Thiruvananthapuram Things to Do

This beautiful mosque is situated at Palayam, one of the busiest places in the city. It is reminiscent of the Islamic style of architecture prevalent in south India. The mosque, St Joseph’s Cathedral and Ganesh Temple co-exist next to each other presenting the perfect example of religious harmony of Kerala. The mosque and the temple share the same wall, and the church is across the road.

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This Roman Catholic Church, built in 1927, is among the two churches in the city where Pope John Paul II conducted holy sermon while he visited Kerala. The architectural style of the church is a simple Victorian theme. The cathedral has a large statue of Jesus Christ on the top of the tower.

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Founded in 1888 by His Highness Visakham Thirunal Rama Varma, the College of Fine Arts is affiliated to the University of Kerala. It was first known as H. H. The Maharaja’s School of Arts, Travancore. The college has three main departments - painting, sculpture, applied art.

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This library is believed to be the first public library in India and was established in 1829 during the reign of His Highness Sree Swathi Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore. The work of starting and organising the Library was entrusted to Col. Edward Cadogan, then the British Resident who was the grandson of Sir Hans Sloane, the founder of the British Museum. His Highness Sree Moolam Thirunal constructed the present building in 1900 for housing the library, which is in the Gothic style, in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Victoria.

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The foundation stone of this church was laid on 13th December, 1858 by members of the British army. The land was donated by the erstwhile rulers of the region. The church was consecrated on 15th November, 1859 and early services were in English to cater for the British people. Later in 1876, a Malayalam service was introduced for the local population. The church got its first Indian pastor in 1887.

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The Kerala State Science and Technology Museum is located close to the Napier Museum. The exhibits relate to science, technology and electronics but are rather dated and not all that interesting. There's also a planetarium attached to the museum but I didn't visit this.

Open: 10am-5pm, closed Mondays. Admission: Rs15

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The State Assembly is known as Niyama Sabha and is housed in the New Legislature Complex near Christ Church. This 10 storied complex is one of the largest complexes in India. The Central Hall is described as most elegant and majestic hall with ornamental Teakwood-Rosewood panelling.

This 19th century church, located near the Napier Museum, is made entirely of stone. It is dedicated to the London Missionary Society's missionary, Samuel Meteer, who contributed in the social and educational fields of Kerala. Built in typical Anglican design, this imposing stone structure has some fine arch glass windows with delicately carved borders. Other major attractions of this church are the huge bell tower and a large cross. Unfortunately it was closed when I visited.