Bijapur - Gagan Mahal

Gagan Mahal

Gagan Mahal, Which means Sky Palace, is built with a 21- meter façade and four wooden massive pillars, has a majestic central arch. Sikandar Adil Shah, in silver chains, surrendered to Aurangzeb in 1681 here.

Among the other historical attractions at Bijapur, some notable ones are the Anand Mahal, Jod Gumbaz, Jumma Mosque, Sat Manzil, and Jal Manzil.Also among old houses at Bijapur, the most famous is Elavia House ( Nauzer Elavia) which is more than 100 years old.

Bijapur - Gagan Mahal

Gagan Mahal

Gagan Mahal, Which means Sky Palace, is built with a 21- meter façade and four wooden massive pillars, has a majestic central arch. Sikandar Adil Shah, in silver chains, surrendered to Aurangzeb in 1681 here. Among the other historical attractions at Bijapur, some notable ones are the Anand Mahal, Jod Gumbaz, Jumma Mosque, Sat Manzil, and Jal Manzil.Also among old houses at Bijapur, the most famous is Elavia House ( Nauzer Elavia) which is more than 100 years old.

Bijapur - Asar Mahal

Asar Mahal

The Asar Mahal was built by Mohammed Adil Shah in about 1646, which was used to serve as a Hall of Justice. The building was also used to house hairs from the Prophet's beard. The rooms on the upper storey are decorated with frescoes and the front is graced with a square tank. Here women are not allowed inside. Every year there is urs (festival) held at this place.Infront of the hall, one can see three tanks the bigger tank, which is at the centre is about 15 feet deep however the other two are comparatively smaller in size as well as depth. Behind Asar Mahal one can still see the remain of the citadel. Just a kilometer away behind Asar Mahal, one can still find the old mosque which is on top of the citadel wall. There is a big entrance with arc below this mosque. Many stones have inscriptions. The site is under maintaince of Archeological Survey of India.

Bijapur - Gol Gumbaz

Gol Gumbaz

This is the most famous monument in Bijapur. It is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (ruled 1627-1657). It is the second largest dome ever built, next in size only to St Peter's Basilica in Rome. A particular attraction in this monument is the central chamber, where every sound is echoed seven times. Another attraction at the Gol Gumbaz is the Whispering Gallery, where even minute sounds can be heard clearly 37 metres away. Gol Gumbaz complex includes a mosque, a Naqqar Khana (a hall for the trumpeters) (Now it is used as museum) and the ruins of guest houses.

Bangalore - Indian Institute of Science

Indian Institute Of Science (IISc)

Also known as the Tata Institute, is one of the country's finest research institutions, specializing in advanced science and engineering studies.

Bangalore - Vidhana Soudha

Vidhana Soudha

This splendid Neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon Park is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat. The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sight worth viewing.

The building is open for visitors only after 3 PM.

Bangalore - Iskcon Temple

Iskcon Temple

Situated on Chord Road, it is a must visit temple in Bangalore. It stands over a small hill and is a very clean and well maintained temple. Akshaya Patra program sponsored by the temple is very popular.

Bangalore - The Bull Temple

The Bull Temple

This temple, built by Kempe Gowda, houses the magnificent stone statue of the sacred bull, Nandi. It stands over 15 feet tall and is over 20 feet long. In Nov/Dec every year, when the groundnuts have been harvested, a groundnut fair is held near the temple. The first groundnuts are offered by the farmers to the sacred bull.

Bangalore - Lal Bagh

Lal Bagh

Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. The Glass House, modelled along London's Crystal Palace, is the center of attraction in this 2400 acre park. Bi-annual flower shows attracting participants from all over India is held in the Glass House. In July, 2003 it was decded that the Department of Horticulture and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) would jointly take up the development of Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens. The structure was completely renovated and inaugurated by SM Krishna on Jan 15, 2004.

Allahabad - Victoria Memorial

Victoria Memorial

Located in CS Azad Park is this monument known as the Victoria Memorial although there's no statue of Queen Victoria in it.

