KERALA

KERALA

The state of Kerala is a part of south India. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital as well as the largest city of Kerala.

Kerala has fourteen districts which fall under its six historical regions which are North Malabar (Far-north Kerala), Malabar (northern Kerala), Kochi (central Kerala), Northern Travancore, Central Travancore (southern Kerala) and Southern Travancore (Far-south Kerala).

Kerala's 14 revenue districts are subdivided into 62 taluks, 1453 revenue villages and 1007 Gram panchayats. The state of Kerala has 91% literacy rate which is the highest in India.

Sri Chitra Art Gallery

Sri Chitra Art Gallery

Sri Chitra Art Gallery is situated to the North of Napier museum and has an excellent collection of Indian art with examples from early to modern schools. Paintings by Raja Ravi Varma , Svetoslav, Nicholas Roerich, copies of paintings of Ajanata and works from Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings,  Tanjore paintings embellished with semi- precious stones and miniatures from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali are displayed. There is a Zoo and Aquarium nearby. 

Timings: 0800-1800 hrs. Wednesdays 1300 hrs; Closed on Mondays and a few holidays. Entry after 1300 hrs free.
Entrance fee to the Museum and Art Gallery: Rs. 5/- for Adults and Rs. 2/- for Children.

Kuthiramalika (Puthemalika) Palace Museum

Kuthiramalika (Puthemalika) Palace Museum

Built by Maharaja Swathi Tirunal Balarama Varma, the King of Travancore, the palace is a fine example of the traditional Travancore style embellished with exquisite woodcarvings. It is situated on the South East side of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple. The palace got its name because of the shape of horses’ heads carvings on the exterior walls. The palace museum displays various painting collections of the royal family.  An annual classical music festival (Swati Sangeetotsavam) also held here between 27th January and 3rd February.

Open from 8:30-12:30 hrs and 3:30-5:30hrs. Closed on Mondays. It will be closed on Monday.
Entrance fee: Rs. 5/- for Adults, Rs. 3/- for Children, Rs. 20/- for Foreigners and Rs. 25/- for Camera

Valiyakoyikal Palace

Valiyakoyikal Palace

Situated 18kms from the city, Koyikal Palace is a two storied palace at Nedumangad which is on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Courtallam Water falls. It is one of the ancient palaces belonging to the erstwhile Venad dynasty, built by 'Umayamma Rani' during the 15th century in the traditional Nalukettu style.  Today, this palace houses Asia's biggest Folklore Museum (1992) as well as a Numismatic (Coin Collection) (1990) Museum set up by the Department of Archaeology.

The Folklore museum said to be India's biggest folklore museum houses many ancient musical instruments and models of folk arts. 'Chandravalayam' (a rare percussion instrument) used in epics like Ramayana, 'Chilambu' (anklet) and 'Thaliyola' (old manuscripts) used by Umayamma Rani  are also on display here. The museum also has a number of household utensils made in brass and copper that were used in ancient times.

The Numismatics museum which is Kerala's first numismatic study center, has  a vast collection of coins from different eras. Coins used by various Indian rulers namely the Nizam of Hyderabad, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Gwalior royal family, and a collection of Roman coins over the period of AD14 to AD 180 are exhibited here. World's smallest coin, Rasi, an ancient coin belonging to the Venetian era ( this coin is believed to have been presented to Jesus Christ) are also on display here.
Visiting hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days. Monday Holiday.

Kanakakunnu Palace

Kanakakunnu Palace

Situated 800 meter North East of the Napier museum in the heart of the city, the palace belongs to the Kerala Government. The palace constructed during the reign of Sree Moolam Tirunal Raja stands on a small hill surrounded by well manicured lawns. Huge chandeliers and royal furniture adorn the interior of the palace. Its sprawling grounds including the Nishagandhi open-air Auditorium and Sooryakanthi Auditorium are the usual venues for various cultural meets and programmes. An all India Dance Festival (Nishagandhi Festival) is organised by the Department of Tourism every year in the Nisagandhi open-air auditorium. Indian Classical  Dance Performances of eminent artists are conducted every day during the festival. 

Open from 10 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance fee: Rs. 2/- for Adults and Re.1/- for Children
Phone : 0471-2314615

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace


his majestic old palace is located 55kms from Thiruvananthapuram in the state of Tamil Nadu. Situated at Thucklai, on the way to Kanyakumari, this was once the capital of the State of Travancore. Built in the Travancore architectural style, this is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals. Carved mahogany ceiling, colored mica windows, secret  underground passages, inner courtyards, durbal hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Belgian mirror, pictures of Lord Krishna, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors which make a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand makes this palace a must visit. It will be closed on Mondays.

