Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, this coastal capital city of the southern state of Kerala sprawls over seven scenic green hills. In spite of having served the role of a capital since 1745, the city is still far from becoming a maddening metropolitan and offers an easy lifestyle.

It is known for being one of the cleanest cities in India as well as being a centre for education and rich cultural heritage. The past few members of the Travancore royal family have left their legacy of the arts, music, architecture and education in the form of various art galleries, palaces, temples, heritage colleges as well as museums which draw tourists from all over the country.

Trivandrum is also well known for its rich endowment of natural destinations in the form of idyllic beaches, backwaters, lagoons, hill stations and Ayurveda centres. All this and more makes Trivandrum an ideal holiday destination. Here is a short list of tourist attractions that Trivandrum has on offer:

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Touted as being the richest temple in the world, it is also a fascinating place for art lovers with its rich murals and stone carvings. It was built in a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles and is one of the 108 abodes of Lord Vishnu, according to Hindu mythology.

Agasthyakoodam

Also called Agastya Mala, it’s named after the famous Hindu sage Agastya. It is a hill station well-known for its diverse collection of flora and fauna and beckons to the birdwatchers. It is also famous for medicinal herbs, brilliant orchids, and trekking.

Veli Tourist Village

Located at the scenic point where Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, this famous picnic spot offers, boat-riding, horse-riding, children parks, sculpture gardens, a floating restaurant, a floating bridge as well as magnificent vistas of the lagoon and scenic beaches.

Ponmudi

A cool hill station that offers idyllic views amid beautiful green surroundings, it’s a balm to the city-bred souls. Green mountain slopes teeming with flowers, deer, butterflies, trekking trails and rivulets and springs, it’s definitely nature’s paradise.

Napier Museum

Known for its unique architectural design, this destination offers an antique collection of bronze articles, musical instruments, and ivory carvings. Nestled amidst a vast zoological and botanical garden, you will also find the Sri Chitra Art Gallery here with its famous collection of original paintings.

And for those of you who enjoy the fun and frolic of beaches, don’t miss the popular beaches at Kovalam, Varkala, Poovar, and Shanghamugham.

But that’s not all, as there is still lots more to see!

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