Thiruvanthapuram is now the state capital of Kerala, it has remained the
city of the god. Thiruvanthapuram is built on seven hills. Long
ago , when the area was still a forest, an idol of Vishnu was
found on the highest hill. The Government Art Museum with its
slightly surreal architecture displays an interesting array of
Kerala's arts and artifacts: bronzes, antique jewellery, woodcarving
,musical instruments, ritual objects and handicrafts. The shrine
that housed the idol eventually grew into the Sri Padmanabha Swamy
Temple. In the same complex is the Sri Chitra Art gallery, best
known for its collection of Painting by Raja Ravi Varma.
Kerala's
martial arts, Kalaripayattu ,is at least as ancient, fast and
deadly as the other better known schools. Take a walk through
Connemara Market by passing under an imposing archway whose British
design is at odds with the bustle you will find inside. Thiruvananthapuram
has an international airport. It is an important terminus on the
Indian Railway's Network with connection from all part of the
country. The prominent places of interest are Sri Padamanabha
swamy Temple, is a fine example of south Indian sculpture. The
public park, situated in the center of the city is also the best
place for interests beyond religion.
Napier
Museum with a fine collection of Kerala bronzes, ornaments and
costumes of a typical Nair family. The Observatory Hill and the
Zoo are other places worth a visit. Other museums of interest
are the Science and technology Museum, Priyadarshini Planetarium
and the Chacha Nehru Children's Museum