Recreational and Sightseeing Somatheeram Resort, Trivandrum

Cultural Programmes
Mohiniyattom
Mohiniyattom is a typical dance form of Kerala that literally means dances of the enchantress. Mohiniyattom, even the costumes and the make up having a distinctiveness of their own. In fact, Mohiniyattom as a dance form has been developed in Kalamandalam to such a perfection as to attract the attention of students and teachers of art from other parts of India.

Kalaripayattu
Believed by many histories and scholars as one of the oldest and most scientific and comprehensive system of martial training existing in the world today. Kalaripayattu the ancient martial art of Kerala truly deserves the title of the forerunner of all martial art.

Kathakali
Most important of the Indian dance drama style is Kathakali from Kerala. The stories for enacting Kathakali are taken mostly from the great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha. In Kathakali, the make-up is very elaborate and intricate, and each character has a set mode which is strictly observed. Red green, black, yellow, orange...these are the predominant colours in Kathakali make-up. The colours used have a significance and a direct bearing on the characters. This is based on the concept of three gunas, namely satvik, rajasik and tamas
Sightseeing
Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum
The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family and is located near the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

Napier Museusm
The Indo-Saracenic structure dating back to the 19 century boasts of a "natural " air conditioning system, houses a rare collection of archaeological and historical artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings.

Padmanabhapuram Palace (Tamil Nadu)
54 km from Trivandrum A place of elaborate woodwork, it was the ancient seat of the Travancore rulers. It contains relics of historical and artistic value.

Koyikkal Palace
Koyikkal Palace, the ancient palace, located 18 km from Trivandrum on the way to Ponmudi hill station and the Kuttalam waterfalls, dates back to the 15th century. Kaudiar Palace
This palace, home of the late Maharajah Scree Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family is off limits to the public.

Aruvikkara
16 km from the city. It is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot, with a waterfall nearby. On the banks of the Karamana River, the spot houses a temple, where a rock cut shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhagvathy, the divine embodiment of female power. A stream with fishes, which come up to be fed by visitors, is another attraction.

Beema Palli
(5 km south of Trivandrum) An important Muslim pilgrim centre, it is dedicated to Beema Beevi, a pious Muslim lady believed to have possessed divine powers. Devotees of all faiths visit the mosque.