Trivandrum

This capital city of Kerala is a beautiful place lying on the southern shores sprawled over seven small hills. It is famed for its beaches and coconut farms. Cleansed by cool, clean breeze, Trivandrum is a calm and pleasant spot for the tourists. Earlier it was noted only for its role in spice trade, but it is fast catching up as a popular tourist destination now.

Still untouched by the industrial development, Trivandrum has retained its pristine glory and verdant surroundings. The people are well educated and more cultured than in most other state capitals in the country.Trivandrum is well connected with Delhi, Bombay and Bangalore by train. Besides there are daily flights to Trivandrum from Bombay and Chennai.

This ancient temple is the architectural landmark of Thiruvananthapuram. Sophisticated stone carvings and well-carved pavilions are unique to this temple. It is open only to Hindus and dress regulations are strictly enforced.

Public Park

The zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The observatory on the Observatory Hill is also located in the Public Park.

Veli Tourist Village

A popular tourist spot, it is a large recreational centre located near the airport along a sheltered lagoon with landscaped gardens and watersports facilities.

Kovalam

This beach is only 16 km away from the city and is listed as one of the loveliest places in the world.

Aruvikkara

Situated on the banks of the Karamana river, this spot houses a Bhagavathy temple with a water fall nearby.

Ponmudi

A beautiful hill station located about 61 kms away from the city.

The Main shopping areas of the city are in the stretch of M.G. Road between East Fort and Palayam, Chalai Bazar, Connemara Market and Palayam. The S.M.S.M. Handicrafts Emporium, Tel.: 330625, is behind the Secretariat, and Kairali, Tel.: 75627, is opposite to the Secretariat.

Don't Miss: Crafted ivory products, like finely sculptured figurines, carved wooden containers hand-woven cotton fabrics, rosewood and teak furniture and coir products.