Kovalam Beach
The biggest of all tourist attractions in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) is the beach of Kovalam. The beach is situated only 16 km away from the city of Trivandrum. Soft white sands, emerald sea and swaying palms of the beach make for an idyllic destination for those who love sun, sand and surf.
The Kovalam Beach has a long stretch of black sand. The light house beach, Hawah Beach and the Samudra beach are three parts of the famous Kovalam beach. The beach is flooded by the visitors in the months between September and May.
Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Located in the East Fort, Padmanabha Swamy Temple is one of the most popular Vishnu Temples in South India. The place holds the prestige of being counted among 108 holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu in the works of Tamil saints. The salagramams that are used to make the statue of Lord Vishnu were imported from Nepal amidst much pomp and show. The presiding deity of the temple Lord Vishnu is reclining on a large serpent that is ‘Anantha’. Stone carvings and murals adorn the temple.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
Built in Puthen Malika Palace, Kuthiramalika Palace is one of the fine examples of architecture of Kerala. The museum hosts a rare collection of mannequins, paintings, mirrors, chandeliers, furniture and other items. The royal thrones in ivory and Bohemian Crystal makes for few of the most attractive pieces of art in the museum. One can also view the Gopuram of renowned Padmanabha swamy temple from here.
Napier Museum
Named after a governor (Lord Francis Napier) of British India, Napier Museum has a marvelling natural system to air condition bearing the testimony to the technological progress of that period. The museum also houses one of the oldest zoological gardens in the world.
Priyadarshini Planetarium
This planetarium is amusing the visitors with its special shows on universe ever since 1994. The planetarium offers a view of night sky at any given time and of any desired place in past and in future within a time span of 12500 years. With a seating capacity of 184 people, the museum is an equal favourite of children, adults and scholars of cosmology.
Veli Tourist Village
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. Veli Tourist Village also has a children’s park and a Floating Cafe by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).
Parasurama Temple
Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple is dedicated to Sage Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have created the state of Kerala. This 2000-year-old granite temple on the banks of the River Karamana, is the only one in Kerala dedicated to Parasurama and is a venue for paying respects to one’s ancestors. The temple is located 6 kms south of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram).