Allahabad - Swaraj Bhavan Museum

Swaraj Bhavan Museum

Situated next to Anand Bhawan, Swaraj Bhavan was donated to the Nation by Motilal Nehru (Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime ministers father) to be used as the headquarters of the Congress Committee. Motilal Nehru bought the house in 1900 and doesn't look like it has been lived in ever since although he lived here until 1930. His grand-daughter, the late Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi was born here.

Open daily: 9:30am to 5:30pm. Closed on Monday's.

Allahabad - Mayo Memorial Hall

Mayo Memorial Hall (1979)

Situated near the Thornhill and Myne Memorial, this large hall has a 180 feet high tower . The interior of this memorial hall was ornamented with designs by Professor Gamble of the South Kensington Museum, London. Completed in 1879 this hall was meant for public meetings, balls and receptions in commemoration of the assassinated Viceroy.

Allahabad - Public Library

Public Library (1864)

Standing at Chandra Shekhar Azad Park (Alfred park) The memorial has a lofty tower and arcaded cloister. In 1879, the library was shifted to the present premises at Alfred Park. It has about 75,000 books, besides a treasure trove of manuscripts and journals.

Allahabad - Khusro Bagh

Khusro Bagh

A large garden in which tombs of Khusro, son of emperor Jahagir and Shah Begam are located.

Allahabad - All Saints Cathedral

All Saints Cathedral (Patthar Girjaghar)

This magnificent cathedral, designed by Sir William Emerson in 1870 and consecrated in 1887, is the finest of Anglican Cathedral in Asia is faced in White Stone with red stone dressing. No one visiting the cathedral can fail to be impressed by the beauty of the marble altar with intricate inlay and mosaic work.

Allahabad - Anand Bhawan

Anand Bhawan

The erstwhile ancestral home of the Nehru family. Today it has been turned into a fine museum. Here, many momentous decisions, events, related to the freedom struggle took place. The main building houses a museum which displays the memorabilia of the Nehru family.

Visiting hours: 09:30 am to 05:00 pm. Closed on Mondays and Government holidays.

Allahabad - Allahabad Museum

Allababad Museum

The museum has a good collection of sculpture, especially of the Gupta era.

Allahabad - Allahabad University

Allahabad University

One of the most famous universities of India, it has a sprawling campus, graced by fine buildings in Victorian and Islamic architectural styles.

Designed by Sir William Emerson, and opened in 1886, the former college is a fine example of 'Indo-saracenic' architecture. It has a 200 feet tower made of pale-yellow sandstone with marble and mosaic floors. It was later established as the University of Allahabad, one of the most reputed universities in India and its faculties include Arts, Commerce, Law, Medicine and Science. The University includes the Kausambi Museum with various artifacts from Kausambi including pottery, terracotta figurines, coins, beads and bangles.

Aihole - Durga Temple

Durga Temple

The temple derives its name from Durgadagudi meaning 'temple near the fort'. Dedicated to Vishnu, the temple appears to be a Hindu adaptation of the Buddhist chaitya (hall) with its apsidal end. Standing on a high platform with a 'rekhanagara' type of Shikhara, it is the most elaborately decorated monument in Aihole. The columns at the entrance and within the porch are carved with figures and ornamental reliefs. The temple appears to be a late 7th or early 8th century construction.

Aihole - Ladh Khan Temple

Ladh Khan Temple

The experimental nature of temple building by the Chalukyas is best elaborated in the Ladh Khan Temple, located south of the Durga Temple. Not knowing how to build a temple, they built it in the Panchayat hall style. The windows were filled up with lattice work in the northern style and the sanctum was added later on. The sanctum is built against the back wall and the main shrine has a Shivalinga along with a Nandi. Above the center of the hall, facing the sanctum is a second smaller sanctum with images carved on the outer walls. The temple, built about 450 AD, gets its name from a Muslim prince who converted it into his residence.

Ahmedabad - Rani Rupmati's Mosque

Rani Rupmati's Mosque

Rani Rupmati's mosque situated north of the city centre, is named after the Hindu wife of Sultan Mahmud Begado. The mosque was built between 1430 and 1440 and represents a harmonious synthesis of Hindu and Muslim styles. It has three domes supported by pillars with the central dome slightly elevated which allows natural light into the mosque. The mosque lost its minarets in the earthquake of 1818.

