Kerala Thiruvananthapuram

The Sri PadmanabhamSwamy Temple

The Sri PadmanabhamSwamy Temple encloses a 6 metre high statue of reclining Vishnu. Doors have been strategically placed to allow the faithful views of His head, torso and feet. Not far from the temple is the CVN KalariSangam , an academy of martial arts where you can watch the trainees practice their exquisite art. The gymnasium also has an ayurvediccentre with doctors who will be able to prescribe just which treatment it is that you need. You can get a relaxing massage here.

K.C. Panicker Art Galleries and the local zoo

The K.C. Panicker Gallery has the beautiful works of K.C. Panicker. The Sri Chitra Gallery has a rather good collection of south Asian art including Tibetan thankas, Balinese, Chinese, Japanese and Raja Ravi Varma paintings, Rajasthani miniatures and works by contemporary Indian artists.

The Trivandrum public park has on its grounds the Natural History Museum , Napier Museum, and the K.C. Panicker Art Galleries and the local zoo. One of the most interesting exhibits at the first is a model of a traditional upper class bungalow, a Nayartaravad or manor.

The Napier Museum

The Napier Museum is such a curiosity you can’t miss it. Robert Fellowes Chisholm, obviously a bold spirit, was the architect of this Indo-Saracenic adventure. A combination of Keralan and colonial styles, the Napier Museum has elaborately gabled tiled roofs, tall pillars, Islamic arches, bright red brickwork and on the inside, stained glass, bold stripes of yellow, red, pink and turquoise, and a wooden ceiling. Its exhibits though are good. You’ll see 15th century carvings, ethnic ornaments, Balinese art and a wooden temple cart with carvings.

The PuttanMallaga Palace

The PuttanMallaga Palace has been partially thrown open to public. The architecture and the interiors are a treat. The Museum exhibits family heirlooms of the Travancore royalty. Among old portraits, jewellery and arms are a solid crystal throne and exquisite murals.

Which all places I can visit along with Thiruvananthapuram ?

Tour Itineries along with Thiruvananthapuram

Trivandrum – Kovalam – Alleppey – Kumarakom – Thekkady - Munnar - Athirappilly - Cochin

Trivandrum – Kovalam – Alleppey – Houseboat – Thekkady / Periyar – Kodaikkanal – Ooty – Mysore – Bangalore

Trivandrum – Kovalam – Alleppey – Kumarakom – Thekkady - Munnar– Cochin

How to reach Thiruvananthapuram?

How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram by Air

Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum is one of Kerala’s largest cities with an international airport at its periphery that receives flights from all over the world.

The airport has two closely joined terminals to accommodate air bound travellers. Domestic passengers arrive at terminal 1, while terminal 2 handles international passengers. Transfers are fairly convenient and made easy by a host of transportation facilities. The easiest way out is a prepaid taxi. Found in the baggage halls, the prepaid cab desks list popular destinations and their corresponding fares. This option is slightly expensive and those on a tight budget may like to negotiating fares with private taxi drivers outside the airport.

Buses are available at a short walk from the airport exit itself. KSRTC shuttles run by the state department ply to the city and its various districts. Auto rickshaws are also available for hire. The city centre is 6 Km from here and has multitude transit facilities. The nearest railhead is Trivandrum Central which can be reached conveniently.

How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram by Rail

Trivandrum Central is the heart of South India’s rail network. You can get here on almost all trains bound for Kerala. The station is placed 7.5 km from the airport at Thampanoor and receives trains from all parts of the country.

Kerala Express is a popular service that starts at the New Delhi Railway Station. The train takes more than 48 hrs to make it to Trivandrum. Besides this, the Kanyakumari Express leaving from LokmanyaTilak Railway Station at Mumbai, is equally cost effective. Though both these trains are painfully time consuming, they are extremely rewarding for some impressive views of the landscape.

Down south, Chennai Central at Tamil Nadu has quite a few direst trains to Trivandrum. One of them is Trivandrum Mail, a well priced facility which remains functional throughout the week.

How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram by Bus

Thiruvananthapuram is very well connected by road. There are daily buses run by the state Transport Corporation to any place of note in Kerala. Buses to neighbouring Tamil Nadu are run mainly by the Tamil Nadu Corporation and again, it is possible to leave or arrive any day in the week. The booking offices are at the bus stand.

Best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram

The best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram is between the months of October and March.

During the months of December, January and February, the weather is dry and reaches down to 18°C, making it a pleasant and comfortable time to visit. Christmas being celebrated in the month of December, makes it even more convenient to travel as local Christians rejoice with grandeur.

The local festivals such as Onam and Vishu are also celebrated during this season. Summers are warm with temperatures rising up to 37°C. During monsoon, while temperatures may fall mildly, the roads are affected and the humidity rises hence it is advisable to avoid monsoon months.