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Destinations


Kerala: Trivandrum

Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, is the capital of Kerala and is a sea-side city built on seven hills. It was the capital of the erstwhile Travancore state under the reign of Raja Marthanda Varma and has retained its magical ambience. The city is at its best during the festivals held in the Padmanabhaswamy temple in the month of March-April and also in Sept-Oct.

Local attractions

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
This renowned temple is in the heart of the city. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Built in the Dravidian style with a magnificent seven-tiered tower, it is an eye-catching landmark of the city.

More about Kerala
• Overview
• Kovalam
• Cochin
• Thekkady/Periyar

Travelogues
• Cochin
• Kerala Boat Race
Napier Museum
Houses an attractive range of exhibits including ancient musical instruments, bronzes, stone sculptures, ivory carvings etc. A model of the typical Nair joint family dwelling can also be seen here. (Nair is a caste in Kerala)

Sri Chitra Art Gallery
This is attached to the museum. Contains paintings of Ravi Verma, a royal scion of Kerala. There are also several paintings of the Roerichs.

Zoological Gardens
It is acclaimed as one of the best zoos in the country. It has an interesting collection of reptiles. Open from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday is the weekly holiday.

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Veli
Noted for its scenic beauty and quiet atmosphere, this is a lake situated at a distance of 3 kms from the airport. There is also provision for boating here.

How to get to Trivandrum:
Indian Airlines has a net work of flights to and from Trivandrum connecting all the major metropolitan cities of India. Air-India also operates Gulf flights to and from Trivandrum. One can travel to Male, Colombo and Lakshadweep Islands on Indian Airlines flights.

Trivandrum is linked by rail to places within Kerala as also Madras, Bangalore, New Delhi, Bombay, Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Mangalore.

By road, long distance buses run between Trivandrum and Madras, Mysore, Mangalore, Nagercoil, Bangalore etc. Video coaches run between these cities but equip yourself with a pair of ear-clogs.

Trivandrum is at a distance of 790 kms from Madras and Kanyakumari is only 87 kms away.

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Places in the vicinity

Aruvikara
This picnic spot on the shores of an artificial lake is at a distance of 16 kms from Trivandrum. There is is a small temple on the banks of the Karmana river, which is the source of this lake.

Neyyar Dam
Yet another picnic spot 30 kms from Trivandrum. Boating facility available. The nearby Kallipara hills offer trekking opportunities.

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Ponmudi
Ponmudi which is 61 kms north-east of Trivandrum is a small hill station situated at an altitude of 912 metres (3000 feet). It is a health and holiday resort.

Ponmudi is set amidst tea and rubber plantations.

Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram is at a distance of 55 kms, south of Trivandrum but is now a part of Tamil Nadu. The palace set amidst a wildly beautiful locale has a distinctly Keralite style of architecture. This was the seat of the erstwhile Travancore Maharajahs and contains many old relics of historic and artistic value including some murals. The aesthetic and traditional architecture using wood and black polished floors is noteworthy. The Council Chamber, the Mother Palace, the Dance Hall and the corridors are fascinating.

Varkala Varkala
A pilgrimage centre dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is also a sea-side resort with mineral water springs on the beach.

Varkala is at a distance of 51 kms from Trivandrum and is only 19 kms away from Quilon on the Trivandrum-Quilon route.





How to get to Trivandrum

Indian Airlines has a net work of flights to and from Trivandrum connecting all the major metropolitan cities of India. Air-India also operates Gulf flights to and from Trivandrum. One can travel to Male, Colombo and Lakshadweep Islands on Indian Airlines flights.

Trivandrum is linked by rail to places within Kerala as also Madras, Bangalore, New Delhi, Bombay, Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Mangalore.

By road, long distance buses run between Trivandrum and Madras, Mysore, Mangalore, Nagercoil, Bangalore etc. Video coaches run between these cities but equip yourself with a pair of ear-clogs.

Trivandrum is at a distance of 790 kms from Madras and Kanyakumari is only 87 kms away.

Information: Courtesy Government of India   


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Editor: Romola Butalia       (c) India Travelogue. All rights reserved.