Rani Sipri's Mosque
This small mosque also known as the Masjid - e- Nagira, or jewel of a mosque, because of its extremely graceful and well executed design. It is another beautiful specimen of Hindu art in a Muslim monument.

Ahmedabad - Jumma Masjid

Jumma Masjid

The Jame-Masjid of Ahmedabad is one of the biggest and oldest mosque for Friday Prayers. Built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423, the mosque is located in the centre of the old city. It is one of the finest mosques in India with 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at different elevations. There is a spacious courtyard in marble. The mosque had minarets which were destroyed in an earthquake. The Hindu style of architecture is obviously seen on the walls and the niches of the mosque.

Agra - The Fatehpur Sikri

FATEHPUR SIKRI

Fatehpur Sikri is an epic in red sandstone. A city of yeasteryear, today lost in the mists of time. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1564 AD Mughal Emperor Akbar had no heir. He visited holy men to enlist their prayers for his son. When he visited Sheikh Salim Chishti who was living at the village of Sikri the saint foretold the emperor that he would be blessed with a son. When is son was born, he is gratitude, constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later, due to sortage of water and unrest in North-West, Akbar has to abandon this city. The beautiful marvel tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti still attracts thousands who seek blessings of the revered saint. Other renowned places are Dewane-e-Am, Dewane-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace and Birbal Bhawan. Fatehpur Sikri is about 39 K.M. from Agra. The Mughal Emperor moved his capital there. Later abandoned, the site displays a number of buildings of significant historical importance

Open Time: Sunrise to Sunset.

Agra - Itmad - Ud - Daulah

ITMAD-UD-DAULAH

Itmad-ud-Daulah is the tomb of Mirza Ghyas Beg, a Persian who had obtained service in Akbar Court. The Marvel tomb was made by Emperor Jehangir's Queen, Noorjahan, for his father Mirza Ghyas Beg during 1622-1628 A.D.

The Craftsmanship at Itmad-ud-Daulah foreshadows that of the Taj Mahal. It was here that. "Pietra Dura"-the inlay work on marble-so characteristic of the Taj-was first used.

Empress Nur Jehan built Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, sometimes called the Baby Taj, for her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg, the Chief Minister of Emperor Jahangir. Small in comparison to many other Mughal-era tombs, it is sometimes described as a jewel box. Its garden layout and use of white marble, Pietra Dura, inlay designs and latticework presage many elements of the Taj Mahal.

Open Time: Sun rise to Sunset.

Agra - The Agra Fort

AGRA FORT

Agra's dominant structure, the Agra Fort (sometimes called the Red Fort), was built by Akbar in 1565. The red sandstone fort was renovated and converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time, and reworked extensively with marble and pieta durra inlay. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audience), Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace), and Musamman Burj.

The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 A.D., although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shah Jahan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort height an inner paradise The fort is crescent shaped, flattended on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It has a total perimeter of 2.4 k.m., and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone punctuated at regular intervals by bastions. A 9 mt. wide and 10 mt. deep moats surround the outer wall.

There are number of exquisite building like the Moti Masjid-a white marvel mosque akin to a perfect pearl, Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khaas, Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Shish Mahal and Musamman or Samman Burj-where Shahjahan was held captive in 1666 A.D.

Open Time: Sunrise to Sunset.

Agra - The Sikandra

SIKANDRA

The mausoleum of Emperor Akbar represents his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative region. Completed in 1613 A.D. by his son Jahangir, it is one of the well preserved monuments. This is the last resting place of the Mughal Empror Akbar.

Open Time: Sunrise to Sunset.

Agra - The Taj Mahal

TAJ MAHAL

Agra's Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world, the mausoleum of Shah Jahan's favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the New 7 Wonders of the world, and one of three World Heritage Site in Agra, the others being Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Completed in 1653 A D the Taj Mahal built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his favorite Queen, Mumtaz Finished in by Marble it is perhaps India most fascinating and beautiful monument. These perfectly symmetrical monuments took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labor and 20,000 workers, Masons and Jewelers to built and are set amidst landscaped gardens. Built by the Persian architect, Ustad Isa, The Taj Mahal stays on the bank of River Yamuna. It is a masterpiece of symmetry, Seeming to be floating in the air from a distance, and each revealed as an illusion experienced as one enters through the main gate. The verses of Holy Koran as inscribed on it and at the top of gate 22 small domes, signifying the number of years the monument took to built. The Taj Mahal has been built on a Marvel Platform that stands above a sandstone one. The most elegant dome of the Taj, with diameter of 60 feet’s, raises 80 feet’s, and over the building and directly under the dome is the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. Fantastic Inlay works using semi-precious stones decorate and interiors.

