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 Thiruvananthapuram known as 'the city of seven hills' is the capital city of Kerala. Also famous as Trivandrum, this beautiful city is built in the picturesque surroundings of seven hills. The cosmopolitan city of Thiruvananthapuram has a multicultural society and its culture is a fine blend of modernity and traditions. But what attract tourists to the city are its exceptionally beautiful landscapes including lush green hills and narrow valleys, shaded lagoons, windy pristine beaches and serene and calm backwaters nearby. The pristine breeze laden with the fragrance of cardamom and coffee blow round the year and make a spellbound effect on visitors of the city. In additions to natural landscapes there are many cultural and historical heritage, worth visiting in the city.
Places to Visit
Shri Padhmanabhaswamy Temple: The temple is one of the most sacred shrines of Kerala. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and situated in a large complex with a stately gopuram. The temple has a tank within the temple complex for ritual bathing.
Shri Chitra Art Gallery: one of the most famous art galleries of Kerala; it exhibits some of the very famous paintings. The collection includes paintings of the renowned painters like Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich. You will also find fabulous works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. The collection of paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali are also worth watching.
The Zoological Park: Located within a well-planned botanical garden, it is one of the first zoos of India. The Zoological Park has some of the rare species of wildlife. Huge trees of Frangipani and Jacaranda fringe the entire lawn. The park always appears lively with animals and birds playing and moving all around.
Napier Museum: Also known as the Government Museum, it is a brilliant structure designed in the Indo-Saracenic style. Its construction dates back to the 19th century. The building is known for its natural air conditioning system. The museum exhibits a rare collection of ancient ornaments, archaeological antiquities, bronze idols, historical artifacts, a temple chariot and ivory carvings.
Shanghumukham Beach: Located next to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport, the beach is an ideal location to watch the sunset. During the day, fishermen can be seen in the middle of the sea busy with their long fishing nets. The 35-m long sculpture of a mermaid and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are main attraction of this beautiful beach.
Veli Lagoon: It is a little tourist village located at a short distance from the airport. The Boat Club here offers amenities like pedal boating, row boating and swimming in the Veli Lake.
Other major attractions in Thiruvananthapuram include Puttan Malika Palace Museum, Indian School of Martial Arts (ISMA), and CVN Kalari Sangham among many others.
How to Reach
By Air: The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is located at a distance of 6 km from the city. It handles both the domestic and international flights.
By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central Station is the main railway station of the city. It is well connected by rail to all the major towns and cities of south India and other parts of the country.
By Road: Thiruvananthapuram is well connected with all major cities through four national highways Nos. 7, 17, 45, and 47.
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