Trivandrum

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.
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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 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

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

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

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.
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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

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.
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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. 

High humidity with hot weather. May get a little crowded during festivals.

Historical and cultural centre. Beautiful destination to visit.