Agasthyakoodam
Agasthyakoodam is the second highest peak in Kerala, at a height of 1890mts above sea level and is a part of the Sahyadri range of mountains. It is 60 Kms North East of Trivandrum. The mountain is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, as it is believed to be the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara as well as of the sage Agastya, a disciple of Shiva.

The forests of Agasthyakoodam are rich in rare medicinal herbs and plant, and hued orchids. In 1992, an area covering around 23 sq kms was established as Agasthya Vanam Biological Park. The intention was to restore the degraded forests and to use it for educational purpose. The season from December to April is advocated for trekking and is a distance of 28 kms to the top. It takes approximately two days and trekking is permitted only between December and April.

For trekking Permits contact the office of the Wildlife Warden, Trivandrum at +91 - 471 - 2368607

Ponmudi
Ponmudi is the nearest hill station to Thiruvananthapuram (65km). It is located 915 meters above sea level. It is an idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding path ways and cool, green wooded environs. It serves as a good base for trekking and bird watching. The natural scenery, salubrious climate and the scope of hiking in high trails make the visit an exhilarating experience. There is a charming deer park which is only 3kms from Ponmudi.

Observatory
Located at the highest point in the city (60mt above the sea level), near the museum complex is one of the oldest peaks in India. There is a well laid out garden in front of the hill with a beautiful rose collection. From here, one can have a bird's eye view of the city. It is situated 800meter NE of the Napier museum. It is where the Travancore royal family once entertained their guests is on top of a hill. Now it belongs to the Government. Today the palace and its sprawling grounds are the venue for many cultural meets and programmes. An all India Dance Festival (October to March) is organised by the Department of Tourism every year. During this period the classical Indian Dance Performances are conducted every day. For More Information Contact: 91- 471- 2314615

The Zoological Park
The Trivandrum Zoo is one of the oldest of its kind in India. Swathi Thirunal (1813-1847), illustrious king and music composer who ruled southern Kerala (Travancore) during 1830-1847. The Museum in its current form was started in the year 1853. It owes its origin to the joint efforts of J.A. Brown, then Director of the Trivandrum Observatory and General William Cullen, then British Resident. The Government approved of Brown's idea of starting a Museum in a part of his Bungalow, and General Cullen offered certain specimens of Travancore rocks which formed the earliest collection in the institution.

It is located in a well-planned botanical garden. With huge trees like frangipani and jacaranda dotting the sprawling lawns and wild fowl swimming in the lake, it is like a small jungle in the heart of the city. A reptile house with different species of snakes is also located in the premises. Open 10:00 - 17:00 hrs. Closed on Mondays.

Aruvikkara Dam
It is situated 16kms north of Thiruvananthapuram. It is gifted with lavish scenic beauty and this international renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt for tourists since 1930's. On the banks of the river, an ancient temple is situated which is dedicated to Durga.

Neyyar Dam/Sanctuary
It is situated at 30km east of Thiruvananthapuram, at the foot of Western Ghats. It was established in 1958. It is occupying the basin of the rivers Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. This popular picnic spot has a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park. The 128sqkm Neyyar sanctuary occupies a beautiful wooded and hilly landscape, dominated by the peak of Agasthya malai. Wild life includes gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat and Nilgiri langur but most commonly seen animals are wild elephants and sambar deer. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.

Peppara Wild Life Sanctuary
50 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Peppara is accessible from Vithurai on Thiruvananthapuram - 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 dotted with large hills and numerous hillocks with forests and eucalyptus plantations. Elephants, Sambar, Leopard and Lion tailed macque are commonly seen.

Aruvi Waterfalls/Vaiyanthol
Just 60 kms from Trivandrum and 7 kms from the Bonecaud estate in the Peppara forest range. This 4 ft cascade is one of the most verdant and un spoiled spots in Kerala. Road accessibility is only up to Bonecaud, thereon the Kaani tribesmen accompany trekkers along the mountain path. Prior permission from the Forest Department is required before approaching the area.

Pandipathu
On the Kerala - Tamilnadu border in the district of Thiruvananthapuram, nearest railway station - Thiruvananthapuram Central, 68 km, nearest airport Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 75 kmNature in its full glory, Pandipathu beckons those who love the solitary charm of wilderness and also those who enjoy wandering and exploring nature at its pristine best.Pandipathu comes under the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, and is accessible from Bonacaud, which was once famous for its tea plantations, and is also one of the entry points to the Agasthya peak.

Sensing the tourism potential of Pandipathu, the Forest Department of Kerala has given shape to an eco - tourism project called 'Visit to Bison Abode'. It has been named so, due to the presence of the Indian Wild Buffalo or the 'Gaur', on the rolling grasslands and hillsides of Pandipathu. It is reckoned as a special place, where one can sight these majestic bovines in close proximity, grazing throughout the day. Pandipathu has a physical setting that comprises plains, hills and valleys, offering a variety of visual treats to the visitor.

The forest department, as part of the 'Visit to Bison Abode', has a two- day package to offer. The package ideally caters to a group of eight, which should seek permission in advance before proceeding. Members of the forest department will accompany the visitors; they will guide and assist during the two - day programme. Campfire and trekking programmes also form part of the two - day programme.

There is a registration fee for the two - day programme, which is inclusive of food and accommodation. The new Permission and details of the programme can be had from the Wildlife Assistant Warden of Peppara Sanctuary and also from the office of the Wildlife Warden at Thiruvananthapruam.