Anjengo Fort

Specialty Of Agasthyakoodam

Agasthyakoodam Hill is a paradise for bird watchers, as they are more likely to spot exotic varieties of wild birds. This hill is situated far away from human settlements, and that makes it one of the best pristine forests in Kerala. The peak was named after the Sage Agastya and is a pilgrim spot too, as there is a shrine dedicated to the Sage.

With a diverse range of plants and animals, Agasthyakoodam is well known for its great biodiversity. Medicinal herbs, orchids, and exotic plants are among the many rare and endemic plant species found in the area. With a wide variety of bird species present in its deep forests, the summit is also a birdwatcher's paradise.Due to its ecological significance, UNESCO has designated Agasthyakoodam as a vital component of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. A vast variety of life types are supported by the reserve's different habitats, which include grasslands, tropical forests, and montane ecosystems.Popular among trekking enthusiasts, Agasthyakoodam is a treasure trove of natural diversity, cultural legacy, and spiritual value, making it a beloved location for pilgrims, adventurers, and nature lovers alike.

Nearby Places

Neyyar Dam, Agasthiyar falls and Lord Thirukuttralanathar temple.

Specialty Of Chitra Art Gallery

The Sree Chitra Art Gallery consists of two bungalows that stood side by side with each other and were later combined to form the museum. The then museum director, Dr. Cousins, spared no expense in furnishing the museum with exotic paintings from many places. The museum houses paintings such as Rajasthan paintings, Bali paintings, Mughal paintings, Tanjore paintings, and paintings from the Bengal school of art.

Paintings, sculptures, murals, and artefacts are among the many pieces of art on show at the gallery, all of which showcase Kerala's and India's rich cultural heritage. Discover a diverse array of artistic styles and genres, spanning from modern to classical, created by renowned artists across multiple centuries. The Chitra Art Gallery's collection of traditional Keralan artworks, including mural paintings, Kathakali, and Theyyam, is one of its highlights. For the sake of future generations, these artworks preserve Kerala's distinctive cultural customs and creative traditions. Overall, the Chitra Art Gallery is a cultural centre and a veritable gold mine of creative expression, taking guests on a tour through the diverse spectrum of Indian art and culture.

Nearby Places in Chitra Art Gallery

Trivandrum Zoo, CSI Christ Church, and Napier Museum.

Best Time To Visit - Chitra Art Gallery

The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is open from 1.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. on all Wednesdays and is closed on all Mondays.

How to reach Chitra Art Gallery ?

By Air : The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport which is at a distance of about 9 kilometers.

By Train : The nearest railway station is the Thiruvananthapuram Central which is about 3 kilometers distance.

By Road : The Kerala State government provides bus facilities from all parts of the State to Thiruvananthapuram which is the capital of the state.

Specialty Of Ponmudi Hills

The temperature in Ponmudi Hills is in an equitable state throughout the year. The hill takes about a three-hour drive from Trivandrum, which is the nearest place to the hill station. It is amazing how the Kallar River flows parallel along the road in the opposite direction and the Meenmutty waterfalls, which offer their spectacular beauty, are just a few kilometres away. The hill station can also be reached by trekking and camping along the hills.

Ponmudi is renowned for its mist-covered valleys, undulating hills, and abundant flora. Tea gardens, spice plantations, and colourful flora dot the landscape, making it an attractive location for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Several waterfalls embellish the slopes, providing peaceful areas for rest and renewal. Golden Valley and Meenmutty Falls are two prominent waterfalls.Ponmudi provides fantastic trekking and hiking experiences. The trails meander through dense forests, providing vistas of rare fauna and bird species. Trekkers are drawn to the surrounding Agasthyarkoodam, which is Kerala's second-highest peak.

Nearby Places in Ponmudi Hills

Tali Temple, Mananchira Square, and the Crown Theatre

How to reach Ponmudi Hills ?

By Air : The Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport which is 67 kilometers awayfrom the hills.

By Train : The Thiruvananthapuram railway station is the nearest railway station which is 60 kilometers from the hills.

By Road : Ponmudi is connected to other parts of Kerala by road and one can easily avail a bus from Trivandrum to reach the hill station.

Specialty Of Kuthiramalika Palace

The palace is also called Puthen Malika. The palace consists of 80 rooms, of which only 20 are open to visitors. The museum is a part of the palace and houses the assets owned by the Travancore royal family.

These include Belgian mirrors, life-sized Kathakali mannequins, paintings, chandeliers, furniture, Greek statues, armaments, and a musical tree that produces eight different sounds on tapping. The wooden staircase of the palace consists of spectacular paintings of peacocks, dragons, and elephants. The palace has on display two royal thrones, one of which is made of 24 elephant tusks and the other of which is made of Bohemian crystal.

Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma of Travancore gave the palace its construction in the nineteenth century. It accommodated notable guests and ceremonial gatherings in addition to acting as the Maharajas of Travancore's royal home. The distinctive style of Kuthiramalika Palace, with its 122 well-carved wooden pillars ornamented with various designs, is what makes it stand apart. These magnificent pillars showcase the rich cultural legacy of Kerala and are an impressive example of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Travancore royal family's extensive collection of artefacts, paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, and royal memorabilia is on display in this palace, which doubles as a museum. Well-kept courtyards and gardens encircle the palace, providing visitors with a serene and picturesque setting in which to stroll and unwind amidst verdant foliage.

Nearby Places in Kuthiramalika Palace

Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple and the Vellayani Lake.

How to reach Kuthiramalika Palace ?

By Air : The nearest airport is the Trivandrum International Airport which is at a distance od about 6 kilometers.

By Train :The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, which is about a kilometre away.

By Road : The Kerala State government provides bus facilities from all parts of the State to Thiruvananthapuram which is the capital of the state.