THIRUVANTHAPURAM
History of Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram city and several other places in the district, occupy an important place in ancient tradition, folklores and literature of the State. South Kerala, particularly Thiruvananthapuram, had a political and cultural history in the early past, which was in some respect independent from that of the rest of Kerala.
The Ays were the leading political power till the beginning of the 10th century A.D. The disappearance of the Ays, synchronised with the emergence of the rulers of Venad. In 1684, during the regency of Umayamma Rani, the English East India Company obtained a sandy piece of land at Anchuthengu (Anjengo) on the sea coast, about 32 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram city, for erecting a factory and fortifying it. The place had earlier been frequented by the Portuguese and later by the Dutch. It was from here that the English gradually extended their domain to other parts of Thiruvithamcore anglicised as Travancore.
Modern history begins with Maharaja Marthanda Varma who reigned from 1729 to 1758 A.D and is generally regarded as the Father of modern Travancore. Thiruvananthapuram was known as a great centre of intellectual and artistic activity in those days. The accession of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal who reigned from 1829 to 1847 A.D., ushered in an epoch of cultural progress and economic prosperity. The beginning of English education was marked in 1834 by the opening of an English school at Thiruvananthapuram. An observatory and a charity hospital were also established here in 1836.
During the reign of Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal (1860-1880), a full-fledged Arts College was started here besides the several English, Malayalam and Tamil schools, all over the State. A large hospital with lying-in-facility and a lunatic asylum were also established in Thiruvananthapuram. The University College was started in 1873. It was during the reign of Sri Moolam Thirunal (1885-1924), that the Sanskrit College, Ayurveda College, Law College and a second grade College for Women were started here. A department for the preservation and publication of oriental manuscripts was also established.
One of the significant aspects associated with Maharaja Sree Moolam Thirunal’s reign was the inauguration of the Legislative Council in 1888. This was the first legislative chamber, instituted in an Indian State. The Sri Moolam Assembly came into being in 1904.
The activities of the Indian National Congress echoed in Thiruvananthapuram and other parts of Kerala during the reign of Maharaja Sree Moolam Thirunal. A political conference of the Congress was held in the city under the presidency of Dr.Pattabhi Sitaramaiah, in 1938. The period of Maharaja Sri Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma who took the reigns of administration in 1931, witnessed many-sided progress. The promulgation of the Temple Entry Proclamation (1936) was an act that underlined social emanicipation. In 1937, a separate University for Travancore was started. This was later redesignated as the University of Kerala, following the formation of the State of Kerala in 1956. With the accession of Travancore to the Indian Union after Independence, the policy of the State Government as well as the political atmosphere underwent radical changes. The first popular ministry headed by Sri.Pattom A. Thanu Pillai was installed in office on 24th March, 1948.
| Main Languages | : | Malayalam, Malayalam mixed with Tamil and English | | Population | : | Approximately 5,23, 733 | | Area | : | 141.53 sq.kms. |
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ABOUT TRIVANDRUM
Thiruvananthapuram, meaning "The Town of Lord Anantha” or the abode of the sacred thousand-headed serpent is the capital city of Kerala State, built on seven hills. Formerly known as Trivandrum it is also the headquarters of Thiruvananthapuram district. This seaside city has its boundary with Thiruvananthapuram Rural District Police on all three sides and the Arabian Sea on the Western Side offering all modern facilities needed by a visitor.
The capital of the state of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram or the City of the Sacred Snake, is built over seven hills.
Named after Anantha, the thousand - headed serpent of Hindu mythology, the city once formed a part of the Travancore kingdom, its capital at Padmanabhapuram, now a part of Tamil Nadu.
Thiruvananthapuram is, decidedly, one of the cleaner and well-planned cities of the country. The city's scenic appeal, its enchanting beaches, and overwhelming greenery only add to its uniqueness.
It embodies the magical feel of Kerala, as a whole, and lends terrific insight into the culture of the state. The red-tiled roofs, the never-ending stretches of palm trees, the maze of narrow, winding streets and above all, the sea, make for a fascinating mixture.
There is an element of understated and effortless elegance about the city, which leaves a lasting impression on the visitor.
