Thiruvananthapuram Pilgrim Centre

Aruvikkara Dam and Devi Temple

The ancient Bhagavati Temple is built on a rock, with a waterfall below. The river has been dammed above the waterfall. Called Aruvikkara Dam, the water from the reservoir is conveyed to Thiruvananthapuram. As part of the offerings to the deity, the highlight here is the feeding of the scared fish in the river, which have grown to great sizes and are not afraid of people. There are steps going down to the river so you can get close to the fish. Non Hindus are allowed as long as proper dress code and propriety are observed.

Beemapalli

The Beemapalli Dargarh Sharif is dedicated to Bee Umma, a pious Muslim lady who had great spiritual power. The annual 10 day Uroos festival, held at Beemappalli commemorates Sayyidhathunisa Bee Umma and her son Sayyidussahed Maheen Aboobaker who are laid to rest there.

The festival begins at 8:30 in the morning with a prayer, led by the chief Imam on the premises of the shrine. Thousands of pilgrims make a tour to Kerala to take part in the festival.

Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple

This temple in Kerala, rests in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram in the old walled area, is a grand edifice that devotees believe has guarded the city from all ills. This temple in Kerala is believed to be at least 2,000 years old. Facing east, the temple structure is an amalgamation of the Dravidian, Chola and Pandya as well as the indigenous Kerala styles of architecture which complement each other. The sanctum is different from other temples of Kerala in that there are no steps leading down to the floor, but instead there is another mandapam-the famed single stone in front, through which the doors to the sanctum are accessed.

The idol is acclaimed as a marvel as it is made up of cosmopolitan known as katu- sarkara- yogam. A rare compound painstakingly prepared over many days. On a tour to Kerala one should make a visit to this shrine.