INTRODUCTION
Trivandrum which is also popularly known by the name Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala and is located at South Western tip of India, bounded by the Arabian Sea on the West and the Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage makes this city a much sought after tourist destination.HISTORY
The name Trivandrum of the city is derived from "Tiru", "Anantha", "puram" means "The town of Lord Anantha".According to legends and history Trivandrum was under the reign of the Ays till the 10th century A.D.The Ays lost their power and the city was taken over by the rulers of Venad.The East India Company tried to have control at Anchuthengu on the sea coast about 32 km's north of Thiruvananthapuram city during the period of Umayamma Rani in 1684.
But however Trivandrum came into the highlights of the history only after Marthanda Varma who is known as the Father of modern Travancore (1729-1758 AD) for it was only during his rule the palace became a major center of intellectual and artistic activities. After Marathanda Varman there was a great cultural and economic progress during the period of Maharaja Swathi Thiruna.Slowly English education came in around 1834.In 1904, the Shri Moolam Assembly came into being. The activities of the Indian National Congress echoed in Thiruvananthapuram and other parts of Kerala during the reign of Shri Moolam Thirunal.
ORIENTATION
Thiruvananthapuram, lying on the southwest coast of India, is the capital to the state of Kerala. The city extends from latitude 8°29' N to longitude 76°59' E.FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Onam or Thiruvonam
Onam or Thiruvonam is the biggest annual harvest festival of Kerala where the celebrations goes on for ten days,begining with the atham day of the Malayalam month chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali.The major activities for onam involves worshipping, music, dances, sports, boat races and of course good food.The other main highlights of the onam festival include floral decorations, elephant processions, thiruvathirakali, classical and folk dance performances, classical and folk music recitals, cultural pageants and water carnivals.
Classical Music Festival
Classical Music Festival is celebrated from January 27 to February 3 every year. Participants from different parts of the country come and exhibit their talents in Carnatic and Hindustani music.PLACES OF ATTRACION
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam, the star attraction of Trivandrum is about 16kms south of the city, is an enchanting sea resort.Kovalam" means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. It is one among the best in the world. Here silvery white sands, mellow sun shine, dark green palms swaying so gracefully all along the coast, perfect swimming,marvellous views of seascape and a lot of fun thrill the visitor. Apart from the resorts the beach offers a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage and yoga facillities.Kovalam which is now a top beach destination was once a fishing village and a favourite hippy haunt. The beach is also noted for its crescent shape which has three parts.Varkala
Varkala is one of the most attracted tourist destination in Trivandrum situated in southern Kerala.It is noted for its ayurvedic resorts and beaches.Varkala is situated at a distance of about 40kms from Trivandrum.Apart from the ayurvedic resorts and beaches Varkala is supposed to be a famous Hindu pilgrimage center being the eternal resting place of the eminent social reformer Sri Narayana Guru.Varkala's beach faces the Arabian sea with unique steep cliffs of geological formations and natural springs.Varakala is supposed to be an apt place for those want to have a memorable holiday.Varkala with its long sandy beaches and aryurvedic centres draws a lot of tourist attention.
Padmanabha Swamy Temple
The temple is located inside the east fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian style of architecture. It is known for its Mural paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temple in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the serpent.Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, the king of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman, built the palace.This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite woodcarvings.
Napier Museum
Built in the 19th century, the Indo Saracenic structure boasts a natural air-conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plastic is banned in the museum premises.
Sree Chitra Art Gallery
Located near the Napier Museum. This art gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of Art, India.Vettukad Church
The Vettukad Church is situated at a distance of 7 km from Thiruvananthapuram and is also popularly known as 'Madre De Deus' Church. The annual celebration here is called the 'Feast Of Christ, The King'.Anchuthengu Fort
The Anchuthengu Fort belonging to the 17th century was built by the British East India Company. Though today it has only the historic remains of the fort along with a cementry, it is still worth visiting place. This place located at a distance of about 36km away from Trivandrum was one of the major British trading stations on the Malabar Coast.
Koyikkal Palace
This is a very ancient palace belonging to the 15th century and it was originally the official residence of Perakom Thavazhi, especially of Umayamma Rani of the Venad royal family. The Palace is built in the traditional style of Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs. This is a double storied building which houses a courtyard and two museums of folklore and numismatics. This palace is located at a distance of about 18 km from Trivandrum.Aruvikkara
Aruvikkara is a pilgrim centre dedicated to goddess 'Bhagvathi'.This is a rock shrine on the banks of the Karamana river and is located at a distance of about 16 km. from Thiruvananthapuram.Apart from the temple Aruvikkara also has a waterfall nearby which is a picnic spot in this area.Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over an area of about 53 square mile and is extremely rich in its flora and fauna.With an excellent environment and habitat, the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is of a major interest for the wildlife lovers. The sanctuary has got lot of eucalyptus plantations.
