Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala. Other names of this city are Trivandrum and Evergreen city of India. This place is famous for historical structures, windy backwaters, palm fringed shorelines who are stretched so long and Beaches. Apart from the beaches, this place is also known for its ancient temples. Maharaja Marthanda Varma named this city as Thrivananthapuram. He was the deity of Lord Padmanabhaswamy so he dedicated this city to Lord Padmanabhaswamy. Word Thiruvananthapuram derived from the word Thiru Anantha Puram which means City of Lord Aantha. Britishers had changed this name as Trivandrum. Best places for the shopping lovers are MG Road and Connemara Market. Handloom, Coir, Metal, Horn, Wood are worth buying here.
What to see in Thiruvananthapuram:
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple: It is one of the oldest temples in India. This is the best example for Dravidian style of architecture. Temple is dedicated to Lord Padmanabhaswamy who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Recently treasury was discovered in the temple. It is estimating that worth of the treasury would be around Rs.1.2 trillion. This treasury makes the temple richest temple in India.
Zoological Park: This is the first Zoo in India which was opened in 1843. 75 different species of animals can be seen here. Major attraction of this zoo is Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Indian Rhino, Hippo, snakes etc…
Napier Museum: This was built by Robert Chisholm in Gothic style of architecture. Different collection of Buddhist Status, Carved Wooden Carts, Ceramics, Bronze idols etc attracts the tourists to this place.
Kanakakunnu Palace: This is the summer recreation to Travancore Kings. Today several fairs, exhibitions, cultural events are conducting here.
Other Attractions of Thiruvananthapuram: Other Attractions of Thiruvananthapuram are Natural History Museum, East Fort, Mahadeva Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum.
What to see around Thiruvananthapuram:
Padmanabhapuram Palace: It is one of the most attractive Palaces in the world. This palace is famous for Granite dance halls, Clock Tower, Carved Mahogany Ceilings. It is situated 11kms away from the city.
Veli: It is located 8kms away from Thiruvananthapuram. In this place Veli Lake is separated from Arabian Sea by a sand bar. Water Sports is most famous in Veli.
Shankhumugham Beach: This is the best place to relax in the evening time and during that period one can enjoy sunset. Water is safe for swimming. It is located 8kms away from the city.
Kovalam: It is located 10kms away from the city. This place is famous for Beach. It is one of the best beaches in the world.
Other Attractions nearby Thiruvananthapuram: Other Attractions nearby Thiruvananthapuram are Marine Aquarium, Samudra Beach, Kovalam beach, Poovar Island, Kalari, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Getting in Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram is well connected with Road, Rail and Airways. From several cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai etc buses, trains and airbuses are available to reach this place.
Getting around Thiruvananthapuram: Autos, Taxis, Buses are available to visit the places around Thiruvananthapuram.
Best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram: Best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram is between August to March.
Where to stay in Thiruvananthapuram: Plenty of accommodations are available to stay in the city. Budget, Midrange and luxury hotels are available. Best hotels in Thiruvananthapuram are Travancore Palace Beach, Turtle on the Beach, Maurya Rajadhani and KTDC Chaithram Trivandrum.
Where to eat in Thiruvananthapuram: Plenty of restaurants are available. All the restaurants serve North Indian, Chinese, Tamilian and Local cuisines. Most famous dishes in the city are Fish Molee and Fish Pollichathu. Every visitor of this city has to try these dishes.