The Padmanabhaswamy temple is 3 or 4 miles away from the Thiruvananathapuram Central Railway Station. This is an architectural wonder and a magnificent temple that is sure to amaze you. Situated in the heart of the city, the massive structure has a staggering 100 feet high “Gopuram”, the main temple tower. Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple of Kerala is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the Gods of the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. The massive idol of the deity measures 18 feet in length and is covered with gold and other precious stones.The idol is viewed through three different doors. The head and torso is visible through the first opening. The midriff and hands are visible through the second door and the feet are visible through the third door. The massive idol is seen resting gracefully on the Serpent Lord, Anantha. The temple is made beautifully with an amalgamation of Hindu and Kerala architecture. The temple is famous for its Arattu festival, which is till date headed by the royal family of Travancore. The procession is worth seeing as it is a grand spectacle of beautifully decorated elephants and musicians chanting Lord’s name. The whole temple is beautifully decorated and the city of Trivandrum comes alive during the temple procession. People from all over come here to take part and cheer during the festival. The idol of Anantha Padmanabha is very special as it includes ayurvedic herbs and the mixture blended to make this idol consists of various ingredients.The temple, known for the Mural paintings and stone carvings is one among the 108 temples dedicated to Vishnu in India. A magnificent array of gods, goddesses, nymphs, sprites and demons adorn the seven-storey ‘gopuram’ that forms the temple tower.Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity, reclines in the posture of ‘Ananthashayanam’ on the coiled serpent ‘Anantha’. Outside the temple courtyard, there is a medley of shops that sell souvenirs, handicrafts, woodcarvings and handiwork of sandal. One can witness the craftsmen do their work right from carving the wood to polishing.In the October/November months of every year, there is held the Navarathri Festival of musical concerts at the Navarathri Mandapam, adjacent to the main building of the temple. Only Hindus are allowed inside and dress regulations are strictly followed.The festivals are held during the months of Meenam and Thulam (March-April and October-November respectively), according to the Malayalam calendar. Pallivetta (Royal hunt) and Arattu (Holy bath) are two important rituals held as part of the festivals.Also, the rituals Lakshadeepam and Murajapam are conducted at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple once in six years.
The climate is of tropical humid type with an oppressive summer and The temperature normally ranges between 27º and 32º C.
History:
The idol is made up of 10008 salagramams that compose the reclining lord. They are special because they are from Nepal, from the banks of river Gandhaki and they were brought to the temple with all pomp and gaiety on elephant top. On top of them “katusarkara yogam”,navaratnams, a special ayurvedic mix, was used to give a plaster. Followers believe that the Lord has personally come in disguise and had saved many times the Travancore Travancore Kingdom from the clutches of enemies.The story behind the origin of padmanabha swamy temple is revealed through several legends. The temple is considered to be one of the 108 sacred shrines of Lord Vishnu. When Vilvamangalam Swami, a devotee of Lord Krishna reached ‘Ananthankadu’ on reaching Krishna, a huge illuppa tree fell down with a crash at the location of the present Padmanabha Swami Temple. Lord Vishnu appeared before him reclining on Ananta Shesha. The news reached the then ruler (Naduvazhi), who ordered to construct a temple at that place. Nammalwar the famous hindu religious poet has sung many verses in praise of this place and the Lord Padmanabha. His period was during the 9th century proving the fame of the temple dating back to several years.
Interesting things to do:
In the October/November months of every year, there is held the Navarathri Festival of musical concerts at the Navarathri Mandapam and also the rituals Lakshadeepam and Murajapam are conducted at here.
