Destination: Trivandrum

The capital city of Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram also known as Trivandrum is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala, located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland. This city shares the same name with its district, Thiruvananthapuram, which literally means the City of Lord Anantha. (the serpent on which Lord Padmanabha/Vishnu reclines) in Sanskrit and Malayalam. It is the Largest City in Kerala, built on hills by the sea shore and stands between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. 

The early rulers of Thiruvananthapuram were the Ays until the 10th century, after them, the city was taken over by the rulers of Venda. In 1684 East India Company finally got a foothold in Trivandrum that lasted.

Modern history begins with the man regarded as the father of modern Travancore, Marthanda Varma ruled from 1729 to 1758, in those days Trivandrum was considered a major center of artistic and intellectual activity, this chapter of economic and cultural prowess ends with the rule of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal (1829). The 19th century was a tremendous period of political and social evolution in the city, this progress continued through the end of English colonial rule in 1947. After the independence of India, in 1956 Trivandrum was made the capital of Kerala.

At present time, Thiruvananthapuram is known as the City of temples, Museums, and the land of Art & Culture and serves as a tourism hub, also attracts all kinds of tourists like the explorers, the religious, the beach lovers, and a few come in search of that elixir of life in Yoga, Ayurveda and the nature from all over the world all round the year.

Best Places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach is situated only 16 km away from the city of Trivandrum. The lighthouse beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach are three parts of the famous Kovalam beach. Soft white sands, emerald sea, and swaying palms of the beach make for an idyllic destination for those who love sun, sand, and surf.

Light House Beach

The beach is named after a 35 m high lighthouse which is situated atop the hillock of Kurumkal. It is the largest beach in Kovalam.

Vellayani Lake

It is also known as Vellayani Kayal in the local language and is the largest freshwater lake its crystal-clear calm water, especially during moonlit nights, attracts a lot of tourists towards it. The lake water is extensively used for drinking and irrigational purposes.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple

Padmanabha Swamy Temple is situated in the East Fort and holds the prestige of being counted among the 108 holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu in the works of Tamil saints. The presiding deity of the temple Lord Vishnu is reclining on a large serpent that is Anantha. Stone carvings and murals adorn the temple.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum is situated in Puthen Malika Palace. The museum is a rare collection of mannequins, paintings, mirrors, chandeliers, furniture, and other items.

Shanghumukham Beach

This beach is a favorite place for sunset viewers and is located about 16 km from Trivandrum. The main attractions of this beach are an indoor recreation club, the Matsya Kanyaka, and a restaurant shaped like a starfish.

Varkala

Varkala is an important Hindu center of pilgrimage and a seaside resort and spa. The main attractions here are the 2000-year-old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple, the Nature Care Centre, and a century-old tunnel. The high cliffs with mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline.

Secretariat

The Secretariat building, built in Roman architectural style, can be enjoyed while taking a walk on M.G. Road, it is situated towards the end of Mahatma Gandhi Road (M.G. Road), is a popular place for shopping in the city of Thiruvananthapuram.

Natural History Museum

This Museum is located to the east of the Napier Museum and is one of the popular destinations of Thiruvananthapuram. There are also galleries exhibiting animal skeletons, stuffed animals, and birds, at this museum.

Marine Aquarium

The Marine Aquarium is famous for its image pearl production facility, in which pearls are made with the image of various deities in them.

Zoological Garden

It is one of the oldest Zoological Park in India occupies 55 acres (22 ha) of woodland, lakes, and lawns situated in the vicinity of Napier Museum, it is regarded among the oldest Zoos in India and is the home of more than 75 different species such as lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri tahr, Indian rhino, Asiatic lion, royal Bengal tiger, giraffe, hippo, zebra, cape buffalo, etc.

Poovar Island

This island close to the natural harbor Viahinjam is a wonderful place that includes the sea, rivers, beaches, and backwaters all in one location. There are floating restaurants and Ayurvedic massage parlors on the island.
Best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram
Summers (March to May) have a hot and humid climate with a maximum temperature reaching nearly 37ºC and a minimum temperature of 28ºC. In Winter (November to February) a maximum temperature of 34ºC and a minimum temperature of 20ºC.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Trivandrum is during the months from Oct- Feb when the weather is pleasant making it ideal for sightseeing. The New Year welcomes celebrations in Kovalam Beach & surrounding areas attracting thousands of tourists each year.

How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram

By Air

The city has its own international airport which is well-connected with different cities across the globe. The airport has direct flights to major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Cochin, and Bangalore as well as direct flights from Singapore, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Middle East cities.

By Train

The Trivandrum Central railway station is situated within the city and is well-linked with major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Guwahati, Indore, Bangalore, and many others.

By Bus

Trivandrum’s bus station is situated right next to the railway station. There are regular buses to nearby cities like Cochin, Bangalore, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Chennai. KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) provides excellent bus services including premium luxury Garuda services, sleeper, air-conditioned, executive, deluxe, and many others to choose from.