Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala was ruled by Travancore Kings. The city was once a major trade centre which has history dating back to 1000 BC and the ships of Solomon anchored at the port of Ophir (the present Poovar) for Spices, Sandalwood and Ivory.

Thiruvananthapuram is the perfect mix of age-old royalty and modernity. Old palaces temples and a state of the art software park co-exist in this city. The city is famous for its wide roads and planned development. This is a popular tourist destination where you can satisfy the history buff in you. Moreover, the city is a gateway to the internationally famous tourist beach Kovalam.

SRI PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE

The temple is the epic Centre of the Thiruvananthapuram city and a showcasing of the Dravidian architecture. The temple seems to be inspired y the architecture of neighbouring Tamil Nadu Temples. The deity is in the form of 'Anantha-Sayanam or eternal yogic sleep form lying on the serpent Ananthan.

The temple is believed to be constructed in the 1th century. The temple has a monumental ornate tower. This is common in the south Indian Temples following the Dravidian style of architecture.

HORSE PALACE MUSEUM

An epitome of Kerala architecture of royalty the place has 122 horse forms carved on the wooden wall brackets of the museum. Hence the name ‘Mansion of Horses'. In Malayalam the place is known as Kuthira Malika literally translates to 'Mansion of Horses'. The place is also known by the name Puthen Malika. Teak, Rosewood, granite and marble is used for the construction of the palace.

The Palace also houses the relics of the bygone royal era with all its splendour. One of the major attractions is a musical tree which produces 8 sounds if you tap on it. Other relics include Belgian and Italian Mirrors, a giant Belgian Harpoon, Greek statues, crystal chandeliers, life-size Kathakali mannequins etc.

Other attractions are two royal thrones, one an ivory throne and the other one a bohemian crystal. The first one is made of 24 elephant tusks. Idols and sculptures made of white marble is displayed all over in the museum

NAPIER MUSEUM THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

This Indo-Saracenic architectural marvel is completed in 1880. Uniquely styled with gothic roof and minarets this structure is hailed as a landmark in the city. The exhibits displayed in this museum are rare and unique. It includes a temple chariot and ivory carvings. Traditional ornaments and idols made of bronze are displayed. The museum is the house for Sree Chitra Art Gallery exhibiting the works of the famous Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich and also housed Mughal and Tanjore art.

PONMUDI

Just a 3-hour drive from the city Ponmudi is a tourist hot spot. Ponmudi is the tail end of Western Ghats and is parallel to the Arabian Sea. A drive through the long winding roads you can experience nature in all its beauty. The entire region resembles a beautiful painting with valleys and hills merging into forestland and plantations. Famous for its biodiversity, Ponmudi is home to some 283 spices of birds most of them rare like Broad-tailed grassbird, Wayanad laughing thrush, Malabar Grey Hornbill. Many rare spices of amphibians and reptiles make this their home. Leopards, Elephants, lion-tailed macaques, Kallar is a beautiful river flowing through the valley. The river is famous for the round pebbles and crystal clear water. One can take a refreshing dip in the clear waters. Meenmutty Falls is located near the Ponmudi hills which attracts tourists with small natural pools and rocks by the side.

PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE

The place is a depiction of traditional Kerala Architecture at its very best. The palace is at the foot of Veli hills Thiruvananthapuram and river Veli flows nearby. The palace in its current form is built by King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma in 1750. The palace complex is divided into Mantasala, Thai Kottaram, Natakasala, A four-storied mansion in the centre of the complex, Tekken Kottaram.

The king's palace has windows of coloured mica which makes the inside cool and cosy. Intricate latticework adorns all over this council chamber. The floor is dark and finish is top notch.

The Thai Kottaram (Queen Mother's room) is the oldest and in traditional Kerala style. Styled as a 'Nalu Kettu' the place is famous for detailed floral designs carved in the pillars. The Natakasala was used for performances n music and dance. The central mansion has four stories. This was the king’s chamber. There are 18th-century murals. The southern palace is as old as Thai Kottaram. Currently, it is converted to t a heritage museum, exhibiting antiques and curious.

KANYAKUMARI

Ever watched sunset and moon rise simultaneously. Come to Kanyakumari and you can watch this spectacular sight on full moon evenings. This is India's lands’ end and two major seas, Arabian and Bay of Bengal merge here.

One of the major tourist spots in India the picture-perfect town is a potpourri of many culture and religions. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kumari, gigantic memorials of Swami Vivekananda and Tiruvalluvar and the magnificent 100-year-old Our Lady of Ransom church co-exist here in perfect harmony. Due to its religious importance, Kanyakumari is famous for Pilgrimage Tourism also.

POOVAR

Poovar is a coastal village with a spectacular beach in Thiruvananthapuram. Kings Solomon's ships are believed to anchor here for the trade of spices, ivory and sandalwood. The Neyyar River runs nearby and merges with the sea here.