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CITY
OF HOLY SERPENT & CAPITAL OF KERALA
Thiruvananthapuram, formerly known as Trivandrum is gateway to one of the
most beautiful Indian states, Kerala. The city gets its name from the word, Thiruvananthapuram, meaning the
city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred Serpent Anantha on which Lord
Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines. Thiruvananthapuram, the
capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven
hills.
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.
Thiruvananthapuram 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 Thiruvananthapuram, 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.
TEMPLES
Sri
Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple: The ancient temple is the most
dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram. 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. more...
CHURCHES
Vettukad Church: (7 kms from Thiruvananthapuram) 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'.
BEACHES
Sankhumugham Beach:
The long stretch of clean sand is located near the airport. The water
there, however, is suitable for bathing. more...
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. more...
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. more...
Beema Palli: (5 kms south of Thiruvananthapuram) 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. 
Vizhinjam: Near Kovalam,
it's a fishing port, which is also important for an ongoing pioneer
project to generate electricity from wave energy.
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.
FORT & PALACES
Anchuthengu Fort:
Located 36 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. 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. more...
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. more...
Koyikkal Palace
Koyikkal Palace, the ancient palace, located 18 km from
Thiruvananthapuram on the way to
Ponmudi hillstation and
the Kuttalam waterfalls, dates back to the 15th century. more...
Kaudiar Palace
This palace, home of the late Maharaja Sree Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama
Varma and his family is off limits to the public. more...
CITIES
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. more...
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.
TEMPLES
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. more...
Kulathupuzha
Temple Kulathupuzha Temple is situated on a forest range on the
Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkotta road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha
temple. more...
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. more...
MUSEUMS
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.
more...
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. more...
Science &
Technology Museum The Science and Technology Museum, situated in
Thiruvananthapuram 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. more...
BEACHES
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. more...
Kollam (71 km)
Kanyakumari (88 km)
Alappuzha
(Alleppey) (160 km)
Kochi (216 km)