthapuram tourism itinerary. The Padmanabhapuram Palace, located within the Padmanabhapuram Fort of Padmanabhapuram Village in Thuckalay, is about 65 km from Thiruvananthapuram. This palace was built in 1601 and is a breath-taking example of Kerala architecture. What is unique about the structure is that the building materials used were egg whites, jaggery, lime, burnt coconuts, charcoal, and river sand. Get ready to be bowled over by the opulent mahogany ceilings, ornate windows, expansive courtyard, with just the right dose of mystique with underground passages and tunnels.
What better way to learn about a place than to visit a museum that encapsulates the life and times of the inhabitants throughout the ages. Built-in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, this museum was established in 1855 and is named after Lord Napier who was the Governor of Madras from 1866-1872. It has a gothic-style roof and minarets. This place displays archaeological artefacts, idols, musical instruments, ancient ornaments, ivory carvings, and a temple chariot. Housed inside the museum complex is the Chitra Art Gallery. This gallery contains the work of the renowned artists Raja Ravi Verma and Nicholas Roerich, and many other fine examples of Mughal and Tanjore art.
Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary:
After all the hopping around, you deserve a respite and the Neyyar Wildlife offers you some serenity and much more. Famous for its lion and deer safaris, this 128 sq.km sanctuary is a treat for nature lovers. It also houses an elephant rehabilitation centre and crocodile farm.
Carry on the leisurely vibe as we take you the famous Kovalam Beach. This beach is internationally renowned and is the perfect setting for spending some time by the sea. All the more reason it is included in most Trivandrum sightseeing packages. Located just 16 km away from the city centre, there's plenty to do at Kovalam. Go on a catamaran cruise, enjoy cultural programmes, frolic among the waves and much more. If yoga is life for you, enjoy a session of your favourite yoga poses with the sun, sand, and breeze keeping you company. But if you would rather have a relaxing time, indulge in some world-famous Kerala Ayurvedic massage sessions at the various Ayurvedic centres inside the beach complex. The age-old messaging techniques would soothe you in no time and give you a therapeutic makeover. Veena World's Trivandrum sightseeing packages will include activities based on your interests.
Thiruvananthapuram tourism proudly presents its many spectacular buildings to the visitors and Kuthiramalika Palace is one of the gems. The name of this palace translates into “palace of horses”. There are 122 carvings of horses that adorn the towering pillars. This two-storey building was built by the Maharaja of Travancore in British India, Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma. Built with materials such as teakwood, rosewood, marble, and granite, it is another fine example of Kerala architecture. The museum inside the palace compound provides a glimpse of an era gone by. Idols and sculptures made from white marble, ornate Kathakali figurines, commissioned paintings, Belgian mirrors, etc bear testimony to the grandeur of the erstwhile royal owners. This palace also hosts an annual music festival called Swathi Sangeethotsavam.
Shankumugham Beach is quite popular with the locals and tourists alike. It is a favoured picnic spot. If you have time to spare and would love to indulge in some quality time amidst the backdrop of the sea, then this is the place to be. The Veli tourist village which is located nearby has boating facilities and when you are at it, do not forget to witness the setting sun that puts a golden-ish hue over the sea.
