About City :
Also noted as Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram is Kerala’s capital city. The city is flanked by the Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west. The scenic views surrounding the city add to its beauty and make it an ideal hub for adventure and nature lovers.
The rich cultural heritage, palm-fringed shorelines, pristine beaches, monuments, and breezy backwaters make this city all the more appealing. Besides, its historic and natural delights, the city also carves a niche for its flourishing pilgrimage places.
Geography :
Thiruvananthapuram lies on the southwestern coast of India. Sprawled across 250 square kilometers, the city records an approximate population of 2.7 million. The city has an approximate elevation of 16 feet above sea level.
How to reach (transport) :
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By Air :
Thiruvananthapuram is well connected to the prominent cities of India by air. You can avail direct flights to Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Delhi. Besides, you can also avail international flights to cities like Colombo, Malé, and cities of the Arabian Gulf from here. The Trivandrum International Airport is only 10 kilometers from the city’s hub.
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By Rail :
Thiruvananthapuram railway station is an important railway junction in South India. It is well connected to various regions of India by direct train services to Delhi, Jammu, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
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By Road :
Kerala Road Transport Corporation buses operate from the city to the various cities of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Besides, you can also avail private buses to Chennai, Kozhikode, and Bangalore.
When to visit :
The best time to visit the city is from October to February, the weather is generally pleasant and makes a good choice for sightseeing. Months from March to May should be avoided because during these months the coastal area is hot and humid. You should also not plan your travel during rainy months that begin from June and extend up to September as traveling becomes difficult because of water clogging on the roads.
Culture (fairs and festivals) and traditions :
The city serves as a host to innumerable religious as well as cultural festivals. Some of the festivals that the people celebrate here include :
- Onam festival is the harvest festival celebrated in August or September. The state government arranges weeklong cultural events in the city including the famous boat race.
- Vishu is another festival, that marks the onset of the New Year in Kerala and is celebrated in April.
- The 75-day Soorya cultural festival is celebrated in January with equal joy and spirit as Onam. Dance, music, literature, and folk arts are the main USP of this festival.
- The Attukal Pongala is celebrated in the month of February or March. At this festival, various events like the annual flower show are arranged for the entertainment of the guests.
Points of interest (places to visit) :
On your tour to Thiruvanthapuram, some of the major points of interest are :
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Agasthyakoodam :
Noted for being the second highest peak in Kerala, it lies at a height of 1,890 meters above sea level. The mountain range is famous for its wildlife and rare medicinal herbs.
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Padmanabhaswamy Temple :
Devoted to Lord Vishnu, the architecture of this temple reflects the Dravidian and Kerala styles of architecture. The temple makes a good choice for art lovers and also carves a niche for its stone carvings and mural paintings.
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Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum :
This palace museum is noted for its Travancore architectural style. Besides, the exquisite wood carvings, priceless collections of the regal family, and paintings deserve a mention as well.
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Padmanabhapuram Palace :
Located at Thuckalai; 64 km away from Thiruvanthapuram, this is a noted wooden palace that allures innumerable tourists every year. The exquisite floral carvings, glossy granite floor, and extraordinary murals add beauty to the palace.
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Ponmudi :
This hill station makes a mark for its winding pathways and green environment. Located about 915 meters above sea level, this hill station is home to small rivulets, mountain flowers, springs, and butterflies.
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Napier Museum :
This museum houses a superb collection of ivory carvings, bronzes, musical instruments, and life-size figures of Kathakali dancers.
Accommodation :
The joy of a good vacation doubles if you have a great stay option by your side. Those, looking for a luxurious stay can plan their stay at Vivanta by Taj. On the other hand, if you are on budget travel, then accommodation options like The Capital Trivandrum, Ginger Thiruvanthapuram, Highland Hotel, and Chaithram hotel serve well. Besides the luxury and budget hotels, those eying on something unique can go for houseboats as well. You can even plan for houseboat tours that cover multiple destinations including Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Cochin.
