Here’s everything you need to know about Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple, its history, mysteries, spiritual significance and why it is called the richest temple in the world! 

History of Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple

There are no reliable historical records that can tell us the exact time when this temple was built or consecrated. The place finds mention in many Hindu scriptures and Puranas like the Vishnu Purana, Brahma Purana, Skanda Purana, Varaha Purana and Bhagavata Purana among others. The only recorded evidence comes from the literature of the Sangam period, when the beautiful form of Lord Vishnu’s idol and the immense holy power of the temple were mentioned multiple times in the poems, hymns and stories from the time. Historians believe that the temple was once known as the ‘Golden Temple’ owing to the belief that the place holds immense treasures and a golden exterior.

Nammalwar, a 9th-century poet, composed 10 hymns that praise the glory of Lord Padmanabha of Thiruvananthapuram. So, the temple must have been consecrated before that. Also, well-known Historian, Dr. L.A. Ravi Varma of Travancore, believes that the temple was built and consecrated on the first day of Kali Yuga, which is almost 5000 years ago (Bronze Age – 3100 BCE to 1100 BCE). Despite so many assumptions, no one can say for sure when this beautiful shrine was initially built. 

The Popular Legend Of Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Divakara Muni was a Tulu Brahmin who was greatly devoted to Lord Vishnu. One day, he came across a young child who was so lovely that the sage couldn’t take his eyes off him. He asked the young one if he wanted to stay with him. The child agreed but with a condition. The sage has to be respectful to the boy and if he fails to do so, the young lad would disappear. Divakara Muni agreed to it. 

The hermit cared for the boy immensely and also ignored the harmless pranks and mischiefs of the innocent child. But, that did not last for long. Divakara Muni was meditating before a ‘Saligram’ when the child came and put the Saligram in his mouth and began disturbing the sage. This greatly angered him and he ended up raising his voice and chastising the boy. As promised, the child disappeared but not before saying that the sage would find him again at ‘Ananthankaadu’.

That is when Divakara Muni realised that the boy was none other than Lord Vishnu. He travelled to Ananthankaadu and found the little boy merging into a ‘ilappa’ tree. The tree fell and immediately assumed the form of Lord Vishnu, so huge that it was humanly difficult for the sage to witness the giant form. The Lord’s head was in Thiruvallam and his feet were in Trippapur, the east and north borders of Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. 

It is said that Divakara Muni consecrated the temple in the same place where Lord Vishnu gave him the divine ‘darshan’. 

Significance in Hinduism

The Anantha Padmanabhaswamy is one of the 108 Divya Deshams or pilgrimage sites that are of paramount importance in Vaishnavism. The idol in this temple is very different from what you’d see of Lord Vishnu in any other shrine in the country. The God rests on a coiled snake with five heads – ‘Anantha’ and is in a state of rest, also called the ‘cosmic sleep’. Also, this temple is associated with the ‘Matsya’ form of Lord Vishnu or the ‘Fish’ shape. It is said that he instructed his disciple, Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar, in the sage’s dream to consecrate the temple. He appeared in his ‘Matsya’ form in the dream. This is another legend that is popularly associated with the Ananta Padmanabhaswamy Temple. 

The city gets its name from this temple. Thiruvananthapuram translates to ‘Thiru’ meaning ‘Holy; ‘Anantha’ the sacred snake Anantha or Adi Sesha; Puram ‘city’. The name means ‘the city where Adi Sesha resides’. 

The Architectural Splendour of Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is built in a blend of the south-Indian Dravidian architectural style and Kerala’s Chera architecture layout usually has temples in octagonal, rectangular, triangular or star-shaped. This is done while keeping the environmental conditions in Thiruvananthapuram in mind, especially the speed and direction of the wind flow. 

The temple has several pillared halls where various rituals, ceremonies and celebrations are held during the festivals. The gopuram or gateway tower is in an impressive gold colour and has carvings of Gods, Goddesses and other celestial beings. It is decorated with bright lights at night. The temple also has a performance hall called ‘Koothambalam’ where artists perform traditional dances and sing the hymns of the Lord during festivals and ceremonies. The hall has beautiful wooden carvings and a ceiling adorned with elaborate paintings of Lord Vishnu. 

