The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, is an appealing blend of a strongly rooted heritage and a nostalgic colonial legacy. Built upon seven hills, this city has long since left the days when it was only used by seafaring explorers behind - today, Trivandrum is an expensive metropolis with quaint urban charm and plenty of architectural and historical places to visit. In addition, Trivandrum is a gateway to nearby popular beach towns of Kovalam and Varkala.
The Padmanabhaswamy temple (also known as Anantha Padmanabhaswamy temple) is a must-visit temple of India. Other famous temples in Trivandrum include the Attukal Bhagawati temple, the Aazhimala Siva Temple, the Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple, and the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple.
The city is home to a few museums, such as the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum and the Napier Museum. The Kuthiramalika Palace Museum is situated close-by to the Padmanabhaswamy temple. Renowned for its Travancore styled architectural features and its structural elegance, this museum houses priceless paintings, traditional furniture, and other royal family collections.
Trivandrum, now known as Thiruvananthapuram, is not only the capital of the Indian state of Kerala but is also the biggest city there. It hosts the only magic academy in India. This magic academy is known as the Magic Academy Research Centre and is run by an award-winning magician named Gopinath Muthukad. Apart from this, Thiruvananthapuram is also a central IT hub. Trivandrum is also home to several leading animation companies. The legendary Chitranjali Film Studio, one of the original film studios in the history of Malayalam Cinema, is also based in Trivandrum. Also, Trivandrum has been, for the past many years, unswervingly echeloned amongst the best Indian cities to live in!
Shopping
Trivandrum offers a variety of shopping options. It is famous for traditional handicraft items like Kathakali masks and figurines made of ivory, sandalwood and rosewood, local spices, as well as handloom, coir and other fabrics. At the Connemara Market and Sankars Coffee & Tea, we can find a range of spices and condiments. They are located close to MG Road, which is a famous shopping area in Trivandrum with a multitude of shops. Another popular shopping attraction is the Chalai Market. The S.M.S.M. Kerala Government Emporium also offers a wide range of goodies ranging from paintings and other souvenirs.
History of Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, or Trivandrum, has an ancient history dating back to its trading days since around the 1000 BCE, with King Solomon’s arrival. In the early days, the city was ruled by the Ays, and then the rulers of Venad, until 1745 when King Marthanda Varma made Trivandrum the capital of the princely state of Travancore. The city had a flourishing intellectual and artistic circle, especially during the reign of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal and Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal, which is considered as the golden age of the city. The city was not under direct British rule and during the 20th century, it played an important role in India’s freedom struggle hosting meetings by the Indian Nation Congress. Following India’s independence in 1947, Travancore chose to join the Indian union.
Etymology
Thiruvananthapuram, in its literal translation, means ‘the city of Lord Anantha’ (thiru-anantha-puram in Malayalam). The most famous landmark of the city is the legendary Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple built in honor of Lord Vishnu. Anantha is the Lord’s serpent on whom Vishnu, who is also known as Padmanabhan reclines. Popularly, Thiruvananthapuram is also called Ananthapuri or The City of Bliss. The anglicised name of the city was Trivandrum until 1991 when the government changed it back to Thiruvananthapuram.
Restaurants and Local Food in Trivandrum
While the traditional and typical staple diet remains a bit constant around most of Kerala, the sides, drinks and snacks that vary give the cuisine a shifted and subtly unique form. Popular dishes in Trivandrum include Thoran which is a dry mix of vegetables dressed with coconut bits, a stew in which pototoes and onions are cooked in coconut milk as well as Kalaan which is made of buttermilk, melons and ripe mangoes. Also banana chips are a widespread and popular snack and significant enough to be included in cuisine. Apart from this Non vegeterian food is equally, if not more popular than vegetarian dishes. From seafood, chicken to beef and pork-you will find all on a popular menu. View Top Restaurants in Trivandrum
Suggested Itinerary for Trivandrum
Day 1 - Start your vacation in Trivandrum by paying a visit to the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which is over 260 years old and houses a magnificent statue of Lord Padmanabhaswamy. Follow this up with an ‘all you can eat’ lunch buffet at the famous restaurant Ariya Nivas, known for its local Kerala cuisine. Next pay a visit to the Puthe Maliga Palace Museum, which is a testimony to the grandeur of the Travancore dynasty. End your day with dinner at the beautiful restaurant Villa Mallya, which offers both fantastic food and ambience, with either a courtyard garden seating or inside the Dutch mansion itself.
Day 2 - Devote the day to exploring Trivandrum’s beautiful Zoological gardens, which are said to have inspired the famous writer Yann Martel for his book Life of Pi. Also, pay a visit to the Shri Chitra Art Gallery and the Natural History Museum located in the zoological park complex. Grab a bite to eat at the quaint Cherries & Berries cafe which offers a wide range of continental food choices. Enjoy Trivandrum’s mellow nightlife with a glass of wine or some beer at the Purple Lounge in Hotel Safari.
Day 3 - Continue exploring slices of Trivandrum’s rich history with a visit to Kanakunna Palace, where you can often catch some local performances and places. Choose your picks among Napier Museum or the Museum of History and Heritage to further revel in paintings and other artefacts depicting the former glory days of Travancore. Devote some time to shopping expeditions in Connemara Market and MG Road to pick up some local souvenirs, traditional artefacts and spices.