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Tourist Information Center
| 1 | Tourist Information Centers(Govt)
Government Of India Tourist Information Counter Thiruvananthapuram Airport
Government Of Kerala Tourist Facilitation Center
Park View, Opposite Museum
Thiruvananthapuram
Tourist Information Centre
Railway Station, Thampanoor
Ph.: 334470
Tourist Reception Centre (KTDC)
Thampanoor
Ph.: 330031
Tourist Information Centre
International Airport
Tel: 502298 | | |
When to Visit
| BEST TIME TO VISIT
September to May | TEMPERATURE
Summer - Max: 36.2 Min: 20.6
Winter - Max: 35.0 Min: 18.0 |
| CLIMATE
The influence of sea and proximity to the equator affects the climate to a great extent. It is very moderate, not very hot nor very cold. |
Holiday at the city of the holy serpent on which Lord Vishnu resides. Capital of the kaleidoscopic Indian state of Kerala, offers you beautiful backwater holidays.
Tourism in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of the kaleidoscopic state of Kerala is named through a combination of the words 'tiru' 'anantha' and 'puram', meaning 'the abode of the sacred thousand headed serpent Anantha'. Mythlogically, Anantha forms the couch where which Lord Vishnu resides. This political, commercial and tourist center is built on seven hills. You could row a canoe to reach the Kovalam beach, the paradise a little south of city where tourists from all over the world throng to various massage and ayurveda centers besides the Yoga and the meditation centers that abound here. The Padmanabha Swamy temple with its renowned mural paintings and stone carvings is dedicated to Lord Vishnu is worth more than a visit.
You must visit the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum and the Napier Museum to get a better insight into the glorious past of the city. The former is an exquisite example of the Tranvancore architecture and houses priceless collections of the royal family. The latter is built on the Indo-Saracenic style and exhibits several historical and archaeological items. For catching the festive spirit of the city you must participate in the annual festival held at the Sreekandeswasram temple. And for all those of you who are food lovers, the Flavor Food Festival is not to be missed. Discover pulsating picnic spots, sultry shorelines, balmy beaches, majestic monuments and beautiful backwaters this Indian Holiday in tantalizing Thiruvananthapuram.
Thiruvananthapuram tourist spots
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) district (Kerala, India), holds a number of tourist spots. The entire tourism package of the state such as hill stations, back waters, beaches, lagoons, and wild life sanctuaries are present in Thiruvananthapuram district, reflects the entire beauty of the state Kerala. Foreign tourists are flocking to Thiruvananthapuram, a major destination for chartered flights to India for Medical tourism, as there are more than fifty recognised Ayurveda centres in and around the city. This is primarily due to Ayurveda's immense popularity in the West. Medical tourism is further promoted by world class modern medicine hospitals in the city. Recuperation facilities are available at five star beach resorts and hill stations nearby.
Agastyakoodam
About 1869 meters above sea level, Agastyakoodam is the highest peak in the Western Ghats, next only to Anamudi. Tradition says that the great sage Agasthya, had his abode in this peak. The place is also noted for its abundant ayurvedic herbs. The place is in the eastern side of the district.
Akkulam
Musical Fountain at Aakkulam, Trivandrum city
Akkulam is one of the beautiful picnic spots, in Trivandrum city. The spot is developed on the banks of Akulam Lake, which is an extension of the Veli Lake. The calm and serene atmosphere and its unique natural beauty are a fascination for tourists. The Boat Club, which started functioning in 1989, now operates speed, safari, pedal and row boats from Akkulam to Veli Tourist Village. A traditional style Kettuvallom is also available for overnight stay. The swimming pool at Akkulam is equipped with glider and other playing facilities. The Children’s Park is a unique amusement spot. The newly commissioned musical fountain is an added attraction.
Anchuthengu
Situated 40 km north of Trivandrum city, along the sea coast, Anchuthengu is a place of historic importance. It was here that the first settlement of the English East India Company was established in 1864 A.D. Historically, the limits of area where five coconut palms stood (Anchuthengu, corrupted as Anjengo) was given on lease to the Company by the King of Travancore for trade purposes. The remains of the old English Fort, which had withstood many a siege, can be seen here even today.