Open Time: 6 A.M. to 7.30 P.M. (Friday is closed)

Places of interest in and around - Kollam

Ashtamudi Lake

This lake has coconut palms on its banks which give a picturesque view. The Chinese fishing nets and the large-sailed dugouts carrying the local coir, copra and cashew are also being seen in the lake.

Places of interest in and around - Kollam

Thenmala

This area which is 66 km east of Kollam is covered by dense forest, rubber and tea plantations. An Eco Tourism Development Project is under implementation here. Thenmala is also a damsite.

Places of interest in and around - Kollam

Thirullavaram Beach

This Beach is 6 km N of Quilion Town. This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre. It is ideal for swimming or bathing in the sun.

It is connected to Quilon town by bus.

Places of interest in and around - Kollam

Punalur

Punalur is one of the important industrial centers of Kerala. It is about 45 kms. from Kollam. The Punalur Paper Mill is one of the main factories. The suspension bridge which is 400 ft. long across the Kallada River is the only one of its kind in south India. A concrete bridge has been constructed nearby and now the suspension bridge is only of archaeological interest.

Places of interest in and around - Kollam

Paravur

Paravur is an important fishing and Coir production center. It is situated 13 kms. South of Kollam and is connected with Kollam town by road and rail.

Places of interest in and around - Kollam

Palaruvi Waterfalls

Palaruvi which means stream of milk is one of the well-known waterfalls in south India, falling from a height of 300 feet. It is situated 75 km from Kollam town on Kollam-Shancottah road. The scenic beauty, with the hills, valleys and cascades, covered with dense tropical forests, is breath taking. The palaruvi wood is a beautiful picnic spot.

Season to visit the place is June-January.

Places of interest in and around - Kollam

Thangasseri

It is situated 5 km from Kollam town. This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an Old Portuguese fort and churches which was built in the 18th century. The chief attraction of the place is the light house, built in 1902. The 144 ft. light house stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery.

Visitors are permitted to visit the lighthouse between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Varkala

It is an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Center are the two main attractions here. The final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, Sivagiri is near Varkala. Besides this, Varkala is a seaside resort. According to a myth, sage Narada was approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned. Narada threw his Valkkalam (cloth made of the bark of a tree) into the air, and the place where it landed was subsequently named Varkala. The mendicants were directed by Narada to offer their prayers in the newly created place by the seashore. The place where they prayed came to be known as the Papanasham Beach (Papanasham means redemption from sins).

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Padmanabha Swamy Temple

Renovated in 1733 AD by the then ruler of Travancore, Raja Marthanda Varma, this holy shrine attracts thousands of Hindu devotees. Located inside the east fort, this fascinating temple is the most important landmark of Thiruvananthapuram.

The temple portrays both Kerala and the Dravidian styles of architecture. It is a grand seven storied structure adorned by innumerable stone carvings, ancient inscriptions and colourful murals. There are around 324 pillars in the temple corridor.

The main Deity in this temple is Lord Padmanabha, who reclines on Anantha, the thousand-headed serpent. The Idol is about 5.5 mtrs (18 feet) long and is one of the largest Vishnu deities in India. The Deity reclines in a large, dimly lit room. You can see the Lord through three large doors, one revealing his feet, another midsection (with Brahma on the lotus) and the third his chest and head.

The deity is taken on a procession everyday at 4 p.m. around the temple. There are several other deities in the temple including Sita, Rama, Hanuman, Krishna and Narasimha. There is a huge temple tank called Padma Teertham outside the temple.

Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple and they too have to strictly follow the dress code, which is dhoti for the men and a sarees for the women.

The temple remains open from 4:15 am - 5:15 am, 6:45 am - 730 am, 8:30 am - 10:30 am, 11:30 am - 11:45 am, and 5:15 pm - 7:30 pm.

