NAPIER MUSEUM
The treasure house of ancient culture and legacy of God's Own Country that lies in the heart of the capital city. With its august structure and exclusive collection of artifacts, Napier Museum stands apart from other heritage structures. Recreating history, this regal edifice offers a glimpse into the past. This historical marvel embellished with artistic brilliance is a preserver of a bygone era. 12kms away from UGC-MMTTC Karivattom
THE ATTUKAL BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE
One of the ancient temples of South India, is popularly described as Sabarimala of the Women, as women form the major portion of devotees. The Goddess in the temple of Attukal is worshipped as the Supreme Mother, creator of all living beings and the mighty preserver as well as destroyer of them all. The pilgrims from all over the country, who visit Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple and worship the Lord, do not consider their visits complete without the visit to the shrine of the supreme Mother Attukalamma. Vishnumaya took the incarnation of Bhagavathy to annihilate the evil and protect the good in the world in the present Era namely Kaliyuga. 16 kms away from UGC MMTTC Karivattom
KOVALAM BEACH
Is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres. 25 kms away from UGC MMTTC Karivattom
PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE
The small village, Padmanabhapuram originally known as Kalkulam, in Kanyakumari district was once a thriving capital of the powerful Venad Kingdom which later became popular as the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. Padmanabhapuram was not the first stronghold of the Venad rulers in the South. The nearby Valliyur, Veerakeralaeswaram (also known as Veerakeralapuram), Thiruvithamcode, Charode, Puliyoorkurichi (Udayagiri), and Eraniel still have remnants of settlements, palaces, old fortifications and major temples that predate the foundation of Padmanabhapuram. Today there is no trace of the old palace in Keralapuram and Charode, but the ruins of a palace can still be seen in Eraniel. Kalkulam was probably chosen as an apt place for constructing a palace due to its strategic location and proximity to the rugged mountain ranges of the Western Ghats which provided natural protection to the palace and the settlements. The abundance of fertile farmland and plentiful supply of water were the major attractions that invited the royals and other settlers to this region. 60 kms away from UGC MMTTC Karivattom
PONMUDI
Offers beautiful trekking trails to many other wonders of nature hidden away from the casual eyes. All day you can walk through the promising trails with greater excitement. Trekking to Varayadumotta, the most popular trekking trail in Ponmudi, offers a panoramic view of the hills along with the Nilgiri Tahrs. Considered one of the toughest in Trivandrum, it is 18-km trek (one side). Prior booking is needed to avail this package. Two guides will accompany the trekkers. 60 kms away from UGC-MMTTC Karivattom
AKKULAM LAKE, AKKULAM TOURIST VILLAGE
In Thiruvananthapuram district boasts some of the most picturesque picnic spots in Southern Kerala. It is a lovely backwater destination with a calm and serene atmosphere.It is located 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram city and possesses numerous boating options. It has a well-equipped children’s park, a paddle pool, a swimming pool for adults, Air Force Museum with Simulator and Cycling Park. 8 kms away from UGC-MMTTC karivattom
KANYAKUMARI
Is a popular tourist destination and pilgrimage centre in India. Notable tourist spots include its unique sunrise and sunset points, the 41-metre (133 ft) Thiruvalluvar Statue, and Vivekananda Rock Memorial off the coast. Lying at the tip of peninsular India, the town is bordered on the west, south, and east by the Laccadive Sea. It has a coastline of 71.5 kilometres (44.4 mi) stretched along these three sides.
100 kms away from UGC-MMTTC Karivattom
PEPPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Is slowly turning into a location frequented by wildlife enthusiasts. Herds of elephants, gaur, sambar, barking deer, and wild boar can be seen here. People stop by this destination on the way to Ponmudi and are enchanted by the splendour of nature on display. Endemic species like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Treepie, and the Small Sunbird have also been sighted here. Peppara Dam is where the sanctuary got its name from and the trek here gives one a gorgeous panoramic view of the entire valley. It is a quaint little picnic spot that is attracting more visitors with each passing year.
JATAYU PARK
is a massive nature park in Kerala. Jatayu Earth Center is the world’s largest bird statue or sculpture. It is a prominent tourist center located at Chadayamangalam, Kollam, Kerala, India, and was opened on 5th December 2017. The giant concrete statue of Jatayu was sculpted by Rajiv Anchal in over 10 years at Jatayupara in Kollam District, Kerala. The colossal statue is spread over 65 acres of multi-terrain landscape of caves, mountains, hills, and valleys. Jatayu Statue is 200 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 70 feet tall making it the largest functional bird sculpture in the world.
