LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

An excellent example of traditional Travancore architecture Kanakakkunnu palace is located in the city and at about 12 kms from Somatheeram. The grounds of the palace play host to a variety of cultural fests and activities.

It is an art and natural history museum established in 1855 and at a distance of nearly 13 kms from Somatheeram. It exhibits a large collection of bronze idols, sculptures, antiques, temple chariot and other items of historic relevance. The art gallery in this museum exhibits many famous paintings including those by the renowned artist Raja Ravi Varma. This museum was named after Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras from 1866-72

It was built as an annexe to Napier museum. Many different species of animals can be seen here, brought from India as well as abroad. The reptile house and the Botanical garden also lie within the museum premises. The museum and the zoo are located at about 3 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station

The Science and Technology museum was started in 1984 to promote knowledge in Science among the public. Children as well as adults will love the many interesting exhibits and demonstrations on various fields of Science such as Electronics, Mechanics and Electricity. One could also watch the star studded sky and the constituents of the universe in Priyadarsini planetarium, a part of the Museum.

It forms a great picnic spot with boating facilities and a paddling pool. It is the best suited place for spending a relaxed evening. There is the children’s park and the picturesque surrounding to enjoy as well. It is located at about 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram city.

About 30 kms from Somatheeram is the Neyyar Reservoir which is the drainage basin of Mullayar and Kallar rivers. There is thick vegetation all around and it was declared a sanctuary in 1958. A large number of species such as elephants, wild boars, jungle cat, Nilgiri Langur etc. can be seen here. Lion safari park, crocodile rearing centre, deer farm and boating pull crowds to the sanctuary. Agasthyakoodam hills lies nearby which is also a location worth visiting.

This spectacular example of Travancore style architecture is located at about 63 kms from Trivandrum. During the period of 16th - 18th centuries this palace acted as the seat of Travancore rulers. The workmanship of the artisans is awe-inspiring and their expertise can be seen throughout the palace- flooring made wholly with natural components, exquisitely carved wooden ceilings, dance halls with granite flooring, well-designed courtyards, underground passageways and so on. The palace is well preserved and gives the air of the life during that period with its architectural style, layout of the rooms, exquisite furniture, paintings etc.

Kanyakumari is located at the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. From the Kanyakumari beach, which overlooks the convergence of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, one could see a spectacular sunrise and sunset. About 400 metres into the sea, there is the Vivekananda Rock. This was where Swami Vivekanda, a great thinker and philosopher of India, attained enlightenment through deep meditation. The Vivekananda memorial is built on this rock and is accessible only by boat.