Best places visiting in Thiruvananthapuram 

1.SREE PADMANABHA SWAMY TEMPLE

The origins of the Temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy is forgotten in ages. It is impossible to say with any kind of precision that has the least – it is neither the historical documents, nor other sources of the time of when, who, and why the original statue of Sree Padmanabhaswamy was consecrated. The Temple has a mention in Epics and Puranas.

Srimad Bhagavatha mentions that Balarama came to this Temple, took bath in Pad matheertham and performed many pujas. Nammalwar, a 9th century poet, one of the 12 Vaishnavite saints of the Alvar tradition and alone of Lord Padmanabha has composed ten hymns. There are opinions being held by few notable personalities in this field of study like the Tvacheri, Dr. L.A. Ravi Varma who has passed away, he used to opine that this Temple was erected on the day the Kaliyuga dawned which is over 5000 years ago.

The stories of the Temple are passed from generation to generation. One of the legend that is recorded in the old palm leaves of the Temple as well as in the famous grantha titled as ‘Ananthasayana Mahatmya’, says that it was consecrated by a Tulu Brahmin hermit known as Divakara Muni. In the 950th year of Kali Yuga, re-installation of the idol was done. 960th Kali year, king kotha marthandan has built Abhisravana Mandapam.

The chief deity, Vishnu, is seated in the “Anantha Shayanam” posture, that is, in His etarnal yogic sleep on the snake Adisheshan. Sree Padmanabhaswamy is the deity of Worshipro of the Kshatriya royal family of Travancore. The Maharaja of Travancore is the trustee of the temple and is known by his title Maharaja of Travancore, Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma. The name of the city of Thiruvananthapuram in Malayalam, is known as the city of the Lord Ananta, meaning the lord of Padmanabhaswamy temple.

2.MUSEUM AND ZOO IN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

The Thiruvananthapuram Museums & Zoo is the important spot in the cultural and historical scenario of Kerala. Their origins trace back to the combined efforts of Mr. J.A. Brown, former Director of the Thiruvananthapuram Observatory, and General Cullen, a former British Resident. Feeling the necessity of public education and recreation, they appointed in 1855 a Committee, with the Maharaja of Travancore as Patron, General Cullen President, Elaya Raja Vice-President and Mr Arthur Allen Brown Secretary and Director of the Museum.

The museum was formally opened to public in September 1857. But though it had a valuable collection, at first it was small when it first opened. In order to make it more attractive, a zoo and a public park, that is, the Public Gardens were added in 1859. The inclusion of these features turned the complex into a widely used recreational and educational facility.

By 1880, a fresh museum house, constructed via Robert Chisholm, the Architect to the Governor of Madras, was actually built. This beautiful building, a sure mix of fashionable Indian and European concept still gets to be an incredible tourist fascination. The museum has a vast repertoire of artefacts that delve into Korea’s deep rooted history such as ancient sculptures, rare coins, historical relics and intricate artwork that acquaints you to the cultural heritage of Kerala.

3.KOVALAM BEACH

Kovalam is one of the internationally recognized beaches with three adjacent crescent beauty beaches. Coincidentally, it has been a popular destination for tourists since the 1930s. A large rocky headland on the beach has produced a lovely calm water bay wonderful for sea bathing.

The leisure activities at this beach are numerous. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massage, special cultural programs and CATMARA Sailing are some of them. The tropic sun acts so quickly that one can watch the lightest flush of coppery tan appearing on the skin in no time. Life ondots of the beach starts late for the day and keeps going all through the night. The beach complex comprises a row of simple little cottages, ayurvedic health care, venues for convention, shopping area, swimming pool and also an ayurvedic and yao massage centre.

4.VELI TOURIST VILLAGE

The Veli Tourist Village which is situated where the Veli Lake kisses the Arabian Sea, offers certain boating and picnicking experiences. The visitors can rent out pedal boats or paddleboats according to their own will. Alternatively, one can go wandering in the gardens with a picnic or prefer to use the boats for the whole duration of the trip. The view and atmosphere of the place is very different, given that it is just 12 km away from the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. Kids make great fun in climbing the sculptures here and the speed boat ride over flooded waters. Also come as part of the separation Sandy-kids Park and Floating Cafe run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) to make a trip to this unique village.

Timing: Open 09:00 – 18:00 hrs

Entrance Fee: Rs. 5/- (Above 14 years)

5.SANKHUMUGHAM BEACH

Shankumugham Beach is a beach in Thiruvananthapuram district with Kerala, southern India. The big field of white sand and the peaceful ambiance, which is clear from the city crowd, have all the elements for the relaxation and for a perfectly planned evening. There is also “Star Fish Restaurant” with eating stalls and open theatre with car parking spaces. Good food is to be had at the Old Coffee House which is just across the beach and also a good spot to take in the sunset. Sadly the beach is not upkeep and lit with garbage across the whole place.

Shanghumugham beach is called as ‘Arattukadavu’ of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan, the presiding deity of the city. Many Hindus perform ‘Bali Tharpanam’ during specific occasions. Shanghu mugham is the most appropriate place for Ganesh Nimarjan at Vinayaka Chathurthi.