Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Trivandrum
Copyright: alionabirukova/Shutterstock.comPadmanabhaswamy Temple
Although entry into the shrine is allowed to Hindus alone, visitors of any religious denomination can marvel at the 30-metre high golden gate (gopura) towering right next to the Fort. The sizeable structure is among the world's richest in terms of valuable metals and precious stones used in its interior decor. Its early origins remain steeped in mystery.
Do & See
There is plenty to warrant a stay in Kerala's first city, and it is here, in Trivandrum, that a visitor can have the best go at experiencing Keralan urban life. If the inner city's museums and palaces prove insufficient, tranquil beaches (most notably, one of the world's finest: Kovalam) and further sights are only a short drive away.