Situated at the edge of the Padma Theertha Pond, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple has two main attractions; the Gopuram which is a multi-tiered, 100-meter (30-feet) tall structure, and the Garbagriha, where the idol of Lord Vishnu is placed. The temple and its premises gained prominence during the reign of the Travancore dynasty and a fort was built around it with the temple at its center. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most popular landmarks of the city, where you will see people gather to offer their prayers. It is definite must visit for those who wish to witness the religious and cultural scene of the city.
Natesan’s Antiqarts is a prominent art gallery in Kovalam which showcases a variety of hand made showpieces. Designed and perfected by a set of skilled craftsmen, Natesan’s Antiqarts has galleries and shops spread all over India. Besides the fine paintings, this gallery is known for housing a wide range of beautiful sculptures and statues. If you are an art connoisseur, Natesan’s Antiqarts is a pure heaven where you can buy the charming artifacts and enrich your collection. Located very close to Kovalam Beaches, this place is definitely worth a visit for all art aficionados.
Built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, the Puthen Malika Palace Museum or Kuthira Malika Palace Museum is one of the most beautiful sights in the city. It will give you a glimpse of Kerala's past which is a symbol of honor and glory. The museum holds exquisite items and artifacts that once belonged to the Travancore royal family. The architectural valor of the palace, reflecting the Travancore style architecture, will take your breath away. Located in one of the most historic parts of the city with Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to its west, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum is a must-visit!
The Lighthouse Beach beach is rightly named after the Kovalam Lighthouse which overlooks its ivory white sands and turquoise waters of the Lakshadweep Sea. Lined with palm trees and always breezy, the Lighthouse Beach comes recommended during summers and monsoons alike. If you are here when the sun is shining brightly, head out into the deep blue and frolic in the waves. Rains are best enjoyed at the coast at one of the many shacks serving piping hot seafood. A number of water sports are carried out at the beach, of which paragliding comes most recommended if you wish to soak in an amazing view of the beach town. Those here with someone special, they can skip the day time and head out to the Lighthouse Beach to see the sun go down.
Named after the former Madras governor Lord Napier, this museum is a 19th-Century marvel with an Indo- Saracenic style that was constructed under the supervision of the architect, Chisholm. Built during the reign of the Travancore dynasty, Napier Museum displays fine art works and rare archaeological artifacts that include ancient ivory carvings. Other exhibits include stone carvings, antique jewelry, and ornaments. Also within the same museum compound is an art gallery and a zoo, which are worth a visit. One of the city's most fascinating landmarks, this museum is a treat for history buffs.
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo was established in 1857 by the King of Travancore to attract tourists. Spread across 22 hectares (55 acres) that cover picturesque dense forests and lakes, the zoo has several species of animals not only from India but also from other countries. A renovation in 1995 led to the zoo's modernization, and what was once an animal park used for recreation has now acquired the role of a conservation center for endangered species. Animals are now kept inside enclosures in a more naturalistic set up. Species of animals inside this well-maintained habitat include the royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic lion, One-Horned Great Indian Rhino, Nilgiri langur, poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, along with African hippos, giraffes, and Cape buffaloes. Considered to be one of the oldest in India, the zoo is a recommended tourist destination.
Set in lush green, this church has a peculiar architectural pattern merging Latin and South Indian styles. The exterior is unassuming but beautiful, with an interesting stone structure in the compound. The blue sea in the background adds to the scenic value of the place. Managed by the Latin Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram, St Thomas Aquinas Church Kochuthura is a major religious sight in the western side of the city and holds regular prayer services.
Vizhinjam Harbor is a historic location in south Thiruvananthapuram close to the charming tourist destination Kovalam. The numerous fishing boats and the busy port bustling with activity is quite a sight to watch. The fishing boats here are equipped with modern machinery which is quite distinct from other fishing harbors in Kerala. The fishermen here uses the help of GPS devices and powerful engines to get their price catch. The business here is intense and noisy and this harbor supplies for a major share of Kerala's seafood needs. Vizhinjam Harbor caters to the export needs of the state as well. Do visit the harbor to see the secrets behind the seafood delicacies you get elsewhere in Kerala.
Puthenkovil Bhagawathi Temple is a major religious site in the city with 'Bhagavathy' (goddess) as the main deity. The architecture of the temple is unique and the bright colors and the sculptures on the wall give it an august look. The annual temple festival is called 'Aswati Mahotsvam' and is attended by a large number of devotees. Located conveniently near Pettah Railway Station, this temple has daily offerings with a consistent gathering of people. Do visit the temple to get a feel of the religious distinction of the country.
This 18th-Century archaeological marvel is located in Vizhinjam close to Kovalam. There is a sculpture of 'Vinandhara Dakshinamurti', the god of wisdom, enclosed in a granite cave as the major deity of the temple. The walls have carved structures of 'Shiva and Parvati' which is incomplete and artistic. The temple is located near to the Vizhinjam Harbor and is easily accessible by road. Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple is a protected monument of the Archaeology Department of India and is a must-see place in the city.
St. Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral in Palayam is a grand Gothic monument that began as a small parish church in 1873 to serve the local Christian families of Palayam, as it does even today. Dedicated to Saint Joseph, the original structure underwent major changes between 1912 to 1927 with the extension of its structure in the form of a cross and the addition of a Gothic style bell tower. The church is considered to be one of the imposing religious landmarks of the city and is under the aegis of Metropolitan Archdiocese of Trivandrum that carried out most of the extensive renovations beginning from 2008. Interestingly, during these renovations, upon the recommendation of Archaeological Department of Kerala, the color of the walls were changed to white from brick red, which gave a false impression that the church was made of bricks. Open on all days, the church has daily prayer service as well as scheduled weekly religious events.
An ancient temple with a rich history to its credit, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is one of the busiest in Kerala. As the devotees here mainly comprise of women, the temple is also known as 'Women's Sabarimala'. The primary deity here is Goddess Bhagavathy. Governed by the Attukal Bhagavathy Trust, this temple has daily offerings, prayer meetings, and devotional events. The annual festivals here are renowned, with 'Pongala' being a major one. Women devotees offer a pot of naivedyam (a pudding made of rice and jaggery) made in the temple premises to the goddess as part of the festival rituals.