Trivandrum, the capital of the state of Kerala, the God's Own Country, now known by the name.Thiruvananthapuram, literally translates into the "abode of Lord Anantha". The Sri PadmanabhaswamyTemple, a highly venerated temple for Keralites, in the heart of the city is devoted to the deity Lord Anantha. The city of Thiruvananthapuram is located in the South of the state and bordered by Tiruneveli in the East, Kanyakumari to the South and Kollam district located to its North. The city is a must on the itinerary of any visitor to the South India.
The city being the capital is the center spot for the political activities of the State. The people of Kerala known for their leftist leanings have always supported the Marxist precepts of the CPI(M) or the Communist Party of India. The city is the hub of all the political upheavals in the state and is considered to be the most politically active. No wonder polls draw more than ninety percent of the polling percentage on a regular basis.
Kovalam one of the finest and most beautiful beaches in Kerala, is located at 12 kilometers south of Thiruvanathapuram. With the blue waters and coconut palms, Kovalam is a sheltered bay. Kovalam is known for its silvery curve sand and greehn palms of groves. There is a beautiful bay of calm waters, formed by a high rocky land jutting into the sea,this enables one for sea bathing. The silver sands of the beach are so clean and warm, that one can take sun bathe too.
Beaches are pleasantly warm in winter. So, tourists usually visit Varkala beach during the month of October,Novemebr. Varkala is 55 km from Trivandrum and 38 km from Kollam. Varkala beach is known for mineral springs and fantastic massage parlours which are famous for aromatherapy massage. The mineral springs are said to have curative properties. The massage technique has been kept as a secret for thousands of years. Varkala is a famous Hindu pilgrim center. The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Center are the main attractions of Varkala Beach. A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to purify the body and the soul from all the sins. So this shore is called 'Papanashini' (destroyer of sin). Thousands offer 'Vavu Bali', at the day of "Karkkidakavavu". It is a ritual believed to help the souls of ancestors rest in peace
Alappuzha – still more romantically known as Alleppey – is the hub of Kerala's backwaters, home to a vast network of waterways and more than a thousand houseboats. Wandering around the small but chaotic city centre, with its modest grid of canals, you'd be hard-pressed to agree with the 'Venice of the East' tag. But step out of this mini-mayhem – west to the beach or in practically any other direction towards the backwaters – and Alleppey is graceful and greenery-fringed, disappearing into a watery world of villages, punted canoes, toddy shops and, of course, houseboats. Float along and gaze over paddy fields of succulent green, curvaceous rice barges and village life along the banks. This is one of Kerala’s most mesmerisingly beautiful and relaxing experiences.
Situated at the confluence of three rivers, Munnar is one of the famous hill stations in Kerala. Located at an elevation of about 1600m above sea level, this hill station is known for its unparalleled shades of green. The rolling tea-planted hills and the mist above them often offer a beautiful picture indeed! Munnar is an ideal place to relax, as it is serene and beautiful…. It can be called the natural spa of Kerala. Don’t just settle only for the excursion in the city, as there are several places that dot Munnar with gorgeous landscape. Pothamadu (6kms), Devikulam (7kms), Pallivasal (8kms), Attukal (9kms), Nyaymakad (10kms) and Mattupetty (13kms) are some of the must visit places around Munnar. Most of these places boast great scenic beauty, waterfalls, trekking trails, lakes and dams. There are also many exhilarating places near Munnar like Top Station, where the famous Neelakurinji blooms once in 12 years, Marayoor, which is known for its abundant sandalwood, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park that offer great view of the diverse wildlife of South India.