Trivandrum is also known as Thiruvananthapuram and is the capital of the coastal state of Kerala. Sprawling over an area of 250 square kilometres on scenic low-lying coastal hills, the city is bound by the Arabian Sea on the western side and home to numerous pristine beaches. Interestingly, the city was also the capital of the Kingdom of Travancore and the tradition carries on till today.
It is also renowned as an intellectual and artistic centre and is home to numerous premier educational institutions and well-known as an educational centre. Trivandrum is fast developing into a cosmopolitan centre too with the advent of its IT hub, the Technopark, where people from all over the country come to work and live. And along with its beautiful beaches, scenic backwaters and historical monuments denoting its rich cultural heritage, Trivandrum is well-placed on the tourist maps too.
The palm-fringed shallow Kovalam beach here is a captivating magnet for tourists with its stunning views, ayurvedic spas and water sports facilities. Shangumugham beach is another haven of peace from the fast-pace of city life and is a popular evening getaway for residents and tourists alike. The presence of children’s parks, exhibitions, huge sculptures and a lawn to while away the time is some of the ways to enjoy your evenings here. The nearby Varkala beach is uniquely located under huge cliffs and is renowned for its pristine sparkling clean beaches and stunning sunsets. The Veli Tourist Village is located where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea and is a scenic destination with its sculpture and botanical gardens, boating, beach-fun and a floating restaurant, a must-see for all age groups.
Padmanabhaswamy temple is located in the heart of the city and shouldn’t be missed either. This ancient temple has a wealth running into billions of dollars and is famous for its architectural splendour, artistic murals and granite carvings. The close-by Kuthrimalika Palace is also well-known for its magnificent architecture and wooden carvings along with its priceless collection of ancient artefacts. The Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery house an enchanting collection of priceless paintings, bronze, wooden and ivory carvings as well as items used by the royalty. Along with the attached zoological and botanical garden, it’s a remarkable landmark in Trivandrum.
Some other places to see include the majestic Agasthyakoodam hills, Ponmoodi hills, Poovar, the Vizhinjam rock-cut cave temple and the Neyyar dam with its Wildlife Sanctuary.
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