Trivandrum Tourism

Location	Southern Kerala, 87 km from Kanyakumari
Temperature	Summer: 20°C to 36°C, Winter: 18°C to 35°C
Best Time To Visit	From October to March
Main Attraction	Ancient Temples

Known for its rich cultural heritage, Trivandrum (also known as Thiruvananthapuram) is the capital city of Kerala. Popularly known as the city of thousand headed 'Anantha' (the holy serpent on which Lord Vishnu reclines), Trivandrum has several attractions in its sleeves such as temples, palace, beaches, backwaters and wildlife. The temples of the city are famed for their architectural brilliance. The city is also known for its tea, coffee and spice plantations.

Thiruvanthapuram city and several other places in the district loom large in an ancient tradition, folklore and literature.

History

The history of the glorious city of Trivandrum dates back to 1000 BC. South Kerala particularly the Trivandrum district had in the early past a political and cultural history which was in some respect independent of that of the rest of Kerala.

Modern History begins with Marthanada Varma, who is generally regarded as the Father of modern Travencore. Trivandrum was known as a great centre of intellectual and artistic activities in those days. The accession of Maharaja Swathi Thirund (1829-1847AD) ushered in an epoch of cultural progress and economic prosperity.

Trivandrum Attractions

Sri Anantha Padmanabhamswamy Temple

This is one of the most famous Divyadesams found in the State of Kerala. It is found 3/4 miles away from the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. Lots of bus and train facilities are available. Special trains run from Chennai - Thiruvananthapuram. This place is also named as "Trivandrum". Lots of boarding and lodging facilities are also available.

Specials:

The Moolavar, Anantha Padmanabhar who is found in Kidantha (Palli Kondulla) kolam is said to be one of the speciality of this sthalam. A Shiva Lingam is found close to the Thirumugham of the Moolavar, which explains to the world that both Hari and Haran are not two different and separate Gods, but they are a Single and should be worshipped as one.
Sayana position on Ananthan, the Perumal is called as "Anantha Padmanabha Swamy" and the Kshtram is referred to as "Thiru Ananthapuram".

Sthlapuranam

The Anantha Padmanabha Perumal is found in Sayana Kolam and since the Perumal is too big in structure; we can get the Dharshan of the Perumal in a single way. We can only see him in 3 Vaayils (entrance).

• Through the First Vaasal, we can see the Thirumugham (Face) of the Perumal.
• Through the First Vaasal, the Thiru Unndhi (stomach part) can be seen
• Through the Final, Third Vaasal, we can see the Thiruvadi (feet) of the Perumal found in the Garbhagraham.

The world is Governed and Protected by Emperumaan, Sriman Narayanan. The Indira Lokam (or) otherwise called as "Swargham" is ruled by Indiran and Varunan, the rain god is one of the important person who belong to the Indra Lokam. The rain God, Varunan is necessary for giving the rain to this entire world and thereby making the land fertile and rich in its wealth.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace near Thiruvanthapuram was the erstwhile home of the rulers of Travancore. This structure attracts many visitors to this place. The interiors of the palace are decorated with splendid rosewood carvings. The palace is a well preserved structure and is an example of the rich heritage. It also portrays the craftsmanship of the people of the bygone days. The other attractions are black granite floors and the floral carvings on the walls.

The Palace complex was constructed around 1601 AD by Iravi Verne Kalasekhara Perumal who ruled Travancore between 1592 AD and 1609 AD. This Palace reigned supreme as the seat of royal power, and the pivotal point for the growth of trade, commerce, art and literature. A large courtyard separates the main entrance. The king used to receive all his dignitaries in this palace. At the centre of the hall hanging from the carved ceiling, is a brass lamp, shaped like a horse-rider.

Exquisite wall paintings, fascinating architecture, sunny courtyards with carvings and sculptures are some of the outstanding features of this sprawling palace. Interesting sections and items in this palace are Royal chairs with Chinese carvings, secret underground passages .Belgian mirrors, hanging brass lantern .The centrepiece of attraction is the King's bedroom where the huge bed made of 67 different pieces of wood from medicinal plants. Next to the palace is an archaeology museum. The museum is a treasure trove of sculptures, mural paintings stone inscriptions coin and metal ware.

Chitra Art Gallery and Museum

Situated near Napier museum, It is a landmark of Kerala. Raja Ravi Varma's ( a famous painter) painting is displayed in the art gallery. Paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali is also included. He carved a separate niche for himself in the world of art. His paintings look fabulous. In this Art Gallery one can also see Tanjore Paintings. Some of the paintings are encrusted with minute semi-stones that look astounding. These amuse and enthrall onlookers. The gallery has a collection of miniatures of Rajput and Mughals. One can also find the works of RabindraNath Tagore, Jamini Roy and K.K Heber.

Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906) was a great artist who brought Indian painting to the attention to the world. His magnificent paintings shine in their undying glory and it will continue to do so in the coming centuries, triumphing over the rigorous test of time.

Napier Museum and Chithra Art Gallery are located in the same compound. The museum has a good collection of artefacts. It is named after the Governor General of Madras; John Napier. It is an architectural splendour. The items preserved in the Museum are priceless things and traditional books. General Cullen's personal things are being treasured in the museum. It was built in the 19th century. The structure boasts a natural air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts and bronze idols.

The fossil tree trunk stands close to the main entrance of the Museum. The Vishnu image of 8th century collected from Ambalapuzha temple in Central Travancore is the oldest metal image in the state. All wood carvings exhibited shows high degrees of excellence. Each and every exhibit has an astonishing and fascinating tale twined around it.

Accommodation

Offering luxury as well as budget accommodation options, Trivandrum can cater to the needs of every kind of tourist.

How To Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport located at a distance of only 6 km from Trivandrum.

By Rail: The railway station at Trivandrum connect it with all the major cities of Kerala and India.

By Road: Trivandrum is connected to all the cities of Kerala by road.

Shopping

Shopping is a delightful experience in Trivandrum. You can take back home a variety of wonderful souvenirs such as sculptures and idols, coir products, coconut shell crafts, teak furniture, brass and metal products and Kathakali masks.