Agasthyakoodam
Agasthyakoodama is situated at an altitude of about 1890 mt above sea level and is the second highest peak in Kerala.Agasthyakoodama which is a part of the Sahyadri range of mountains has collection of rare medicinal herbs and plants.Agasthyakoodama also promises an abundance of wildlife and birds. One can also go for a trekking from Kotoor, near Neyyar Dam for which you need a pass from the forest department of Trivandrum.Veli Tourist Village
This is a picnic spot and has a large recreational centre located near the airport along a sheltered lagoon offers landscaped gardens and water-sports facilities.Sucheendram
This is a pilgrim spot located at a distance of about 74 kms.from Trivandrum and is noted for its beautiful carvings and sculptures. The architecture of the Sucheendram temple is excellent with statue of Hanuman and navagrahas carved on the ceiling imitating universe.Sivagiri Mutt
Sivagiri Mutt accommodates the samadhi of Shri Narayana Guru who was a great spiritual leader and social reformer. This place is located at a distance of about 2.5 km from the town, on the banks of the Thiruvananthapuram-Shornur canal.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram Palace belongs to the Travancore rulers and is situated at a distance of about 54 kms.from Trivandrum.The palace is known for its woodwork containing relics of historical and artistic value.SHOPPING
Trivandrum is noted for its coir products and can go in for small rugs, doormats, etc. One can find small souvenirs in brass and metal that has beautiful engravings and carvings. The trinkets and knickknacks serve well as gifts, souvenirs or showpieces to embellish the home interior. You should never miss the Kathakali masks that are available in bright colors and different shapes. The most common area of shopping includes M. G. Road, Chalai, Attukal Shopping Complex, Power House Road, Narmada Shopping Complex and Kedaram.EAT OUTS
1.Sindoor Palace RestaurantThiruvanathapuram Thenmala Road, Kowdiar, Trivandrum
2.Kalavara
Trivandrum, Kerala
0471 2727034
3.Indian Coffee House
Sanghumukham, Palayam Airport Road, Trivandrum, Kerala
4.3rd Rock
G.V.Raja Road, Samudra Beach, Kovalam, Trivandrum
5.Al Saj Drive Inn
Kazhakkoottam, Thiruvananthapuram, Trivandrum
6.Anandalakshmy Restaurant
Ptc Tower, S S Kovil Road, Thampanoor, Thiruvananthapuram
7.Boban Plaza Restaurant
Vizhinajam, Trivandrum
8.Cafe Al Mina
Near Palayam Mosque, M.G.Road, Trivandrum
9.Coffee Hut
Near Woman's College, Vazhuthacaud, Trivandrum
10.Chillies Family Restaurant
Lakshmi Center, Attingal, Trivandrum
ACCOMMODATION
1.Comfort Inn grandN G Road, Trivandrum, 695001
0471 2471286
2.Best Western Classic Avenue
Manjalikulam Road ,Thampanoor
Trivandrum - 695001
Kerala
91 471 2333555
3.Jas Hotels Pvt Ltd
Thycaud P.O
Thiruvananthapuram-695 014
Kerala
India
Tel:+91 471 232 48 81 /232 46 82
4.The South Park
Kerala Hotels Pvt. Ltd
M G Road, Trivandrum 695 034, Kerala, India
Tel +91 471 2333333
5.Hotel Saj Lucia
East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram
Pin: 695 023
Tel: +91 471 2463443
6.The Muthoot Plaza
Punnen Road, Thiruvananthapuram-695039,
Kerala, India.
Tel: +91 471 2337733
7. Mascot Hotel
Mascot Square
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
0471 2318990
8.The Travancore Heritage
Chowara P.O., Trivandrum,
Kerala, India 695 501
91-471-2267828/2267829
9.Hotel Marine Palace
NUP Beach Road
Kovalam - 695 527
Ph: +91-471-2481428, 2481428
10.The Grand Central
Opp. Secretariat,
M.G. Road,
Trivandrum
Kerala,
India
+91- 471- 247 1286
GETTING THERE
By Air
Trivandrum has an international airport in the city. Major public and private including a number of international airlines operate regular flights to and from Trivandrum. Many Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi are well connected to Trivandrum.
By Rail
The main railhead is the Central Railway Station at Thampanoor, which links Thiruvananthapuram to important cities of the state as well as the country.
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, Bangalore and Madurai.