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Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala is a sprawling city with the Arabian Sea on one side and Tamilnadu on the other. This is the land of towering temples, endless beaches, breath-taking sunsets, backwater stretches and a rich heritage. It’s a paradise for any tourist who wishes to experience the best that nature and history has to offer. Whether it is the floral celebration of Onam, the traditional harvest festival or the artifacts at the many museums that dot the city…Thiruvananthapuram is in a class of its own.
If you are an average tourist, you can spend the mornings in the temples, museums and art galleries in the city, while you may spend the afternoons and evenings strolling along the beach and relaxing under the setting sun. Also, there are quite a few picnic spots near Thiruvanathapuram. You can pack your bags and head to one such place and spend a fun afternoon with family and friends. Kerala’s beautiful backwaters are very close to this city, so, it’s really easy to get-away-from-it-all. Whether your pursuit is intellectual or historical or spiritual, you are sure to feel fulfilled because this city has a little bit of all that and much, much more.
History of Thiruvananthapuram:
Thiruvananthapuram’s history dates back to 1000 B.C. when the seaport was used for trading of spices, sandalwood and ivory. The city as we know it today had its origins in 1729, when Marthanda Varma founded and ruled over the state of Travancore with Thiruvananthapuram as the state capital. The city flourished in the 19th century when Maharaja Swathi Thirunal and Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal ruled the region. The Indian National Congress was very active in the city during the freedom struggle. Travancore joined the Indian Union post-independence in 1947 and Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of Kerala when the state was formed in 1956.
Special attractions in and around Thiruvananthapuram:
- Padmanabha Swamy Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Timings: 0415 - 0515 hrs, 0645 - 0730 hrs, 0830 - 1030 hrs, 1130 - 1145 hrs, 1715 - 1930 hrs
- Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum: Built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, this palace exemplifies the Travancore style of architecture with exquisite woodcarvings. Timings: 0830 - 1230 hrs & 1530 - 1730 hrs. Closed on Mondays
- The Napier Museum: This 19th century, Indo - Saracenic structure boasts a "natural" air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts. Timings: 1000 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays & Wednesday forenoons
- Sree Chithra Art Gallery: Displays selected paintings of Raja Ravi Varma exquisite works of art from all over the world. Timings: Open 1000 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays & Wednesday forenoons
- Shankhumugham Beach: Just 8 km from the city, this is a great place to watch an enchanting sunset.
- Veli Tourist Village: A picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Open 0800 - 1800 hrs
- Akkulam Tourist Village: A picnic spot with boating facilities, children's park and a paddle pool. Timings: 1000 - 1700 hrs
Best Time to Visit Thiruvananthapuram:
August to March
Location of Thiruvananthapuram:
State: Kerala
District: Thiruvananthapuram
Distance from Kollam -71 km, Kanyakumari -88 km, Alappuzha (Alleppey) -160 km, Kochi -216 km
How to reach Thiruvananthapuram:
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Nearest railway stations: Trivandrum Central
Directions by road from nearby cities: Well-connected by buses from Kanyakumari, Kochi and all major South Indian cities
Contact:
Kerala Tourism Information Office
Park View, Thiruvananthapuram,
Tel: +91-471-2321132
Climatic Conditions:
Winter 15 °C; Summer 37 °C; Average Annual Rainfall : 68 inches
Clothing:
Cottons around the year
Tourist places near Thiruvananthapuram:
Thiruvallam (10 km), Aruvikkara Dam (16 km), Kovalam Beach (16 km), Vizhinjam Rock Cave (17 km), Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad (18 km), Neyyar Dam (32 km), Varkala (40 km), Kanyakumari (87 Km), Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary (50 km)
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