Let's talk about attractions that can offer you to Kovalam.
Palace Padmanabhaper
Immediately I will say that this attraction is not right in Kovalama, but about one and a half hours drive from the resort to the south, in the town of Padmanabhapuram. But we will certainly be there. This village, by the way, the former capital of the once existing Hindu kingdom of the Trankar. This palace is a complex design, an old granite fortress of about 4 km long. The palace is located at the foot of the Hills, which form part of the Western Geat (or Sakhyadri Mountains).Built this palace was in 1601. Then the palace was reconstructed in 1750 - it became even better. At the end of the 18th century, the capital of Travankor was moved from Padmanabhapera in Trivandrum, and the palace lost to the former glory. But still, this Palace Complex continues to be one of the most amazing examples of the traditional architecture of kerulas, which remains a bit today.
The entire palace is built using wood and traditional masonry design. The fact that he survived for so many centuries is still shining, is evidence of the real quality of construction. Padmanabhapuram complex consists of several parts: it is Mantrasal (Hall of the Council of the King), Thai Kottaram (Palace of the Queen Mother, built, sort of like, almost earlier than the whole complex), Nataxala (Concert Hall), four-storey mansion in the center of the complex and Thekee Kottarm (South Palace).
The palace has a small museum with several dozen stone statuettes, weapons and objects of everyday use of the royal family. Also, there are several hundred houses in the complex (presumably intended for officers, employees and palace guards) and rather large agricultural fields and water sources. Interestingly, the hour tower in the palace complex has 300-year-old hours, which still go! If you have already managed to see, for example, the Mysore Palace in the south of India, the Bangalore Palace and the Palaishes of Rajastan, then the Palace of Padmanabhaperas will seem inconspicuous and not impressive at first glance. But this is just the first impression. In short, be sure to visit this place.
Mountain Cardamon (Cardamom Hills, Ponmundi)
This is a mountain chain as part of Western Gat, which in India is sometimes called "Hill Station" (although there are no stations there). These mountains are characterized by sharp crests, steep slopes and deep gorges. The name happened from the cardamom, which grows in abundance in those edges. But besides this, coffee and pepper, and everything else in abundance is growing. However, the cardamom is more - and this wonderful flavor is bruised and lulls. This is not just a colorful expression. And there is!Sometimes the gusts of the wind bring such stunning flavors that you want to stop and gain air into a jar. So he is delicious! On the territory of the mountain chain there are several reserves, the most famous of which is Periyar. By the way, it is on the territory of the reserve for the ridges of the Kardamon Mountains a border between the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala passes. The main goal of the trip to these mountains is a wide plateau, located at a height of about 900 m. It opens a great overview for the mountains and everything else.
The viewing platform is civilized, with an observation tower and a comfortable parking for transport, toilets and cafes, as well as small shops with snacks and medicinal herbs. It is necessary to prepare for the fact that on the observation site there will be a huge number of people. But what to do! A bus (for only 50 rupees), Ricksha (about 1500 rupees) or a taxi will come to this vertex.
Temple Padmanabhasvami
This is probably the most famous Hindu temple of Vishnu. It is located in the city of Tiruvananthapuram, about a 25-minute drive from the center of Kovalama. The main temple deity is, respectively, Vishnu: an impressive 5.5-meter figure covered with gold and stones. The temple itself is a 30-meter gopuram covered with exquisite thread. Inside there is a spacious corridor with 324 embossed pillars and a 25-meter golden pole with a flag. The walls of the structure are tightly covered with frescoes, which are mystical scenes.
What we can see today is the building that began in 01731, during the reign of one of the most powerful Trancore kings. By the way, in 2011, one of the largest treasures in the history of mankind was found in the temple (cost of about $ 22 million). It is believed that this is good for many centuries wore generations of the rulers of the travcor. In general, this is "Mast Visit" district.
Cutiramalic Palace Museum
The palace is located next to the Temple of Padmanabhasvami, as well as less than half an hour from Kovalam. The palace itself is beautiful, he erected in the traditional style of Kerala. In his open visitors, twenty rooms there is a whole bunch of interesting exhibits. They can be considered an excellent way (and not as, for example, in the Museum of Museum!).
Extremely impressive Belgian and Italian mirrors, luxurious chandeliers, paintings, weapons, royal thrones (one, for example, built from an elephant's beer, the other - from Bohemian glass), musical instruments and more. There are here and old drawings of the palace. And how beautiful the ceilings are beautiful pictures! In one of the rooms you can see a portrait of one Raja - it is interesting to the creating illusion that Rajes all the time looks at you while you go around the hall.
Doing a photo into the palace can not. The palace opens its doors every day, except Monday and holidays, from 8:30 to 17:30, with a break for lunch from 12:30 to 15:00. The entrance is only 50 rupees. By the way, it is impossible to navigate yourself on the museum - only in the group with a guide (it is brewed directly upon arrival). In general, be sure to visit this museum!
Zoo Trivandrum
It is northeast of Kovalam, about 40 minutes away. First of all, the excellent ideas of landscape designers, which are just as surprisingly embodied on the territory of the zoo. However, signs of decline are noticeable. Some sad animals that can not even get into their houses. Conference, the mines of the zoo will be more abruptly. But in general, for 20 rupees you can go to this.
