Thiruvananthapuram, also famous as Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala state and is nestling on the southwestern tip of India. Named after Anantha Padmanabha (RecliningVishnu), Kerala’s largest city and IT hub are today.
Being India's largest city in the south part, it is strategically prominent. In addition, it hosts the Southern Air Command headquarters of the Indian Air Force, the upcoming Vizhinjam International Seaport, and the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station. Thiruvananthapuram is a major tourist center famous for the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kovalam and Varkala's beaches, Poovar's backwaters Anchuthengu and its Western Ghats tracts of the Agastya Mala and Ponmudi.
Further, in 2012, Thiruvananthapuram was named the best Kerala city by a field survey done by The Times of India. In 2013, the city ranks the fifteenth best city to live in in India in a survey conducted by India Today.
Historical Significance
It was renowned from very ancient times as a trading center for spices, ivory, and sandalwood. Modern Thiruvananthapuram rose to prominence under Marthanda Varma’s rule when it was made capital of Travancore in 1745.
The mid-nineteenth century saw the establishment of modern institutions like schools and museums. It was never under direct British control yet was important in the freedom struggle. There was widespread social reform in the mid-1930s.
Thiruvananthapuram is Famous for: Art and Culture, Natural Beauty, Beaches, WildLife, Honeymoon, Business Hub, and Education
The many temples here bring in thousands of devotees daily. Being an ancient city and royal seat, Thiruvananthapuram has beautiful palaces, museums, art galleries, and a fort, making this a destination for history, art, and heritage lovers.
Kovalam and Shankhumukham beaches attract thousands of visitors from outside India too. A huge planetarium and the presence of premier educational institutions make it a student-centric city.
It is also a hub for IT and Biotechnology and is home to India’s first animation park. It stands on seven hills, and there are several rivers and backwaters, making it very green and a honeymooner’s paradise.
Culture of Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram is the "Evergreen City of India" because of its green landscapes and many public parks.
Thiruvananthapuram has historically been a cultural hub in South India due to the erstwhile Trivandrum's liberal customs, arts, and architecture development. As a testimony to this, renowned artists like Raja Ravi Varma and Maharaja Swathi Thirunal hail from the city.
Trivandrum started the Malayalam film Industry. The first Malayalam feature film, Vigathakumaran, directed by J. C. Daniel, was released in Thiruvananthapuram. J. C. Daniel is considered the father of the Malayalam film industry. In 1926, he also established the first film studio of Kerala, the Travancore National Pictures at Thiruvananthapuram.
Further, along with the major festivals of Onam, Navaratri, and Vishu, Christian and Islamic festivals like Christmas, Milad-e-sheriff, and Eid ul-Fitr, the diverse ethnic populace of the city celebrate several local festivals like Padmanabhaswamy Temple Aaraattu, Attukal Pongala, Beemapally Uroos, Lakshadeepam festival, and Vettukaad Church Festival. During the Onam festival, the state government conducts several cultural events for a week in the city.
The Attukal Pongala festival attracts countless women devotees from across the globe. Moreover, it is the largest gathering of women in the world. France's Alliance Française, Germany's Goethe Zentrum, and Russia's Gorky Bhavan centers host various events and programs throughout the year.
The general cuisine of the people is Keralite cuisine, an abundance of spices and coconut generally characterize it. Other South Indian cuisines, as well as North Indian and Chinese cuisines, are popular. Thiruvananthapuram has many restaurants offering Thai, Arabic, Italian, and Mexican cuisines.
Climate and Best Time To Visit
October to February is the best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram, as the winters offer the place with the most pleasant weather compared to the entire year. The summers are humid and hot and can be a little uncomfortable. The monsoons, on the other hand, are relatively cooler.
Accommodation in Thiruvananthapuram
Being a famous tourist place, Thiruvananthapuram offers plenty of options for travelers to stay. If you are traveling solo and looking for low-budget hotels, you can choose hotels like Hotel Venkateswara, Sky Palace Beach, etc.
For mid-range hotels with friends and family, you can opt for hotels like Kasa Maria Homestay, Lake Palace Hotel, etc. Further, if you seek a luxurious stay, you can go for Taj Green Cove Resort or The Raviz.
BY AIR:
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport that connects well with all the major cities of India and abroad. Once you are at the airport, you can hire a taxi or cab to your destination.
BY RAILWAYS:
Including Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, there are around 20 railway stations in the district that connects with all India's major cities. Further, you can hire a cab or taxi to travel around the city.
BY ROAD:
The state buses provide regular services from the major cities in the country. Or you can opt for Volvos, deluxe buses, etc. Further, you can hire a taxi or cab to explore places.
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