There are many conducted tours operated from most Tourist Reception Centres located in the cities such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram etc.

Description of Places Covered in the Tours

Padmanabha Swamy Temple

Well known for its murals or wall paintings and stone sculpture, the Padmanabha Swamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the Triumvirates. This beautiful temple which is combination of the local Kerala style and the ancient Dravidian architecture prevalent in the ancient temples of South India and which attracts thousands of devotees is one of the wealthiest temples in India  The principle deity is Lord Vishnu reclined on the Serpent called Anantha. This temple is open only for Hindus prescribing to the dress code allowed by the temple.

Puthenmalika (Kuthira malika) Palace

This palace of the Maharaja of Travancore is located near the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. The name of the palace “Kuthira Malika” means Mansion of Horses and is so called because of the collection of more than a hundred beautifully carved horses found in wooden supports to the roof of the temple on the southern side. Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, the King of Travancore is credited for building this beautiful palace which now houses a museum that is open to the public and has on display an invaluable collection of art and artifacts belonging to the royal family. The King was also a lover of art and music, a well known poet and a just ruler who brought about many social reforms. The palace is closed to the public on Mondays.

Shankumugham Beach

Just 8 kms. from Trivandrum city is the beautiful beach of white sands called the Shankumugham beach. It is an ideal place to relax and enjoy a lovely sunset. A huge statue of a mermaid adorns the beach and there are many restaurants, one which has the shape of starfish, where one can enjoy a hearty repast. This beach is used for religious rites by the royal family of Travancore and also by Hindus living in the surrounding areas.

Veli Tourist Village

About 12 kms from the center of the city of Thiruvananthapuram is the Veli Lake which is actually a lagoon. The Veli Tourist Village has been developed for picnics and family outings near the place where the Veli Lake joins the Arabian Sea. It is a fun-filled place that has become very popular because of the extensive gardens with large sculptures that adorn it. There are facilities for boating and different kinds of boats such as paddle boats, row boats and speed boats are available on hire. There is also a floating restaurant and a floating bridge which attract many tourists and holiday makers.

Museum, Zoo And Art Gallery

The Napier Museum, the Sree Chithra Art Gallery and the Zoological Park situated in the precincts of the Museum are a must-visit for visitors to Thiruvananthapuram. First established in 1855,the Napier Museum, was named after Lord Napier, the Governor of the Madras Presidency when the museum was rebuilt in the year 1874. The building of the museum boasts of great architectural features including unique ornamentation, a roof made in gothic style and several minarets. This art and natural history museum displays uncommon pieces of art and historical relics. The Sree Chithra Art Gallery in the vicinity has the original art of the famous Raja Ravi Verma and Roerich on display.
The country’s first zoo founded in 1859 is also located here. The museum, art gallery and zoo are closed for the public on Monday.

Description of Places Covered in Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) Tours

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram was the old capital of the Kingdom of Travancore before it was shifted to Trivandrum. The beautiful and well maintained Padmanabhapuram Palace made of wood is located here. The entire palace is a work of art with superb wall paintings, carvings and exquisite flooring. The many halls, the relics and artifacts on display and the building itself is a proud reminder of the skill of the artisans and artists and the imagination of the creators of this heritage.

Suchindram Temple

Near Kanyakumari lies the town of Suchindram where this unique temple is located. The unusual temple is devoted to Sthanumalaya , all the three deities of the Hindu Triumvirate; Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The large temple complex with a majestic entrance is not only a religious place of rare distinction but also has great architecture and exquisite carvings and age-old art.

Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin)

The historic place Kanyakumari stands on the tip of the Indian peninsula with three different seas on its three sides; the Arabian Sea on the west, the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Indian Ocean to its south. Apart from the Kanyakumari temple that stands on the shores of seas, there are many places of interest for tourists here. The Vivekanand Rock Memorial where Swami Vivekanand is believed to have meditated and the tall statue of the Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar are major tourist attractions. The historic town is replete with art, heritage and religion as it has seen the birth and death of many dynasties.