THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:The vacations have begun. It’s that time of the year when families plan holiday trips. And, considering the fact that not all can afford expensive tour packages, City Express presents a slew of options in and around Thiruvananthapuram district where one could easily plan an one-day excursion, while not burning a hole in your pocket as well.
Thiruvananthapuram city
Not many would give visit to Padmanabha Swamy Temple a miss if they land in the capital. But, the place has more to offer, than just the temple and here are a few places that can be edifying and entertaining at the same time.
Kerala legislature golden jubilee museum
It displays photos, objects and artifacts that show the rich heritage of democratic institutions of the land. According to officials, the museum provides the visitor with a deep insight into the history of Kerala Assembly. Working hours : 11 am to 4 pm on all working days. Admission is free.
Chacha Nehru Children’s Museum
It house a vast collection of nearly 2,000 dolls, stamps and masks. Also called the dolls house. Located at Thycaud. Visiting hours: 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Monday. Contact details : 0471 2324939
Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum
A two-storied palace near the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Built in the 1940s by Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, the palace embodies Kerala School of Architecture. The palace is constructed using teak-wood, rosewood, marble, and granite. It houses idols and sculptures made from white marble, Kathakali figures, Belgian mirrors and paintings. The palace is also famous for its 122 smiling wooden horses. Visiting hours: 08:30 - 13:00 hrs & 15:00 - 17:30 hrs. Closed on Mondays. Contact details: 0471 2473952
Meshan Mani
Located on the eastern side of the Padmanabha Swamy Temple, it has on its dial a man’s face with two goats on either side. Every time the clock completes an hour, the man opens his mouth and the goats hit his cheeks. The clock was said to be installed in 1833 during the reign of Swathi Thirunal. However, officials says the clock is not working properly at present.
Madavoorpara
Situated about 20 km from the capital city, it is 300-feet above sea level. The place is noted for its cave temple and bamboo bridge. The rock cut Shiva Temple here dates back to the 9th Century CE. The rock shrine, currently under the protection of the Department of Archeology, has a pillar with inscriptions in Vattezhuthu, the ancient Malayalam script. The 100-m long bamboo bridge here is also a sight in itself.
Vellanickal
25 km from Thiruvananthapuram. A good place to witness the sunset. It also provides the ambience of a hill station. There is also a hilltop temple, called Paramukal Kovil (hilltop temple) dedicated to Thampuran. It is, however, open only on Fridays. Meanwhile, it is advisable to visit the place in large groups as the place is rather remote.