Located at the southwestern tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram district is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and Tamil Nadu on the east. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting visual spots. A long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala, The Gods Own Country.
Kerala in itself is the most beautiful state in India. Thiruvanthapuram being the capital, is being developed as the Tourist Destination for the future. It has in itself some of the most enchanting Beaches, Museums, Palaces, Place of Worship and the most wonderful Rock Cut Caves.
Kovalam Beach :
Just at the distance of 16kms from the city of Thiruvananthapuram lies this most beautiful beach. Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favorite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s.A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse-sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs, Catamaran cruising etc. On the sides of kovalam beach you can also find a lot of Ayurvedic Massage Centers. Best time to visit: September to March, though it is an all year destination.
Varkala Beach :
Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district at a traveling distance of 57kms. It has several places of tourist interests like a beautiful beach, a 2000 year old Vishnu temple and the ashram- Savagery Mutt’ a little distance from the beach. At the serene Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs. A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. A two thousand year old shrine the Janardhanaswamy Temple, stands on the cliffs overlooking the beach, a short distance away. The Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great Hindu reformer and Philosopher Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) is also close by.
Shankhumugham 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.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum :
Kuthiramalika which means Horse Bungalow takes its name from the roof beams which are carved to resemble the faces of horses. It has on display ornaments, personal effects and weapons of the former Kings the erstwhile princely State of Travancore. It is a true specimen of Kerala’s classical architecture. The palace with its excellent carvings and amazing architectural designs is itself a piece of heritage. Its located in the heart of the city, next to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad :
Nedumangad, about 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram city on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Courtalam waterfalls. The palace is a double stroreyed traditional nalukettu with slanting gabled roofs and an inner courtyard. Today, the palace houses a Folklore Museum and a Numismatics Museum set up by the Department of Archaeology. The Folklore Museum, a treasure house of quaint musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils, models of folk arts etc., was set up in 1992. The exhibits here draw attention to the rich cultural background of the State. The exhibits include rare articles like Chandravalayam and Nanthuni.
Thiruvanthapuram also boasts about Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave, rock cut sculptures of 18th century. Thiruvananthapuram is also very famous for the school of Kalarippayattu, which is believed to be the most ancient form of Martial Arts and as a form of Meditation, believed by many. While traveling to the outskirts of the city you will experience the joy of traveling through Rainforests and Backwaters. Overall, Thiruvanthapuram is one of the most exotic places you would like to visit in India, and you will relish every moment spent there.