Aruvikkara
Aruvikkara Reservoir
Sixteen km north of Trivandrum city, gifted with lavish scenic beauty is the Aruvikkara. Trivandrum city gets its water supply from the Aruvikkara reservoir. There is an ancient temple dedicated to Durga, on the banks of the river.
Aruvippuram
The place is about seven km from Neyyattinkara. There is a small waterfall here. A Siva temple founded by Sree Narayana Guru attracts a large number of worshippers during the Sivarathri festival. It is a beautiful spot for holiday seekers.
Balaramapuram
Balaramapuram is famous for its hand-spun cloth. Weaving is a cottage industry here with cooperative activity. It is 13 km south of the city towards Kanyakumari on National Highway 47.
Meenmutti and Kombaikani Waterfalls
These are two magnificent waterfalls on the upper reaches of the Neyyar reservoir. A trek of two kilometers, through dense forests, would take one to Meenmutti waterfalls and a further two km, to the Kombaikani waterfalls. The waterfalls and forests around them are worth experiencing.
Neyyar Dam
Neyyar Dam is located across the Neyyar river flowing south of Thiruvananthapuram. Lying amidst the southern low hills of the Western Ghats, 29 km from the city, the catchment area offers facilities for boating and mountaineering. A three-hour climb over the hills across the reservoir affords the thrill of hiking. There are two beautiful waterfalls on the way. A Lion Safari Park and a Crocodile Rearing Centre have also been set up in the reservoir. Also on the lake is the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram.
Neyyattinkara
Neyyattinkara is an ancient town, situated about 20 km south-east of Trivandrum city. The Sree Krishna Swami temple, founded by King Marthanda Varma (1729-1758), is of historical importance. Within the premises of the temple, there is a historic jack tree, known as Ammachi Plavu, in the hollow of which Marthanda Varma is believed to have hid himself and escaped death at the hands of his enemies.
Peppara
Peppara/Peypara is 50 km from the city on the way to Ponmudi. The sanctuary there, with its rich mammalian fauna and avis is emerging as a big attraction to wild life enthusiasts and ornithologists. It was established in 1938 over an area of 53 km². on the Western Ghats. Elephants, sambars, leopards, lion-tailed macaques and cormorants are commonly seen here.
Ponmudi
Roofs of the cottages at Ponmudi
A pleasant resort with an elevation of 912 m above sea level, Ponmudi is reached by road from Thiruvananthapuram. There are several tea and rubber estates around the hills. A hill tribe called Kani live in the surrounding areas. Ponmudi is fast developing as a hill resort with room and dormitory accommodation facilities, hill-trails for hiking, a collection of flowering trees and a deer park. Ponmudi is 61 km from Trivandrum city.
Poovar
Poovar is 29 km from the city. It was a trading centre in early days and one of the ancient ports of the district. It is said that the legendary Jesuit Missionary, St. Francis Xavier, visited the place in the 16th century.
Vizhinjam
About two km south of Kovalam, Vizhinjam is believed to have been an ancient port. The Portuguese and the Dutch had commercial establishments here. Vizhinjam is a harbour, with a light house. This place is being developed into an International Deep 
Water Container Transhipment Terminal.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Located about 63 kms. away from the city Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple belongs to the royal family of the erstwhile Travancore princely state. The name also reflects the city's best-known temple and a famous landmark, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Sarkara
Sarkara is 35 km north of Thiruvananthapuram and six km west of Attingal. There is a famous temple which is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi. A grand festival, Sarkara Bharani, is conducted in this temple during March-April.
Forty one km north of Trivandrum city by rail and 51 km by road, Varkala is a pilgrim centre. The Samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru, the great social reformer and philosopher, attracts devotees in thousands. The cliffs and mineral water springs at the Papanasam beach are worth a visit. The inland waterways system connecting Kollam in the north with Thiruvananthapuram in the south, passes through two tunnels in the hills. The Janardhana Swamy Temple here attracts many devotees.
Thiruvananthapuram / Trivandrum City
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the State and the headquarters of the district, is well connected by air, rail and road. Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, the Kanakakkunnu Palace, the Observatory, the Science and Technology Museum, the Government Secretariat, the Kowdiar Palace, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Tagore Centenary theatre and the museum and zoo are some of the tourist attractions in the city.
