KOVALAM SIGHT SEEING PLACES

KOVALAM:

Kovalam is one of India's internationally renowned beaches. Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum, the capital of the state of Kerala. Kovalam. Once a sleepy town became a favorite haunt of Europeans since the 1930's what with three beaches, the lush coconut groves and plenty of water sports. All this makes Kovalam nothing short of a tropical paradise.
The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam can be divided in three parts. The southern most beach, and the most popular, is the Lighthouse Beach The middle beach is called Hawah. The northern most beach is Samudra and is dotted with few rudimentary wooden fishing vessels. Starting from the Lighthouse beach, the first sight that will captivate you is that of the Vizhinjam Lighthouse. Further south on the beach one can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam mosque. Quiet closeby another monument dedicated to two 15th-century poets from Kovalam, Ayyippilla and Ayyanappilla Asan is worth a visit.

Napier Museum:
The museum contains a fine collection of Kerala's bronzes, ornaments and contumes, and a model of "Tharawad'-the traditional Nair family home.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum:
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, a classic specimen of Kerala Architecture is situated in 'Kuthiramalika'. The palace, with its excellent carvings and amazing architectural designs, is by itself a slice of heritage. The museum has a wide range of exhibits representing the erstwhile state of Travancore.

Sri Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple:
This ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram. Overlooking the Padma Theertham Tank, the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its name. Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring. The temple is open only to Hindus and dress regulations are strictly enforced.

Science & Technology Museum:
The Science and Technology Museum, situated in Thiruvananthapuram was established with the prime objective of setting up of galleries with working, animated or participatory type of exhibits, on all disciplines of Science and Technology.

Public Park:
Truly a representative of the clean and verdant aspect of the city, the Public Park houses many important institutions, like the Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The observatory on the Observatory hill is also located in the Public Park.