Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram earlier known as Trivandrum

The city gets its name from the word, Thiruvananthapuram (earlier known as Trivandrum), meaning the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred Serpent Anantha on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines. Trivandrum, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. The famous Sri. Padmanabha Swami Temple is dicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city. The sprawling city has an international airport. Most visitors to Kerala use it only as an arrival point, speeding on immediately to Kovalam. Trivandrum has good shopping areas and a variety of comfortable and reasonably priced hotels.

Trivandrum, lying on the southwest coast of India, is the capital to the state of Kerala. The city extends from latitude 8°29' N to longitude 76°59' E. The place is well connected to most of the other major cities of India through rail, road, and air network.

Because of its nearness to the sea, the climate of Trivandrum is tropical. This also gives Trivandrum a very pleasant weather round the year. The average maximum temperature can go up to 36.2°C in summer months and to a minimum of 18.0°C in the winters. Monsoon comes to Trivandrum in the month of May and remains there until November.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Sree Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Sree Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is an awe-inspiring structure that has a 100 ft high 'gopuram', built in Dravidian style.  City's historical landmark, the structure of the main building is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. 

The temple, known for the Mural paintings and stone carvings is one among the 108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in India. A magnificent array of gods, goddesses, nymphs, sprites and demons adorn the seven-storey 'gopuram' that forms the temple tower. Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity, reclines in the posture of 'Ananthashayanam' on the coiled serpent 'Anantha'. 

In the October/November months of every year, there is held the Navarathri Festival of musical concerts at the Navarathri Mandapam, adjacent to the main building of the temple. Only Hindus are allowed inside and dress regulations are strictly followed.

Shankhumugham Beach
Just 8 km from the city, this is a favourite place of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Trivandrum Airport and Veli Tourist Village. An indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here. Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park here provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules.

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