QUICK TOUR OF TRIVANDRUM - POOVAR (FROM TRIVANDRUM)

At a distance of 18 km from Kovalam and 27 km from Trivandrum, Poovar is a small coastal town at the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala. Encompassed by a beautiful beach on one side and the backwaters on the other, it is one of the major Kovalam places to visit.

Situated close to the Neyyar River estuary, Poovar is one among the natural wonders where the Lake, River, Sea, and Beach meet the land. Poovar is a lovely island with long stretches of glowing sand, serene surroundings, and a refreshing gentle breeze. Poovar has been a trading center and port in ancient times where timber, sandalwood, ivory, and spices were traded. According to legends the port Ophir where King Solomon's trading ships landed is said to be Poovar. Another legend describes this as the place where Maharaja Marthanda Varma was given protection from his enemies by the powerful merchant, Moosa Marikkar.

Poovar is .....

At a distance of about 2 km from Trivandrum Central Railway Station, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the Fort Area of Trivandrum city. It is one of the richest temples in India, and among the must-visit places as part of Trivandrum tour.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the 108 Divyadesams of Lord Vishnu and among the most sacred places of pilgrimage in Kerala. Although the origin of this temple remains a mystery, devotees believe it to have existed since the first day of the Kali Yuga, which was 5000 years ago. The Padmanabhaswamy temple also has a mention in the Bhagwad Gita. The scripture states that Balarama, the older brother of Lord Krishna frequented the temple, bathed in the Padmatheertham, and also made several offerings to the deity here.

Padmanabha Kshetram .....

At a distance of about 2 kms from Trivandrum Central Railway Station, The Palace Museum is located in the Kuthira Malika Palace built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, the King of Travancore. It is located in the Fort Area near Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

It is a rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture. The Museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family. The name Kuthira Malika means 'Palace of Horses' and is derived from the frieze of 122 wooden horses on the exterior walls. The Palace was constructed with teak, rosewood, granite and marble. The palace includes two thrones - one is made entirely from elephant tusks and the other from Bohemian crystal.

Timings: 8.30 AM to 12.30 PM & 3:30 PM to 5.30 PM. Closed on Mondays.

At a distance of about 3.5 km from Trivandrum Central Railway Station, the Napier Museum is an art and natural history museum situated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Also known as Government Art Museum, it is one of the popular museums in Kerala, and among the most prominent places of sightseeing in Trivandrum.

The museum was first established in 1855 but demolished in 1874 to lay the foundation for a new building, during the reign of Ayilyam Thirunal. The construction was completed in 1880 and was named after Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras from 1866-1872. Designed by Robert Chisholm, the consulting Architect of the Madras Government, the architectural style of the museum is a mix of Indian, Chinese, Kerala, and Mughal Schools of architecture.

Renowned for its fine collection of exhibits, the Napier Museum serves as a prime attraction of the city that one must visit during Trivandrum trip. It .....

At a distance of about 4 km from Trivandrum Central Railway Station, the Zoological Gardens is a well-maintained zoo park situated in the complex of Napier Museum in Trivandrum. Also known as Trivandrum Zoo, it is one of the popular zoo parks in Kerala, and among the must visit places as part of Trivandrum sightseeing packages.

Established in 1859 by the Maharaja of Travancore, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is one of the oldest Zoological Parks in India. Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma (1816-1846), the ruler of Travancore was the visionary behind the establishment of the Thiruvananthapuram Museum and Zoo. He had a broad variety of animals, including elephants in his horse breeding center. It was however left to his brother Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma and the then British Resident General Cullen which resulted in the establishment of Napier Museum and Zoo in Thiruvananthapuram. The zoo was originally built with the typical iron-barred .....

At a distance of about 10 km from Trivandrum Central Railway Station, Shanghumugham Beach is a famous beach situated in Trivandrum. It is one of the famous beaches in Kerala, and among the top Trivandrum attractions.

Shanghumukham Beach is known for its pristine waters and soulful sunsets. It runs next to the Trivandrum airport and a must-visit for those seeking tranquility during Trivandrum tour. The huge sculpture of a Nymph (Jalakanyaka) made by the famous sculptor Sri Kanai Kunjuraman and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are added attractions here.

Shanghumugham Beach is considered the 'Arattukadavu' of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan, the presiding deity of the city. On the Arattu day at Thiruvananthapuram, images of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, Lord Narasimha, and Lord Krishna are taken in procession to .....