Also known as Thiruvananthapuram, the seaside capital of Kerala state, Trivandrum is surrounded by numerous hills and hillocks on which stand building and parks. Trivandrum literally means the 'Holy city of Anantha' and is a city of magnificient buildings of ancient and modern Architecture. Trivandrum is one of the most beautiful cities of India. Perched on undulating terrain of low coastal hills near the southern edge of the Indian mainland, clean and green Trivandrum, is an ancient city with trading tradition dating back to 1000 BC.
Sightseeing at Trivandrum -
Padmanabhaswamy Temple:The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Serpent. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple in complete traditional attire.
Zoological Gardens: Zoological Gardens set in sylvan surroundings and acclaimed as one of the best and second oldest zoos of the country with an interesting collection of reptiles - these are some of the places which you are bound to enjoy during your stay in Trivandrum. The zoo is located in a well-planned botanical garden. With huge trees like frangipani and jacaranda dotting the sprawling lawns and wild fowl swimming in the lake, it is like a small jungle in the heart of the city.
Sankhumugham Beach: Just 8 km from the city, this is a favorite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village. 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.
The Napier Museum : Built in the 19th century, the Indo - saracenic structure boasts a "natural" air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot
Kovalam
Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum, Kerala's capital city. Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach resort. It is a dreamy place for tourists all over the world. Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South".
Kovalam is India's one of the best beaches for the travelers in the south of India. It consists of a number of small, palm fringed bays separated by Rocky Headlands. Kovalam is endowed with unusual beauty. The sheltered beach is ideal for sea bathing and is safe even during the toughest weather. The scenery around is enchanting and the drive to the beach through palm groups, refreshing. Ayurvedic massage parlors, yoga centers and water sport facilities, make Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.
Sightseeing at Kovalam-
The Kovalam Beach: Picturesque beaches, coconut fringes, the anglers' community, all sorts of fruits, palm beer, a large multitude of tourists swarming the sandy seashore, the lighthouse-all these are epithets that signify Kovalam, the exotic beach situated in the southern state of Kerala, popularly known as God's own country.
The coconut fringes, palm beer, seafood and the refreshing Ayurvedic massage, a relaxing sunbath and suntan facility of the beach are some of the reasons of tourist attraction. The beach also has some entertainment facilities like swimming, yogic exercises, fresh seafood and diving in the Arabian Sea.
Ayurvedic Massage: The Ayurvedic massage of Kovalam is very famous. At Kovalam many hotels and resorts offers the Ayurvedic massage and treatment. Yoga (Indian way of meditation) centers are also plenty in Kovalam. Some theatres perform the traditional Kerala art form, Kathakali and ethnic martial art, Kalarippayattu.
Catamaran Cruises: A Catamaran cruise on the country raft is hugely popular in Kovalam, especially for watching the dawn and the dusk.
Angling for deep-sea fishing is in high demand with tourists coming up for vacations in Kovalam. Surfboards and boogie boards can also be hired on the beach.
