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Thiruvananthapuram
city is considered as one of the loveliest cities in India. Built on seven
low coastal hills, the city has an interesting mixture of tree-lined avenues.
Massive buildings, ancestral homes and a long sea coast washed by the waves
of the Arabian Sea. Clean, green Thiruvananthapuram, with its spacious
layout and regulated life, is also an excellent base to explore the interiors
of Kerala. |
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| Places to visit... | |
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Sri
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The
temple, located near the bus stand at East Fort, is the city's most impressive
landmark. Its 7 stored gopuram built in the 16th Century is one of the
finest specimens of traditional South Indian temple architecture which
reflects the Kerala influence. The temple corridors are lined with 368
sculpted stone pillars. Beautiful murals and ornamentation adorn the walls.
Temple was renovated by the Maharaja of Thiruvithamcur in 1733.
Only Hindus can enter the temple, wearing dhoti in a certain style. |
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Sankumughom
Beach
This palm-fringed
beach near the airport, with its indoor recreation club and children's
traffic training park is fine for an outing-though not for |
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Kovalam
A beautiful,
curving, palm-fringed beach of golden sands and safe bathing have made
India's major beach resort. It is an internationally known holiday destination.
This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surges - ideal
for swimming, surfing and skiing. The more adventurous can ride out into
the sea on a catamaran. Besides the ITDC's luxury hotel
complex, several other hotels and guest houses have sprung up on the hillsides
overlooking the beach, taking advantage of the Kovalam boom. Among the
many other attractions here are water sports, a theatre that stages
traditional Kathakali dance dramas, a yoga centre and facilities
for traditional oil bathing and massages according to the ancient Kerala
Ayurvedic system. |
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Vizhinjam
An
important fishing port near Kovalam beach. Here, one can see fishing boats
return with their catch in the mornings |
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Akkulam
Boat Club
The lake
here, with its boating facilities, is a popular retreat for the city dwellers.
A Children's park and Snack bar are the other attractions here. |
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The
Fort
Palaces and homes of the
former rulers of Travancore (Thiruvithamcur) can be found inside the Fort.
These are masterpieces of Kerala architecture and they exhibit the results
of outstanding workmanship in wood. .The Kanakakunnu
Palace in particular, is a spectacular piece of architecture. |
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Botanical
and Zoological Gardens
The Thiruvananthapuram
Zoo, supposed to be one of the best in the country, actually forms a part
of the Botanical Gardens. The sprawling Botanical garden contains many
exotic trees and an excellent lake which forms a part of the Zoo. Established
in 1859 AD, the Zoo contains a large collection of animals from India and
abroad. Set amidst shady trees and a forest-like landscape, the animals
are provided with a natural habitat - the best that captivity can give.
An aviary and reptile house are the added attractions here. The aquarium
nearby, on the beach, presents an attractive selection of fish and other
marine creatures and plants.
Timing : 8.00 am to 6 pm . Closed on Mondays. |
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Chithira
Art Gallery
Situated
within the museum compound, the gallery has one of the best collections
of the work of Raja Ravi Varma, a great force in Indian Art. Notable among
the collection are several Roe rich landscapes, copies of Rajput and Mughal
paintings, works from the Tanjore school of Art and copies of paintings
from the Ajanta caves. The gallery also has a fine collection of miniature
paintings from China, Japan, Tibet nad Bali.
Timing : 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. Closed on Mondays and Wednesday mornings . |
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Veli
Tourist Village
Situated
near the Thiruvananthapuram airport, Veli with it's beautiful gardens,
exquisite sculptures and floating bridge, is a popular recreational centre.
There is an exchanting lagoon for swimming. Facilities for boating and
other water-sport activities are also provided. |
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Ponmudi
Situated
at an attitude of 610 m above sea level, ponmudi id a beautiful hill station
known for its pleasant climate, tea plantations and enchanting scenery.
The deep forest trails are ideal for hiking and trekking. |
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Neyyar
Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary
The picturesque
location of the dam and the lake has made Neyyar a popular picnic spot.
The enchanting Agastyagoodam mountains in this area provide an opportunity
for hiking, trekking and mountaineering. Other places of interest around
the dam are the Crocodile Farm and
the Lion Safari Park. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary established
in 1958, this sanctuary covers an area of 128 sq. km., including the Neyyar
reservoir. The sanctuary has a wide variety of vegetation and landscape,
ranging from tropical wet evergreen forest to grasslands. The best way
to explore the sanctuary is by boat |