Thiruvananthapuram - the capital city of Kerala

Quick Facts
Situated in : Kerala, 218 kms, south of Kochi
Major Attractions: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Vizhinjam, Bhagawathy Temple
Ideal Time to Visit: October to February

Earlier known as Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram lies towards the southern end of the state on the low lying hills of the Western Coast of India, interspersed by ridges and lanes. Trivandrum is an ancient city the traces of which can be found as early as 1000 B.C. Even then the city was an established trade and commerce centre. The city was made the capital of Travancore in the year 1745 during the reign of Marthanda Varma. Presently, the city is one of the primary commercial and industrial areas located in the state of Kerala.

Trivandrum is dotted with a range of hotels. Budget hotels are most in number and located throughout the city. Some known hotels of Trivandrum are Muthoot Plaza Hotel, South Park Hotel, Hotel Saj Lucia, Hotel Residency Tower, Hotel Mascot and Hotel Pankaj. Trivandrum is connected with other city and states by all major means of transport. There are buses, trains and airways providing the services in the city.

Major Attractions of Trivandrum
Shree Padhmanabhaswamy Temple: Situated in the heart of the city, Shree Padhmanabhaswamy Temple is dedicated to 'Padmanabhaswamy', an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is built in a typical Dravidian style, which is unusual for a temple in Kerala and features a tall gopuram. It happens to be one of the most revered places of Hindus and every year thousands of them reach the site to pay the homage and for offerings.

Bhagawathy Temple: One of the popular worshipping places in Kerala, Bhagawathy Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawathy. The temple site is a great attraction during the festival days of Ponal Utsavam, which is celebrated for 10 days.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum: The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. The architecture of the palace represents typical Travancore style with incredible wood carving. The palace also features paintings and valuable articles belonging to the royal family, that have been preserved here.

Government Art Museum: The Government Art Museum or Napier Museum as it is popularly called has been built in the year 1880 in the honour of Lord Napier. The museum houses great archaeological and historical artifacts.

Vizhinjam: The place used to be a popular site for the Dutch and Portuguese traders. It is located south of Kovalam beach and represents a modern fishing harbour.

M.G.Road: The road is a popular shopping area located in the city. Sandalwood, brass and oil lamps are extensively sold in the markets here. A lot of general stores and arts, antiquities shops are located at M.G.Road. The Connemara Market is great shopping place here.

Kovalam Beach: Just 16 kms from the city is the popular Kovalam Beach. The beach comprises of a series of beaches, the best one being the southern most. The beach area has emerged as a great tourist place and is lined up with resorts and tourist cottages.

Mumbai - The Entertainment Capital of India

Quick Facts

Situated at: Maharashtra
Also Known As: Capital of Maharashtra, Commercial Capital of India, Entertainment Capital of India
Major Attractions: Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, Jain Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, Haji Ali Tomb, Prince of Wales Museum etc.
Suitable Season to Visit: October to April


Previously known as Bombay, Mumbai is the capital city of Maharasthra. Fondly referred to as the commercial as well as entertainment capital of India, Mumbai is famous as the home of world’s second largest film industry, ‘Bollywood’. Situated off the west coast of India, Mumbai is the base of numerous big Indian companies and MNC. Mumbai is also home to important finanical institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).

Mumbai is considered the most happening city of India and the city never sleeps. The city abounds with late night parties, eating joints and even chaiwallas pedalling along the sea-facing streets. For shoppers Mumbai is a paradise and any trip to the city is incomplete without shopping. You will find everything of daily use that include clothes, shoes, perfumes and cosmetics, gadgets and gizmos, furniture, books etc in the shopping centres of Mumbai. Some of popular shopping markets of Mumbai are Chor Bazaar, Oshiwara Joona-Poorana Market, Zaveri Bazaar, Gandhi Market and Crawford market.

Mumbai is easily accessible by air, train and bus from all over the country. The city is also well-connected to foreign countries by air. For local transport prepaid taxis, city buses, auto-rickshaws and local trains are available. Plenty of accommodation is available in Mumbai ranging from five star hotels to budget hotels. Equipped with the contemporary facilities the hotels of Mumbai provide comfortable stay to guests.

Mumbai offers much more to see and experience to the visitors. It is impossible to sum up all in few words, better you visit the city on your own. Some to the tourist attractions of the city are:

Gateway of India: Mumbai’s principle landmark, Gateway of India is thronged by thousands of visitors everyday. Officially opened in the year 1924, the Gateway of India is known for its exquisite architecture which has been derived from the 16th century Muslim styles of Gujarat.


Marine Drive: Also called Netaji Subhash Road, Marine Drive runs along the shoreline of Back Bay, starting at Nariman Point, passes Chowaptty Beach and runs up to Malabar Hill. One of the Mumbai's most famous attractions, Marine Drive is flanked by the high rising buildings and visited by people mostly in the evening.

Chowpatty Beach: Mumbai's most popular famous beach, Chowpatty Beach draws large number of visitors every day. Here you can indulge yourself in plenty of leisure activities and enjoy Mumbi's popular snack, Bhelpuri and Kulfi ice cream.

Jain Temple: Dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar, Adinath the temple was built in 1904. The marble temple is constructed on the lines of typical modern Jain temples, i.e. the mirrored style.

Haji Ali Tomb: Haji Ali Tomb is dedicated to a Muslim Saint who was drowned here and attracts people of all religion in addition to Muslims. You can reach the tomb buildings by a long causeway which can only be crossed at low tide.

Prince of Wales Museum: Prince of Wales Museum also called the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastusangrahalaya was built in 1905 to commemorate King George V's first visit to India. The museum has rare collection of miniature paintings, idols and bas reliefs from the Elephanta Caves, Buddha images and models of the Parsi Towers of Silence. The museum is open from 10.15 am to 6 pm, all weekdays (closed on Mondays).

Elephanta Caves: A short ferry ride from the Mumbai Harbour takes you to the Elephanta Island, the home to 7th century rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. A World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves houses the Maheshamurti, a three-headed sculpture of Shiva the main central cave, resplendent in all his forms namely the creator, preserver and destroyer. Apart from this, the cave also has delicately-carved panels depicting the life of Lord Shiva.