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Napier Museum

The Napier Museum was built in 19th century. It was opened to the public by a committee, in which the maharaja of Travancore Sree Utram Thirunal was the director and the resident of Travancore General Kallan was the Chariman. At the starting time it has a few collections of metals from all over the world, some books of General Kallan.

A new building was built in 1880 by the supervision of an architect named Mr. Chishome. The building was inaugurated by Mr. Napier, the Governor of Madras and so the museum was called as Napier Museum. Now it has a vast collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, plastic casts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings.

This museum will interest you if you are an avid lover of antiques with an eye for elegance and aesthetics. For, each of the collection of 400 bronze deities on display has some specialty or the other. There is a 9th century Lord Vishnu with crystal eyes, a wooden sculpture of Narasimha, Kerala woodcarvings, 14th century Vijayanagar bronze deities and lots of intricate ivory work and filigree work jewelry. The architectural style is basically the Indo-Saracenic style known for its beautiful stained-glass windows.

Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and on Wednesdays from 1 pm to 5 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Kaudiar Palace

This palace, home of the late Maharaja Sree Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family is off limits to the public. But the view of the grand old building from the gate is excellent; a co-operative gate keeper just might let you walk a few meters inside for a better view.

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Koyikkal Palace

Koyikkal Palace Located 18 km from Trivandrum on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Kuttalam waterfalls, this ancient place that dates back to the 15th century, is famous in the history of Kerala as the official residence of Perakom Thavazhi (the maternal lineage), especially of Umayamma Rani of the Venad royal family. Here you can see a double storied traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and two museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archaeology.

The 'Gajendra Moksham' Mural which is one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala is seen on the ground floor of the Palace. A museum with antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes is housed inside the building. The Palace is situated 47kms from Alleppey

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Kanakakkunnu Palace

Kanakakunnu Palace is the summer-house of Travancore Royal Family. The palace and its grounds are today the venue for many cultural meets and Programmes

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Padmanabhapuram Palace

The Padmanabhapuram Palace, about 60 km from Tiruvananthapuram, was once the home of the Royal family of Travancore. It is one of the biggest palaces in India with intricate carvings and beautiful woodwork.

Travancore, which was a princely state for over 400 years, included a large part of present-day Kerala and the western part of Tamil Nadu. 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 the Government of Kerala.

The palace is one of the best examples of the traditional wooden architecture of Kerala. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is a well-preserved wooden palace, a glorious testimony to the traditional architecture of Kerala. Step inside the palace and you are sure to travel down the corridors of history where every carving, every shuttered window will tell a story. Look out for the carved rose and teak wood ceilings with 90 different floral designs, the windows with coloured mica, the Durbar Hall with shiny black floor made of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand, the Belgian mirrors and the pagoda like tiled roofs. All of which will give you some wonderful memories for a lifetime

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) palace is located near Padmanabhaswamy temple. Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, built this magnificent palace. He was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. The palace, built in the traditional Travancore style of architecture depicts excellent craftsmanship and possesses exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum has on display, enchanting paintings and other priceless collections of the royal family.

The palace remains open from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm and is closed on Mondays.

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Veli Tourist Village

Located 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, the Veli Tourist Village is bordered by the Veli lagoon and the Arabian Sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar.

The Veli Tourist Village on the outskirts of Trivandrum is a delightful waterfront park which has become extremely popular with Keralites. It is a nice place for tourists with young children to spend an afternoon. There are lots for the kids to do, and they will meet many of their young Keralite counterparts, all of whom will be eager to make new friends and try out their English.

The main attraction at Veli is water - a large inland lake, separated from the ocean by only a narrow sandbar. There are kayaks, and even hovercraft, for the more intrepid. While skimming over the lake, visitors will see the local fishermen readying their boats, working on their nets, or poling sand-laden barges. There is a floating bridge and a floating restaurant too. Open every day; boat rides available until 6.00p.m., after which the lake reverts to the sole use of fishermen. For very small children, there is a tiny lake within the park, with sturdy, round "tub boats", equipped with miniature paddles. A small cafeteria serves ice-cream, cold-drinks and snacks, and the grounds are dotted with interesting climbing sculptures designed by the well-known sculptor Kanai Kunjiraman

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Varkala Beach

Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu center of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline.

