Kerala is known as God’s Own Country for its picturesque scenery, rich heritage, culture, and temples. Every village or city of the state is worth exploring and so is the most talked-about capital city of the state, Thiruvananthapuram. Legends state that the Ays were the first rulers of this land, who were succeeded by Venad rulers, and after them, came the East India Company who stayed there till the time India gained independence.
Thiruvananthapuram is famous for Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, scintillating beaches, gigantic forts, ancient temples, and festivals. An interesting fact about the city is that it is named after Lord Vishnu, who, in the local language, is known as Lord Anantha Padmanabha.
Best Time to Visit Thiruvananthapuram
If you are planning a trip to this beautiful destination anytime soon, then let us tell you that there is no particular time to visit this place as, more or less, every season is quite pleasant to visit Trivandrum. However, if you still need to visit during the perfect time then planning a visit between October and February would be great.
History of Thiruvananthapuram
The city is also a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures that found solace in the divine ambiance of this city. Once a jungle, Thiruvananthapuram started its journey to the current digital age in the 10th century when it was ruled by the rulers of the Venad kingdom. The city became a busy trading port where traders from foreign lands would come to access Indian markets through the sea route. Thiruvananthapuram witnessed the invasion of Dutch, Portuguese, French, and British traders and their influences can be found in the architecture and cuisine of Thiruvananthapuram.
The 17th-century was the golden period wherein the cultural and artistic activities got a big boost, under the rule of Marthanda Varma who is known as the Father of Modern Travancore. In the 19th century, the city was a prominent place for a lot of political activities and the most prominent of them was the formation of the state of Kerala in the year 1956, when Thiruvananthapuram was declared its official capital.
Today, Thiruvananthapuram carries the essence of Kerala, its history, and its culture together. The annual snake boat races, grand elephant parade, Mohiniyattom, Kathakali, and Koodiyattom are a few signature events and folk arts that define Kerala and its capital city Thiruvananthapuram.
Major Attractions in Thiruvananthapuram
1. Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary
The Neyyar Dam and wildlife sanctuary is located 32km from Thiruvananthapuram and is famous for its picturesque scenery and a plethora of wildlife. There is no doubt in the fact that this sanctuary is a visual treat for nature enthusiasts and a guided tour will prove to be quite a phenomenal experience for them. Neyyar sanctuary is natural vegetation spread over 12,000 hectares, where one may encounter Asian Elephants, Travancore Tortoise, and Slender Loris.
2. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Standing tall and proud, this temple is one of the most iconic treats you can give to yourself. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu showcases the golden history of this place. Furthermore, it is one of the 108 Divya Desams which are the holy abodes of the great, Lord Vishnu. This place is 6km away from Thiruvananthapuram and is a must-visit if you ever travel to this majestic travel destination in India known as Kerala.
3. Poovar Island
Situated at a coastal village along the natural harbor at Vizhinjam Poovar, it is approximately 25km away from Thiruvananthapuram. The Poovar beach on the island is a popular picnic spot for the locals and tourists, where they get to enjoy boating and witness the simple life led in nearby villages. Moreover, it is believed to have been the place which was known as Ophir, where King Solomon of Israel's ships had arrived. And from then on it became an important trading center for sandalwood, timber, and spices.
4. Indian Coffee House
If you are wondering how to start your day in Thiruvananthapuram then how about a hot cup of sweet coffee? It is just the right way to kick-start your day. And what better option to go with other than Indian Coffee House? The indoor area of this place is very peaceful and soothes your mind and soul. This coffee house has got 14 branches and is quite famous around the place.
3. AMAS
If you are an adventure junkie then visiting Trivandrum will prove to be a good decision for you. Because here you will get the opportunity to take part in various adventure activities related to water sports such as Scuba diving, rafting, etc.
How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram
Also referred to as Trivandrum, this is the largest and also busiest city of Kerala. Trivandrum is a must-visit for those who have a great interest in Indian culture. It is located at a distance of about 2,862, 1,676, 2,396, 683 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Below, we have mentioned the ways to reach here via public transportation.
By Air
This city has got its own international airport which is known as Trivandrum International Airport. Thus, connectivity with different metropolitan cities across the world becomes very easy to tread. There are direct flights covering all the major Indian cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai, etc. Traveling from the metro cities in India to Thiruvananthapuram will take approximately 3 hours and around Rs 10 thousand.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Thiruvananthapuram
By Train
Thiruvananthapuram is specifically situated within the city and is quite well-linked with all the major Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and many others. You have to get down at the Thiruvananthapuram central railway station to explore the city. Traveling by train will take approximately 1-2 days and Rs 5 thousand.
By Road
If you are planning to visit Thiruvananthapuram by road then you will be happy to know that this place has got an excellent road network connecting with all the major cities such as Kochi, Madurai, etc. You have to travel approximately 2800km majorly by NH 44 and NH 52 to reach Thiruvananthapuram if you are going by car or bike.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thiruvananthapuram
Q. Where is Thiruvananthapuram located?
A. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of the Indian state of Kerala.
Q. What are the best places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram?
A. Some popular tourist attractions in Thiruvananthapuram include the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kovalam Beach, Poovar Island, and Napier Museum.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here.
