Kerala Travel Pal Picture Blog: Trivandrum travel attracttions

Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, is located in the extreme south. In addition to several attractions in town, there are many other lovely locations at short travel distances.

Here is the secretariat building, where the legislative assembly and top tier government offices are located.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple is the major shrine in the city. This is the wealthiest temple in the world.

Here is Kanakakkunnu palace, one of the heritage landmarks in town-

Not far away from here is Napier Museum, another historical building.

Here is the inside view of Napier Museum-

Sree Chitra Art Gallery has a good collection of Ravi Varma paintings. Raja Ravi Varma, a member of the Royal family, was the best painter Kerala ever had.

A short stroll away is the zoo. Here is the map-

One of the birds in the zoo.

Another inmate-

If you have kids, the science and tech museum may be of particular interest, although it is for anyone.

Shanghumugham beach is a popular hangout. It is located near the airport, at a short ride from the city.

The backwater strip of Veli is close to Shanghumugham. Veli has gardens, children's play areas and boating facilities.

A short ride from Veli will take you to Akkulam tourist village, a nice location by the side of Akkulam lake.

Beema mosque (Beemapally) near to Shanghumugham beach is a famous mosque in Kerala. It is located between Valiyathura and Poonthura near the coast.

Scattered around the city are several interesting places. The most famous of them is Kovalam, the beach that is well liked by people from all over the world.

Trivandrum coastline has several beaches. Somatheeram beach, north of Kovalam is known as an Ayurvedic beach thanks to Ayurvedic resorts and wellness centres near the beach. Next to the beach is a cliff where the resorts are.

Another beach famous for its cliffs is Varkala. This is one of the most sought after tourist spots in South Kerala, relaxing and vibrant.

Next to the beach, on the cliff is Sree Janardhanaswamy temple. It is one of the famous temples, a very holy place for Hindus where rituals for the dead are conducted.

Idol of Subramanya Swamy at Varkala beach.

Kappil near Varkala is a stunning place.

Here is a temple near Kappil, one of the wayside attractions-

Sivagiri Mutt is only a few kms from Varkala beach. This is an important place associated with Sree Narayana Guru, saint, philosopher and social reformer. Guru's dedication resulted in the betterment of lower caste Hindus. Long after his death, Guru is a prophet like presence in the minds of a huge section of people of Kerala.