Thiruvananthapuram, formerly known as Trivandrum is gateway to one of the most beautiful Indian states, Kerala.

Stretching along the southern coast of the country, with the Backwaters reaching deep into the verdant countryside, Kerala affords a fascinating experience. The city of the Thousand - headed Anatha, the holy serpent on which Lord Vishnu reclines.

trivandrum is one of the most beautiful cities of India. Perched on undulating terrain of low coastal hills near the southern edge of the Indian mainland, clean and green Trivandrum, which was previously called Trivandrum, is an ancient city with trading tradition dateing back to 1000 BC. The city once formed a part of the capital of Travancore, which had its capital at Padmanabhapuram, now in Tamilnadu.

The city is also a welcome departure from other large cities of India in its spacious layout and regulated life.

It is also an excellent base to explore the interiors of Kerala, the southernmost region of India, and from Kochi, the Lakshadweep Islands. The city offers all modern facilities needed by a visitor and is a centre for cultural activities.

Places of Interest

Anchuthengu Fort

Located 36 kms from Trivandrum. The historic remains of the fort built by the British East India Company in the 17th century and an adjoining cemetery are the noteworthy relics of this first major British trading station on the Malabar Coast.

Padmanabhapuram Palace (Tamil Nadu)

54 kms. 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 hillstation and the Kuttalam waterfalls, dates back to the 15th century. Kaudiar PalaceThis palace, home of the late Maharaja Sree Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family is off limits to the public.

Sucheendram (Tamil Nadu)

74 kms. The temple contains beautiful carvings and sculptures. There is an impressive statue of Hanuman and navagrahas carved on the ceiling imitating universe.

Aaranmula Parthasarathy Temple

Parthasarthy temple, dedicated to Parthasarathi or Lord Krishna is said to date back to the days of the Mahabharata. The Vaishnavite Alwar Saints have sung its glory.

Kulathupuzha Temple

Kulathupuzha Temple is situated on a forest range on the Trivandrum - Shenkotta road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple.

Sivagiri Temple

The 'Sivagiri Mutt' is a 'Ashram' founded by the great Hindu reformer and philosopher, Sree Naravana Guru. Even decades after the Guru breathed his last here in 1928 AD, his 'Samadhi' (restling place) continues to be thronged by thousands every year.

Ponmudi

61 kms. It is a beautiful hill station away from the city. The natural scenery, salubrious climate and the scope of hiking in high trails make the visit an exhilarating experience.

Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)

87 kms. It is located at a junction at the southernmost tip of India where the three water bodies, namely, Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet. From here, one can see the sun rise from the Bay of Bengal and set in the Arabian Sea.

It is a holy place for Hindus because of the Kanyakumari Temple. The Gandhi Smarak Mandir and Vivekananda Rock Memorial are additional tourist attractions.

Napier Museum

The museum contains a fine collection of Kerala's bronzes, ornaments and contumes, and a model of "Tharawad' the traditional Nair family home.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, a classic specimen of Kerala Architecture is situated in 'Kuthiramalika'. The palace, with its excellent carvings and amazing architectural designs, is by itself a slice of heritage. The museum has a wide range of exhibits representing the erstwhile state of Travancore.

Science & Technology Museum

The Science and Technology Museum, situated in Trivandrum was established with the prime objective of setting up of galleries with working or animated and participatory type of exhibits, on all disciplines of Science and Technology.

Varkala Beach

Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions here. High cliffs border the excellent beach.

Vettukad Church

(7 kms from Trivandrum) The 'Madre De Deus' Church popularly known as the Vettukad Church attracts thousands of devotees from all religions. The annual celebration here is called the 'Feast Of Christ, The King'.

Sri Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple

The ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Trivandrum. Overlooking the Padma Theertham Tank. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its name. Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring. The temple is open only to Hindus and dress regulations are strictly enforced.

Sankhumugham Beach

The long stretch of clean sand is located near the airport. The water there, however, is suitable for bathing.

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam beach is only 16 km. away from the city. This unique and uncluttered beach of silvery sands fringed with rows of tall palms, a sheltered bay provides a wide choice of water sports. Others

Veli Tourist Village

A large recreational centre located near the airport along a sheltered lagoon offers landscaped gardens and water-sports facilities. It is a popular picnic spot. Accommodation facilities are available in the youth hostel

Aruvikkara

16 km. 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 kms 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.

Public Park

Truly a representative of the clean and verdant aspect of the city, the Public Park houses many important institutions, like the Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The observatory on the Observatory hill is also located in the Public Park.

Vizhinjam

Near Kovalam, it's a fishing port, which is also important for an ongoing pioneer project to generate electricity from wave energy.

Fairs and Festivals

Onam: Celebrated in August/September, Onam is one Kerala's most important festivals. It generates a lot of excitement and the city wears its heart on its sleeve during this time. Flowers are arranged in delightful patterns in everyone's front yards and there are cultural programmes held all over the place. Every local temple is lit up enhancing the beauty of already lovely structure. The celebrations culminate in a colourful carnival that attracts both locals and tourists alike.

Araat: Held twice a year, the vetta and araat processions led by the members of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore are taken out from the Padmanabhaswamy Temple to the Shanghumugham Beach. The idols from the temple are ritually purified in the sea and a host of cultural programmes, including Kathakali, are staged.

Nishagandhi Dance Festival: A platform for some of India's traditional classical dance forms, the dance festival is annually held from 21st to 27th February at the Nishagandhi Open Air Theatre in the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds. From Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniattam to Odissi, this festival is a unique opportunity to be a part of grace and elegance in so many different forms.

Gramam: A lovely and unique idea, the Gramam is held from 14th to 23rd January. An entire Kerala village is recreated on the beach during this exotic 10-day long festival held at Kovalam. The premises of the nalukettu (the traditional upper class house with a central open courtyard) that spring up overnight become the venue of the fair, and highlight the traditional arts and crafts of the state.

Flavour Food Festival: Held from 5th to 11th April on the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, famous hotels from all across Kerala take part in this week long international festival. There is intense competition where the participating hotels lay out a feast showcasing cuisine from all over the world. If you are a foodie, this is your favourite fantasy come true.

How to get there

By Air

Trivandrum is an important International gateway of South India with few direct flights from West Asia, Sri Lanka and Maldives. Indian Airlines, and Jet Airways both connect Trivandrum with the rest of the country with frequent flights from Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.

By Rail

Well connected with major South Indian cities.

By Road

Trivandrum is well connected by major state and national highways to the rest of Southern India. Cochin is 220 kms away.

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