Located at 54 kms from Thiruvananthapuram across the border
in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district, the palace nestles at the foot of the
Veli hills. Built during the 14th cenury it was called Darpakulangara, but later
in the 18th century it was renovated and renamed as the Padmanabhapuram palace.
A place of elaborate woodwork, it was the ancient seat of the Travancore rulers
Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma till the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram
in 1780. It contains relics of historical and artistic value.
This palace is the home of the late Maharaja Sree Chitra
Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family. The view of the grand old building from
the gate is excellent, but unforunately it is off limits to the public. If you are
lucky, you could probably walk a few steps inside to get a better view provided
the gate keeper is friendly enough.
Located 36 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, the historic remains
of the fort built by the British East India Company in the 17th century and an adjoining
cemetery are the noteworthy relics of this first major British trading station on
the Malabar Coast. This colossal monument was once the trading station of the mighty
British. The monument built in the 1800s stands as an excellent example of sturdy
and lasting forts constructed in the English style.
Classified as a double storeyed ‘nalukettu’, Koyikkal Palace
was the official residence of the of the rulers of the erstwhile State of Travancore.
This ancient palace, located 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram on the way to Ponmudi
hillstation and the Kuttalam waterfalls, dates back to the 15th century. In1979
this Palace was declared as a protected monument and further in 1990 after carrying
out restoration work, it was converted into a Folklore Museum and Numismatic Museum.
The museum contains a fine collection of Kerala's bronzes,
ornaments and contumes, and a model of "Tharawad'-the traditional Nair
family home.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, a classic specimen of Kerala
Architecture is situated in 'Kuthiramalika'. The palace, with its excellent
carvings and amazing architectural designs, is by itself a slice of heritage. The
museum has a wide range of exhibits representing the erstwhile state of Travancore.
The Science and Technology Museum, situated in Thiruvananthapuram
was established with the prime objective of setting up of galleries with working,
animated or participatory type of exhibits, on all disciplines of Science and Technology.
The seemingly placid sheet of water that backed away from
the visibility reverberant sea offers a general idea of the famous backwaters of
Kerala. Located near the airport this popular picnic spot offers landscaped gardens
and water-sports facilities.Pedal boats, rowboats, and motored boats are available.Children
in particular have a lot of fun and frolic climbing over the huge sculptures, which
dot the landscape, and riding a ferry.
Located 8 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city, the Shankhumugham
Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram
Airport and Veli Tourist 'Matsya Kanyaka', a gigantic 35 m long sculpture
of a mermaid and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are the major attractions here.
Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu
centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from
the coastline. The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are
the two main attractions here. High cliffs border the excellent beach. Located 55
kms north of Trivandrum with unusual land formations, Varkala beach does has not
many visitors. Cliffs, 3 kilometers of shining white sands, the red soil of the
hilltop and coconut trees makes it unique. The beach named as Papanasam- an auspicious
place, for Hindus to worship their ancestors.
