Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram is the lively capital city of Kerala. The city enjoys a rich history and legend has it that the land was carved out by Parashuram’s (ancient Indian sage) axe as it fell into the sea. The city has seen the rise and fall of civilizations like Romans, Arabs and more, the city till date retains its maritime importance.

HOW TO REACH

By Air:-
Trivandrum has an international airport in the city. Major public and private airlines including a number of international airlines operate regular flights to and from Trivandrum. Many Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kochi are well connected to Trivandrum.

By Train:-
Trivandrum is a major Railway Station in India. Key destinations in Kerala and South India are linked to Trivandrum by rail.

By Road:-
An extensive road network connects Trivandrum with most of the cities in Kerala like Kochi, Alleppey and Kumarakom. You can also approach the city from other South Indian Cities like Chennai and Bangalore.

 

WHAT TO SEE

Kovalam Beach:-

The biggest of all tourist attractions in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) is the beach of Kovalam. The beach is situated only 16 km away from the city of Trivandrum. Soft white sands, emerald sea and swaying palms of the beach make for an idyllic destination for those who love sun, sand and surf. The Kovalam Beach has a long stretch of black sand. The light house beach, Hawah Beach and the Samudra beach are three parts of the famous Kovalam beach. The beach is flooded by the visitors in the months between September and May.

 

Padmanabha Swamy Temple:-

Located in the East Fort, Padmanabha Swamy Temple is one of the most popular Vishnu Temples in South India. The place holds the prestige of being counted among 108 holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu in the works of Tamil saints. The salagramams that are used to make the statue of Lord Vishnu were imported from Nepal amidst much pomp and show. 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:-

Built in Puthen Malika Palace, Kuthiramalika Palace is one of the fine examples of architecture of Kerala. The museum hosts a rare collection of mannequins, paintings, mirrors, chandeliers, furniture and other items. The royal thrones in ivory and Bohemian Crystal makes for few of the most attractive pieces of art in the museum. One can also view the Gopuram of renowned Padmabhaswamy temple from here.

 

 

 

Napier Museum:-

Named after a governor (Lord Francis Napier) of British India, Napier Museum has a marveling natural system to air condition bearing the testimony to the technological progress of that period. The museum also houses one of the oldest zoological gardens in the world.

 

 

 

Priyadarshini Planetarium:-

This planetarium is amusing the visitors with its special shows on universe ever since 1994. The planetarium offers a view of night sky at any given time and of any desired place in past and in future within a time span of 12500 years. With a seating capacity of 184 people, the museum is an equal favorite of children, adults and scholars of cosmology.

 

 

SHOPPING:-
A Trivandrum tour is left incomplete if you return without shopping in Trivandrum. More often than not shopping is an integral part of a tour. Everyone wants to take back some artifacts, utilities or souvenirs after touring a region.

 

FOOD:-
There are plenty of restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram serving South Indian food. There are also quite a few eating places serving other cuisines, such as North Indian, Chinese and American food. Please note that the word ‘hotel’ is used for restaurants.