PLACES OF INTEREST IN TRIVANDRUM

PLACES OF INTEREST - THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (TRIVANDRUM)

Padmanabha Swamy Temple

     

One of the Richest Temples in the World.  This temple belonged to Travancore Kings. 

The history of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple dates back to 8th Century. References to the temple can be found in the Divya Prabandha canon of literature written by Tamil Alwar. Alvars are the Tamil Saint poets who lived between the sixth and ninth centuries AD. References to Sri Padmanabha Temple is also said to have in the Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Varaha Purana, and Vayu Purana. One of the twelve Alvars, Nammalvar (8th Century) had created four slokas and one phalasruthi about Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

In 3rd January 1750, Maharajah Marthanda Varma dedicated the kingdom of Travancore to Lord Padmanabha. Marthanda Varma vowed that the royal family will rule the state on behalf of Lord and he and his descendants would "serve" the kingdom as Padmanabha Dasa or the Servant of Lord Padmanabha. Since then the name of every Travancore King was preceded by the title Padmanabha Dasa, while the female were called Padmanabha Sevinis. The donation of the kingdom of Travancore to Padmanabhaswamy was known as “Thripadidanam”. After dedicating the kingdom to the Lord, Marthanda Varma was known as Sripadmanabha Vanchipala Marthandavarma Kulasekaraperumal. By giving the Kingdom to Lord Padmanabha, the whole Travancore state became the property of Sree Padmanabhaswamy, and hence it is very appropriate to call Kerala as “God’s Own Country” or Sree Padmanabhaswamy’s Own Country.

Kovalam Beach

 

Kovalam is also called as the paradise of the South.  It is a beautiful tourist location, and is featured in the Best Tourist Spots around the World.  Kovalam has three beaches:

Light House Beach : The southernmost beach, the Lighthouse Beach is the one most frequented by tourists, Lighthouse Beach got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a rocky promontory here. Its intermittent beams at night render the beach with an unearthly charm

Eve’s Beach, more commonly known as Hawa Beach, ranks second, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights

Samudra Beach: A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part.

Detour past Kovalam junction to land on Samudra Beach which is to the north of Ashoka Beach. One has the option to walk along the sea-wall too.The sight of the waves lashing on the rocks below is awesome. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of metres are ideal for swimming. The beaches have steep palm covered headlands and are lined with shops that offer all kinds of goods and services

Napier Museum & Zoo

The museum houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. It also contains the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which contains works from Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich, as well as examples of Mughal and Tanjore art.

The Museum grounds also hold a Zoological garden, which is one of the oldest in India. This Zoo was established in 1857 and is spread over 55 acres (220,000 m²) of land

Veli Tourist Village

 
Veli Tourist Village is an ideal picnic spot to enjoy your day.  This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Pedalboats and paddleboats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. For a quick ride over the waters, speedboats are available for hire. Children enjoy climbing over the huge sculptures which dot the landscape.  You can walk through the lake side & reach the Beach too.

Shanghumugham Beach

Shanghumugham Beach in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the main beaches in Kerala, situated just 8 km from Trivandrum city. Shankumugham Beach or Shangumukham Beach is situated close to Veli Tourist Village and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The beach is noted for its serene atmosphere, the vast stretch of white sand and its ideal location miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The beach provides an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the beauty of sunset.

A huge 35m long sculpture of a mermaid, known as Matsya Kanyaka or Jalakanyaka is one of the major attractions of Shanghumugham Beach.  Other tourist attractions include an indoor recreation club and the Star Fish Restaurant - a restaurant designed in the shape of a Starfish. Situated near the beach is the Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park – where children can have a first-hand knowledge about traffic rules.

Priyadarshini Planetarium

Opened in 1994 to the public, this is one of the most versatile planetariums in the country. The main GM-11 star field projector here can project almost all the constituents of the visible universe. It can also simulate the star-studded night sky over any location on the earth, on any day up to 12,500 years back or 12,500 years into the future. The Planetarium also arranges special shows for a group of more than 80 people.

Best Dining Points in Trivandrum City

a)  Star Hotels -

• Taj Vivanta - The ultimate dining experience (Vazhuthacaud)
• Muscot Hotel - near Museum
• Residency Towers - Near Statue
• Mourya Rajadhani - Near General Hospital Junction
• SP Grand Days - Aristo Junction
• South Park - Near University College

b)  Pizza Outlets

• Pizza Corner - Spencer Junction
• Dominoz Pizza - Vellayambalam Sasthamangalam Road
• Ambrosia - Bakery Junction

c)  Chicken Lovers

• Hotel Rahmaniya Kethel's Chicken - a small but crowdy hotel inside Chalai Market
• KFC - Vazhuthacaud
• Marrybrown - Aristo Junction

BEST FOOD IN THE TOWN

• Hotel Highland - Near Overbridge, Thampanoor (Karimeen Fry, Chicken 65, Samudra Pulav)
• Zaam Zaam - Near University College (Tandoori, Shawaii, Shawarma etc)
• Zinc & Rock - Bakery Junction (Mughal Biriyani) 
• Azad Hotel - Vazhuthacaud, Statue, Chalai, Eastfort (Mutton)

Buffet at lower price

• Park Rajadhani - Ulloor, Trivandrum (Rs.200 only)
• Azad Hotel - Near Paico, Statue, Trivandrum (Rs.200 only)
• Mourya Rajadhani - Near General Hospital Junction is also a very good option.  Chat items are served here along with Buffet.  (Rs.300 +)
• SP Grand Days (Rs.400+)

Thattudosai

In Bakery Junction, you can find good Thattukada's .  Also in front of Ayurveda College, there is a good Thattukadai.  These shops will be open from 6.30 pm to 11 pm.

Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Outlets are available at General Hospital Junction, & at Pattom Junction. 

Arya Nivas (Opposite Kairali - Sree Theatre) is a very good option, if you are going for Vegetarian dishes