Earlier known as Trivandrum is sprawling over seven hills covered with English government buildings side-by-side local traditional wooden houses in this seaside capital city. What does Thiruvananthapuram offer you? True to its composite and cosmopolitan character, the capital city's attraction's run from museums, art galleries, temples and zoo's. With a seven stotreyed Gopuram, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the most famous site of the capital city. Places to Visit Thiruvallam ( 10 km): This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. Aruvikkara Dam (16 km - 1/2 hour): This picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana river. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors. Kovalam Beach (16 km - 1/2 hour): This internationally renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Museum Complex

The Napier Museum: Built in the 19th century, the Indo - saracenic structure boasts a "natural" air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plastic is banned in the museum premises.