Trivandrum:The city in Kerala where history sleeps

Submitted by prasanna prabhu on Sat, 2006-12-02 23:54. Tourist_places
Trivandrum, is the capital of the state of Kerala is an ancient city dates back to 1000 BC. The area spreads to a total of 2,192sq.km. Home to antiquity the city is beautiful with a mixture of magnificent ancient building and modern architecture.

The political revolution has turned it to a modern city. Though having good communication and infrastructural facilities the city lags behind in Industrial development.

The traditional handicraft industry is flourishing since time immemorial specially Ivory carving. Other important handicraft industries include coconut shell products, wood carving, and furniture manufacturing. Apart from being the political nerve centre of Kerala, it is also a major academic hub in the state and is home to several educational institutions including the Kerala University, and to many science and technology institutions, the most prominent being the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The city also has the first Information technology park of its kind and first Biotechnology Centre, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) of its kind in India. Situated near Kazhakuttom, Technopark is home to many of the leading information technology companies. The park has around 110 companies employing over 12,500 professionals. With the expansion plans to be completed in 2007–08, this figure is to rise to about 30,000The best season to visit Thiruvananthapuram is during September to May. Thiruvananthapuram is famous for its beaches which attracts more beach lovers to India. The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which is the most recognisable temple of the city, is 2000 years old. Kalarippayattu, the oldest of all martial art through which it is believed that other martial arts has emereged belongs to Kerala and Trivandrum being the hub of Kalarippayattu trains a lot of students including foreigners every year. Trivandrum also has the fame of having first Ayurveda College in India and it was founded in Thiruvananthapuram 150 years ago.

Thiruvananthapuram Zoo : Spread over 55 acres of land in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram the Zoo, one of the oldest and the best in the country, actually forms part of the Botanical Gardens. More than 75 different species of animals from India and abroad are kept in this zoo with their natural habitat. Some of the rarest species like the Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger and the Indian Rhino forms the most attractive species of the zoo. Other animals like Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, also forms the prominent attractions of the zoo. A snake park and a reptile park with both poisonous and non-poisonous snakes and other reptiles are also kept here. There is also a Botanical Garden, within the premises, where variety of tropical plants and trees are grown.

Kovalam: Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees spreads all along the beaches. Located On the Malabar coast line this is a small village, which is discovered to have fabulous beaches all around the village. Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Here one can enjoy aquatics sports , swimming or sunbathing and can also explore to the handicrafts, jewellery and cloth shops spread along the waterfront. Seafood lovers can enjoy a delightful seafood fare including lobsters, crabs and other different sea species in a spicy Malabar food taste at the beachside restaurants. The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts. The southern most beach, is popular as it is the Lighthouse Beach and further south on the beach one can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque. Photography is prohibited here.The middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning this beach acts as a base for the local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra. In the evening the atmosphere gets enthusiastic by the classical dance of Kerala (i.e) Kathakali. There are many places to stay, from cheap concrete boxes to good resorts, and a large number of restaurants catering to standard travellers' menus. The ITDC-run Ashoka and the Kerala tourism department's 'Samudra' at the Kovalam beach provide five-star accommodation. Other hotels are also available to suit every pocket. Kovalam is developing not only as a beach resort but is fast developing as a Yoga and health center. One can have Ayurvedic massages and oil baths or learn the intricacies and dynamics of Yoga and meditation taught by experts. Kovalam can be reached by direct and regular bus services from Thiruvananthapuram. Buses also link the place from Ernakulam, Kanyakumari and Periyar wildlife sanctuary.

Shanmugham Beach: Located just 8 km fromTrivandrum, this is a favourite haunt of sunset lovers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village The beach is also well known for its white sand. An indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here. Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park here provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules.

Padmanabhapuram Palace: This majestic old palace is 63kms from Thiruvananthapuram. It is situated at Thucklai, on the way to Kanyakumari. This palace was once the capital of the State of Travancore. Reputed to be the largest wooden palace in India, the palace is a wonderful piece of Travancore architecture. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is today administered by the Kerala government's Department of Archaeogy even though it is located in Tamil Nadu. The palace is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved ceiling, colored mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, durbal hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Belgian mirror, pictures of Lord Krishna, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors which are made from a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand. A unique cot made of 64 types of medicinal woods in the king’s private chamber is a wonder to see. The Pooja room made of a jacktree carved, musical bows, the large earthern urns, the sculptured horse and rider brass lamp, the ornate Chinese throne, Belgian mirrors and other heritage items occupy 108 rooms of the Palace

