Trivandrum

Location : Kerala
Tourist Attractions : Kovalam Beach, Thiruvallam, Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Local Tongue : Malayalam, Tamil, English
STD Code : (91) - 471
Best time to Visit : October to April

About Trivandrum

More popularly known by its anglicised name Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala and one of the most scenically beautiful spots in the country. Sun kissed beaches covered with golden sands and swaying palm trees, lush hills, serene backwaters and a rich cultural heritage are a few positive characteristics of this 'God owned retreat'.

Thiruvananthapuram is made up of the words Thiru, Anantha and Puram, which means the sacred city of Anantha the snake, which occupies an important place in Hindu mythology, being the carrier of Lord Vishnu. The centuries old city has recently grown into a major tourist attraction with its numerous tourist attractions and the international airport which serves as a gateway for tourists coming to Kerala.

Climate & Best time to Visit

The climate of Trivandrum is moderate with high levels of humidity owing to its proximity to the sea. The conditions remain pleasant throughout the year with the average temperature remaining around 30 degrees during summers and mid 20's during the winters. Monsoon rains lash the area from May to September. The best time to visit the place is from October to April.

Tourist Attractions in Trivandrum

Kovalam Beach

Trivandrum is home to three enchanting beaches which with its silvery beaches have always been a major tourist magnet. Swaying palm trees, thrilling adventure sports and the sweet sound of water splashing against the rocks are some of its umpteen wonders. The lighthouse beach is the place where a number of hotels, yoga centres and restaurants have sprung up.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) is the city of the sacred serpent Anantha. The Padmanabhaswamy temple has been set up as a mark of respect for the same, which has an image of Lord Vishnu reclining on an annular snake (Anantha). The temple is built in a Dravidian style of architecture with its walls ornate with beautiful murals.

Thiruvallam

The serene backwater stretch at Thiruvallam is situated just 10 km from Trivandrum. Besides the quite houseboat rides, the tourists can also enjoy canoe rides.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Situated inside an opulent palace built by Maharajah Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, the museum houses a rare collection of wood carvings, miniature paintings and antique objects.

Sri Chitra Art Gallery

The art gallery displays priceless works from the personal collection of Raja Ravi Verma. Situated near the Napier Museum, the place also houses exquisite piece of art from the Rajput, Tanjore and Mughal dynasties.

Get Aways

Kanyakumari

Also known as Cape Comorin, this is the southern most part of India. The land's end is the point where three seas, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal come in unison. The place is more popular as a religious destination while the view of the sun setting behind the ocean is also worth appreciating.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a favourite haunt for migratory and resident birds such as the Siberian stork, heron, egret, darter and teal. The most ideal way to spot birds is a boat cruise in the lake along the shores.

Things to Do

Shopping

A number of souvenir and gift item shops are located on the M. G. Road and the Connemara Market. The must buys on a shoppers list are sandalwood items, brass statues and oil lamps. Antique shops are also a place where you can find some excellent memorabilia.

Stay At

Trivandrum is the capital and one of the most beautiful cities in the south Indian state of Kerala. The city boasts of quality accommodation facilities in the form of hotels and resorts. Some of the best hotels in Trivandrum include Kovalam Ashok Beach Resort (5 star, situated at Kovalam just 15 km from railway station, 19 km from airport and 14 km from bus stand), Manaltheeram Beach Resort (3 star equivalent, situated at Chowara just 22 km from railway station, 21 km from airport and 21 km from bus stand), Coconut Bay Beach Resort (3 star, situated at Vizhinjam just 20 km from airport), Hotel Sea Face (3 star, situated at Kovalam just 15 km from railway station, 15 km from airport and 15 km from bus stand), Hotel Residency Tower (4 star, situated on Govt. Press Road just 2 km from railway station, 5 km from airport and 2 km from bus stand) and Hotel Pankaj (3 star, situated on M. G. Road just 1.5 km from railway station, 6 km from airport and 1.5 km from bus stand).

Getting There

By Air : Trivandrum has an international airport connected to major cities across the world such as Colombo, Dubai, Kuwait, Mali and Abudhabi. Indian Airlines connects the city with other cities in India with daily flights to and from Cochin, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai and Chennai. A daily Indian Airlines flight departs from Delhi at 9:00 and arrives Trivandrum at 13:50.

By Rail : Trivandrum is a major rail junction of the south Indian railways. The main railway station is located at Thampanoor, which connects the city with other major Indian cities through a number of regularly plying passenger, express and super fast trains. A daily train between Delhi (Dep. 11:30) and Trivandrum (Arr. next day 14:20) is the Kerala Exp.

By Road : The main bus stand is located at Thampanoor, which is the place from where all the long distance buses leave and arrive at. KSRTC operates regular services to all the neighbouring cities in Kerala (including Kollam, Alleppey and Kochi) and Tamil Nadu. Buses also operate between Trivandrum - Kanyakumari and Trivandrum - Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary).

Distance from Major Cities

• Bangalore : 753 Km

• Chennai : 708 Km

• Coimbatore : 413 Km

• Mysore : 598 Km

• Madurai : 264 Km

• Kozhikode : 382 Km

• Kochi : 220 Km

• Kaniyakumari : 87 Km

• Pondicherry : 605 Km

• Rameswaram : 401 Km