Place : Thuckalay, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu  Significance : The palace is a Kerala architectural masterpiece with exquisite mural paintings, wooden Carvings and sculpture Best Season : November to May. Less crowd in the monsoon months of June and July  Timings   9 Am to 4.30 Pm all days except Mondays and National holidays Located 55 km away from Thiruvananthapuram on the highway to Nagarcoil-Kanyakumari, Padmanabhapuram was once the seat of the rulers of old Travancore or Venad State from the16th to the late 18th centuries. The name refers to the image of the lotus coming from the navel of Vishnu (Padma - lotus, nabha - navel, Puram - Town). The palace complex was constructed around 1601 A.D by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal who ruled Travancore between 1592 A.D. and 1609 A.D. (767 M.E and 784 M.E). The construction of the Perumal palace at the centre of the complex was completed in 1744 A.D. On the day of its completion, Maharaja Anizham Tirunal Marthanda Varma, dedicated this palace to Lord Padmanabha and named the palace Sri Padmanabha Perumal Palace. From then on the fort and the surroundings earlier known as Kalkulam came to be known as Padmanabhapuram.

Padmanabhapuram palace cover an area of around 7 acres. The complex consists of individual structures linked by a maze of corridors, colonnades, verandahs, courts and constructed of  teakwood and granite and stands within the massive stone  walls of 30 ft which kept Tipu Sultan at bay in the 18th century. Exquisite wall paintings, fascinating traditional Kerala architecture, floors finished to a high polish with a special compound of crushed shells, coconuts, egg-white and juices of local plants; sunny courtyards with carvings and sculptures are some of the outstanding features of this sprawling palace housed within fortified walls.   The palace has its main entrance from the west. The 'padipura' or the main gate  reached after crossing a large courtyard, displays an ornamented gabled roof. The 'Pumukham', inside the second court, has a profusely carved rosewood and mahogany ceiling with 90 different inverted flowers, a polished granite bed in one corner and an ornate Chinese throne. There is an audience hall on the upper level of the two storeyed building with circular wooden columns and angled timber screens to let in light and air.

The third court marks the beginning of the private zone of the palace. Here, on the north of 'Pilamottu Kottaram' is 'Upparikka Malika' (upper storey) or the Perumal Kottaram. Its four chambers, arranged one above the another, connected by steep steps, served as a treasury on the ground floor, the royal sleeping chamber on the second floor,  the royal meditation chamber and shrine room on the fourth floor. On days of penance, His Highness took rest on the third floor, which also served as his prayer room. The 18th century Kerala murals on the walls remains unblemished even after centuries and surpass even those at Mattancherry palace in Kochi. There is also a four poster medicinal bed of 64 ayurvedic healing woods here, many presented by the Dutch. Each room in the palace has its own characteristic style. A guided tour through the maze of 108 rooms leaves one breathless at the artistic expression and sheer opulence of these magnificent rooms. Painted mahogany musical ceremonial bows adorn a wall, a huge brass oil lamp hangs from an ornate teak, wooden ceilings profusely carved etc are a feast to the eyes.

The manthrasala (Council chamber) with a shiny hard black floor specially made from a combination of egg white, jaggery lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand, granite tubs to cool curd and buttermilk and some coloured mica in the windows, is situated right at the top of the portico of Pilamoottu Kottaram (palace). The 'mattuppavu' (balcony) situated on the south served as the dining hall of the palace employees. An enormous 2 storeyed hall served as an 'oottupura' ( dining hall), where 2,000 Brahmins were fed free once daily. The paintings in the prayer room are simply superb. However this room is mostly kept locked and one has to have permission to enter. The fourth court of the palace occupies the east part of the complex. Some of the other  interesting sections and items in this palace are royal chairs with Chinese carvings, secret underground passages which is said to run from another palace 2km away, Belgian mirrors in the ladies chambers and pictures of Lord Krishna, hanging brass lanterns lit continuously since the 18th century, hanging cage through which eagles tore criminals to death, open air swimming bath, the King's sister's dressing room with two hanging beds. One of the oldest buildings in the complex is 'Thaikkottaram' or the Queen Mother's palace (1550) with intricately carved wooden pillars, painted ceilings and a red polished floor, then there is the Alambara Bhagavati temple and Saraswathi temple, large earthen urns, room for scribes and accountants, carved figures on columns holding oil lamps, pooja (worship) rooms with jackfruit tree columns, fish carvings on the ceilings, 'Lakshmivilasam',  granite dance hall known as 'Navarathrimandapam', 'Chandravilasam' which served as the summer resort of the royalty to the north west, 'Indravilasam' incorporating a residence and audience hall, partly built in a Neo- Classical style building, Thekke Kottaram (southern palace) and 'Neerazhi Kettu' (bathing ghats) on the south, 'Ekandamandapam' or 'the lonely place',  the 'Homappura', where religious offerings were made, enormous teak beams and an outer cyclopean stone wall fitted together without mortar. The palace archeological museum located in the first courtyard from the entrance, houses artifacts including furniture, Travancore coins, wooden and granite sculptures, stone and copper plate inscriptions, ancient armaments such as swords, rifles, spears and shields. Though the palace is now in the State of Tamil Nadu, it was once the traditional home of the royal family of Travancore, so it is maintained by Kerala Archaeology Department.