Interesting things to Visit:
Pozhikara Beach:Pozhikara Beach is a nearby haunt beloved by tourists. The Karamana and Parvathy Puthanaar Rivers empty into the Arabian Sea at this spot.Flora and Fauna:Brilliantly colored flowers, striking in variety beauty, the dense green foliage, the natural vegetation, the exotic water birds and others flora and fauna make your tour on the Thiruvallam Backwaters an unending bag of pleasant surprisesVeli tourist Village:The Veli Tourist Village is sandwiched between the Veli Lagoon and the Arabian Sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar. Facilities at the village include water sports in the lagoon and 18 acre waterfront park with a floating bridge that connects the village to the beach.Canoe Rides:Tourists enjoy canoe rides and capture breathtaking views of the country life on Thiruvallam backwaters tours.Temples:Tourists can make a visit to the famous temple dedicated to the Sri Parasurma, the mythological creator of Kerala. The temple has gained immense popularity in the last few years and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Legends say that when Parasurma threw his axe northward from Kanyakumari, a land was created where his axe fell and that particular land was named as the ‘Land of Parasurma’.The Akulam Boat Club:Its just 8 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram is another famed tourist attraction. The club provides boating cruises on the nearby Akulam Lake. A bat ride from here to the Karamana River will cost approximately . It also houses an amusement park and a swimming pool for children. Tourists often visit this Club to picnic with friends and family.Kanakakunnu Palace:The Kanakakunnu Palace is sited adjacent to the Napier Museum in Trivandrum. The Kanakakunnu Palace was built during the rule of the Travancore King. Royal banquets viewed the palace as the main venue. Later Sree Chithira Tirunal altered the palace and built tennis courts inside the palace premises.Napier museum:The Napier museum is located in the capital city of Kerala at Trivandrum. The architecture of the museum building is amazing. The best time to visit this museum is in the months of October to march.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.
Nearest Airport:Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Road Transport:Kerala Road Transport Corporation buses operates ordinary, fast, super fast and Volvo buses from Trivandrum to all cities in Kerala and many cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Private bus operators run deluxe tourist buses from Trivandrum to Bangalore, Chennai and Kozhikode daily.
Nearest Visiting places:
The Pareekshit Thampuran Museum :Its archeological museum adjacent to the Shiva temple in Durbar Hall Road,Ernakulam. This museum features collections of the 19th century paintings , Pre-historic monuments , Old coins in a numismatic gallery, Scriptures in stone & Plaster of Paris, Copies of mural paintings etc & the collection from the Cochin royal family. In the earlier days the museum was the Durbar Hall of Cochin Rajas where guests were welcomed, and where official ceremonies and meetings were held. Now under the State Archaeological Department.Agasthyakoodam:Lying at an altitude of 1,890 m, Agasthyakoodam is the highest peak in southern Kerala. It forms part of Western Ghats and the Agasthyavanam forest, The hill is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. For Buddhists, it is the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara; for Hindus it is the abode of sage Agastya, a disciple of Lord Shiva.The hills are rich in medicinal plants, herbs and many species of birds and wild animals. Trekking to the top takes two days and is only permitted between December and April.The Pareekshit Thampuran Museum :Its archeological museum adjacent to the Shiva temple in Durbar Hall Road,Ernakulam. This museum features collections of the 19th century paintings , Pre-historic monuments , Old coins in a numismatic gallery, Scriptures in stone & Plaster of Paris, Copies of mural paintings etc & the collection from the Cochin royal family. In the earlier days the museum was the Durbar Hall of Cochin Rajas where guests were welcomed, and where official ceremonies and meetings were held. Now under the State Archaeological Department.Agasthyakoodam:Lying at an altitude of 1,890 m, Agasthyakoodam is the highest peak in southern Kerala. It forms part of Western Ghats and the Agasthyavanam forest, The hill is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. For Buddhists, it is the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara; for Hindus it is the abode of sage Agastya, a disciple of Lord Shiva.The hills are rich in medicinal plants, herbs and many species of birds and wild animals. Trekking to the top takes two days and is only permitted between December and April.Neyyar Dam:It is a wonderful dam located near the ranges of Western Ghats, and is a well-liked tourist spot. This dam is also an ideal spot for the picnic and for spending some quality moments with friends and family. Your tour to Trivandrum will become one of the most memorable events in your life as you will come across some of the most interesting and awe-inspiring places that you hardly would have witnessed before.Paripally Gajamela:Paripally, 48 km north of Trivandrum is noted for its Gajamela or Elephant pageant. Over 50 elephants are taken out on a ritual procession on the tenth day of the festival in the month of February-March.Ponmudi:An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 913 met~s above sea level. Along with a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and the deer park nearby, this hill station also has excellent trekking trails. Food: KTDC restaurant.Kanyakumari:This is the land`s end of India and is only 87 km from Trivandrum. This is also known as Cape Comorin. This beautiful spot is located in the neighbouring Tamil Nadu state. This place has got international recognition because of Vivekananda who started his journey from this place.Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad:Located on the way to the Ponmudi Hill Station and the Courtallam waterfalls, this ancient palace dates back to the 13th century. Here you can see a double storeyed traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archaeology.Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple:There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture ofVinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half complete reliefs of the Hindu God Shiva with Goddess ParvathiSree Chithra Art Gallery:Located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Raiput, Mughal andTanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Ball.Chacha Nehru Children`s Museum:Children of all age groups will enjoy the vast collection of nearly 2000 dolls, stamps and masks displayed here. Observatory: Located at the highest point in the city, near the Museum complex 60 metres above sea level, one can have a bird`s eye view of the city from here.Anivikkara Dam:This picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full offish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.Santa Cruz Basilica Church :This Roman Catholic church is situated near the St. Francis church and is worth a visit. It is a specimen of Portuguese architecture built in 1503. ‘Frescoes’ and mural paintings decorate the ceiling and interior parts of the church. The gothic architecture and the lofty spires gives it a unique grandeur Bolghatty Island : Bolghatty palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The grounds have a small golf course & several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour & the sea. Willington Island :Connected to the mainland by road-cum-railway Venduruthy Bridge, Willington Island is named after the former Viceroy of India, Lord Willington. It is a manmade Island created from the materials dredged while deepening Cochin Port. Willington Island sites some of the district’s best hotels, Trading and industrial offices. Besides the airport, ship building yard, wharf, the Southern Naval Command Head Quarters, the customs house and the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the government of IndiaChinese Fishing Nets :A legacy of the trading connections between China and India many centuries ago. The long rows of Chinese Nets silhouetted against the sunset present a spectacular sight of Cochin’s waterfront. These are large nets which hang from bamboo or teak posts, still to be in use by the local fisher folk of Fort Cochin.Vyppin light house :The biggest Island, situated between the sea and the backwaters of Cochin. It is 24 km long and 2 1/2 km wide. There is a light house at Ochanthuruthu which is open to tourists from 3 pm to 5 pm. The Island can be reached only by water transport provided by boat services and Junkar. There are bus services on the Island.Pallippuram Fort :Pallippuram fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the State of Travancore in 1789. This fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vyppin Island at Pallippuram. The catholic church at Pallippuram is an important pilgrim centre of the Christians.The Akulam Boat Club:Its just 8 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram is another famed tourist attraction. The club provides boating cruises on the nearby Akulam Lake. A bat ride from here to the Karamana River will cost approximately. It also houses an amusement park and a swimming pool for children. Tourists often visit this Club to picnic with friends and family.It is a wonderful dam located near the ranges of Western Ghats, and is a well-liked tourist spot. This dam is also an ideal spot for the picnic and for spending some quality moments with friends and family. Your tour to Trivandrum will become one of the most memorable events in your life as you will come across some of the most interesting and awe-inspiring places that you hardly would have witnessed before.Paripally Gajamela:Paripally, 48 km north of Trivandrum is noted for its Gajamela or Elephant pageant. Over 50 elephants are taken out on a ritual procession on the tenth day of the festival in the month of February-March.Ponmudi:An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 913 met~s above sea level. Along with a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and the deer park nearby, this hill station also has excellent trekking trails. Food: KTDC restaurant.Kanyakumari:This is the land`s end of India and is only 87 km from Trivandrum. This is also known as Cape Comorin. This beautiful spot is located in the neighbouring Tamil Nadu state. This place has got international recognition because of Vivekananda who started his journey from this place.Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad:Located on the way to the Ponmudi Hill Station and the Courtallam waterfalls, this ancient palace dates back to the 13th century. Here you can see a double storeyed traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archaeology.Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple:There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture ofVinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half complete reliefs of the Hindu God Shiva with Goddess ParvathiSree Chithra Art Gallery:Located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Raiput, Mughal andTanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Ball.Chacha Nehru Children`s Museum:Children of all age groups will enjoy the vast collection of nearly 2000 dolls, stamps and masks displayed here. Observatory: Located at the highest point in the city, near the Museum complex 60 metres above sea level, one can have a bird`s eye view of the city from here.Anivikkara Dam:This picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full offish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.Santa Cruz Basilica Church :This Roman Catholic church is situated near the St. Francis church and is worth a visit. It is a specimen of Portuguese architecture built in 1503. ‘Frescoes’ and mural paintings decorate the ceiling and interior parts of the church. The gothic architecture and the lofty spires gives it a unique grandeur Bolghatty Island : Bolghatty palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The grounds have a small golf course & several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour & the sea.Willington Island :Connected to the mainland by road-cum-railway Venduruthy Bridge, Willington Island is named after the former Viceroy of India, Lord Willington. It is a manmade Island created from the materials dredged while deepening Cochin Port. Willington Island sites some of the district’s best hotels, Trading and industrial offices. Besides the airport, ship building yard, wharf, the Southern Naval Command Head Quarters, the customs house and the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the government of IndiaChinese Fishing Nets :A legacy of the trading connections between China and India many centuries ago. The long rows of Chinese Nets silhouetted against the sunset present a spectacular sight of Cochin’s waterfront. These are large nets which hang from bamboo or teak posts, still to be in use by the local fisher folk of Fort Cochin.Vyppin light house :The biggest Island, situated between the sea and the backwaters of Cochin. It is 24 km long and 2 1/2 km wide. There is a light house at Ochanthuruthu which is open to tourists from 3 pm to 5 pm. The Island can be reached only by water transport provided by boat services and Junkar. There are bus services on the Island.Pallippuram Fort :Pallippuram fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the State of Travancore in 1789. This fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vyppin Island at Pallippuram. The catholic church at Pallippuram is an important pilgrim centre of the Christians.The Akulam Boat Club:Its just 8 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram is another famed tourist attraction. The club provides boating cruises on the nearby Akulam Lake. A bat ride from here to the Karamana River will cost approximately. It also houses an amusement park and a swimming pool for children. Tourists often visit this Club to picnic with friends and family.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol Pump Vazhuthacaud Thiruvananthapuram Kerala.Petrol Pump Statue General Hospital Road Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Petrol Pump Chalai Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Thampanoor Petrol Pump Thycaud Thiruvananthapuram Kerala.Indian Oil Petrol Pump Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.IOC Petrol Pump Thirumala Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Hotel Rockholm Light House Road, Trivendrum Kerala.Keralagreenery Tutors Ln, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001 Tel: 0471 2573011.Keys Hotels Trivandrum Opposite Fire Brigade Housing Board Junction Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001 Tel: 09820451618.Fortune Hotel The South Park M. G. Road, Trivandrum Kerala 695034 Tel: 0471 2333333.SP GRAND DAYS Hotel Railway Station Rd,Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 695014 Tel: 0471 2333344.Shirleysbeach Hotels and Tour operators Behind Coconut Groove restaurant kovalam Beach, trivandrum Kerala 695527 Tel: 0471 2317303.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Pothencode Police Station Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaVizhinjam Police Station Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Nedumangad Police Station Nedumangad Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.Mangalapuram Police Station Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Nearest Hospital:KIMS Hospital Trivandrum, Kerala Tel: 0471 2447575.Chaithanya Eye Hospital Kesavadasapuram, Trivandrum Kerala 695004 Tel: 0471 2447183.Sree Ramakrishna Mission Hospital Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Tel: 0471 2722125.Medical College Hospital TrivandrumKerala- Tel: 0471 2444270.ROY MEDICAL CENTRE Thycaud Hospital Road, Opp. Amritha Hotel Trivandrum, Kerala 695014 Tel: 09387809779.Divya Prabha Eye Hospital Nalumukku Medical College Rd Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011 Tel: 0471 2442050.Kesavadasapuram Kerala 695004 Tel: 0471 2447183.Sree Ramakrishna Mission Hospital Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Tel: 0471 2722125.Medical College Hospital TrivandrumKerala- Tel: 0471 2444270.ROY MEDICAL CENTRE Thycaud Hospital Road, Opp. Amritha Hotel Trivandrum, Kerala 695014 Tel: 09387809779.Divya Prabha Eye Hospital Nalumukku Medical College Rd Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011 Tel: 0471 2442050.