The temple is surrounded by sacred courtyards having lush greenery. Padma Theertham is a water body where devotees perform cleansing rituals and purification ceremonies. 

In the Garbhagriha or Sreekovil lies Lord Padmanabhaswamy’s idol in his Anantha Shayana form. The deity rests on a five-hooded or five-headed snake called ‘Ananta’. The snake’s hoods are facing inward, as if in contemplation. While the Lord lies down, his right-hand rests on a Shiva Linga. His consorts, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Bhudevi are beside him. Lord Brahma emerging from a lotus, lies in the navel region of Lord Vishnu. This idol is made from 12,008 saligramams that were brought from the banks of River Gandaki in Nepal. The entire deity is covered with ‘Katusarkara yogam’, an ayurvedic mixture made from 108 ingredients from different parts of the country. This helps in keeping the idol clean.

For prayers and Abhishekams, other smaller idols of the deities are used. These are placed next to the main idol, Anantha Shayana.  

Mysteries of the Temple

There are six vaults in the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. In 2011, the Supreme Court of India appointed a team to open these vaults and see what lies behind the closed doors. They named the vaults in alphabetical order – A, B, C, D, E and F. Except for vault B, all others were opened and it was found that a treasure worth 100000 crores was buried 5 feet below the ground. This included gold, gems and valuable artefacts. Some people urged that vault B should also be opened but staunch believers were strictly against the idea.

It is said that the treasure in vault B belongs to Lord Vishnu and Adi Sesha or Anantha himself guards these doors. There are no metal locks here but carvings of two large snakes are seen on the entrance. People say that there is another gold chamber within these doors that opens to the biggest treasure mankind can ever witness, probably worth trillions. According to Hindu Puranas, anyone who opens these doors will be cursed and this will invite a great deal of misery, natural calamities and bad luck to humans. Also, the snakes won’t hesitate to attack the ones who plan to open the doors without the Lord’s permission. 

The entrance is sealed with the ‘Naaga Paasam’ and only the high priests who can chant the ‘Garuda Mantra’ can open the vault. No living priest can do this at the moment. Devotees believe that the supernatural elements protecting the door should not be played with and thus, the Supreme Court also decided not to investigate further. 

However, some people say that these doors were opened in the 70’s and also twice in 2002. No one really knows the truth. 

The Legendary Wealth

The Royal Family of Travancore are the current administrative caretakers of Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Their ancestor, Marthanda Varma, dedicated his entire kingdom to Lord Padmanabha in 1750. It is an established custom that anyone born into the Travancore family line will serve as a holy servant to Lord Padmanabhaswamy. That wealth found in the vaults is estimated to be the offerings of devotees over the years and donations made by Royal patrons. 

Some priceless artefacts and gems could be acquisitions during wars, conquests, trade and even diplomatic exchanges between different nations. When the Travancore royal family dedicated themselves to the Lord’s service, they also gave away their wealth as ‘Devaswom’ or the ultimate dedication to God. The wealth is already worth billions of dollars without seeing what lies behind vault B. This makes Padmanabhaswamy Temple one of the richest shrines in the whole world. 

India is also home to several other richest temples with awe-inspiring architecture and interesting historical tales. You must explore them whenever you find time. 

Temple Rituals and Festivals

Two main rituals happen at the Padmanabhaswamy Temples every year. 

Painkuni Utsav

The Painkuni festival is celebrated in March/April. During the celebrations, five glass figurines of the Pandavas will be placed on the eastern entrance of the temple. This is done so to please the Rain God, Indra. The festivities begin after hosting the ceremonial flag, Kodiyettu by the royal family members of Travancore. The ten-day celebrations involve prayers, processions and feasts. On the ninth day, the head of the royal family will enter the forest area near Vettakorumakan Temple for the royal hunt, Palli Vetta. On the tenth day, the idols of Lord Vishnu along with his consorts will be taken to the Shanghumugham Beach for a spiritual immersion and this marks the end of the festival. 

