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THE
CITY OF ANANTHA
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Thiruvananthapuram,
is the southern most District of the State. It is bounded
by Kollam district in the north, Tirunelvelli district
of Tamil Nadu in the east, Kaniyakumari district of Tamil
Nadu in the south and Lakshadweep Sea in the west. The
Western Ghats, form the eastern boundary, while the 78
km. flat coastal strip is in the west. The midland region
of the District slopes from east to west comprising of
low undulating hills and valleys, traversed by several
hills. The District has good communication and infrastructural
facilities, but it lags behind the more industrially developed
district of the State, like Ernakulam Kochi. The traditional
handicraft industry in the District is flourishing since
time immemorial. Ivory carving is the major handicraft
industry of the District. Other important handicraft industries
include coconut shell products, wood carving and furniture
manufacture, rattan work, brass and bell metal products,
lace and embroidery, jewellery and khadi etc.
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PLACES OF INTEREST
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Thiruvananthapuram
The
clean and beautiful capital city of Kerala, gets its name
Thiru
Ananthapuram
from the
sacred serpent Anantha or Adisesha.
The city sprawls on seven low coastal hills with tree
lined avenues, massive buildings, ancestral homes and
a long sea coast. It is a good base for visiting the interiors
of the State. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a 16th century temple dedicated to
Lord Vishnu. It is the most impressive landmark of the
city. The imposing 7 storey gopuram, and corridors with
368 intricately sculpted pillars are one of the finest
specimens of traditional South Indian temple architecture.
Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple while the
males should wear white dhoti.
The famous "Vetta" and "Arattu",
processions are held twice a year from the temple.
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Kovalam
One of the world's finest
beach resort. Located 12 km. south of Thiruvananthapuram,
it is rated among the best tourist resort in the
Country. The excellent sandy beach and one of the
finest sea bathing ghats are the major attractions.It
is also famous for surfing and skiing.
The famous Health and Yoga Centre provides Kerala's
Ayurvedic treatment and has become
an important tourist attraction for Indians as well
as foreigners. Good accommodation facilities are
available.
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Varkala
It
is known for the Sree Janardhana Swami
Temple, which is one of the seven important
Vaishnavite shrines in the Country.
It is also called as 'Southern Varanasi'.
Other important shrine is Sivagiri Madom.
There is also a beach and nature care
centre.
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Neyyar
Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary
It
is set amidst the scenic surroundings 32 km
from Thiruvananthapuram. Boating facilities
are available at the reservoir. There is also
a Lion Safari Park and a Crocodile Farm.
The sanctuary has a rich variety of birds
and animals.
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Ponmudi
The charming hill resort is located
61 km. northeast of Thiruvananthapuram.
The idyllic health resort is known
for its bracing climate,
tea plantations and scenic splendour.
The deep forest trails are ideal for
hiking and trekking.
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Anjengo
The small historical town 10 km. north
west of Attingal, is hemmed between
Arabian Sea and Anjengo Kayal.
The English East India Company established
a factory in 1673 and also built
a fort with the permission of Queen
of Attingal in 1695 .The beach, ruins
of the fort and flagstaff, tombs
of Dutch and British are some places
of interest.
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Aruvikkara
The
Hindu pilgrim centre set on the banks
of Karamana river is 16 km. from Thiruvananthapuram.
The ancient Bhagavathi temple is built
on a rock. The stream in front of the
temple contains large fishes, which
are fed by the devotees.
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Akkulam
Boat Club
The
lake located 3 km. from the city has
boating facilities. It has the largest
children's park in Kerala.
Onam
Festival A week long "Tourism
Week" is celebrated during the
festival in Aug. Sept. The streets
are illuminated and rich tradition and
culture of the State can be experienced.
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Botanical
& Zoological Gardens
The zoo
is considered to be one of the
best in India. Set in a forest
like landscape, it is a part of
Botanical gardens which contains
many exotic trees and an excellent
lake.
The Observatory One
of the oldest in the country.
A good view of the city can be
enjoyed from the observatory hill.
Science
and Technology Museum
The museum is located near the
Mascot hotel. It gives a complete
insight into the achievements
of India in the science and technological
field.
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Sankumughom
Beach The palm fringed
beach adjacent to the airport
has an indoor recreation club,
children's traffic training park
and a star shaped restaurant.
Veli
Tourist Village The
ideal picnic spot at the confluence
of the lake and the sea, is located
on the outskirts of the city.
It has an excellent waterfront
park with a wide range of aqua
sports facilities. It also has
beautiful gardens and sculptures.
The Fort
It houses palaces and homes of
former rulers of Travancore. The
buildings are masterpieces of
architecture exhibiting great
skills in wood work.
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Chithira
Art
Gallery
The gallery houses one of
the best collections of
Raja Ravi Varma, a great
force in Indian art. It
also has a collection of
miniature paintings from
China, Japan, Tibet etc.
Napier
Museum The building
of museum has a unique architectural
design with a cubist pattern
of gables. It has a rich
collection of stone sculptures,
bronzes and wood carvings,
ancient musical instruments
and a reconstructed Nair
joint family dwelling. It
also has a natural history
section.
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Communication
Airport:
Thiruvananthapuram
International Airport.
Rail:
Thiruvananthapuram
Central Railway Station.
Road:
The district has good
road network.
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