Sree Chitra Art Gallery with its rich collection of exquisite paintings, is another attraction. The gallery has a special Ravi Varma section other than one for murals, water and oil painting. The S.M.S.M. Institute, Botanic Gardens at Palode and Chitranjali studios are added attractions. The Raj Bhavan, Central Library, Victoria Jubilee Town Hall, University College, Residency Banglaw, College of Fine Arts and the Wellington Water Works are but a few of the landmarks that adorn the city. There are three big stadiums, namely; the University Stadium, the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium and the Central Stadium, in the city. A velodrome at Kariavattom and the Jimmy George Indoor Stadium at Vellayambalam cater to sporting interests. The neat and clean Shanghumughom beach is an attraction. The Aerodrome, the Government Engineering Workshop, the Trivandrum Rubber Works and the Travancore Titanium Products Ltd are situated in the vicinity of Shanghumughom beach. Interesting places worth visiting in the neighbourhood of Thiruvananthapuram city are Aruvikkara Water Works, Kovalam Beach Resort and the resort of Ponmudi Hills, the Neyyardam at a distance of 29 km also offers scenic splendour as well as opportunities for hikes, boating, camping and mountaineering. Kanyakumari, the land’s end of India now in Tamil Nadu, is only 87 km from Thiruvananthapuram. On the way to Kanyakumari is Padmanabhapuram, the old capital of Travancore, where an ancient palace with antique murals is located.
Thiruvallam
Thiruvallam is about six km south of the city, on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kovalam road. There is an ancient temple here on the banks of the Karamana River, which is dedicated to the Trimurthis of the Hindu pantheon. A shrine of Parasurama, built entirely of granite is found in this temple.
This international beach, 12 km south of Trivandrum city, is one of the finest beaches in India. A high rocky promontory jutting into the sea has created a beautiful bay of calm waters for sea bathing. The India Tourism Development Corporation had developed Kovalam as an integrated seaside resort which includes a string of cottages, the Halcyon castle, a shopping area, swimming pools, yoga centre, facilities for medicinal oil bath and massage and the Rajiv Gandhi Convention Centre with 1000 delegate capacity. The resort has 198 rooms with the four presidential suits in the Halcyon Castle, the Summer Retreat of the erstwhile Maharaja. The property has now been taken over by a private group, The Leela Group. Besides, there are numerous hotels managed by private agencies.
Museum and Zoo
The Museum building itself is an architectural splendour. The Napier Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Reptile House and the Shri Chitra Art Gallery are all within the zoo complex amidst a well laid-out garden and park. There is a lake and a boat club jointly operated by the Department of Museums and Zoos and the District Tourism Promotion Council. The zoo offers a rare opportunity for the visitors to experience an unparalleled, picturesque and panoramic sylvan landscape with a wide range of animal collections. The zoo has 75 different species of animals not only from India but also from abroad. It has several species of animals and birds from Ethiopian and Australian zoological regions. The Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Manipur deer, Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion and the Royal Bengal Tiger are prominent among the indigenous endangered fauna, while giraffe, hippo, zebra and cape buffalo are guests from the African region. A new era will be ushered in with the completion of the ongoing modernisation work in the zoo which will provide for thrilling encounters with the animals out in their open air landscapes.
Veli Lagoon
On the outskirts of Kerala’s capital city, by the side of the placid waters of Veli lake, the Tourist Village and Boat Club attracts the city people and tourists. Veli, developed as a major tourist spot by providing facilities for pedal-boating, row boating, swimming, get together, etc. is just the right place for an exciting outing. The Youth Hostel at Veli which is hardly three km, from the international airport, provides inexpensive dormitory type accommodation. Veli, with its palm fringed lake is easily accessible by road.
Giant Statue of Mermaid at the beach
Shanghumugham Beach is very near to the International Airport and is easily accessible from the Kovalam Beach, Veli Tourist Village and Akkulam Tourist Village. Shanghumugham beach is noted for its cleanliness. The vast stretch of white sand and the serene atmosphere, away from the crowd in the city, provide all the ingredients for relaxation and for spending an ideal evening. There is also a “Star Fish Restaurant” with eating kiosks and open air theatre with car parking facilities. The sculpture of Jalakanyaka - Mermaid by Kanayi Kunhiraman is an added attraction.