Alpashi Utsav

The Alpashi festival happens in October/November every year. The idols will be taken from the temple to Shanghumugham Beach for a holy bath. This procession will start from the temple entrance, led by the head of the Travancore royal family. He would have a sword in hand and several beautifully decked elephants with mounted police and armed forces marching in synchrony and flocks of devotees also join the journey from the temple to the beach. This is a mesmerising visual and people from across the world arrive in Thiruvananthapuram to witness it. 

If you are planning to visit Thiruvananthapuram on the dates that coincide with these festivals, we suggest that you book your hotels in Thiruvananthapuram in advance. Owing to a large influx of pilgrims, it will be a daunting task to find accommodation near the temple. 

Pilgrimage and Devotion 

Devotees from all parts of India seek blessings at the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram for good health, prosperity, success and familial harmony. Some pilgrims have been worshipping Lord Padmanabha for several generations and are loyal believers of Lord Vishnu’s powers. People also undertake arduous journeys, travelling very long distances barefoot to offer homage to Padmanabhaswamy. 

The age-old mystery and legendary wealth are two more reasons why tourists come to the temple very often. The architectural grandeur is the cherry on the top. Anyone can visit the temple and there are no restrictions to worshipping. However, it is important to keep in mind to dress modestly covering hands and legs. 

Scholars and historians often visit the shrine to research the surroundings and record their findings for future reference. There is so much to uncover, many mysteries to unveil and these learned men are always seeking answers from the walls of the temple. 

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a major pilgrimage site and also the most sought-after tourist place in Kerala. It receives a significant number of visitors every year and the figure only doubles during festive occasions like Ekadashi, Navratri and Diwali. When you visit the place, you will see why people are drawn to it. The sense of spiritual fulfilment and serenity is unparalleled. You should definitely experience the magic! 

The post Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Explore The Divine Opulence Of The Richest Temple in the World appeared first on Treebo Blog.

Being a state with so many booming industries, Kerala has the best of many things to offer shoppers. Handloom fabrics, wood and brass carvings, spices are few among them. Walk around the local markets or head to one of the city’s new shopping malls, explore MG Road and Chalai Bazaar to get a deal or just enjoy some window shopping and the local street food that is around every corner in these bustling market areas. Here are the best places to shop in Thiruvananthapuram.

Best Markets & Stores to Shop in Thiruvananthapuram

1. Chalai Market

Chalai Market (source)

The most well-known market in all of Thiruvananthapuram has to be the famous Chalai Market. Find anything and everything you can imagine at this bazaar that is over a hundred years old. The super busy, two-kilometre-long market road is bustling with dozens of shops and hundreds of shoppers looking for bargains.

Garments to groceries, you will find whatever it is you are looking for here, with shopkeepers always keeping a little room to bargain. Also, try out the local street food at carts and stalls all over the marketplace.

• Location: Chalai Market Road, Trivandrum
• Best For: Everything, but look for deals on local handicrafts and garments
• Timings: 9 am to 8 pm. Evenings can get very crowded.

2. Sarwaa Lifestyle

Sarwaa Lifestyle (source)

If you are in search of local artefacts, souvenirs or gifts to take home, Sarwaa Lifestyle is definitely a one-stop shop for you. Overflowing with thousands of pieces of all shapes and sizes, there is no telling what you might find but be sure, find something you will.

Apart from a plethora of handicrafts, garments, accessories and jewellery, the store has its own café too; take a break at the Café Sarwaa where you can enjoy some local filter coffee, a special of Kerala, among other delicious treats.

• Location: Sankar Road, Thiruvananthapuram
• Best For: Handicrafts and gifts
• Timings: 10am to 7.30pm

3. Connemara Market

Connemara Market (source)

Located at the Palayam junction in Thiruvananthapuram is the Connemara Market. This recently renovated market is a hub for wholesale fruits, vegetables and spices. Lots of local restaurants get their supplies from the Connemara Market and, as a result, the marketplace can be crowded but a place for some great bargains nonetheless.

The Saphalyam Complex, adjoining Connemara Market, is another wholesale supplier with many little shops selling garments, jewellery and other fashion accessories at great prices. Afternoons are usually more relaxed with shopkeepers being able to concentrate on walk-in customers.

