Introduction
Better known as God's Own Country, Kerala is a heavenly portrait splashed with myriad of enchanting hues. Situated in the southern tip of India, Kerala is caressed by the Arabian Sea in the western coast of India. It is a green Venice, but unlike Venice, where man has created most of the glory, in Kerala nature rules. This beautiful coastal state of India is the country's ambassador to the world of travel and tourism. From the lagoons & backwaters that meander through the enchanting landscapes, to the rich and colourful culture & heritage that weave a tapestry of tourism delights, Kerala is a dream holiday destination of India.
Thiruvanthapuram
Thiruananthapuram or Trivandrum retains its past glory of the capital of a princely state. The capital of Kerala in the southwestern tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) or Syanandoorapuri is built on hills with wide-open spaces, sports stadia and low-lying paddy fields. Thiruvananthapuram is a district surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats and derives its name from the deity at the Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswami Temple, one of the major landmarks of the city.
Besides this magnificent temple, Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum offers a great deal more to tourists wishing to holiday in Thiruvananthapuram. There is the Observatory to start with, established over a hundred years ago in Thiruvananthapuram. Several kings have also built their palaces in and around Thiruvananthapuram, each more impressive than the other. Despite a few attempts at modernity, Thiruvananthapuram retains its discreet, old-world charm.
During vacations in Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, one can visit the Museum with its profusion of gables and turrets. A repository of fine works of art, the chief attraction here is the 250-year-old temple car made for Lord Vishnu, artistically designed and ornamented. Besides this, objects carved out of wood, models of temple, antique jewelry, etc., make the