Padmanabha Swamy Temple : (Open: 0415 - 0515 hrs, 0645 - 0730 hrs, 0830 - 1030 hrs, 1130 - 1145 hrs, 1715 - 1930 hrs). The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Holi Serpent. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Dress code: Men - Dhoti; Women - Sari and blouse Ph: 450233

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum : (Open 0830 - 1230 hrs & 1530 - 1730 hrs. Closed on Mondays.) The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite woodcarvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family and is located near the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

Museum Complex

The Napier Museum : (Open 1000 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays & Wednesday forenoons) Built in the 19th century, the Indo - Saracenic structure boasts a "natural" air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plastic is banned in the museum premises.

Sree Chithra Art Gallery : (Open 1000 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays & Wednesday forenoons) Located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali.

The Zoological Park : (Open 1000 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays.) One of the first zoos in India, it is located in a well-planned botanical garden. With huge trees like frangipani and jacaranda dotting the sprawling lawns and wild fowl swimming in the lake, it is like a small jungle in the heart of the city. A reptile house with different species of snakes is also located in the premises.

The Kanakakunnu Palace : The palace and its sprawling grounds are today the venue for many cultural meets and programs.

Science and Technology Museum Complex : (Open 1000 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays.) The exhibits here are related to science, technology and electronics.

Shankhumugham Beach : Just 8 km from the city, this is a favorite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Trivandrum Airport and Veli Tourist Village. An indoor recreation club, the 'matsya kanyaka' (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here. Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park here provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules.

Observatory : Located at the highest point in the city, near the Museum complex 60 meters above sea level, one can have a bird's eye view of the city from here.

Secretariat : Built in the Roman architectural style, this is the center of government administration in Kerala and houses the offices of ministers and the bureaucracy.

Kerala Legislature Complex : Located at Palayam, this is the new building where the Legislative Assembly of Kerala meets. With its towering dome, exquisitely carved galleries, ornate teak paneling and ceiling, combined with the most modern acoustic treatment and state-of-the-art sound systems, the hall is a beautiful blend of classical grandeur and modernity.

Veli Tourist Village : (Open 0800 - 1800 hrs) This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Pedal boats and paddleboats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. For a quick ride over the waters, speedboats are available for hire. Children enjoy climbing over the huge sculptures which dot the landscape.