• Location: Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram
• Best For: Fruit, vegetables and exotic spices; also garments
• Timings: 10 am to 9 pm

4. Stacey International

A clock from Stacey’s (source)

As the name suggests, this lifestyle store in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, has hundreds of items from all over the world, ranging from cuckoo clocks to blue delft plates, clothes and shoes to toys and local handicrafts; with its own food court, this once popular shopping mall, converted to a lifestyle department store is even more popular today.

Great bargains and mind-boggling variety, this unique store is not like your average Thiruvananthapuram shopping mall. A hotspot for locals and visitors alike, don’t miss this amazing experience, reminiscent of family-owned shops you’re more likely to see in Europe than in South India.

• Location: Ambalamukku Road, Thiruvananthapuram
• Best For: International and local handicrafts, knick-knacks, furnishings etc.
• Timings: 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, Sundays Closed

5. Pothys

Pothys (source)

One of the newer and largest shopping malls to pop up in Trivandrum in recent years is Pothys on MG Road. In the heart of Trivandrum’s most popular shopping area, this six-storey mall is a megastore for silk sarees, lifestyle collections, jewellery, apparel, cosmetics, electronics and even home provisions; with plenty of gift ideas and local specialities available, too.

Centrally located and with two floors of parking, the convenience of this massive department store is unlike others in the locality. The comfortable air-conditioned environment makes for a pleasant and relaxed shopping experience.

• Location: MG Road, Thiruvananthapuram
• Best For: Silk sarees
• Timings: 10 am to 9 pm

6. Saphalyam Complex

Saphalyam Complex (source)

For over 20 years Saphalyam Complex, one of the oldest and most famous shopping centres in Thiruvananthapuram, right next to the Connemara Market, has been attracting shoppers from all over the city. The recent revamp of this bustling shopping arcade is a favourite with the local youth and has, in recent years, seen a large number of restaurants and food stalls pop up in and around the complex.

Take a stroll around and do some window shopping; you will surely find something that catches your eye. Great discounts and wholesale prices, especially on garments, you cannot afford to miss out; textiles, antiques, electronics and many traditional gifting ideas will help you finish off that shopping list.

• Location: Palayam, Trivandrum
• Best For: All sorts of textiles, electronics, antiques, handicrafts, street food, etc.
• Timings: 10 am to 9 pm

7. Ramachandran Textiles

Ramachandran Textiles (source)

With a booming textiles industry, Thiruvananthapuram is a great place to do some fabric shopping. The finest quality traditional handloom, as well as modern fabrics, make Ramachandran Textiles a one-stop shop for all your material needs.

Although a little pricey, you cannot find better collection under one roof anywhere else. With stores in three locations across Thiruvananthapuram, access to this fine cloth and apparel shop is easy no matter where you are.

• Location: Attakulangara, East Fort, Pazhavangadi
• Best For: Textiles, handloom fabrics, apparel
• Timings: 9 am to 9 pm every day

8. MG Road

MG Road (source)

Thiruvananthapuram’s most well-known shopping area, with scores of shops selling just about anything, MG Road has remained popular with locals and visitors alike. If you really want to get your hands on a piece of Kerala culture, take a walk down the street and you will be certain to find handicrafts, locally made by master craftsmen.

Kathakali masks, coir products, brass and wooden carvings among a multitude of other expertly made handicrafts will make you fill up your shopping bags with souvenirs to adorn your home or as gifts to take back. Prices are not fixed so make sure you get a bargain!

• Location: MG Road, Thiruvananthapuram
• Best For: Handicrafts and souvenirs
• Timings: 10 am to 9 pm

9. Spices in Trivandrum

Spices in Thiruvananthapuram (source)

Kerala, known the world over for its fine quality spices, has become a hub for spice traders and for tourists looking to take back a taste of South India. Pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, turmeric among many other spices are grown right here in Kerala and traded extensively in city markets such as Chalai Market, MG Road or Connemara Complex.

Don’t miss an opportunity to visit one of the many shops in most market areas and be engulfed by the aromatics emanating from the spices. Ask for readymade spice mixes for your favourite South Indian dishes and try them at home; you will be amazed by the results.