The city has its own airport and railway station. Trivandrum International Airport is linked to all the major cities in India. The Trivandrum railway station is the third largest in South India. If you wish to travel by road, buses from all the major towns and villages ply to Trivandrum.
How to reach Trivandrum by flight
Trivandrum has its own airport, both domestic and international. This airport is well linked to all the other main domestic as well as international airports. You can hire a taxi from the airport to reach your destination in Trivandrum.
How to reach Trivandrum by road
Trivandrum is well connected to all the major towns and cities by regular bus services. The bus station is located right next to the Trivandrum railway station. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates 6 class of services connecting Trivandrum to southern Tamil Nadu and all the parts of Kerala. It is also well-connected to all the major towns like Kozhikode, Madurai, Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore and Coimbatore by roads.
How to reach Trivandrum by train
The biggest and the main railway station in Trivandrum is the Trivandrum Central railway station. Many trains connecting other important stations are available during all the hours of the day. The Trivandrum railways station is the third largest in South India.
Local transport in Trivandrum
All forms of public transport are easily available. You can also hire mo-bikes, scooters, bicycles and cars to tour the city.
The packages for Trivandrum start at INR 5591 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here
What are the places near Trivandrum?
The top places near to Trivandrum are Kovalam which is 18 km from Trivandrum, Kanyakumari which is located 64 km from Trivandrum, Poovar which is located 20 km from Trivandrum, Varkala which is located 51 km from Trivandrum, Alleppey which is located 129 km from Trivandrum
What are the things to do in Trivandrum?
The top things to do in Trivandrum are Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Poovar Island, Kanakakunnu Palace, Observatory, Agasthyakoodam. You can see all the places to visit in Trivandrum here
What is the best way to reach Trivandrum?
The city has its own airport and railway station. Trivandrum International Airport is linked to all the major cities in India. The Trivandrum railway station is the third largest in South India. If you wish to travel by road, buses from all the major towns and villages ply to Trivandrum. Read More
What is the local food in Trivandrum?
While the traditional and typical staple diet remains a bit constant around most of Kerala, the sides, drinks and snacks that vary give the cuisine a shifted and subtly unique form. Popular dishes in Trivandrum include Thoran which is a dry mix of vegetables dressed with coconut bits, a stew in which pototoes and onions are cooked in coconut milk as well as Kalaan which is made of buttermilk, melons and ripe mangoes. Also banana chips are a widespread and popular snack and significant enough to be included in cuisine. Apart from this Non vegeterian food is equally, if not more popular than vegetarian dishes. From seafood, chicken to beef and pork-you will find all on a popular menu. Read More
What is the best time to visit Trivandrum?
October to February is the best time to visit Trivandrum, as the winters bestow the place with the most pleasant weather in the entire year. The summers are hot and humid and can be a little uncomfortable. The monsoons, on the other hand, are relatively cooler. Read More
Who should visit Trivandrum?
Trivandrum is an ideal destination for all those who wish to spend their vacation at a culturally vibrant destination. It is perfect for the people living in the Southern part of India, though it is visited by people from all over the country, and even abroad.
What is not so good about Trivandrum?
High humidity with hot weather. May get a little crowded during festivals.
What is famous about Trivandrum?
Historical and cultural centre. Beautiful destination to visit.
Have a Question on Trivandrum?
Ask a question from the travellers who have experience.
Hi,
You can visit Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple,The Kanakakunnu Palace, Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary and The Napier Museum. Shanghumukham Beach is a must visit beach located at a distance of 23kms fr (Read More)om the city center.
You can get more details on http://www.holidify.com/places/trivandrum/sightseeing-and-things-to-do.html
Some of the best hotels in Trivandrum are:
Thomas Resort
Palmleaves Beach Resort
Country Spa Wellness Beach Resort
Brilliant city to live in. You have the right mix of the comforts of a city and the calm atmosphere here. Also, the human development index being on the higher side, the people are much more educated (Read More) and easy to deal with.
Arka Das
on Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple 4 years ago
Walking distance from Trivandrum Railway Station. Dhoti with bare chest for men and Saree for women are must. These are available at the shops outside the Temple for rent at around INR 40/- .
Note (Read More): Temple remained close from 1pm to 5pm everyday.
Surbhi Parashar
4 years ago
The capital of Kerala, Trivandrum, with a tradition that officially dates back to 1000 BC, and located on seven low-hills near the southern tip of India is famous for its pristine beaches, temples an (Read More)d greenery. Mahatma Gandhi aptly called it the "Evergreen city of India". Apart from the beaches and rolling hills perfect for a relaxed outing, this place is home to various historical structures, parks, museums, tourist centers and palaces dotting the cityscape. Some of the most primary elements that the area offers to the tourism scene are its biological gardens, which managed to inspire Yann Martel about the animals in his book Life of Pi, backwaters and temples . At the core of the spiritual side of Trivandrum is the Shri Padmanabhaswamy temple, a 260 year old structure.
