Trivendrum Travel Guide
Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivandrum) the capital of Kerala. Located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shorline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.

Area - 2192 sq.km
Population - 2,938,583 (1991 census)

Access :
Air - thiruvananthapuram international airport 6 kms from the city. Rail - there are direct trains to all the main towns in kerala as well as the major cities in india.
Road - well connected to all towns & cities

Places to visit :
Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of sculpture and architecture. The temple pond and the traditional Kerala style buildings surrounding the temple are the other interesting attractions.

Shree Chitra Art Gallery
This art gallery display select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali. ( Open 1000- 1700 hrs daily except on Mondays and Wednesday forenoons. )

The Zoological Park
One of the first Zoos in India, it is located in a well-planned botanical garden. With huge trees like frangipani and jacaranda dotting the sprawling lawns and wild fowl swimming in the lake, it is like a small jungle in the heart of the city. It houses some of the rare wildlife. (Open 1000 - 1700 hrs - closed on Mondays)

Napier Museum
The Indo-Saracenic structure dating back to the 19 century boasts of a "natural " air conditioning system, houses a rare collection of archaeological and historical artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. (Open 1000-1700 hrs daily except on Mondays and Wednesday forenoons.)

Shanghumukham Beach
Adjacent to Trivandrum airport this beach is a favorite haunt of sunset watchers. Daytime you can see fishermen trying to pull out long fishing nets from the sea. The other attraction of this area is the 35-m long sculpture of mermaid and a restaurant shaped like a starfish.

Veli Tourist Village
This is the point where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea. Speedboats and Pedal boats are available here to explore the charm of the lagoon in leisurely manner. ( Open 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. )

Excursions :
Thiruvallam - 10 kms away this serene backwater stretch enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its Canoe Rides.

Aruvikkara Dam - 16 kms away this picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.

Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) - The land's end of india or the point where the three seas meet, is the enchanting kanniyakumari. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. Part of the fascination is, of course, the fact that it is the very tip of the indian peninsula and the confluence of the bay of bengal, the arabian sea and the indian ocean.

Places of interest at Kanyakumari :
Tiruvalluvar statue
Gandhi memorial
Guganathaswamy Temple
Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Padmanabhapuram Swami Temple which is enroute Trivandrum & Kanniyakumari.

Other excursions :
Vizhinjam rock cut cave
Koyikkal palace nejumangad
Neyyar dam.