• Location: Chalai, Connemara, M.G. Road and any market areas
• Best For: Spices and masalas
  

10. McAdils Antiques

McAdils Antiques (source)

Kerala, deep and rich in culture, is famous for its ancient heritage structures, carvings and statues found all over. There exists a large artisan community within the primarily agrarian state. If you are looking for artifacts, antique furniture, old ceramics or even modern handicrafts fashioned in the traditional Kerala style, your one-stop destination has got to be McAdils Antiques.

Step back in time as you enter this small yet hugely intriguing shop and be greeted by the owner himself that offers not only some great deals but also his insight to an era gone by.

• Location: Vazhamuttom Junction, Trivandrum
• Best For: Antique furniture, artifacts and souvenirs
• Timings: 10 am to 9 pm

Though it may seem like a lot to cover, most major shopping areas in Trivandrum are in close proximity to each other so be sure to visit as many as you can because there is a deal around every corner waiting for you. Do tell us about your time shopping in Thiruvananthapuram in the comments.

The post 10 Best Places To Shop In Thiruvananthapuram appeared first on Treebo Blog.

With a multitude of fresh ingredients, the food in God’s Own Country is divine. Go during festivals such as Onam and enjoy not only the great culture but the most awesome cuisine the south has to offer. From the familiar Idli and dosa to the exotic fish molee and Naadan beef fry, there is something delicious to try every day and around every street corner. Here is our list of the best street foods in Thiruvananthapuram.

Must-Try Breakfast Items In Thiruvananthapuram

1. Puttu

A delicately steamed rice cake, usually cylindrical in shape, decorated with layers of fresh grated coconut and usually served with a chickpea curry; this breakfast dish is historically as traditional as the more popular idli and dosa. Sometimes eaten on its own with a hot cup of sweet, black coffee in the mornings or even at meals with chicken or fish curries this rice cake is delicious and versatile.

If you are in Thiruvananthapuram you will find traditionally prepared Puttu at scores of roadside stalls in any part of city, all doing brisk business from the early hours of the morning, usually till noon and crowded mostly with locals trying to grab a quick breakfast on their way to work.

2. Appam

Perhaps less famous than the ever popular dosa, the Appam is another pancake style breakfast dish easily available at roadside carts and kiosks all over Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Crispy and paper thin around the circumference and getting thicker, soft and fluffy towards the center, this common breakfast pancake is served with various coconut chutneys.

Made from fermented rice, ground to a batter and cooked in a traditional Indian wok called a kadai, these South Indian pancakes are quick to prepare and go down with as much haste. Though you may eat Appams with your fish curry and beef fry, simply on its own as a light start to your day is perfect.

3. Idiyappam

String hoppers or Idiyappam, as they are locally called, is a type of noodle made from a rice flour dough that has been cooked, put through a perforated hand press and further steamed. Served with a coconut based egg curry at breakfast and also enjoyed at other meal times, never will you have found a perfect match for your Kerala gravies.

The banana leaves that they are traditionally steamed on imparting a flavour that is indescribable. Better than trying out these bland noodles that bring your curries alive at a restaurant be sure to visit local vendors around you that still use the methods and recipes handed down for generations.

4. Idli

The humble Idli. There is probably not a city in India where you will not find this simple, fermented, steamed rice cake. Served with hot sambar and chutney at breakfast, you can find carts and stalls, even idli vendors with steel vessels on their heads, selling freshly made Idlis.

Traditionally steamed and served on banana plant leaves, local mom and pop shops offer a taste of authenticity that cannot be easily found in restaurants. Amazing chutneys and rich flavorful sambar are perfect accompaniments and an ideal way to start your day.

5. Ghee Roast Dosa

Dosa is loved all over the world and is by far the best know South Indian dish. There are many variants but the basic Dosa is mostly the same. A mix of lentils and rice, fermented and ground to a batter then cooked on an iron griddle with copious amounts of Ghee, also known as clarified butter, served with sambar and coconut chutney, makes this Thiruvananthapuram dosa a local special.