Napier Museum: The 150 years old museum was established by Maharaja of Travancore in 1855. Only few museums in India, like, Indian Museum Kolkata, Madras Government Museum Chennai, are contemporary to Napier Museum. In 1874, a new building was constructed and was named after Lord Napier who was the British Governor of Madras, then. Mr. Chisoln, the consulting Architect of the Madras Government who designed the master piece completed the construction in 1880. This 120 year old structure is a landmark in the city with its unique ornamentation and architectural style with gothic roof and minarets.The museum has a vast collection of artistic, cultural and antique importance, which comprises sculptures in bronze and stone, carvings of wood and ivory, lamps, textiles, Kathakali models, handicraft items, Kuftgiri works, traditional musical instruments, a treasure of numismatic collections representing Chera, Chola, Pandya dynasties of Southern India. The bronze display include fascinating images of Siva, Vishnu, Parvathi and Lakshmi in 'Silpa Sastras'. The metal images illustrate the features of South Indian sculpture style of 8th to 18th Century. The Vishnu image of 8th Century collected from Ambalapuzha temple in central Travancore which has Pallava style is the oldest metal image in the State. The stone sculptures belong to 8th to 18th century. All the wood carvings exhibited here shows high degree of excellence.

Sree Chithira Art Gallery: It is located at Nedumangad, 20 km away from Thiruvananthapuram city inside the Napier Museum grounds. This is a smaller, traditional building It has a good collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Roerich, copies of the Rajput, Mughals and Tanjavur schools of art and paintings; and of Ajantha and Bagh caves. It includes a collection of eastern paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali. A number of portraits of maharajahs and their families, British residents and distinguished individuals are preserved here by which one can gets a glimpse of a of history of Kerala.

Folklore and Numismatics Museum at Nedumangad.: The museum is housed in the 17th century Koyikkal Palace which is build in Kerala’s traditional four-sided structure with inner courtyard This Palace was originally belonged to Venad royal family. The museum has two wings – one for Folklore and the other for Numismatics. The Folklore wing exhibits antique musical instruments and representative household utensils reflecting art, culture and lifestyle of ancient Kerala. A anklet, chandravalayam (a percussion instrument) and dress material made of tree barksare are some of the rarest items displayed.The Numismatics wing displays largest coin collections in India. It includes coins of different ages from across the world, apart from various dynasties and specifics to Kerala. Amaida, a venetian coin believed to have been presented to Jesus Christ, a specimen of 2500-year old Karsha and world’s most tiny coin, rasi, are also in the proud possession of the Numismatic wing of the museum.The museum will exhibit gold coins, which by itself will prove to be one of its kind in south India. The gold coins in possession of the Department are now being kept in various treasuries. This will be brought under the same roof to enable public viewing, A museum of this kind requires the most stringent of security measures possible security alarms, bulletproof shelves and the ultra-modern scanning facilities

Veli Tourist Village: Veli a beautiful picnic spot is just 9 km from the city. The Lake provides boating facility. Pedal and Paddle boats are available on hire, row boating, swimming on the placid waters of the veli lake. Besides water sports, a 18 acres waterfront park with floating bridge connects the village to the Shankhumukham beach and also there is a children's park around the floating bridge. The village is now open from 10 am to 8 pm.

Aruvikkara: Aruvikkara is located 16 km away from Thiruvananthapuram city on the banks of Karamana River with a waterfall nearby. This is also an important pilgrim center which houses a temple, with a rock cut shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga, the divine embodiment of female power. The Aruvikkara Dam which supplies water to the state capital is located here.

Ponmudi: Ponmudi is a hill station situated 61 Km north east of Trivandrum at a hieght of 2000ft. It lies within the Golden Valley close to the Tamil Nadu State border, and is surrounded by the undulating Cardomom Hills. A wild life sanctuary was established in 1983 just 6 miles south of Ponmudi, at Peppara,covering 20 SqMiles.

Vizhinjam: Vizhinjan is located 17 km south of Thiruvananthapuram city and 2 km south of Kovalam. Vizhinjam’s land mark is a cave temple and a fishing harbour. There is a single celled shrine inside with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dhakshinamoorthi. A semi-complete carvings of the images of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi are there outsde the cave. The Marine Aquarium is vast and is relevant to us as we have a long coast line. The Vizhinjam Research centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute is doing yeoman service to make marine science useful to mankind. This acquarium is not only a treasure of marine wealth but has helped to create awareness among the public about the importance of preserving marine life. Colourful and attractive fishes like Squirrel fish, clown fish of Nemo fame finding, moon wrasse, lion fish, butterfly fish, giant turtles, trigger fish and aggressive fishes like surgeon fish, deadly piranhas and sharks are kept in the acquarium . These treasures in a miniature form are captured losing their natural habitat at the aquarium. This aquarium mainly for marine ornamental fishes was opened to public in 1996 and since then has been a favourite haunt of thousands of visitors especially children and foreignersThe Acquarium has perfected image pearl production technique. A mould made of shell cement is implanted into the pearl oyster. Within 2/3 months, the moul-shape pearl is ready. The pearl images of Virgin Mary, Christ, Hindu Gods and Goddesses and other images put on display.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: Located 50kms north east of Thiruvananthapuram city, the sanctuary occupies an area of 53 sq.kms out of which the area of the reservoir is 5.82 sq.kms Considering the ecological significance of the area, it was declared as sanctuary during 1983.. Peppara National Park is the natural habitat of tiger, panther, wild dog, elephant, gaur, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur, sambhar, lion tailed macaque, barking deer, wild boar, Malabar squirrel etc. Birdlife of the sanctuary is also prolific. The bird species include the water birds like darter, little cormorant, pied king fisher and egrets. A wide variety of species of snakes including the king cobra and python are also found in this reserve. The Peppara National Park is also well known for its extensive variety of moth and butterflies. In addition to the wildlife, 13 tribal settlements are also found in the Peppara National Park. An ideal for trekking for trekking

