A Journey Through the Attractions of Kerala

THIRUVANATHAPURAM
Museum Complex
Museum complex fulfill by the Botanical garden, park and situated in the heart of the city. It houses the ‘Sree Chithira art gallery, ‘Sree chitra enclave, The KCS Paniker gallery, Napear museum, Natural history museum and the zoo.
Sree Chithira Art Gallery
It Built by the Maharaja of Travancore (Sree Chithira Thirunal) in 1935. The gallery was constructed in the museum gardens out of two typical Kerala style ‘Bungalows’ with tiled roofs and cool Verandas. The curiously designed slim French windows on the first floor provided an interesting element of design to an otherwise simple building.
The first exhibits were the paintings of ‘Raja Ravi Varma, borrowed for display from the Kilimanoor place, the ancestral home of the artist. There is also an interesting collection of Tibetan Thankhas, Chinese and Japanese paintings from the 17th century, and paintings of Russian artists Nicholas and Sbetoslav Roerich, depicting Himalayan landscapes. There is also getting a unique collection of copies of Indian mural paintings.
Sree Chitra Enclave
It built by the memory of Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma (last Maharaja of Travancore) in 1993. This museum depicts the history of the Travancore royal family and recounts their enriching contributions to the land. There are displays throwing light on the evolution of travancore state and its geographical and social cultural history. This is achieved by a series of audio visual presentation.
KCS Paniker gallery
Born in 1911, in Coimbatore. Paniker was instrumental in establishing and maintaining the progressive painters association in Madras from 1944 to 1953. In 1954, he was nominated as one of the nine eminent artists of India and made a member of the Lalitha kala academy in New Delhi. The gallery traces his works over a period, giving a clear insight to the evolution of his style and range. The works showcase the versatility of this artist, who passed away in 1977.
Napier museum
It is also known as Trivadrum museum or art museum. This was set up in 1855, making the oldest museum in Kerala. The museum was thrown up to the public in 1857.it was designed by the British architect and painter Robert fellows Chisholm, who was the principle of the Madras school of arts. Te building was completed in 1880. Lord Charles Napier, the then governor of madras laid the foundation stone. The museum houses an extensive collection of bronze and stone sculptures and wooden carvings dating from the 11th to the 18th centuries. The wooden chariot, the ‘Pushpakaviman’ built in 1847 for the Padmanaba Swami Temple, with its intricate carvings depicting mythological figures are not to be missed. The art facts collected from Indonesia, China, Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Sri Langa are very interesting and the Javanese shadow play leather figures, used to depict the Mahabharata and Ramayana, will make you linger. There are some very interesting musical instruments and a 400 year old clock. The old ornaments used by women in Kerala, interesting lamps, life sized Kathakali figures complete with resplendent costumes, a model of the Guruvayoor temple complex are some of the other interesting things here to look out for.
Natural history museum
The natural history museum is housed in a modern building and is separated in to sections like the skeletal gallery, bird gallery, animal gallery and a museum. It is also known as index gallery. The gallery has stuffed versions of many large animals. Not only is the taxidermy excellence, care has also been taken to present the in simulated natural backgrounds. An interesting display is a human skeleton made of ivory created in 1853 for Maharaja Marthanda Varma.
The zoo
Te best zoo in India, established in 1859. the zoo is spread out over a vast expense of landscaped grounds and botanical gardens, with shaded pathways. There is a lake. Most of the animals are in open areas. An interesting aspect of the zoo is the architectural beauty of the old buildings, which are used to house the animals.
Veli tourist village complex.
This is a popular picnic spot where the Veli Lake merges with the Arabian Sea. The small stretch of beach formed between the sea and the lake, is breached at times when the water level in the lake rises. This is called pozhi murikkal, within a few days, the beach is re-formed naturally. There is a large garden with sculptures done by the eminent sculptor- Kanhai Kunjraman. The concrete conches are very beautiful. The open air auditorium, which has the sea as its backdrop, provides a venue cultural performances and art festivals.
Akkulam tourist complex.
This is located on the banks of the backwater. There are boating facilities. There is also a swimming pool where swimsuits are mandatory, and with separate slots for men, women, children and beginners. Near to the swimming pool, there is a musical foundation.