The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Center are the two main attractions here. High cliffs border the excellent beach.

It's a beautiful beach that has a more than 2000 years old shrine of Lord Vishnu. This beach is rich in mineral water springs that are known for their medicinal value.

A dip in the holy waters of this beach is believed to purge the body and the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' for this shore. At the break of dawn following the new moon in the Malayalam month of 'Karkidakam', thousands offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual believed to help the souls of ancestors rest in peace.

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Shankhumugham Beach

The beach is located 8 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city and is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, is a favourite spot of sunset watchers. A 35meter long sculpture of a Matsya Kanyaka is the main attraction of Shankumugham. Another one is a starfish shaped restaurant.

Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules.

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum. This unique internationally renowned wonderful beach will get pride of place amongst the loveliest beaches in the world has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930s.

Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look.

The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories, makes this beach paradise. This marvelous beach is a tourist's dream come true.

A sheltered natural bay with cool soothing palms and gentle waves where when you are tired of aquatics, swimming or sunbathing, you can explore the handicrafts, jewelers and cloth shops spread along the waterfront Not to speak of the delightful sea-food fare including lobsters available at the beach side restaurants.

The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts. The southern most beaches, and the most popular, are the Lighthouse Beach. Further south on the beach one can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque. Photography is prohibited here.

The middle beach is called Hawah. Each morning this beach acts as a base for the local fisherman. The northern most beach, Samudra, is least affected of all by the changing times. It is dotted with few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels.

This mellow Kerala coastal village was once a picturesque settlement built next to two palm-fringed coves enclosed by rocky headlands, but development has been almost unplanned.

Kovalam is developing not only as a beach resort but is fast developing as a Yoga and health center. One can have Ayurvedic massages and oil baths or learn the intricacies and dynamics of Yoga and meditation taught by experts.

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara wildlife sanctuary is a 'gene pool' sanctuary, with a rich variety of flora and fauna over a rugged terrain with running rivulets, rolling hillocks and green meadows. The sub tropical and tropical evergreen forests are populated with a variety of wildlife. This sanctuary with its rich fauna and birds is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to Elephants, Sambhar, Lion-tailed Macaques, Leopards, and assorted birds. Gaur, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Tiger and the Nilgiri Langur are also among the main inhabitants of the park. A boat ride on the site is a fulfilling experience.

Although Peppara is theoretically open all year, the main season is from January until May.

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Neyyar Wild Life Sanctuary

The Neyyar sanctuary is spread over the Southeast corner of the Western Ghats, and covers a total area of 128 sq kms. The Neyyar reservoir is easily navigable and extends 9.06 sq. km.

Declared as a sanctuary in 1958, it is the drainage basin for the Neyyar River and its tributaries - Mullayar and Kallar. Elephants, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Tahr, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Nilgiri Langur can be seen here. This sanctuary has a substantial natural vegetation cover. The diversity of its flora makes this sanctuary an ideal gene pool preserve.

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Neyyar Dam & Lion Safari Park

Neyyar dam is situated 90-18000 meter above sea-level. It is an extension of Kallikad Tiger Reserve and Mudanthura Wild life Sanctuary of Tamilnadu.

Neyyar dam, lying against the southern low hills of the Western Ghats, 32 kms away from the Thiruvananthapuram city is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site. Neyyar dam affords a panoramic view of the mountains and the lake. The lion safari is a star attraction.

The reservoir also offers boating facilities in addition to a crocodile farm. The project offers facilities for boating and mountaineering. A miniature wild life sanctuary, a lake garden and a swimming pool are the major attractions.

Places of interest in and around - Thiruvananthapuram

Agasthyakoodam

This is a prominent peak in the Sahyadri range and is the second highest peak in Kerala, at a height of 1890 meters above sea level. Teeming with wildlife, the forests of Agasthyakoodam abound in rare medicinal herbs and plants and brilliantly hued orchids. A bird watcher's paradise, this legendary mountain is accessible by foot from Kotoor, near Neyyar Dam, as also from Bonacaud.