You can find dosa made almost anywhere in Thiruvananthapuram; if not one maybe two around every corner near the local bazaars and market areas. Standing on the roadside at a food stall eating dosa makes for an experience in itself. You can watch as they skillfully prepare the dosa right in front of you, the most authentic way using pure desi ghee, unlike restaurants that tend to use commercial brands.

Must Try Non-Vegetarian Food in Thiruvananthapuram

1. Kerala Prawn Curry

Spicy and tangy, in a coconut milk base, served piping hot with steamed red rice or appams, Kerala prawn curry will put a smile on your face. Though you will find a multitude of variations all over Thiruvananthapuram, all have similar flavours that make for a warming comfort food.

Being a coastal region with many fishing villages, it is no wonder that seafood is a staple. The number of upmarket restaurants dedicated to serving the best of seafood is abundant; however, if you want a taste of authenticity then the local markets and shopping areas have an equal number of tiny hole in the wall shops specializing in this particular Trivandrum delicacy.

2. Fish Molee

Made with most locally available fresh, seasonal fish, molee is a coconut-based Kerala fish curry unlike the better know and spicy Kerala meen fish curry. With influences, some say, from Sri Lanka and even Malaysia, Kerala Fish Molee is actually quite unique. Moderately spicy, the gravy is made first and fried pieces of fish added to it later.

Fragrant turmeric, ginger, curry leaves and lemon flavor the mild creamy coconut milk gravy. A little bit of green chilli gives it a kick but unlike the familiar meen fish curry, this one is easy on the palate and warming in the stomach. Served with rice or appam, the curry is so delicious you may just have it plain.

3. Varutha Kozhi

Being a coastal region it is no wonder Thiruvananthapuram cuisine uses a lot of coconut. Varutha Kozhi chicken curry, a Kerala specialty, is another example of the way coconut is used in Kerala food. Though made with flavors and ingredients common to many South Indian dishes, this one uses grated coconut that creates a thick rich gravy with a unique texture.

Eat this with Malabar Porotas or Appams and enjoy this truly delightful South Indian delicacy. Mildly spicy and full of aromatic spices, Varutha Kozhi can be found commonly near shopping market areas, and office areas with stalls catering mainly to the everyday working crowd looking for a home cooked style meal at lunchtime.

4. Nadan Beef and Malabar Parotta

This beef preparation is a welcome assault on the senses. Likely to set your mouth on fire and your brow sweating, you will find it hard to put down all the same. Bits of tender beef, stir fired on a hot tava, an iron griddle, and flavoured with curry leaves and hot spices. Most street vendors take requests to tone down the heat but don’t if you think you can handle it. A dry dish, Nadan beef, sometimes called beef fry, is usually paired with Malabar Porotas.

Malabar Parotta, or paratha, is a flatbread rolled in layers and cooked on a tava. Crisp and flaky, porotas with beef fry is a match made in spicy, delicious heaven. Though it can get a little heavy try it you must.

Must-Try Traditional Dessert in Thiruvananthapuram

1. Paal Paayasam

A sweet dish, made with rice boiled in milk and flavoured with cardamom, garnished with dry fruits and nuts, Paal Paayasam is generally made during festivals. Mildly flavoured and refreshing, this traditional Kerala dessert is served either hot or cold.

If you are in Thiruvananthapuram during the Onam festival you are sure to come across this delightful dessert. Market places are buzzing with activity during the festival days and scores of locals with popup stalls selling all sorts of festive treats appear. Be on the look out for this particular one; it’s something you do not want to miss.

So if you happen to be visiting Thiruvananthapuram, follow this quick food guide and be delighted by the flavours of the south. Let us know what else you want to know about the food in Thiruvananthapuram before your trip in the comments.

The post 10 Must-Try Street Foods In Thiruvananthapuram appeared first on Treebo Blog.

A major hub for tourism in the South of India, the city has got scores of temples, pristine beaches, rich architecture and a buzzing nightlife. We’ve chalked out top places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram, from the Napier Museum to the Neyyar Dam.