Sankhumugham beach
The main beach of the city, it is the ideal place to watch beautiful sunset. There is an interesting, high, single storey building from the beach, which houses an indoor sport centre- the oldest in the state, with teakwood flooring and wooden galleries. Boxing championships are held here. Built in 1914, by te royal families of travancore, this building without any supporting pillars was known as Thoonilla kottaram (palace without pillars)
Museum and planetarium
The Kerala state science and technology museum opened in 1984 with galleries on electricity, electronics, power and motion, and mechanics; displaying more than 300 exhibits. Later, galleries on popular Science, Mathematics, Automobile Engineering, Computer Engineering, Bio Medical Engineering and Solar energy. The Priyadarsini Planetarium was opened to the public in 1994. There is a double harmonic pendulum, mirrors that produce infinite number of images, an automatic cradle and a rare collection of cells and batteries. The main projector in priyadarsini planetarium can projects almost all constituents of the visible universe. It can simulate the star studded night sky over any location on the earth, on any day upto12500 years back or 12500 years in the future.
Vyloppilly Samskrithi Bhavan
The Bhavan, which was intended for the preservation of culture, started functioning from 2001. Spread out in peaceful, green surroundings and the beautifully conceived building. This is build for the memory of the great Malayalam poet Vyloppilly Sree Dhara menon. This building is in typical Kerala style. There is a collection of personal belongings of Vyloppilly. The koothmbalm, or traditional theatre, as been seems to the model of vadakkumnthan temple. Kathakali shows are held here regularly. The wooden flooring, the proportions of the stage, the traditional lamp are also interesting.
Puthen Malika or Kuthira Malika
This is built by the musician king Swathi Thirunal in 1844.this is a beautiful, two storied, 80-rooms palace with open verandas, built in typical Kerala style, the name Kuthira Malika, which means horse palace, was given to it on account loft e many wooden horse figures carved along the entire place. the first hall has ornate wood carvings on the ceilings and beams with huge chandeliers, Belgian glass mirrors and beautiful marble sculptors. There is a huge painting of durbar held by Maharaja Marthanda Varma. There is a collection of portrait paintings of all maharajas who ruled travancore and two beautiful thrones. The 140 –year- old thrown Bohemian crystal throne, which was presented by a Czechoslovakian ruler, and the ivory throne used by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, which has sandalwood inside and ivory outside. The first floor referred as the Tamara muri (lotus room) as a round lotus shaped roof, which has been painted using vegetable dyes.
The rooms on the first floor hold a veritable treasure of articles gifted to the kings. The glass room is include with many art fest in Venetian (Morano glass), Tangore glass paintings using real gold, and precious stone sand musical instruments of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. There is a dancing hall and a room for discussion. Beautiful porcelain art facts, paintings sundials, solar clocks and sculptures, throw light on the workmanship and artistry of bygone ages.
Navarathri Mandapam
It is situated to the east of Padmanaba swami temple, before the entrance to the ‘Kuthira Malika palace, this is the venue for the annual 10 day Navarathri celebrations. The annual music festival also held there, which is attended by musicians from across the country that congregate to render songs composed by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. A special feature of the Mandapam is the use of traditional sound reflectors, comprising of about fifty clay pots hung upside down from a wooden frame in the ceiling, creating an effect that outdoes even modern acoustic system.
Beemapalli
It is 12Km south west of the city close to the air port.Beema palli ‘Dargah’ sherief is dedicated to ‘Bee Umma’ , a pious Muslim lady who had great spiritual powers .Bee Umma and her son (set belongs to the family of Prophet Muhammad) are believed to have come here from Arabia centuries ago to preach Islam. The annual 10 day ‘Uroos’ festival held at ‘Beema palli commemorates ‘Sayyidhathunisa’ Bee Umma and her son Sayyidussaheed Maheen Abbobacker who are laid to rest there. The festival begins at 8.30 in the morning with a prayer led by the chief Imam on the premises of the shrine .His ceremonial procession followers. Religious discourses preaching and cultural programmes are held in the evening on these days. Devotees make offerings of coins in earthen pots (kudam). This ritual is called ‘Chandhana kudam nercha’ .Flowers, silk clothes; oils are offers at ‘Dargah sherief’ are distributed to the devotees.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Western Ghats and about 50 Km from the city, the area is hilly with elevations varying from 100metrs to 1715 meters. The sanctuary spread over 53 square kilometers .has a dam, tisk forest, Eucalyptus planations, crystal clawer streams and rocky terrain, which is rich in ‘Fauna’. A number of tribal settlements exists in the scattered pockets with in the sanctuary.Peppara supports a variety of forest types. Gusty winds on the hill tops and S the leached soil keep the evergreens here rather stunted. However the hillsides, exposed to less severe climatic condition, sustain a transitional zone of what can be called west cost semi ever greens.
