Padmanabha Swamy Temple:

(Open: 0415 - 0515 hrs, 0645 - 0715 hrs, 0830 - 1115 hrs, 1145 -1200 hrs, 1700 - 1815 hrs, 1845- 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 here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Serpent. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Dress code: Men - Dhoti; Women - Saree and blouse Ph: 2450233

Sree Chithra Art Gallery:
(Open 1000 - 1645 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. Entrance fee (Museum and Art Gallery): Adults: Rs. 5 Children: Rs. 3

Events

Onam (August/September): Onam is one of the most widely celebrated festivals of Kerala, and it commemorates the legendary rule of King Mahabali, during which time the people were so happy that it aroused the jealousy of the gods.

To mark the Onam festivities, the Tourism Week is celebrated in the State especially in Thiruvananthapuram during which the streets in the city are illuminated and a unique package of traditional and cultural programmes are staged at the Kanakakkunnu Palace and other landmark points. It culminates in a colourful carnival, which the vast majority of the populace turn out to watch.

Arattu: The vetta and arattu processions are held twice a year from the Padmanabhaswamy Temple to Shankhumugham Beach, led by the members of the royal family of erstwhile Travancore. The idols from the temple are subjected to a ritual purification in the sea. Cultural performances, including Kathakali, are staged during the occasion.

Attukal Pongala: The ten day Pongala festival held at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, 2 km from Thiruvananthapuram, attracts thousands of female devotees from many parts of the country. Men are not allowed in the vicinity of the temple during the Pongala. Pongala is a kind of sweet porridge, considered to be the goddess' favourite offering. It is cooked by each devotee in a clay pot on an open fire and the long line of women making the ritual offering extends up to East Fort and beyond.

Chandanakudam Mahotsavam: This colourful Islamic festival is celebrated to commemorate Bee Umma, a saintly lady, whose tomb is in Beemapally near Thiruvananthapuram. Devotees bring money in pots decorated with flowers, incense sticks and sandalwood paste, as an offering during the festival.

Nishagandhi Dance and Music Festival: This festival of Indian classical dances and music is held at the Nishagandhi open air theatre, Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, Thiruvananthapuram. Bharathanatyam Kathak Kathakali Kuchipudi Manipuri Mohiniyattom Odissi Specially choreographed ballet combining one or more of these classical dance forms Classical music (instrumental and vocal) Jugalbandi (concertos) are performed in the evenings.

Feast of Christ at Madre Deus Church, Vettukadu.
Highlights: Special devotional rites Eucharistic procession (Third week of November)

Handicrafts Heritage - Kerala at Kanakakkunnu Palace. Conducted in connection with the All India Handicraft Week Celebrations. Highlights: Display and sale of meticulously crafted articles unique to the State (December)

Paramparya the Ashtamudi arts and crafts festival at Asramam Maidan. Highlights: Exhibition of the traditional arts, crafts and architectural themes of Kerala (December)

Agri Fest at Kanakakunnu Palace. Largest agricultural fair in the State. Highlights: Cultural shows Variety entertainment (January)

Flower Show at Kanakakunnu Palace grounds. Highlights: Floral decorations Cultural shows

Fashion shows (January)

Swathi Sangeethotsavam at Kuthiramalika Palace. Annual classical music festival organised in honour of king - Swathi Thirunal. Highlight: An august gathering of eminent musicians from across India (January)

Utsavam at Paripally Kodimootil Sree Bhadrakali Temple. Elephants offered as ritual offering. Highlights: Cultural programmes Gajamela (elephant pageant) (February)

Utsavam at Sreekandeswaram Temple. Highlights: Kodiyettam Ezhunallathu Pallivetta Kathakali Ottanthullal (December)

Utsavam at Janardhana Swamy Temple, Varkala. Highlights: Rituals Pallivetta Arattu procession, Kathakali (March)