Quick Facts about Thiruvananthapuram

• Best time to visit: Throughout the year, but inflow is at its peak during the cooler months of December to February.
• Ideal Days to Stay: At least a three-day visit to check out its most famous attractions, but you could even spend a couple of weeks here.
• Nearest Railway station: Trivandrum Central Railway station
• Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
• Public Transport: Relatively easy, with taxis, private and public transport, as well as a high concentration of sights to see in the area keep it especially interesting on foot.

Must Read: Everything You Need to Know About Bangalore to Kerala Roadtrip

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Best Cultural Places to Visit In Thiruvananthapuram (In Monsoon)

1. Napier Museum

Built-in 1880 and considered an architectural masterpiece, Napier Museum is home to many ancient ornaments and bronze idols, among other historic artefacts. The Napier Museum of Natural History and Art is located approximately 4 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram Central. The Sree Chitra Art Gallery is also contained within its premises.

• Address: Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram
• Timings: Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun & Tue 10 am to 4.30 pm, Wed 1 pm to 5 pm, Monday closed.
• Best for: History buffs
• Entry Fee: Rs. 5 to Rs. 20

2. Puthe Maliga Palace Museum

The beautiful paintings and valuable collections of the royal family of Travancore are just some of the ancient art to see at The Puthe Maliga Palace Museum. The awe-inspiring structure, once home to the royals of Travancore, is a sight to behold in itself.

The museum, located in the heart of the city and very close to Padmanabhaswamy Temple (another must-see), is also a hub for cultural events and hosts the Classical Musical Festival in January and February every year with artists from all over the country.

• Address: Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram
• Timings: Tue to Sun 9 am-1 pm and 3 pm-5 pm
• Best for: A glimpse of royal life
• Entry Fee: Rs. 15 to Rs. 50

3. Kerala Science and Technology Museum

Both children and adults can enjoy more than 300 items on exhibit pertaining to every discipline of science in over 10 galleries. The museum’s planetarium has an 11-inch fully-automatic telescope and offers night sky observation on certain days.

There’s also a special gallery dedicated to astronomy. The dome-shaped planetarium has daily shows and a special workshop for children is held every summer. You can visit it right after the nearby Napier Museum.

• Address: PMG Junction, Thiruvananthapuram
• Timings: 10 am to 5 pm (Closed on Monday)
• Best for: Fun for the whole family
• Entry Fee: Rs10 –Rs15

4. Anjengo Fort

Located at Varkala (which, by the way, has an amazing beach), about an hour from the Trivandrum main city, this 17th-century fort is a National Heritage monument. At the entrance is a cemetery, the final resting grounds for the original inhabitants of the fort, while the stunning view of the lighthouse and beach from the top makes for a great photo opportunity as it doesn’t get too much of a crowd.

• Address: Varkala, Kerala
• Timings: 10 am to 5 pm every day
• Best for: Photo opportunity

Best Religious Places to Visit In Thiruvananthapuram (with Family)

1. Sivagiri Mutt

The pilgrimage town of Varkala, Sivagiri is the final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru who also attained enlightenment at the Sivagiri Mutt. Spanning 200 acres around the temple, the tranquil surroundings of this over 100-year-old structure will not only take your breath away but also offers a calming spiritual experience.

Catch the birthday celebrations of the Guru marked with colourful processions, community feasts and group weddings all during August and September.

• Address: Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram
• Timings: 5:30 am to 12 noon; 4:30 pm to 6 pm daily

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2. Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Probably the most iconic attraction in Thiruvananthapuram, the Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is synonymous with the city itself. The amazing architecture and its proximity to the main city centre make it a sight you cannot miss.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, only Hindus may enter, with the correct attire (appropriate clothes are available for hire outside the temple). Just five minutes away from the central station, there is also much to see around for any visitor.

• Address: Margi, Near Fort, Trivandrum
• Timings: 10 am to 6 pm (varies with seasons)

3. Madavoorpara Siva Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Madavoorpara Temple is unique. The cave temple, merely 17 km from Thiruvananthapuram’s main city, is covered in beautiful and ancient carvings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.

Access is from two sides where you can choose to either walk up a spectacularly scenic and ancient path carved by priests of the temple or opt for a car ride up that eliminates climbing (recommended for the elderly and small children).

