Trivandrum

Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandram is the capital of Kerala. It is so called as it considered to be the abode of Anantha, according to the Hindu mythology, who is the sacred serpent of Lord Vishnu. The mesmerizing sunsets, lagoons fringed by coconut groves bordering its beautiful lagoons, aromatic spice and coffee plantations and cool breeze provide the ultimate experience to all the senses of a human body. Exotic seafood cuisines of Kerala that tickles one's taste buds are not to be forgotten. The city is also nicknamed as the 'City of Seven Hills' and was once a very popular port where Romans, Jews, Arabs and Christians came frequently. Still it is one of the biggest centers of industries related to sea and marine trade.

The legend says that Lord Parashuram snatched this land away from the sea by throwing his axe at it and thus, sea fearfully receded. Thus, Kerala along with Trivandrum emerged from the sea. The abundant natural beauty of the city is inconceivable. The mix of traditional and modern culture makes Trivandrum a heavenly experience. The city has played an important role in the maritime history and is today, more popular among the tourists for its Ayurvedic centers. The space research here is at par with rest of the world while the gorgeous backwaters and lagoon cruises and scenic beaches and seashores make it the first choice for the sea and water sport lovers. For lazier people, this Otiental paradise has relaxing Ayurvedic massages to offer.

Trivandrum's Prime Attractions

Zoological Gardens:
One of the Asia's best zoos, it has dense forests and beautiful lakes.

Government Art Museum:
Napier Museum or Government Art Museum is a 19th century edifice that is a delightful mix of Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. Its natural air-conditioning system makes viewing the bronze statues, ancient ornaments and costumes, ivory carvings and musical instruments, a pleasurable experience. There is a whole temple chariot on display too.

Sree Chitra Art Gallery:
Exhibiting the best of Roerich and Raja Ravi Verma besides the Mughal, Rajput, Bengal and Tanjore schools of paintings, this art gallery also boasts of a rich collection of art from the Far East and Bali.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple:
Accessible only by Hindus, this temple is 260 yr old and has a 100-ft gopuram. Its edifice presents a mix of Kerala and Dravidian architecture. The presiding deity known as Sri Padmanabhaswamy is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the reclining position on the serpent Anantha.

Puttan Malika Palace Museum:
Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balrama Verma of Travancore, an eminent poet and musician conceived the palace (now turned into a museum) as a rare example of the traditional Travancore style of architecture. It exhibits beautiful woodcarvings and art pieces along with articles that are related to trade relations of the region with China and Europe mainly because of the spices that grew abundantly here.

Kalaripayattu:
The 5,000-year-old martial art of Kerala, Kalarippayattu, has been kept alive and preserved carefully by the institutions and the training centers of the region. It is believed to be origin of all martial art forms and also has its very own branch of medicine known as 'kalarichikitsa'. The institutions offer viewing the martial art performances or the treatments in their special healing centres.

Kovalam Beach:
One of the best beaches of the world, Kovalam offers the best of tropical dream with swaying coconut groves, safe seashores where one can swim or just tan the body in the sun and delicious dishes in the seafood special restaurants and food stalls. One can also experience a visit to one of the Ayurvedic spas here.

Trivandrum City Facts