SHANKUMUGHAM BEACH
Is a beach in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, south India. The vast stretch of white sand and the serene atmosphere, away from the crowd in the city, provide all the ingredients for relaxation and for spending an ideal evening. There is also a “Star Fish Restaurant” with eating kiosks and open-air theatre with car parking facilities. Good food can be enjoyed at the Old Coffee House, just across the beach, which is also a vantage point for enjoying the sunset. Unfortunately, the beach is not well maintained with garbage littering the entire area. Shanghumugham beach is considered as the ‘Arattukadavu’ of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan – The presiding deity of the city. Thousands of Hindus perform ‘Bali Tharpanam’ during special occasions. Shanghu mugham is the prime location for Ganesh Nimarjan at the time of Vinayaka Chathurthi
THENMALA ECO TOURISM
which lies at the conjunction of the Kollam-Shencottah road and the Trivandrum-Shencottah Road, boasts of India's first planned Ecotourism destination. It has 10 Ecotourism spots that cover the great hill ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts. ‘Thenmala’ translates to 'Honey Hill' and so it is no surprise that high quality honey is exported from this area. The surrounding dense forest is also known for the timber that is in much demand across the country. Its terrain is dotted by forests, rubber and tree plantations and was selected by the World Tourism Organisation as one of the premier eco-friendly projects in the world.
MUNROE ISLAND OR MUNDROTHURUTHU
Is an inland island group located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, in Kollam district, Kerala, South India. It is a group of eight small islets comprising a total area of about 13.4 km The island village is a tourism destination where one can see the coir retting process, coir weaving, fishing, prawns feeding, migratory bird watch, narrow canals and waterways, coconut farms on the lake shore, lagoons, mangrove plants and the beautiful tiny islands of Pathupara.Kallada Boat Race, which is one of the famous boat races in Kerala, is at Karuvathrakadavu- Muthiraparambu nettayam in Munroe Island.
PALARUVI WATERFALLS
Which literally translates to 'Stream of Milk', comes down through rocks from a height of 300 feet. This has turned into a delightful picnic spot where one can enjoy a spectacular view uninterrupted. The rocky terrain one has to traverse before reaching it can be cumbersome but once these majestic waterfalls come into sight, any kind of fatigue disappears immediately. The cool water is frequented by those seeking a refreshing dip and it regularly attracts people in large numbers.
SREE PADMANABHA SWAMY TEMPLE
The origins of the Temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy are shrouded in antiquity, with no definitive historical record pinpointing its exact establishment. The temple is referenced in ancient epics like the Srimad Bhagavatha, where Balarama is said to have visited, and it is praised by the 9th-century poet Nammalwar. Scholars, such as Dr. L. A. Ravi Varma, suggest it was founded over 5000 years ago. Legends claim it was consecrated by the Tulu Brahmin hermit Divakara Muni, with significant renovations occurring in the 950th and 960th years of Kali Yuga. The deity Vishnu is depicted in a yogic sleep posture on the serpent Adisheshan. The temple is a vital part of the Travancore royal family, with the Maharaja of Travancore serving as its trustee. The city of Thiruvananthapuram, meaning “The City of Lord Ananta,” is named after the temple's deity.
BEEMAPALLI
The Beemapalli Dargah Shareef, located in Thiruvananthapuram district, is an important place of worship. It is dedicated to Bee Umma, a pious Muslim woman who is believed to have possessed great spiritual powers. The Chandanakudam Festival or Beemapalli Urus at this Mosque, lasting for 10 days, is one of the most colourful events our State has to offer.
MADRE DE DEUS CHURCH
Kerala has embraced many different faiths and the best example of this can be seen in the perfect harmony of religions and places of worship that adorn the land. The capital city of Thiruvananthapuram leads from the front when it comes to this aspect. One of the classic examples of this is the Vettukad Church, a Christian church that is visited by people from different faiths and all walks of life.Also known as Madre De Deus Church meaning ‘Mother of God Church’, the Vettukad church is believed to be over 500 years old. Famed for the ‘Feast of the King’ celebration, the church is believed to have been visited by St. Francis Xavier between C.E. 1543 and 1547. The celebration is a unique event with special prayer offerings in the church. There is a celebratory procession carrying the statue of the Christ the King on the main day of the festival. The church and the surroundings are attractively decorated on the festival days and this carnival is a great attraction for both local people and visitors alike.