Trivandrum - Tourist Places

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.It is 60 Kms North East of Trivandrum.The mountain is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, as it is believed to be the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara as well as of the sage Agastya, a disciple of Shiva.

The forests of Agasthyakoodam are 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 intention was to restore the degraded forests and to use it for educational purpose. The season from December to April is advocated for trekking and is a distance of 28 kms to the top. It takes approximately two days and trekking is permitted only between December and April.

For trekking Permits contact the office of the Wildlife Warden, Trivandrum at + 91 - 471 - 2368607

Neyyar Dam

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 animals are wild elephants and sambar deer. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.
 

 

Kanakakunnu Palace

It is situated 800meter NE of the Napier museum. It is where the Travancore royal family once entertained their guests is on top of a hill. Now it belongs to the Government. Today the palace and it's 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. For More Information Contact : 91- 471- 2314615

 

 

Ponmudi

Ponmudi is the nearest hill station to Thiruvananthapuram (65km). It is located 915 metres 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 and bird watching. 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.

 

Padmanabhapuram Palace

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 are made from a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand.
It will be closed on Mondays.

 

 

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave

It is about 17kms 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 cell shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshnimurthi.

Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple

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).A flagstaff encased in gold stands in the huge courtyard.It is known for its murals and carvings. In the main courtyard, the Kulashekara mandapam, there is some intricate granite sculpture and nearly 400 pillars are supporting the temple corridors. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple and they have rules of clothing. Even the male Hindus, must enter the temple wearing only white dhoti.

More Information Contact : 91- 471- 2450233 

 

 

CVN Kalari Sangham

This Training Centre for Kalaripayattu was established in 1956 to revive Kerala's martial arts tradition. Each morning, students collect at the gymnasium to perform a series of exercises that will help them develop the necessary combat skills. The centre also has a shrine to the deity of martial arts, Kalari Paradevata, and an Ayurvedic Clinic where students are given oil massages.