The location of UDS is ideal
for the guests to plan one day trips in and around Trivandrum, providing
a bouquet of cultural, historic and entertainment options. Some of the
places of interest are as below. |
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Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple
The temple with innumerable
pillars, intricate carvings, and mural paintings is an excellent example
of the Dravidian style of architecture. The imposing seven storied
tower makes it the most impressive landmark in the city.
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Kanya Kumari
The southern most tip of
India, Kanyakumari is a place blessed by nature. It is a palce where the
land, three seas and the sky meet. From here one can get view both the
sun rise and sun set. Famous temple of virgin Goddess Kanyakumari,
Vivekananda Rock and a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi are major tourist
attractions. |
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Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram was once
the capital of the State of Travancore and is 51 kms from the city on
the way to Nagarcoil in Tamil Nadu. The palace contains 17th and 18th
century murals.
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Veli Lagoon (Tourist Village)
This is a wonderful park,
an ideal picnic spot where the lake meets the sea. The beautiful pool,
gardens, exquisite sculptures, a floating bridge and a wide range of
aqua sports facilities. |
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Kuthira Malika
Kuthira Malika was built
during the time of H. H. Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, the ruler of
Travancore who was also a great poet and musician. This palace has wood
carvings in the traditional Travancore style. The museum displays
various painting collections of the royal family. |
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Zoo & Art Museum
Formally known as Napier
Museum, named after the former Madras Governor General - John Napier, it
is a gem of architectural exuberance, combining traditional Kerala
styles and good doses of Chinese and Mughal Influences. One of the very
well maintained zoos in the whole of Asia, is located adjacent to the
Art Museum. |
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Sree Chithra Art Gallery & Observatory:
The gallery has a valuable
collection of paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Roerich. It also has
copies of paintings of the Ajanta, Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore Schools
besides some works from China, Japan, and Tibet. The Observatory
situated 60 m above sea level is located on a hill near the Museum.
There is a well laid out garden in front of the hill, with a beautiful
rose collection. It is one of the oldest edifices in India. |
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Shanghumugham Beach
A popular city beach
adjacent to the airport. An indoor recreation club, children's traffic
training park and a star shaped restaurant are some of the facilities at
the beach. |
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Science & Technology Museum
Located near Mascot Hotel, the Museum is of high educative value for students of science and Technology.
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Akkulam Boat Club
It is a popular retreat for the city dwellers. The lake has boating facilities and has the largest children's Park in Kerala.
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Aruvikkara
16 kms north of
Thiruvananthapuram and gifted with lavish scenic beauty is Aruvikkara.
An ancient Durga temple is there on the banks of the river.
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Neyyar Dam
Neyyar Dam is a picnic spot
and dam site located 29 kms from Trivandrum. There are facilities for
boating at the reservoir. It has a lion safari park and crocodile farm.
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Ponmudi
An ideal hill resort
situated 54 kms from Trivandrum is an enchanting one for tourists. Best
accommodation and restaurant facilities are available here. |
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Peppara Wild Life Sanctuary
Located 50 kms from
Trivandrum, Peppara is accessible from Vithurai on Trivandrum - Ponmudi
Road. This sanctuary with its rich fauna and birds is emerging as a big
attraction to wild life enthusiasts. It is spread over an area of 53 sq.
km on the Western Ghats. This is doted with large hills and numerous
hillocks with forests and eucalyptus plantations. Elephants, Sambar,
Leopard and Lion tailed macaque are commonly seen.
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Agastyakoodam
A prominent peak in the Sahyadri ranges and can be approached on foot from Bonacadu which is 61 kms away from Trivandrum.
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Aruvi Waterfalls/Vaiyanthol
Just 60km from
Thiruvananthapuram and 7kms from the Bonecaud estate in the Peppara
forest range. This 4 ft cascade is one of the most verdant and unspoiled
spots in Kerala. Road accessibility is only up to Bonecaud, thereon the
Kanni tribesmen accompany trekkers along the mountain path. Prior
permission from the Forest Department is required before approaching the
area. |
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Backwater/Sea Rides
While staying at UDS,
backwater cruise at Thrivallom near to Kovalam beach is a special
bonanza for the tourists. Sea side rides are also organized by UDS
exclusively at peak seasons, embarking right from the front beach of the
resort.
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