Tiruvanathapuram

Tiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is a city where the history of Travancore, traditional Kerala architecture and some important places of worship come together.

At the heart of the old city is the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, so closely associated with Tiruvananthapuram that the city itself takes its name from Lord Anantha. The temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams revered in the Sri Vaishnavite tradition.

Step outside the temple surroundings and the Travancore connection continues. Kuthira Malika, the palace built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, stands nearby with its beautiful wooden architecture and distinctive horse carvings.

The city is also home to the famous Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, particularly known for the extraordinary gathering of women during the annual Attukal Pongala.

This page brings together the places I have explored in Tiruvananthapuram. More will be added as I continue discovering the city.

Places of Worship

Bhagavati Temple

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathy and is one of the best-known temples of Tiruvananthapuram.

The temple is particularly famous for Attukal Pongala, when an enormous number of women gather in and around the temple to prepare the ritual offering.

Padmanabha Swami Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the defining religious landmark of Tiruvananthapuram.

Vishnu is worshipped here in Anantha Shayanam, reclining on the serpent Anantha. The temple combines elements of Kerala and Dravidian architecture and has a long association with the Travancore royal family.

Heritage Sites

Kuthira Malika

Located close to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kuthira Malika was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal in the nineteenth century.

Its name means the "Palace of Horses", a reference to the rows of carved wooden horses decorating the building. The palace is particularly interesting for its traditional Kerala architecture, intricate woodwork and its connection with one of Travancore's best-known royal composers.

Temple, palace and royal history sit remarkably close to one another here.

That is a good place to begin exploring Tiruvananthapuram.