Thiruvananthapuram Festivals
Swathi Festival : Swathi festival is a gala event of music organised by the Government of Kerala every year in the last week of January. The venue is the famous Kuthiramalika Palace. Thiruvananthapuram, where once upon a time the great poet-king of Travancore, Sri Swathi Thirunal, composed many of his verses.
Aarattu : Pallivetta (Royal Hunt) and Arattu (Holy Bath) are part of the rituals of the festivals of some of the major temples of Kerala. The specialty of the Arattu at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is that the head of the royal family of erstwhile Travancore still provides escort to the procession of idols.
The two annual ten-day festivals of the temple fall in October- November and March- April.
Nisha Gandhi Dance Festival : Every year, from February 21st to 27th renowned classical dancers perform at the Nisangandhi, an open-air theatre in Thiruvananthapuram city. Classical dances of almost all the states of India are staged during the festival. Mohiniyattam (Kerala), Bharatha Natyam (Tamil Nadu), Kutchippudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Orissa), Manipuri (Manipur) and Kathak (a north Indian Classical Dance) are the major dances performed.
Getting there
By Air : Trivandrum Airport (International) is linked by flights to Cochin, Madras, Delhi, Goa and Bombay.
By Rail : There are trains from many places. There are about seven trains a day from Thrissur.
By Road : Long distance buses depart from the Central Bus Station (KSRTC, Thampanoor bus terminal).
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. 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.
PERSONALITIES
Sree Narayana Guru was born in the year 1854 AD at Chempazhanthy, in the suburb of the city of Trivandrum, the present capital of Kerala State, India. Sree Narayana Guru was a great saint of India. He was a sage, philosopher, poet and social revolutionary. His words have universal appeal and perennial value. Sree Narayana founded two famous Ashrams, one at Varkala and the other at Alwaye, with educational institutions attached to them. One of his teaching is Ask not, Say not Think not caste...
Kumaran Asan One of the famous triumvirate poets of Kerala in the first half of the twentieth century was a beacon-light to the downtrodden and depressed classes of Travancore State. He was a poet, philosopher and a great social activist. He was not a dreamer as most poets are, but a hardboiled realist. He wanted to find answers to several problems of his native state Kerala. The crowning achievement of Kumaran Asan was his Buddha Charitha in 5 volumes...
Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906) was born in Kilimanoor Palace as the son of Umamba Thampuratti and Neelakandan Bhattathiripad. At the age of seven years he started drawing on the palace walls using charcoal. His uncle Raja Raja Varma noticed the talent of the child and gave preliminary lessons on painting. At the age of 14, Ayilyam Thirunal Maharaja took him to Travancore Palace and was taught water painting by the palace painter Rama Swamy Naidu.
For nearly half a century, Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair was a poet, playwright, scenarist, lyricist, orator, director and above all a thespian in the true sense of the term. Making his debut on the screen way back in 1950, he had appeared in more than 500 films. A versatile genius who had enthralled successive generations of filmgoers by the sheer virtuosity of his manifold talent. Recipient of a number of accolades viz. State Award for Best Actor in "Maya" (1972), Padmasree in 1973, J.C. Daniel Award in 1994...
Ulloor, the second of the grand poetic trinity of the 20th century renaissance in Malayalam, started his career as a poet under the tutelage of Kerala Varma Valiya Koyitampuran. Umakeralam, his mahakavya, is a work of great devotion: devotion to the land, to the language, to a poetic tradition and to high moral values. He wrote, like Asan and Vallathol, a number of short narratives or khandakavyas, of which the most famous are Karanabhooshanam and Pingala.
Dr. Padmanabhan Palpu, LMS, DPH (Cantab) FRIPH (London) is one of the immortals of the Indian Renaissance. He was by profession a bacteriologist - a fighter of germs. Circumstances made him a social revolutionary - a fighter of manmade social evils. As a social reformer Dr. Palpu was a firm believer in the principle of Dharma. This symbolized such factor as absolute truth,