• Address: Attukal, Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram
• Timings: 9 am to 8 pm
• Entry Fee: Rs4 to Rs6

Best Beaches to Visit In Thiruvananthapuram (with Friends or Partner)

1. Kovalam Beach

The 17km coastline that has been naturally divided into 3 amazing beaches is a paradise on earth. Lighthouse, Hawah and Samudra beaches are all pristine with shallow safe waters ideal for swimming and having fun.

Great food with an abundance of restaurants serving local and other cuisines, water sports, and host to many festivals, Kovalam makes for a great day at the beach.

• Address: Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram
• Timings: Mornings are usually less crowded.
• Best for: Water sports (but remember to bargain)

Read: 37 Beaches in South India That You Must-Visit

2. Shanghumugham Beach

Want to sample the local street cuisine? Head to Shanghumugham Beach. Close to the airport and bustling with activity every evening, the Shanghumugham beach is a must-visit while in Thiruvananthapuram. Well known for its 35-meter mermaid statue and starfish restaurant, the proximity of the beach to many spas, restaurants and clubs makes for a full day of excitement!

• Address: Shanghumugham beach, Thiruvananthapuram
• Timings: Always open
• Best for: Shallow waters

Also check Hotels in Kumarapuram Thiruvananthapuram

3. Puthenthope Beach

The coastal fishing village of Puthenthope has exactly what you need to just relax and take it slow. With its strong Portuguese influences in everything from the cuisine to the heritage buildings, there are a lot of ways to relax in this sleepy and relatively quiet town. But don’t be fooled, the area is steeped in history with quite a few monuments worth visiting such as the St. Ignatius Church.

• Address: Puthenthope, Thiruvananthapuram
• Timings: All day but enjoy the sunset at the beach.
• Best for: Portuguese food

Also, Read: 10 Best Shopping Places to Visit in Trivandrum

 Some Unknown Places to Visit in Trivandrum

1. Chalai Bazaar

Opened officially sometime in the late 18th century, there is nothing you cannot find at Chalai Market. This two-kilometre-long road that is home to one of the oldest markets in Trivandrum sells everything from groceries to gold and has plenty of little restaurants and street vendors. If you are on the look for gifts and souvenirs this place is a must.

• Address: Chala, Thiruvananthapuram
• Timings: 9 am to 8 pm except for Sunday
• Best for: Buying souvenirs for family and friends back home

Read: Best Street Foods to Try in Thiruvananthapuram

2. Neyyar Dam

About 30 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram, at the foot of the western ghats, lies Neyyar dam. Access is relatively easy with a regular bus service to this popular sight.

Apart from boating, there are many other activities such as safaris and elephant riding at the wildlife sanctuary nearby. Visitors can even hire a speedboat to take them further to see the surrounding forests.

• Address: Kallikkad Panchayath, Thiruvananthapuram
• Timings: Noon to midnight
• Best for: Spotting wildlife
• Entry Fee: Rs. 125 to Rs. 250; speedboat charges Rs. 250 to Rs. 400

Also check Hotels near International Airport Thiruvananthapuram

3. Kerala Ayurvedic Massage

Renowned the world over, Kerala Ayurvedic Massage can be experienced at many hotels, resorts and spas all over Thiruvananthapuram. However, if you want the real deal, head to Kovalam.

This area has many of these spas situated on the beach and even specialized centres dedicated to very traditional and therapeutic variations of this science such as the Amrita Ayurvedic Centre and Vaidyashala Ayurveda.

• Address: Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram
• Timings: By appointment
• Best for: A day off from a hectic holiday

Boasting some of the finest beaches along the 17 kilometre Kovalam coastline and rich in culture and heritage with dozens of temples and museums, teeming with life and an abundance of exciting and exotic cuisines Thiruvananthapuram has enough to offer any visitor an experience of a lifetime. Let us know your favourite places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram in the comments section!

Checkout the hotels : Hotels near Pettah Railway Station Thiruvananthapuram,3 Star Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram,Budget Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram,Business Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram,Family Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram,2 Star Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram.

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