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| Trivandrum |
(Thiruvananthapuram)
Located on the west coast and near the extreme south of the state, Thiruvananthapuram, otherwise known as Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala. For the uninitiated, the name actually comes from (thiru-anantha-puram) where ‘anantha’ refers to the idol of the giant serpent ‘Ananda’ on which the idol of the Hindu God Vishnu rests and ‘puram’ means abode (translating into abode of ‘ananda’). The British, during their rule, found the name to be too complicated and rechristened it ‘Trivandrum’. |
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 Similar to ancient Rome, the city was built on seven low hills and today offers an interesting mix of commercial establishments, historical and modern structures, ancestral houses and, being the state capital, many majestic government buildings.
Apart from being the political nerve centre of Kerala, it is also a major academic hub and is home to several educational institutions, including the Kerala University, and to many science and technology institutions, the most prominent of them being the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
A long shoreline with internationally renowned beaches including Kovalam and Varkala, historic monuments and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought-after destination.
 Plac es of Interest in and around Trivandrum:
Napier Museum:
Built in the 19th century, this Indo Saracenic structure boasts a rare collection of archaeological and historical artifacts, idols, ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings to name but a few.
Secretariat:
Built in the Roman architectural style, this is the centre of government administration in Kerala and houses the offices of Ministers and the beaureocracy.
Padmanabhapuram Palace:
This majestic old palace is 63kms from Trivandrum. Situated at Thakkala, on the way to Kanyakumari, this was once the capital of the State of Travancore. Built in the Travancore architectural style, it is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals.
Koyikal Palace:
This is a two-storey palace at Nedumangad and is one of the ancient palaces belonging to the erstwhile Venad dynasty, built during the 15th century in the traditional Nalukettu style.
Kuthiramalikka Palace (Horse Palace):
Built by Maharaja Swathi Tirunal Balarama Varma, the King of Travancore, the palace is a fine example of the traditional Travancore style, embellished with exquisite woodcarvings. The palace got its name because of the shape of horses’ heads carvings on the exterior walls.
Kovalam:
This internationally renowned beach has been a favourite haunt of travellers since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches, the southernmost of which, the Lighthouse beach, being the most famous.
Varkala:
Varkala is a relatively quieter beach area and is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. High cliffs with mineral springs rise majestically offering excellent views of the Arabian Sea making Varkala the choice of travellers seeking a quiet beach holiday.
Shanmugham Beach:
Just 8 kms from the city, this is a favourite haunt of sunset-watchers and is very close to the airport.
Neyyar Dam:
A one-hour drive from Trivandrum, the Neyyar dam is a popular picnic spot and has a watchtower, the Irvin crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park. Boating facilities are also available.
Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin):
Located at the southernmost tip of India where there is a confluence of three oceans, it offers some nice beaches and a breathtaking sunset. It is a four-hour drive from Trivandrum.
Agasthyakoodam:
Part of the Shayadri range of mountains, Agasthyakoodam is the second highest peak in Kerala at a height of 1890 meters above sea level. Teeming with wildlife, the forest abounds in rare medicinal herbs and plants and is a birdwatchers paradise.
Other highlights:
Onam celebration (August/September) Arattu processions held twice a year from the Padmanabhaswamy temple Nishagandhi dance and music festival Handicrafts festival (December) Paramparya arts and crafts festival (December) |
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