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary: The Neyyar sanctuary is spread over the Southeast corner of the Western Ghats, and covers a total area of 128 sq kms . The vegetation varies from tropical wet evergreen to grasslands. The sanctuary is treasured with pigmy elephants. The second place in the world where pigmy elephants eixist. :. Though dwarf, the pigmy elephant lot has all the characteristics of normal big elephants. So, the pigmy and baby elephants of normal varietry can easily be distinguished. A Crocodile Rearing Centre, Deer Farm and Lion Safari Park are the main attractions near the dam site. Other animals seen in the sanctuary. Are Elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, jungle cat, wild boar, Nilgiri langur etc. are seen.

Varkala: Vrkala is a small town located 32 km north of Thiruvananthapuram. Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where one can find cliffs just adjacent to the Arabian sea. These laterite cliffs are a unique geological feature in Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as Varkala Formation. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of the cliffs. Varkala is also famous for its 2,000 year old Janardanaswamy temple, The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach is considered to have holy waters which wash away sins, and is also an important Ayurveda treatment centre. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties. Another major landmark in Varkala is the Sivagiri Mutt, which is on a 200-acre land. established by the great social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. . The samathi of the guru is located on the top of a hillock.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple : The temple is located very near to the Trivnandrum Railway station. This is an important and ancient Vishnu temple, believed to have been rebuilt by Marthanda Varma in 1733 AD. The temple is on an elevated part of the city, and its eastern tower (built in 1566) is seven-storeys high (30m). The temple is a blend of local Keralan style and Dravidian architectureThe Dravidian style 30-metre Gopuram (tower) is built with 365 pillars, equaling a year’s days, into the inner corridor. The deity, the Vishnu, is the family deity of the southern Kerala’s early kings. The majestic 18-feet-long idol of the principal deity at the temple is found to have been covered in gold and invaluable precious stones. Outside the inner sanctum there is a hall with 1000 pillars. The main Deity in this temple is Lord Padmanabha, who reclines on Ananta, the thousand-headed serpent. He is 5.5m (18 ft) long, and is one of the largest Vishnu Deities in India. He was originally formed from an iluppa tree, but was later replaced with 12,000 shalagram-shilas, carried on elephant back from the River Gandaki in Nepal. Devotees view him through three large doors, one revealing his feet, another his midsection and the third his chest and head. It took seven months for 4,000 stonecutters, 8,000 workers, and a hundred elephants to build the Sreebalipura, the rectangular corridor surrounding the temple. The processional Deity of Lord Vishnu is taken at 4 pm on his daily procession around the temple grounds. There are several other deities in the temple including Sita, Rama, Hanuman, Krishna, and Yoga Narasimha. Padma Teertham, is a pond located just outside the main eastern entrance of the temple. Here only Hindus are allowed in the temple, but converted Hindus may also be permitted. Men must wear a dhoti and remove their shirts; women must wear saris. There are two main annual temple festivals, one in the month of March and April and the other in the month of Oct and Nov. During the Arat Festival, the last day of the Utsavam festival, the Deity is brought around the temple and then carried in grand procession to Shangumugham Beach to bath. The procession is led by the Maharaja of Travancore and his five, gold-clothed elephants. The Maharaja, who walks the entire way, wears a simple white dhoti and goes bare-chested. Before the procession begins, there is a twenty-one-gun salute.

Puthen Malika Palace: The Puthen Malika Palace is also known as the Kuthira Malika Palace. It is located outside Padmanabhaswamy temple. This palace was built during the time of H.H Maharaja Swathi Thirunal the king of Travancore who was also a great poet and musician. The museum received the name “Horse Palace” because it contains 122 wooden pillars carved in the shape of galloping horses. The museum contains the collection of weapons, paintings of the Rajas and Ranis of Travancore, a solid crystal throne, full-sized Kathakali figures, and items from Italy, China, and other places belonging to the Maharajas. It also has excellent murals. Classical music is performed in memory of Prince Swati Tirunal’s during the Musical Festival in the month of Feb and Mar.
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