It is the capital city of the South Indian State of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram (earlier Trivandrum) was the seat of the former royal family of Travancore from 1750 to 1956. The magnificent Anantha PadmanabhaswamyTemple has given the city its name, Thiruvananthapuram, literally the 'Holy City of Anantha', the sacred thousand-headed serpent on whom Vishnu reclines.
Thiruvananthapuram Quick facts
Thiruvananthapuram Geography and Climate
The city has a tropical climate. Humidity is high and rises to about 90% during the monsoon season. It is hot and humid but in comparison to other inland cities, the ocean makes the climate quite pleasant. January and February are the coldest months while March, April and May are the hottest. The winter temperature comes down to about 20 °C and summer temperatures can sometimes go as high as 35 °C.
Best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram
The best time to visit is all through the year.If you are trying to avoid the monsoon then the months of September to May are the best. September to May is considered as the tourist season.
Thiruvananthapuram Orientation
Kerala has 100% literacy rate, and many people speak and understand English. Foreigners are treated as guests and held in high esteem.
Thiruvananthapuram Near Getaways
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 offers a fascinating experience. The city of the thousand-headed Anatha, the holy serpent on which Lord Vishnu reclines.
Thiruvananthapuram Distance(s)
Thiruvananthapuram is located at 8.5°N 76.9°E on the west coast. The city covers an area of about 250 sq km. The average elevation is 16 ft from the sea level.
Long distance buses depart from the Central Bus Station (KSRTC, Thampanoor bus terminal), opposite the railway station. Buses go from Kochi, Chennai, Madurai, Bangalore and Kanyakumari via Nagercoil to Thiruvananthapuram.
How to reach Thiruvananthapuram by Rail
There are trains from Mangalore, Ernakulam, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Kanyakumari and many other places. There are about seven trains a day from Thrissur. There are daily many trains from Kollam and Kochi.
The International / Domestic Airports are situated 7 km away from the city. Trivandrum Airport (International) is linked by flights to Cochin, Madras, Delhi, Goa and Bombay. International flights also operate to Colombo, Mali, Dubai, Abudhabi and Kuwait.
Onam: Onam, the birthday of Sage Vamana is an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the south Indian state of Kerala. It is a popular festival that falls during the month of Chingam (August/September) During the Onam, Keralite Hindus install an image of Thrikkakara Appan (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) in their home just as Hindus install images or murthies of Lord Ganesha on the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival. This festival is important because of its popularity with all communities within Kerala. Although the festival of Onam originated with, and is connected to the Hindu religion, it is celebrated today with equal fervour by the Hindus, Muslims and Christians of Kerala.
Thiruvananthapuram Culture
It is a city where tradition and modernity co-exist beautifully. Kerala has 100% literacy rate, and many people speak and understand English apart from regional language Malayalam. Tropical light weight cottons are recommended to beat the heat. It is recommended to wear conservative clothing when visiting homes and religious places in keeping with the tradition.
Thiruvananthapuram Religious Places
Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple: It is a famous Hindu temple of Lord Vishnu. This is an ancient temple and the city of Thiruvananthapuram derives its name from the name of the presiding deity enshrined in the temple. The temple has a seven-tier gopuram. The temple stands by the side of a tank, named Padma Theertham (meaning the lotus spring). The ground floor under the gopuram (main entrance in the eastern side) is known as the 'Nataka Sala' where the famous temple art, Kathakali is staged at night during the ten-day uthsavam (festival) conducted twice a year, during the Malayalam months of Meenam and Thulam. Prasadam Rice offered to the deity in coconut shell. Paal Payasam (Milk Kher) is very famous. During Tuesday, Panakam is offered to Lord Narasimha.
Thiruvananthapuram Monuments
PadmanabhapuramPalace: Situated at 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram ,though the palace is now in the State of Tamil Nadu, it was once the traditional home of the royal family of Travancore. So it is maintained by the Government of Kerala. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is the magnificent wooden palace of the 16th century Travancore rulers. The palace is one of the best examples of the traditional wooden architecture of Kerala. Some fascinating 18th century Murals can be seen in the puja room on the upper floors of this palace.
Kathakali dance is performed during night times at various auditoriums.
Kidding around Thiruvananthapuram
The children's park in Akkulam Lake is considered as one of the biggest parks in Kerala. Akkulam is one of the best picnic spots of Thiruvananthapuram City.
Ayur Health Centre (Padmatheerthakara): Thiruvananthapuram's situation and climate has provided ayurveda, an appropriate locale. The capital also offers a large reservoir of trained and efficient doctors and clinics. Treatments in many of the centres here are the last word in authenticity and, without the markup for tourists, very affordable. So visit Thiruvananthapuram, and surrender yourself in the magical hands of the trained masseurs.
Thiruvananthapuram Shopping
The coir products are found in almost all the shops of Kerala. Kitchenware, decorative items and brass lamps etc., can be purchased apart form coir products from Thiruvananthapuram.
Shopping spot: M. G. Road
Famous To Eat at Thiruvananthapuram
South Indian, North Indian, tandoori, Chinese and Continental cuisine, Kerala Thali, Malabari biryani, Keralite dishes.
Thiruvananthapuram Museum and Hill Stations
Government Arts and Crafts (Napier) Museum: The Government Arts and Crafts Museum earlier known as the Napier Museum. It exhibits a rare collection of bronzes, stone sculptures, exquisite gold ornaments, ivory carvings and a temple chariot, all fashioned in the territories of Travancore. To the north of the Museum, is the Shri Chitra Art Gallery, housed in a beautiful building that incorporates the best elements of local architecture. The pride of its collection are the works of Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906) and his uncle Raja Raja Varma, both pioneers of a unique academic style of painting in India, Raja Ravi Varma was considered the finest Indian artist of his time, and his mythological paintings have inspired the popular religious prints found in many Indian homes.
Gardens and Parks at Thiruvananthapuram
The children's park in Akkulam Lake is considered as one of the biggest parks in Kerala. Akkulam is one of the best picnic spots of Thiruvananthapuram City.
Zoological park: Located near PMG junction, 400 m east of Indian Airlines.
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo: The second oldest zoo in India is spread over 55 acres of land ,set amidst lakes, lawns and woodlands. The park is part of a well-planned botanical garden. It was established in 1857 AD as an annexes to the Museum by the Maharaja of Travancore. A reptile house with different species of snakes is also located in the premises.
Timings: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Camera permitted.
Phone: 0471- 2316275
Lake at Thiruvananthapuram
The backwaters form a specially attractive and economically valuable feature of Kerala.
Akkulam Lake: It is situated 3 km away from Ulloor junction, in Thiruvananthapuram city. Boating facilities are provided in the lake. There is a boat club with dozens of boats, available for joy riders. The children's park here is one of the biggest parks in Kerala.
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