Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The temple is located inside the East Fort. The temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. This temple a sprawling complex with a magnificent seventeen storied tower houses the idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ananthapadmanabha (the lord who upheld creation on a lotus that sprang forth from His navel). The 6 m image of Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Serpent, partly covered with gold and embellished with precious stones is viewed in three sections through three doors. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India . Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Historical records show that in 1750, The Maharaja of Travancore on being victorious in a battle, laid down his sword and offered himself to this temple's deity. Since then, all his successors have ruled the land as Padmanabhadasas (servants of Padmanabha). Arattu is an important festival here.

Sree Krishna Swamy Temple

20 km from Trivandrum in Neyyattinkara is located this historically important temple. This is the site housing the old Jackfruit tree that once gave refuge to the king Marthandavarma, erstwhile ruler of Travancore.

Varkala 

Located 40 km from Trivandrum in Varkala, Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala is the final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru. The Papanasham (redemption from sins) beach here is the place where Narada is believed to have thrown his valkalam. The 2000 year ols Sree Janardhana Swamy temple here is famous for the Arattu, the annual festival celebrated in March-April.

Attukal Bhagavathi Temple

Known as the Sabarimala of women, this temple is famous for Attukal Ponkala, the annual festival that commences on Bharani day in Kumbhom (Feb-March). The highlight of the festival is the Ponkala which is all women affair. Ponkala is an offering made in Bhagavathy temples, prepared in the form of payasam with ingredients like rice, jaggery, coconut kernel and plantain. Ponkala starts in the morning and ends with the melsanthi (chief priest) sprinkling holy water over the offerings. 

Sree Parasurama Temple

Located in Thiruvallam, 5 km from Thiruvananthapuram, this is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Sree Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala. This 2000 year old temple is the venue for the Bali ritual for departed souls.

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