Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala and is one of the old princely states of Travancore. The city is widely known and called as Trivandrum, the old colonial name. The city is also the district headquarters of Kerala’s most southern district which is named after the city. Thiruvanthapuram is the political and administrative center of the state and is historically very important. The impressive beaches of Kovalam and Varkala are very close to the city center. Trivandrum has an international airport very much close to the city.
Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
This famous temple of Lord Vishnu is visited by many every day. Built in the Dravidian style of Tamil Nadu, with a tall, seven tire “gopuram” gateway and high fortress like walls. The temple is still under the Travancore royal family. A “dothi” has to be worn around the waist and men have to remove their top to enter the temple. Non Hindus are not permitted to enter the temple. The padmanabhaswamy’s buildings date from the eighteenth century, added by Raja Marthanda Varma (1729 – 1758) to the much older shrine within. There is a manmade lake by the side of the temple, and a “Natakashala”, Art performing theater on the ground floor where the 10 day long art festival staging temple art – “Kathakali” is conducted.
Puttan Malika Palace Museum
The palace was built in fine Kerala architecture on the south west direction of the Padmanabhaswamy temple by the royal family of Travancore just after the construction of the temple. The raja’s stayed in this palace after the temple was built in the year 1840 and was commissioned by Raja Ravi Thirunal Varma. The palace showpieces some of the old equipments used by the Rajas – solid crystal stone throne, a gift from Dutch, a few fine murals, regalia and weapons. The royal family was always patrons of art and music. The Swathi Sangeetotsavam festival happens in the palace grounds every year where the performers sit on the high raised porch and the spectators sit in the lawns. Songs composed by Raja Swathi Thirunal, known as the musician king is given priority during the festival. The palace is also known as the horse museum because of the hundreds of horse carved pillars which adds to the royalty of the palace.
The Napier Museum of Arts and Crafts
An escape from the noisy city to the refreshing green lawns of the city park leads to the Napier museum. The Napier museum is more engaging and interesting. The museum was built in the year 1915 and was designed by Robert Fellowes Chisolm with an experimentation of the Indo – Saracenic style with tiled gabled roofs, garnish red, black and salmon patterned brickwork, and above the main entrance, a series of pilasters forming Islamic arches. The museum showcases a collection of fifteen century wood and ivory carvings, wooden temple chariots, the bronzes of the twelfth and fourteenth century. The Museum is named after the then Viceroy of the Madras presidency who was the employer of Robert Fellowes Chisolm. It is opened on all days except Mondays.
Trivandrum Zoo
The zoo is an annex to the Napier museum and was built in 1850 by the Maharaja of Travancore. About seventy five different species from the sub continent and beyond is housed in this zoo. There is no much difference made to the Raj era construction. A visit to the zoo would be an excitement for children, to have a real glance of what they have seen in the books. The zoo is opened on all days except Monday.
Sree Chirtra art Gallery
Art works from different schools of arts within India, like the Rajput, Moghul and Tanjore are showcased in this art gallery. The original paintings of the celebrated Artist King – Raja Ravi Varma are displayed here. Raja Ravi Varma is recognized as the personality who introduced oil painting in Indian art. His treatment of Hindu mythological themes is both dramatic and beautiful.
Shangumugham beach
This is a popular city beach close to the airport. This is a popular place where many people make a visit during the evenings. During mornings one could see huge folks of fishermen pulling up long nets from the sea. Getting engaged to see this activity is something which keeps the time moving. The Indian coffee house which operates in an old building of the royal Travancore family is another interesting and a busy food outlet. This building was where the Rajas used to preside over execution and a few painting of caged tigers can be seen at the coffee house. There is a huge sculpture of a mermaid behind the coffee house, sculptured by the great artist Canai Kunuram.