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Kovalam
"Kovalam" means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. The crescent-shaped beach has three parts. The southern most beach, and the most popular, is light house beach. It offers an amazing sight of Vizhinjam mosque. The northern Samudra is a laidback one and time seems stands still here. The middle, hawah, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.
Padmanabhapuram Palace :Located at 54 kms from Thiruvananthapuram across the border in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district, the palace nestles at the foot of the Veli hills. Built during the 14th cenury it was called Darpakulangara, but later in the 18th century it was renovated and renamed as the Padmanabhapuram palace. A place of elaborate woodwork, it was the ancient seat of the Travancore rulers Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma till the capital was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram in 1780. It contains relics of historical and artistic value.
Kaudiar Palace : This palace is the home of the late Maharaja Sree Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family. The view of the grand old building from the gate is excellent, but unforunately it is off limits to the public. If you are lucky, you could probably walk a few steps inside to get a better view provided the gate keeper is friendly enough.
Anchuthengu Fort :Located 36 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, the historic remains of the fort built by the British East India Company in the 17th century and an adjoining cemetery are the noteworthy relics of this first major British trading station on the Malabar Coast. This colossal monument was once the trading station of the mighty British. The monument built in the 1800s stands as an excellent example of sturdy and lasting forts constructed in the English style.
Koyikkal Palace :Classified as a double storeyed ‘nalukettu’, Koyikkal Palace was the official residence of the of the rulers of the erstwhile State of Travancore. This ancient palace, located 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram on the way to Ponmudi hillstation and the Kuttalam waterfalls, dates back to the 15th century. In1979 this Palace was declared as a protected monument and further in 1990 after carrying out restoration work, it was converted into a Folklore Museum and Numismatic Museum.
Napier Museum : The museum contains a fine collection of Kerala's bronzes, ornaments and contumes, and a model of "Tharawad'-the traditional Nair family home.
Sankhumugham Beach : Located 8 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city, the Shankhumugham Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village.the 'Matsya Kanyaka', a gigantic 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are the major attractions here.
Varkala Beach :Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions here. High cliffs border the excellent beach. Located 55 kms north of Trivandrum with unusual land formations, Varkala beach does has not many visitors. Cliffs, 3 kilometers of shining white sands, the red soil of the hilltop and coconut trees makes it unique. The beach named as Papanasam- an auspicious place, for Hindus to worship their ancestors.
Sri Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple :This ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram. Overlooking the Padma Theertham Tank, the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its name. Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring. The temple is open only to Hindus and dress regulations are strictly enforced.
Aruvikkara :Sited 16 km from the capital Thiruvananthapuram,Aruvikkara is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot, with a waterfall nearby. On the banks of the Karamana River, the spot houses a temple, where a rock cut shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhagvathy, the divine embodiment of female power. A stream with fishes, which come up to be fed by visitors, is another attraction.
Vettukad Church :About 7 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, The 'Madre De Deus' Church popularly known as the Vettukad Church attracts thousands of devotees from all religions. The annual celebration here is called the 'Feast Of Christ, The King'.
Vizhinjam :Situated near Kovalam, Vizinjam is a fishing port, and is also important for an ongoing pioneer project to generate electricity from wave energy.
Beema Palli :Located at 5 kms south of Trivandrum it is an important Muslim pilgrim centre dedicated to Beema Beevi, a pious Muslim lady believed to have possessed divine powers. Devotees of all faiths visit the mosque.
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