Located at the south western tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram District is bounded by the Arabian sea on the west and Tamil Nadu on the east. He wooded highlands of the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination. Thiruvanathapuram is the capital of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram or Syanandoorapuri is built on hills with wide open spaces, sports stadium and low-lying paddy fields.

Aruvikkara Dam (16 km): This picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave (17 km): There are rocks cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. The granite cave here encloses a one-called shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outré wall of the cave depicts half complete reliefs of the Hindu God Siva with Goddess Parvathi.

Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad (18 km): Located on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Courtallam waterfalls, this ancient palace dates back to the 15th century. Here you can see a double storeyed traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and Museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of archeology. The Folklore Museum set up in 1992 is a treasure house of quaint musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils, models of folk arts etc. Displayed in the koyikkal Palace, they focus attention on the cultural backgrounds of the State.
The Numismatics Museum hoses rare and historically valuable coins denoting the trade relations of the State.

Padmanabhapuram Palace (63 km): The seat of the erstwhile rules of Travancore, this splendid palace is situated at Thuckalai, on the way to Kanyakumari. This is a well preserved wooden structure, a glories testimony to the traditional Kerala school architecture. The extraordinary murals, exquisitefloral carvings and the black glossy granite floor have withstood the test of time.

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