Thiruvananthapuram , also known as
Trivandrum, is the capital of the Kerala State.Being the state capital
Thiruvananthapuram is the political nerve centre of Kerala.
Thiruvananthapuram considered as one of the cleanest cities in India.
Thiruvananthapuram means "Abode of Lord Ananta" in Sanskrit and Malayalam.The temple of Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple remains the iconic landmark of the city.
Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient city with trading traditions dating back to 1000 BCE.The golden age in the city's history was during the mid 19th century under the reign of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal and Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal.
Trivandrum is also a major academic hub and is home to several educational institutions including the University of Kerala, and to many science and technology institutions. Also
Trivandrum is home to a cluster of research centres,and important institutions are given below
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research
- Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
- Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)
- Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS)
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB)
- Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute
- ER&DC – CDAC
- CSIR
- National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology
- Free Software Foundation (FSF)
- Regional Cancer Centre (RCC)
- Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST)
- Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS)
- Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI)
- Priyadarsini Planetarium
- The Oriental Research Institute & Manuscripts Library
- Kerala Highway Research Institute
- Kerala Fisheries Research Institute
The entire tourism package of the state such as hill stations, back waters, beaches, lagoons, and wild life sanctuaries are present in Thiruvananthapuram district
Prominent places in and around Thriuvananthapuram
Technopark is India's first IT park and established in 1995.
Technopark has developed into one of the largest IT Park in India.Technopark houses global majors like IBS Software Services, NeST Software, Infosys, TCS, McKinsey & Co., Ernst & Young, Allianz Cornhill, Tata Elxsi, UST Global, etc.
Shankhumukham Beach
Located about 8km from the city, this is a popular beach adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram airport. Matsya Kanyaka (Nymph) statue and a restaurant shaped like a star fish are some of the attractions here.
This international beach, 12 km south of Trivandrum city, is one of the finest beaches in India.
Kovalam located 16kms away from Thiruvananthapuram is one of the majors tourist centers in this part of Kerala.Kovalam considered as one of the best beaches of India. The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) had developed Kovalam as an integrated seaside resort which includes a string of cottages, the Halcyon castle, a shopping area, swimming pools, yoga centre, facilities for medicinal oil bath and massage and the Rajiv Gandhi Convention Centre with 1000 delegate capacity.
Varkala Beach
Varkala is a very secluded beach situated at a distance of 51km from Thiruvananthapuram.Hundreds of Hindu devotees perform 'Vavubali', a ritual performed for the ancestors soul to rest in peace, on the new moon day of the Malayalam month Karkidam.
Veli Tourist Village
Located very near to Trivandrum international Airport and the famous Sankhumukham Beach, Veli village is 10km from the city. The attraction is a waterfront park where the lake merges with the sea. Its gardens have been landscaped by lively sculptures of Kanai Kunjiraman.
Aruvikkara Dam
Situated on the banks of the Karamana River, this picturesque picnic spot lies 16km north of Thiruvananthapuram. Trivandrum city gets its water supply from the Aruvikkara reservoir. There is an ancient temple dedicated to Durga, on the banks of the river.
Agastyakoodam
Agasthyarkoodam is 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram. About 1869 meters above sea level, Agastyakoodam is one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats. This peak, a pilgrim centre of the Hindus, according to tradition was home to the great sage Agastya, who was a confirmed bachelor. Hence Women are not allowed up the peak.This is an ideal place for trekking.
Meenmutti and Kombaikani Waterfalls
These are two magnificent waterfalls on the upper reaches of the Neyyar reservoir.
A trek of two kilometers, through dense forests, would take one to Meenmutty Falls, and a further two km, to the Kombaikani waterfalls.
Ponmudi
Ponmudi is a a pleasant hillstation with an elevation of 912 m above sea level, Ponmudi is reached by road from Thiruvananthapuram. Ponmudi is 61 km from Trivandrum city.
Akkulam
Akkulam is one of the picnic spots, in Trivandrum city. The spot is developed on the banks of Akulam Lake.The international convention centre, which will be the largest in Kerala is under construction in Akkulam.
The Zoological Park
Located near PMG junction, 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 annexe to the Museum by the Maharaja of Travancore.
Vizhinjam
Vizhinjam, 17km from Thiruvananthapuram is a fishing village famous for Ayurvedic treatments and its beach resorts.
Thiruvananthapuram Observatory
The observatory is located in the city , near the museum complex. From here, one can have a bird's eye view of the city.
Secretariat
Built in the Roman architectural style, this is the centre of government administration in Kerala and houses the offices of ministers and the bureaucracy.
Kerala Legislature Complex
Located at Palayam, this is the new building where the Legislative Assembly of Kerala meets.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
Built by Maharaja Swathi Tirunal Balarama Varma, the King of Travancore, the palace is a fine example of the traditional Travancore style.It is situated on the South East side of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple.
Museum of Science & Technology
Serve as a Study cum Recreation centre, Museum of Science and Technology is one of the famous tourist spot in Thiruvananathapuram.
Kanakakunnu Palace
Situated 800 meter North East of the Napier museum in the heart of the city, the palace belongs to the Kerala Government. It has the Nishagandhi open-air Auditorium and Sooryakanthi Auditorium The all India Dance Festival (Nishagandhi Festival) is organised by the Department of Tourism every year in the Nisagandhi open-air auditorium.
Sri Chitra Art Gallery
It is situated to the North of Napier museum and has an excellent collection of Indian art and has a collection of Paintings by Raja Ravi Varma , Svetoslav, Nicholas Roerich, copies of paintings of Ajanata and works from Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings and Tanjore painting.
Natural History Museum
It is situated to the east of Napier museum. It housed in a modern large double storeyed building at an elevated Ticket covers entry to all museum and galleries in the complex.
Napier Museum
One of the oldest museums of India, and named after Lord Charles Napier, the governor of Madras, this museum was established by Maharaja of Travancore 1855.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
This majestic old palace is 63kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Situated at Thucklai, on the way to Kanyakumari, this was once the capital of the State of Travancore.
Chacha Nehru Children's Museum
A major attraction for children is the Chacha Nehru Children's Museum which established in 1980. Situated 1 km north of City Central Bus Station
Sri Padmanabhaswami Temple
Sri.Padmanabhaswami Temple is one of the most famous Vaishnava temple in India and also the city's historical landmark.
Aruvipuram Siva Temple
Janardhan Swamy Temple
It is a 2000 year old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located close to the Varkala beach
Bhagavathy Temple, Attukal Manacuad, East Fort
Popularly known as the Sabarimala of Women, this temple is one of the ancient temples of South India. 'Pongala Mahotsavam', one of the famous festivals in Thiruvananthapuram is held at this temple.
Jama Masjid, Beemapally
Beema Palli is a shrine on Beach Road, 5 km south west of the Railway station. The Shrine is dedicated to Beema Beevi, a Muslim women
believed to have divine powers and the festival is held in her memory.
Jama Masjid, Palayam
One of the important mosque in Thiruvanathapuram, this is situated near to Ganapathy temple and St. Joseph's Church which forms a rare example of communal harmony.
Christ Church
One of the landmark church in Thiruvanathapuram.It is sitated near Palayam.