Museum of Science and Technology

Museum of Science and Technology

Serve as a Study cum Recreation centre, Museum of Science and Technology is one of the famous tourist spot in Thiruvananathapuram. It is situated near the mascot hotel. The exhibits at the museum are related to science, technology and electronics.
Open from 10am to 5pm, closed on Monday.

Contact Address :
The Director
Kerala State Science and Technology Museum
Vikasbhavan P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695033
Phone : 0471-2306976, 2306024, 2304286
Fax: 0471-2304286.

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum is situated to the east of Napier museum. It housed in a modern large double storeyed building at an elevated Ticket covers entry to all museum and galleries in the complex. 

The museum houses a collection of ethnographic pieces, animal skeletons and stuffed animals and birds as well as an interesting replica of a Nayar wooden house built in the Kerala style. 

Timings: 0800-1800 hrs. Entry free. Closed on Mondays and holidays. Photography with permission.

Napier Museum

Napier Museum

Napier Museum is spectacular wooden building situated north of the city, at Museum road and 400m east of Indian airlines.  One of the oldest museums of India, and named after Lord Charles Napier, the governor of Madras, this museum was established by Maharaja of Travancore 1855. 

It displays an eclectic assortment of historical and contemporary ornaments, temple carts, ivory carvings and life-size figures of kathakali dances in full costume. It has also famous collection of 8th-18th century south Indian bronze, rules for sculpting deities of Siva, Vishnu, Parvathi and Lakshmi in 'Silpa Sastras'

The visiting time  is from 10am to 6pm, closed on Monday and forenoon of Wednesday, January 26th, August 15th, Thiruvonam and Mahanavami.

Entry fee: For museum and art gallery - adult Rs 5, Children Rs 2.  Photography with prior permission.

Chacha Nehru Children's Museum

Chacha Nehru Children's Museum

A major attraction for children is the Chacha Nehru Children's Museum which established in 1980. Situated 1 km north of City Central Bus Station, this is named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who is remembered for his great love towards children. The museum displays a vast range of objects like traditional and proclaim 2000 featuring figures in Indian costume, American presidents, health education displays, a mini aquarium and the first issue of children's literature in Malayalam.  It will be open from 10am-5pm. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Photography not allowed. Contact Address: Chacha Nehru Children's Museum Thycaud, Trivandrum Timings: 1000-1800 hrs

The Zoological Park

The Zoological Park

Located near PMG junction, 400m east of Indian Airlines, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, the second oldest zoo in India is spread over 55 acres of land set amidst lakes, lawns and woodlands. The park is part of a well-planned botanical garden. It was established in 1857 AD as an annexe to the Museum by the Maharaja of Travancore. Huge trees like Frangipani and Jacaranda dotting the sprawling lawns and wild Fowls swimming in the lake,  make it a small jungle in the heart of the city. The park has a large collection of animal species from India and abroad. The Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion and the Royal Bengal Tiger are the most prominent among the endangered species. A reptile house with different species of snakes is also located in the premises.

Open 10.00 am - 5.00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Adults: Rs. 5, Children: Rs. 3, Camera permit: Rs. 15
Phone : 0471- 2316275

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Neyyar Dam

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Neyyar Dam

Situated 30km east of Thiruvananthapuram, at the foot of the Western ghats, this popular picnic spot has a lake and a picturesque dam site. Established in 1958, the sanctuary covers an area of 123 sq. km. It occupies the basin of the rivers Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. A watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park are the main attractions of this sanctuary. Dominated by the peak of Agasthyakoodam hill, 1,890 metres high, the Neyyar sanctuary occupies a beautiful wooded and hilly landscape. Wild life includes gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat and Nilgiri langur but most commonly seen animals are wild elephants and sambar deer.  Trekking and Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.  

A part of the Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary, Neyyar Dam supports a large population of crocodiles and otters. The gardens in the dam area is decorated with larger than life statues. 

Contact Address : 
Assistant wildlife Warden,
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar Dam
Thiruvananthapuram
Phone : 0471-2272182