Area 2,192 sq km
Population 2,938,533
Best time to Visit Auguest to May
Languages Malayalam
STD Code 0471

Location:

Thiruvananthapuram , the southern most district of Kerala state is situated between north latitudes 8º 17' and 8º 54' and east longitudes 76º 41' and 77º 17'. The southern most extremity, 'Parasala' is 56 kms away from Kanyakumari, the "land's end of India". The district stretches along the shores of the Arabian sea for a distance of 78 kms.


Access:

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.

Rail: The booking office is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 2pm and from 2.15 to 8pm; Sunday from 8am to 2pm.

Road: The KSRTC Bus terminal ,opposite the railway station.


History:

Thiruvananthapuram was the capital of the princely state of Travancore from 1745 to 1949. In 1949 it became the capital of Thiru-Kochi formed by the integration of Travancore with its northern neighbour Kochi. When the state of Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956, Thiruvanathapuram was chosen as the capital of the new state.
Thiruvananthapuram literally translates to the city of Ananthan. The name derives from the main deity of a Hindu temple at the centre of the city. Ananthan is the serpent from Hindu mythology on whom Padmanabhan or Vishnu is shown reclining.


Climate:

The climate of Thiruvananthapuram like the rest of Kerala can be classified as in equatorial type of climate. It is hot and humid but in comparison to other inland cities, the ocean makes the climate quite pleasant i.e. not so hot and humid. From June to Sept. it experiences torrential rains brought by the monsoon clouds. However from October to February, the climate remains relatively dry and cool and it is the best period to visit the city.


Wildlife Sancturies :

Neyyar Dam, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary : It is situated at 30km east of Thiruvananthapuram, at the foot of western ghats. It was established in 1958. It is occupying the basin of the Rivers Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. This popular picnic spot has a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park. The 128sqkm Neyyar sanctuary occupies a beautiful wooded and hilly landscape, dominated by the peak of Agasthya malai. Wild life includes gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat and Nilgiri langur but most commonly seen animal are wild elephants and sambar deer. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.


Pilgrimage Centres :

Varkala is a pilgrim centre for the devotees of Sree Narayana Guru, one of the patron saints of Kerala, whose motto was "One God, One Religion, One Caste". It is only 51kms from Trivandrum by road and also boasts of one of the best beaches in the State.
Churches There are many churches in Thiruvananthapuram.
Ganapathy Temple Also in East fort is the Ganapathy Temple, dedicated to Ganesh.


Museum :
Napier Museum : It is situated north of the city, at Museum road and 400m east of Indian airlines. It displays an eclectic assortment of historical and contemporary ornaments, temple carts, ivory carvings and life-size figures of kathakali dances in full costume. It has a famous collection of 8th-18th century south Indian bronze. The visiting time is from 10am to 5pm, closed on Monday and forenoon of Wednesday.
Natural History Museum : It is situated to the east of Napier museum. Ticket covers entry to all museum and galleries in the complex. It has a rudimentary ethnographic collection as well as an interesting replica of a Nayar wooden house built in the Keralian style.
Sri Chittira Art Gallery : It is situated to the North of Napier museum and has an excellent collection of Indian art with examples from early to modern schools. Paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and works from Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings and Tanjore paintings embellished with semi- precious stones are displayed. There is a Zoo and Aquarium nearby. It will be open from 10am to 5pm and closed on Monday and Wednesday mornings.
Museum of Science and Technology : It is situated near the mascot hotel. It highlight the science, technology and electronics. Open from 10am to 5pm, closed on Monday. There is a small entry fee.
Botanical Gardens and Zoo : Open from 9am to 4.45pm, closed on Monday. It is situated 400m east of Indian Airlines. It has a wide collection of animals. There are other parks and gardens in the city around the secretariat, Gandhi park, waterworks gardens and at veli tourist village.
Chacha Nehru Children's Musuem : This museum is established in 1980 and is named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who is remembered for his great love towards children. The museum displays a vast range of objects like traditional and proclaim dolls from all over the world, a mini aquarium and the first issue of children's literature in Malayalam. It will be open from 10am-5pm and closed on Monday.


Fairs and Festivals :
Great Elephant march (Jan-17-20) :This is a four day tourism fair with a colourful march of Decorated elephant.
Chandanakuda At Beema palli (March) :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. The 10 day festival begins on the 1st of the Hijra month of Jamadul -Akbar (March -April) and comes to a climax on the 10th day.
Arattu (March -April and October November) :It is a closing festival of the 10 day celebration of the Padmanaba Swamy Temple. The Vetta and Arattu processions are held twice a year from the Padmanabhaswamy temple to Shangumugham beach.
Navaratri : The celebration of Navaratri conduct at a special Mandapam in Padmanabha Swamy temple.
Nishangandhi Dance Festival :This festival is conducted at Nishagandhi open air auditorium in kanakakunnu Palace.The main events performed here are Bharathanatyam, Kathak, kathkali, kuchipudi, manipuri, mohiniyattom and oddissi.
Soorya Dance festival (Oct 1-10 ) :This dance festival is conducted from October 1 to 10.
Attukal Pongala : Attukal Bhagavati temple is one of the ancient temple dedicated to goddess bagavati and is about 2km from Thiruvananthapuram. The 10 day pongala utsavam is celebrated here. Men are not allowed in the vicinity of the temple during the pongala.
Gramam at Kovalm (Kerala village fair) : It is a 10day long festival which will start from 14th Jan. It is held in a traditional Nallukettu which is the quadrangular upper class house with a central open courtyard. The culture, arts and crafts of Kerala are the main attractions here.
Flavour food festival : This is an Indian food festival. This week long international festival of the various cuisines of the world is held at the Kanakakunnu palace ground.

Places to visit :
Sri. Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple : The ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram. Overlooking the Padma Theertham Tank, the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its name. Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring. The temple is open only to Hindus and dress regulations are strictly enforced.
Public Park : Truly a representative of the clean and verdant aspect of the city, the Public Park houses many important institutions, like Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The Zoo is open from 09.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs. The observatory on the Observatory Hill is also located in the Public Park.
Veli Tourist Village :A large recreational centre located near the airport along a sheltered lagoon offers landscaped gardens and watersports facilities. It is a popular picnic spot. Accommodation facilities are available in the youth hostel.
Aruvikkara : Aruvikkara 16 km. It is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot. On the banks of the Karamana river, this spot houses a Bhagavathy temple with a water fall nearby. A Stream with fishes which come up to be fed by visitors is another attraction.
Ponmudi : 61 km. A beautiful hill station away from the city. The natural scenery, salubrious climate and the scope of hiking in high trails make the visit an exhilarating experience.
Kanyakumari : Kanyakumari, the land's end of India is only 87kms from Trivandrum. Also known as Cape Comorin, this beautiful spot is in the neighbouring Tamilnadu state.


Excursions :
Thiruvallam (10km), Aruvikkara Dam (16 km), Kovalam Beach (16 km), Varkala (40 km).


Beaches :
The Kovalam Beach: (16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city): This internationally renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s.kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular.
Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.

The Varkala Beach: (41 km from Thiruvananthapuram city): Varkala is a seaside resort an spa, as well as an important Hindu cente of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline.The 2000 years old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attraction here.

The Shanghumukham Beach: (8 km from Thiruvanathapuram city): This is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram airport and Veli Tourist Village.
An indoor recreation clum, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m loing sculpture of a mermaid ) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are the major attractions here.