CAPITAL OF KERALA
Area:               2192 Sq. Kms.

Population:     2,938,583

Altitude:         Sea Level

Located  at   the  south  western tip of India, Thiruvananthpuram district is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the West end Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the western Ghats in eastern and the northeastern  borders  give   Thiruvananthapuram some  of  the  most  enchanting  picnic  spots. Along   shoreline, with  internationally renowned Beaches, historic  monuments, backwater  streches  and   a  rich  cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.

PLACES TO VISIT
PadmanabhaSwamy Temple: (Open: 0415 - 0515 Hrs, 0645 - 0730 Hrs, 0830 - 1030 Hrs, 1130 - 1145 Hrs, 1715 - 1930 Hrs.) The Temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the  Temple is a  bled  of  the  Karala  and  Dravidian  style   of Architecture, it is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108  sacred  Vishnu  Temple   in  India, the  presiding  diety  in  here  is  Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the serpent. Only Hindus are allowed in side the temple.

Khutiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum: (Open 0830 - 1230 Hrs, 1530 - 1730 hrs. Monday Closed) The  Palace  was  built  by  Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Verma - The King of Travancore, who was a great poet,musician, social reformer and statesman.This rare specimen os workmanship in the treditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The Palace museum displas paintings and various priceless collection of the royal family and is located near Shree Padmanabha Swamy Temple

The Napier Museum: (Open 1000 - 1700Hrs. Closed on Mondays & Wdnesday Forenoons) Built in 19th century, the Indo-Saracenic structure boasts a "natural" air conditioning system & houses a rare  collection of archalogical and historic artifacts, bronz idols, ancian ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plastic is  banned in the museum premises.

Shakhumugham Beach:
Just 8 km from the city, this is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. he beach is the adjacent  to   the  thiruvananthapuram  Airport   an   Veli   Tourist  village. An  indoor recreation club, the matasya Kanyaka (a giganatic , 35m long sculpture of mermaid), and  a  restaurant  shaped  like  a  starfish  are some of the attraction here. Chacha Nehru Traffic training Park here provides  the  apportunity  for   children  to  learn  the traffic rules.

Veli Tourist Village: (Open 0800 - 1800Hrs.)

The picnic spot, where the Veli lake meets the Arabian sea, offers boating facilities. For the quick ride over the waters, speed boats are available for hire.

PLACES TO STAY
~ South Park ( * * * * )
~ Lucia ( * * * )
~ Manalthiram ( Heritage )