In this sanctuary elephants, Sambar & gaur are major mammals. While barking deer mouse deer and the wild boar are the smaller herbivores, lion tailed macaque and the ‘Nilgiri’ langur represent the simian specious. Tiger Panther and the wild dog make up the carnivores. Retails are representing by the ‘King cobra and Python. Avifauna is not very abundant. Water birds like darter, little cormorant, pide king fisher and Egrets are common .A variety of Moths and Butterflies are also found here. September to March is the best time to visit while the summer months of March to June are ideal for hiking.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The location of this sanctuary is idyllic – the large drainage basin of the Neyyar river and its two tributaries, Mullayar and Kallar. This declares a sanctuary in 1958. Neyyar sanctuary is haven for exotic flora and thriving fauna. Annual rainfall averages 3000 millimeters. The ‘Agasthyamala’ region supports a wide variety of plant species; including rare medical plants and the diversity of its flora along with a variety of forest types make it an ideal gene pool reserve. Smaller mammals like gaur, sambar, and barking deer too are frequently sighted however the big cat the tiger is elusive. Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque and the lion –tailed macaque are also seeing here. The Nilgiri Tahr is the surprise member of this sanctuary. The tree hoping giant Malabar squirrel and the three stripped squirrel can be seen almost throughout the sanctuary. Wild boars roam freely. There are a wide variety of Reptiles. Cobra, Python, wiper, rat snake and the flying snake in habit the forest floors. The common Mina, King fisher, little green heron wood pecker Indian cuckoo, little cormorant, little egret, Hoopoe and darter thrive in the riparian areas and the verdant Hill side.
Ponmudi
Ponmudi has not really become a tourist haunt; there is none of the bustle associated with destination. The hill resort near Thiruvanandapuram is cool and quite heaven. Aside from the spice and tea plantations that the area is studded with, giving it a lovely green cover. In Ponmudi there are only two restaurants. A restaurant attached to the guest house and a beer parlor and restaurant run by the KTDC.a deer park 3 km from the top, is a local attraction.
Meenmutti waterfalls
En route to Ponmudi, about 15 km before reaching the top, is a scenic trail to the right. The lagoon that is formed is wide and placid enough to swim. during the mansoon month swimming is not allowed, as there are threats of flash floods. Keep drinking water and snacks, since nothing is available on the way.
Agasthyakoodam
The Agasthyakoodam Mountains, 70 Km from Thiruvanthapuram, is accessible from a place called ‘Bonacaud’ near Ponmudi. These mountains are set to have a lot of rare medicinal herbs and plants and even te very air is supposed to have healing properties. The spectacular peak rises to a majestic 1890 meters, in the form of a sharp hone. Women are not allowed up the peak as the aborigines believe that sage; Agastya, the mythological character lived here. The season for trekking is from December to February. Since it is an ecologically protected area, only a limited number of permits are issued every year. In this place we can see herds of elephants, Butterflies, wild deer and rare birds.
Aruvikkara Dam and Devi temple
The ancient Bhagavati temple is built on rock, with a waterfall below it. The river has been damed above the waterfall is known as Aruvikkara dam. As part of the offering to the deity, the highlights here is the feeding of the sacred fish in the river, they are not afraid of people. There are steps going down to the river, so you can get close to the fish. Non Hindus are allowed as long as proper dress code (no shorts or short skirts) and propriety are observed.
Koyikkal Palace\Numismatics Museum.
Valiya Koyikkal palace, located at Nedumangadu was the royal head quarters of the parakam dynasty, which ruled over Elavallur nadu, a little known province of travancore. Today the palace houses a numismatic and folklore museum. Different types of coins belong there. The most valuable among the Indian coins here is kursha, which is nearly 2500 years old is kept here. This museum gives you a fine display of objects and instruments of folk art. The exhibits include rare articles like Chandra valayam (small percussion instrument) and Nanthuni, taliyola, chilambu and maravuri are well preserved here. Oorakkudukku (an unbreakable puzzle), adverse for intellectual exercise used by yogis can also be seen. The kettuvilakku, a ceremonial lamp made of colored paipers and light wood splits and is exhibited for the festival at Bhagavati temple. The dolls used for Tholpavakkootu (leather puppetry).
