Thiruvananthapuram which was previously called Trivandrum, is an ancient city with tradition dating back to 1000 BC. Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of Raja of Travancore in 1750. The city gets its name from the word, Thiru-anantha-puram, 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. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland spreading over a total of 2,192sq.km.

Its undulating terrain of low coastal hills with narrow winding lanes and busy commercial alleys characterizes the city. The best season to visit Thiruvananthapuram is during September to May.

King Marthandavarma, the erstwhile founder of Travancore made Thiruvananthapuram his capital. After Marthandavarma, it remained the capital of Travancore and after independence, became the capital of State of Travancore-Cochin.

In 1956, when Kerala state was formed, Thiruvananthapuram was again chosen as the capital of Kerala. Being the state capital, it also throbs with political activity. Thiruvananthapuram and its famous beaches are one of the top tourist destinations in India.

Thiruvananthapuram derives its name from the deity at the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which is the most recognisable icon of the city, nearly 2000 years old. The city has grown as a tourist and commercial centre, with the International airport becoming the main gateway into Kerala.

Map of Thiruvananthapuram / Trivandrum (click to enlarge)

Places you can see in Thiruvananthapuram / Trivandrum

Shree Padhmanabhaswamy temple
The Hindus hold Shree Padhmanabhaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu sacred from antiquity. The temple has a large complex with a huge gopuram. It has a tank beside it for ritual bathing. The temple enshrines, and is dedicated, to the presiding deity of Thiruvananthapuram, Lord Vishnu. A Maharaja of Travancore constructed it, in 1733. The temple is open only to Hindus. The city derives its name from this temple, as the deity i.e Lord Vishnu, is shown as reclining on his serpent, Anantha.

The Kanakakunnu Palace
The Kanakakunnu Palace This palace in the heart of Trivandrum city is one of the most beautiful buildings. The palace and its sprawling grounds are today the venue for many cultural meets. The Museum The museum building is an architectural splendour. The napier museum, the natural history museum, the reptile house and the Shri Chitra Art Gallery are in the same complex amidst a well laid out garden and park.

The Museum
The museum building is an architectural beauty. The napier museum, the natural history museum, the reptile house and the Shri Chitra Art Gallery are enclosed in the same complex amidst a picturesquely laid out garden and park.
 
Kovalam
Kovalam is 12kms to the south of Thiruvananthapuram and is one of the finest beaches in India. It has been developed into an integrated seaside resort. The beach complex has many hotels, cottages, yoga centres etc.
Vizhinjam About 2kms south of Kovalam, it is believed to be an ancient port. The Dutch and Portugese had commercial establishments here. It is being developed as a modern fishing harbour.

Ponmudi
A pleasant resort situated at an elevation of 912m above sea level. It is 61 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and connected by road. There are many tree and rubber estates around the hills.

Veli lagoon
The boat club attracts tourists by providing facilities for pedal boating , row boating , swimming on the placid waters of the veli lake.

Events and Festivals of Thiruvananthapuram.

Onam
Kerala's most important festival, honouring King Mahabali, a mythological king of ancient Kerala, whose period was reckoned as  the golden age in the history of the state.
Onam is marked by festivity. Flower carpet is being prepared in the front yard of every house. Special prayers are offered in temples. Delicious dinner is part of the Onam celebration. Traditional food is served on plantain leaves.

Vishu
Vishu is one of the important festivals of Kerala. It comes in the month of April. According to the old traditional Malayalam calendar it is the 1st day of the New Year. 'Kani-Kanal' is the main event of the day. The night before Vishu, the mistress of the house prepares the Kani. In big pots, coconuts, fruits, cereals and Konna flower is kept. Behind the pot a mirror and the garlanded deity of Krishna is kept. Around the deity, lighted lamps will be arranged. Early morning on the Vishu day, the master of the house sees the Kani and then the rest of the family follows. Children's are brought blind folded from their beds to where the Kani is kept.

Gramam(Village Fair)(14-23 January)
An entire Kerala village is recreated on the beach during this ten day long festival. The traditional nalukettu (the quadrangular upper class house with a central open courtyard) and its premises become the venue of the fair, where the culture, arts and crafts of Kerala come alive.

The Great Elephant March(9- 12th January)
The Great Elephant March is a major tourist attraction that brings in visitors from all over. It is a four day program organized by the Department of tourism, Kerala. Elephant pageantry, boat races and folk art performances are specially arranged in a four-day period for the tourists to have a glimpse of the Kerala culture. On the fourth day, the Elephant pageantry is held at Trivandrum. Here tourists will have an occasion to witness Kerala's folk art forms and its ancient martial art display, Kalaripayattu. The grand finale is at Kovalam Beach. It concludes with the seaside barbecue.
 
Nishagandhi Dance Festivals(21- 27th February) 
This week long festival of Indian classical dances is held at the Nishagandhi open air theatre. Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, Thiruvananthapuram. Indias leading exponents of almost all classical dance forms including Bharathanatyam,   Odissi, Mohiniyattam and Kathak perform at the Nishagandhi o p e n-a i r auditorium at Trivandrum. A grand treat for lovers of dance.

Essentials

Reaching  Trivandrum

By Air 

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.
 
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.

By Road 

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. 
 
Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram / Trivandrum
Plenty of Budget and five star hotels dot Thiruvanthapuram, since this is a state capital you will find a hotel easily

Weather
The climate of Thiruvananthapuram like the rest of Kerala can be classified as in equatorial type of climate. It is hot and humid but in comparison to other inland cities, the ocean makes the climate quite pleasant. From June to Sept it experiences torrential rains brought by the monsoon clouds. Summer 36.2 - 20.6  Winter 35 - 18

Best Time to Visit: August to May

Languages: Malyalam, English Hindi and URDU

STD Code:  0471