|
|
Thiruvananthapuram which was previously called
Trivandrum, It 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.
The city is characterized by its undulating terrain of low coastal hills
with narrow winding lanes and busy commercial alleys.
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.
Thiruvananthapuram and its famous beaches are one of the top tourist
destination of Tourists in India. It is the capital city of Kerala, the
"God's own Country". Thiruvananthapuram is well connected by air, rail and
road. There are air links to almost all the countries in the Gulf, besides
being well connected to the rest of India. South East Asia is connected
through a daily air-link to Singapore.
| |
| |
HOW
TO REACH
By Air -
Indian air lines is on Museum Rd, next to the Mascot Hotel; the office is
open from 10am to 5.35pm daily, with a lunch break from 1 to 1.45pm.
The reservation office , on the first floor of the station building, is
efficient and computerised but you should reserve as far in advance as
possible because long distance trains out of Thiruvananthapuram are heavily
booked. The booking office is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 2pm and
from 2.15 to 8pm; Sunday from 8am to 2pm . If you're just making your way up
the coast in short hopes or to Kochi (Cochin) , there is no need to book.
By Rail -
Thiruvananthapuram is well connected to like major cities Delhi, Bombay,
Chennai, and Bangalore and local train services to all points in Kerala with
express and regular trains.
By Road - Thiruvananthapuram has good road network and it well connected to the other
cities of Kerala and other states. You can take State Transport Buses and
private luxury coaches to reach Triveandrum.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to travel Thiruvananthapuram is during September to May.
|
WHAT TO SEE |
|
|
Kovalam - famous for its beaches finest beaches in
India.
It is near Thiruvananthapuram city in Kerala in India. And extremely
popular as tourists beach resort. It is known to Europeans since 1930's,
then became very popular among hippies in 70’s. Kovalam have many
beaches, and three big adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost,
known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular of the three. And
Havva Beach, is among one of the beaches in India where nudity is
allowed. Tourism department is also providing life guard service here.
Kovalam is about 16 km (20 minutes in a taxi) from Trivandrum.
|
 |
|
Kowdiar Palace - The King's residents.
|
|
|
Ponmudi - A pleasant hill resort 61 kms away from
city, elevation 912m above sea level. Ponmudi A pleasant resort 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.
|
|
|
Shree Padhmanabhaswamy, temple complex - an
important place of workship in the city. Shree
Padhmanabhaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is held sacred by the
Hindus from antiquity. The temple has a large complex with a huge
gopuram. It has a tank beside it for ritual bathing 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.
|
|
|
Varkala - pilgrim centre for the devotees of Sree
Narayana Guru. 51kms away from Thiruvananthapuram city.
|
|
|
Veli Lake - a lagoon, boat club, picnic spot.Veli lagoon The boat club attracts tourists by providing
facilities for pedal boating , row boating , swimming on the placid
waters of the veli lake.
|
|
|
Vizhinjam Beach - a port with beach, situated near
to Kovalam.
|
|
|
The Museum - Thiruvananthapuram museum building
itself is an architectural splendour. It is adjoing to the Zoo and also
includes napier museum, the natural history museum, the reptile house
and the Shri Chitra Art Gallery. |
|
|
The Kanakakunnu Palace - The venue for many
cultural meets and exhibitions. 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.
|
|
|
Attingal Palace - residence of the women of the
erstwhile Venad royal family is round 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram city
on NH-47.
|
|
The Science and Technology museum - the Government
Secretariat, the Kowdiar palace, the Senate house, are some of the other
tourist attractions in the city.
|
WHERE TO EAT
There are so many good restaurants serving delicious South Indian, North
Indian, Chinese, Continental delicacies.
TOP
|
|