Padmanabapuram palace
Padmanabapuram palace (the magnificent home of the Travancore rulers) is the capital of the earst while Travancore state till 1792, when it was shifted to Tiruvanathapuram.The palace is not a single unit, but a complex of 14 palaces , spread across six and a half acres and presence a unique example of the architectural skill .of the total 127 rooms that were in use , only 27 now being maintained regularly.
Poomukham- This is the entrance that welcomes visitors. The specific architectural features keep the interiors at a constant cool temperature. There is a wooden box .it was filled with fragrant herbs and sprinkled with rose water , keeping the atmosphere fresh and aromatic at all times.
Oottupura – The dining hall has two floors that could accommodate about 2000 people at a time. Thai Kottaram- This is the original palace and the oldest structure. Semi open Veranda is the main feature. There was a secret tunnel from this building to another palace out side the fort, which is now closed.
Homapura- This is used to perform ‘Homams’ or religious offerings to gods, using the sacrificial fire. A small Saraswthy temple near here.
Upparikka Malika- The name is derived from the word ‘Upparikka’, meaning multi storied. This three storey building is different from the rest of the building the palace complex, with its ‘Pagoda style roofing and very thick walls .The before sections of this building are supposed to represent the evolution of man through the four levels of wealth , habit, duty and realization of god. The ground floor was used as the royal treasury; the first floor was the bed room of the Maharaja, the second floor a retreat for meditation, the third floor was for the lord. There is a 250 or 300 year old cot is called; The Sapramanchakattil’ was presented to the Maharaja by the Dutch east India company, as its surface is made of 64 different medicinal herbs. The ladies cambers have two swinging cots suspended from iron ropes.
Indravilasam palace –this was built during maharaja Marthanda varma’s time, for the reception and stay of foreign dignitaries. This area with tall doorways, high ceilings and large windows.
Navarathri Mandapam – this Mandapam is in the vijayanagaram style. This is constructed in 1744, by Maharaja Marthanda Varma.
Tekke kottaram – the main building is a traditional nalukettu with a nilavara to store the grains. The second building attached to a pond, was probably used as a place for Ayurvedic treatment
Archaeological Museum - This building, housing the museum, was built by the Archaeological department, in keeping with the style and structure of the palace complex; in the area were the old horse stables stood. The museum has many invaluable exhibits, wooden sculptures, stone images, stone inscriptions, copper plates, old coins ancient arms and ammunitions and copies of mural paintings from ‘Upparikka’ Malika.Aming the sculptures the most important are the 9th century ‘MOODEVI’ or JESHTA and the 10t century ‘KUBERA’ and ‘SAPTHA MATHAKKAL’.The epigraphy gallery in the museum is considered to be the largest gallery in south India.
Clock tower-the Mani Malika contains a clock that was designed and made by a local village mechanic, about 200 years ago. An unusual feature of the mechanism of the clock is that motive force is derived
Padmanaba Swami Temple
This temple is believed to be at least 2000 years old. The devotees believed that this deity is guarded the city from all ills. The temple has received continued emotional allegiance and royal patronage of the ruling house through the ages, culminating in the famed ‘Tripathi danam , the deed of dedication of ‘Sree Anizham Thirunal Vera Bala Martandavarma , the founder of Modern Travancore.The temple structure is a combination of the Dravidian, Chola and Pandya as well as the indigenous Kerala styles of architecture. The sanctum is different from other temples in that there are no steps leading down to the floor; but instead there is another Mandapam- the famed single stone (Ottakal Mandapam) in front, through which the doors to the sanctum are accessed. The idol made of a composition known as ‘Kattu – sharkara – Yogam’ a rare compound, painstakingly prepared over many days.The inner spaces of this idol are lined with 12008 ‘SALAGRAMS’(sacred stones), said to have been brought elephant back from the bed of the ‘GANDAKI’ river in Nepal. The outer frame is made of the wood of certain medicinal trees.
Methan Mani-the clock tower on the eastern side of this temple exhibits a clock in wood having the face of Muslim with a goat on either side of him. As the clock strikes, the goat move in unison and butt the man’s face from the either side. His mouth opens wide, on each butt. This curiosity clock was inspired by the Dutch know- how, but manufactured locally and operates on pulley power. It was given to Maharaja Swathi Thirunal who had the clock tower constructed specially to accommodate the clock. Today Methan Mani is great tourist attraction.