Thiruvananthapuram, formerly known as Trivandrum is gateway to one of the
most beautiful Indian states, Kerala. Stretching along the southern coast of
the country, with the Backwaters reaching deep into the verdant countryside,
Kerala affords a fascinating experience. The city of the Thousand - headed
Anatha, the holy serpent on which Lord Vishnu reclines.
Trivandrum is one of the most beautiful cities of India. Perched on
undulating terrain of low coastal hills near the southern edge of the Indian
mainland, clean and green Trivandrum, which was previously called
Trivandrum, is an ancient city with trading tradition dateing back to 1000
BC. The city once formed a part of the capital of Travancore, which had its
capital at Padmanabhapuram, now in Tamilnadu.The city is also a welcome
departure from other large cities of India in its spacious layout and
regulated life.
It
is also an excellent base to explore the interiors of Kerala, the
southernmost region of India, and from Kochi, the Lakshadweep Islands. The
city offers all modern facilities needed by a visitor and is a centre for
cultural activities.
Trivandrum - Location
Trivandrum (official name Thiruvananthapuram), lying on the southwest coast
of India, is the capital to the state of Kerala. The city extends from
latitude 8°29' N to longitude 76°59' E. The place is well
connected to most of the other major cities of India through rail, road, and
air network.
Trivandrum - Climate
Because of its nearness to the sea, the climate of Trivandrum is tropical.
This also gives Trivandrum a very pleasant weather round the year. The
average maximum temperature can go up to 36.2°C in summer months and to
a minimum of 18.0°C in the winters. Monsoon comes to Trivandrum in the
month of May and remains there until November.
Unique Travel Attractions
Varkala
Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of
pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the
coastline.
It's a beautiful beautiful beach that has a more than 2000 years old shrine
of Lord Vishnu. Varkala beach is rich in mineral water springs that are
known for their medicinal value. A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach
is believed to purge the body and the soul of all the sins hence the name
'Papanashini' for this shore.
Kovlam Beaches
Kovalam beach is the most famous South Indian beach. Mainly there are two
beaches in Kovalam along with many private beaches. Eve's beach is a
semi-circular one, well known for its secluded location and its relatively
good beach area. Another famous beach is that of Lighthouse beach where a
lighthouse situates, which belong to the British period. Apart from the
beach holidays Kovalam offers Ayurvedic massage, Ayurvedic rejuvenation,
Yoga (Indian way of meditation) etc.
Neyyar Dam
Neyyar is well known for Neyyar Dam is a popular picnic sport with a lake
and a picturesque dam site. Neyyar has some of the rarest medicinal herbs in
Kerala. The lake formed by the dam across the Neyyar river is the bluest of
blue, making boating irresistible for tourists.
The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary of which the dam is a part is the habitat of
over a hundred rare species of fauna including elephants, wild buffaloes,
wild boar, porcupines, tigers and a variety of snakes. A crocodile breeding
centre and a lion safari park are also located in the dam site.
Veli Tourist Village
An exciting place for picnics, the Veli Tourist Village is built near the
Veli lagoon fringed with greenery and easily accessible by road. Veli is
located 8 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city. The village provides an
excellent atmosphere for relaxing. A beautifully landscaped garden and
facilities for swimming, boating, etc, on the placid waters of the lake
attract hundreds of visitors everyday.
The village is borded by Veli lagoon and Arabian sea which makes it one of
the picturesque location. Besides water sports, 18 acre waterfront park with
floating bridge connects the village to the Shankhumukham beach and also
there is a children's park around the floating bridge.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Peppara well known for the Peppara wild life sanctuary is accessible from
Vithurai on Thiruvananthapuram - Ponmudi road. This sanctuary with its rich
fauna and birds is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts. It
is spread over an area of 53 Sq. km. on the Western Ghats. This is dotted
with large hills and numerous hillocks with forests and Eucalyptus
plantations. Elephant, Sambar, Leopard and Lion tailed macaque are commonly
seen.
Festive Moods of Trivandrum
Paripally
Gajamela
Paripally, 48 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram is noted for its Gajamela or
Elephant pageant. Over 50 elephants are taken out on a ritual procession on
the tenth day of the festival (February- March).
No celebration in Kerala is complete without an elephant pageant. The
gentle giant has been revered like divinity and accorded the privilege of
escorting the numerous gods and goddesses of this land. Most festivals of
Kerala feature spectacular elephant processions. The pooram and vela
festivals are the best occasions to watch the majestic tuskers in all their
caparisoned splendour.
Nishagandhi Festival
Every year, from February 21st to 27th renowned classical dancers perform
at the Nisangandhi, an open air theatre in Thiruvananthapuram city.
Classical dances of almost all the states of India are staged during the
festival. Mohiniyattam (Kerala), Bharatha Natyam (Tamil Nadu), Kutchippudi
(Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Orissa), Manipuri (Manipur) and Kathak (a north
Indian Classical Dance) are the major dances performed. Renowned artist and
connoisseurs of dance from all over India come to enjoy this cultural treat.
Gourmet Delight - Flavour Food Festival
Flavour, the exotic food festival provides a rare opportunity to the
gourmets to taste the traditional, authentic Cuisine of Kerala and India.
The national food festival is held in Thiruvananthapuram from 5th to the
11th of April, every year.
Renowned hotels from across Kerala participate in this weeklong
international festival of the various cuisines of the world held at the
Thiruvananthapuram. Flavour, the exotic food festival provides a rare
opportunity to the gourmets to taste the traditional, authentic Cuisine of
Kerala and India.
The Boat Race Carnival
The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged each year in the scenic village of
Aaranmula in August/ September. This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula
Temple festival. Masses throng the shores of the River Pamba to watch an
imposing cluster of snake boats called 'Palliyodams'.
Each boat, nearly 100 feet long, is a remarkable feat of craftsmanship,
with the stem curved to resemble the hood of a snake and a tampering bow.
Festooned with silk and gold spangled umbrellas, the boats are manned by a
crew of more than 100 men.
Trivandrum Backwaters
The lagoons, lakes, canals and rivers are lined up with dense tropical
vegetation on either side. It is a breathtaking bout to experience a
solitary and calm glide through this network of waterways. The backwaters
form a specially attractive and economically valuable feature of Kerala.
They include lakes and ocean inlets which stretch irregularly along the
coast. The biggest backwater is the Vembabad lake, some 200 sq kilometers in
area, which opens out into the Arabian Sea at Cochin port. The Periyar,
Pamba, Manimala, Achenkovil, Meenachil and Moovattupuzha rivers drain into
this lake. Veli, Kadhinamkulam, Anjengo (Anju Thengu), Edava, Nadayara,
Paravoor, Ashtamudi (in Kollam Dist.) are some of the other places where you
may go for backwater cruising.
Thiruvanthapuram - Shoppers Stop
Carved rosewood, teak furniture and decorative items, masks depicting
various characters of Indian mythology (usually worn in Kathakali
performances, Thyyams and other classical dances), are important products in
the markets of Kerala.
A speciality of Thiruvananthapuram is Arammula metal mirror produced by
mixing certain herbs with molten metal to give it a highly reflective
surface.
The main shopping area of the city is the stretch on M.G. Road between East
Fort and Palayam. Most emporia are located in this area. Gram Sree, the
village crafts centre, is one of the best places.
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