Kerala, the south-western state of India, is a fertile coastal strip on the western steep slope of the Ghats. Kerala offers highly preferred, extensive forests, including large protected areas with rich wild animal stock, palmenbesäumte channels in the coastal area, the backwaters, and the popular beaches around the capital Trivandrum. The swaying palms, the Vasco da Gama was once confused with waving and heart of the charming people, as ever sway in the gentle wind that carries over his song from the coasts of Arabia and Africa. Again, myth and history closely linked. The “black gold” (pepper) and spices were Kerala’s most important trade goods, which triggered even trade wars with other nations.
Against the resistance of the local rulers Kerala had finished ground at different times with the recognition by the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British. These powers have left because their traces are still visible today in the history and culture of Kerala, of which they were but typical of the country involved and interwoven with the traditional structure. Other features of Kerala are its active political scene generally well-educated citizens and a warm openness and friendliness towards strangers. Those returning from here, do not only appreciate the natural beauty of Kerala, but also contributes a little sunshine in your heart.
Thiruvananthapuram, known until 1991 under the name of Trivandrum, is the capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala. Around 785,000 people live in this city on the Malabar Coast. The name Thiruvananthapuram is derived from the mythological serpent Anantha and literally means “City of God Anantha”.
The main attraction is undoubtedly the Hindu Thiruvananthapuram Padmanabhaswamy Temple from 1733, with its impressive seven-storey gate tower above the main entrance. Take a walk around the lake and marvel at the beautiful old Brahmanenhäuser it around him. Well worth seeing is also the Kuthiramalika Palace, the former residence of the rulers of Travancore, which now houses a museum in his heart. If you are interested in art, you should also pay in any case the Sri Chintra Art gallery a visit, in addition to issuing Indian paintings and other artworks of Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan artists. If you feel like swimming and sunbathing, so take a trip to the nearby Kovalam, 20 km south of Thiruvananthapuram located. Her beautiful large sandy beaches make this city an internationally popular destination for beach lovers.
The capital of the state of Kerala is characterized by modern architecture and lush green park.Of the 260-year-old Padmanabhaswamy temple is open only to Hindus. Worth a visit are the colorful bazaar, the precious bronze statues of the Napier Museum (Tue, Thu-Sun 10-17 clock, Wed 13-17 clock, Museum Road, near the zoo) and the Kalaripayattu center CVN Kalari Sangham (0471 / 2474128) of the old acrobatic martial art of Kerala. The nearby beaches beckon – as the famous Kovalam Beach.
Thiruvananthapuram (formerly Trivandrum) is the capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala. Covering an area of 74 km2 Total 784 223 inhabitants live there. The city extends over seven hills and is 186 km from Kochi, Kerala’s largest metropolitan area, away. There is an international airport and sea links to the Maldives, Sri Lanka and other countries in the west of the Arabian Sea. Thiruvananthapuram has a commercial tradition that dates back to the year 1000 BC. However, the modern history begins with the reign of King Marthanda Varma (1729 – 1758) of Thiruvananthapuram the capital of his kingdom made. In subsequent years, the city became a cultural and economic center. 1956, Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of Kerala state. Compared to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram Kozikhode has a weakly developed industrial sector. Main industries are the textile industry, are processed in the mainly cotton & silk, and the sugar industry. The city is primarily focused on services and hosts one of the most important techno parks. There are about 12,500 engineers employed.
The ancient capital of the southwestern state of Kerala has about half a million inhabitants and is probably one of the most peaceful state capitals of India. The city itself offers tourist attractions not much, especially since the Padmanabhaswamy temple is closed to non-Hindus. However, they can be the starting point or stopover for the beaches and the mountainous region of Kerala. The city center is – Hindu urban following rules – created with the temple as the center square and oriented to the cardinal directions. In the north of the city is a park where you will find a museum and the Sri Chitra Art Gallery. They are open from 8.00-18.00 clock, except Monday and Wednesday morning. Admission free. The architecturally beautiful building contains mainly bronze figures. The art gallery includes paintings of various Indian schools and epochs also Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan works are exhibited. Right near the zoo’s botanical garden, both open from 9:00 to 17:00. The system of the zoo with lakes, trees and lawns should be one of the most beautiful in Asia, but many claim zoos. The enclosures are so small, however, as in Germany 20 years ago, and opinions differ sharply over the zoo. Each year in October, the Soorya Dance and Music Festival with dancers and musicians from all over Kerala instead.
Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple
In the capital city of Kerala, you can admire the 1733 built Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, which is dedicated to a reincarnation of Vishnu. This Hindu temple, a seven-storey gopuram is over the main entrance, is the main attraction of Thiruvananthapuram. He stands in the temple district of the city, which also includes a pond.
In the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the southern Indian state of Kerala in late June 2011, a miliardenschwerer treasure was discovered in an underground chamber. After more than 130 years, two of the six underground chambers were first opened. Researchers found diamonds, rubies, emeralds and gold, according to first estimates the value of about 11.6 billion euros.
The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum also called short) is the most famous Vishnu Temple of South India. The temple was built in the late 18th Century by the kings of Travancore in Trivandrum resident who worshiped Padmanabha as their family deity. The temple is run today by the descendants of the royal family. The government appoints only the priests and examines the finances for the management of the temple. After a local lawyer now wanted to obtain the takeover of the temple by the state court because the security measures to maintain the system and its resources are not sufficient, ruled the Supreme Court in New Delhi to open the long-sealed underground chambers to to ensure there any existing resources.
Among the treasures found there are more than 500 kg of gold coins dating from the 18th Century, a 1.20 m high, jeweled gold statue, diamond-studded plates, decorated with jewels Crowns, about 4 m long gold chains and other artifacts. Hundreds of armed police guarded the temple, on Saturday after the first reports of the treasure came to be known in public. Metal detectors were installed at the entrance. What should be done with the treasurer, the Supreme Court of India is determined.
Napier Museum
Also worth seeing is the Napier Museum, which has a large collection of art objects.
Sri Chitra Art Gallery
The Sri Chitra Art Gallery is next to Indian paintings and Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan works.
Excursions
Mukkuni Hill – 10 km
Neyyar Dam and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary – 30 km
Agasthya Vanam Biological Park – 30 km
Ponmundi Hill Station – 65 km