Places to Visit in Trivandrum
Anantha Padmanabha Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the 108 Divyadesams of Lord Vishnu and \among the most sacred places of pilgrimage in Kerala. Although the origin of this temple remains a mystery, devotees believe it to have existed since the first day of the Kali Yuga, which was 5000 years ago. The Padmanabhaswamy temple also has a mention in the Bhagwad Gita. The scripture states that Balarama, the older brother of Lord Krishna frequented the temple, bathed in the Padmatheertham, and also made several offerings to the deity here.
Kovalam
Often called the 'Paradise of the South', Kovalam is one of the wonderful Kerala beach destinations. Kovalam means 'A grove of coconut trees and the whole area beyond the shores around Kovalam is filled with the endless sight of coconut trees offering magnificent views while approaching the beach. Kovalam gained importance when Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Travancore, built a palace, the Halcyon Castle on the top of a rock near the beach in the 1930s. Thereafter the place was brought to the public eye by her nephew the Maharaja of Travancore.
Kowdiar Palace
At a distance of about 6 kms from Trivandrum Central Railway Station, Kowdiar Palace was built in 1914. It is the official residence of the present Maharajah of Travancore, Moolam Thirunal and the Travancore Royal family. The architectural work of the Kowdiar Palace is famous. Public are not permitted to enter the palace, but can view this grand old building from the gate. Kowdiar Palace's architectural work is famous and has over 150 rooms. The entry to this palace is restricted as it is the private residence of the royal family settled in Thiruvananthapuram. This Palace belongs to the heirs of Sethu Parvathi Bayi as it was built by her son Maharajah Sree Chithira Thirunal