The city gets its name from the word,
Thiruvananthapuram, meaning the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred
Serpent Anantha on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity,
reclines. Trivandrum, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful
seaside city built on seven hills.
Stretching along the southern coast of the country, with the Backwaters
reaching deep into the verdant countryside, Kerala affords a fascinating
experience.
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.
Tourist Attractions :
» Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple - The ancient
temple is the most dominating feature of Trivandrum. Overlooking the Padma
Theertham Tank. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted
reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its
name. Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring. The temple
is open only to Hindus and dress regulations are strictly enforced.
» Vettukad Church - 7 kms from Trivandrum. The
'Madre De Deus' Church popularly known as the Vettukad Church attracts
thousands of devotees from all religions. The annual celebration here is
called the 'Feast Of Christ, The King'.
» Sankhumugham Beach - The long stretch of
clean sand is located near the airport. The water there, however, is
suitable for bathing.
» Kovalam Beach - Kovalam beach is only 16 km. away
from the city. This unique and uncluttered beach of silvery sands fringed
with rows of tall palms, a sheltered bay provides a wide choice of water
sports.
Other Travel Attractions :
»
Veli Tourist Village - A large recreational centre located near the
airport along a sheltered lagoon offers landscaped gardens and water-sports
facilities. It is a popular picnic spot. Accommodation facilities are
available in the youth hostel.
» Aruvikkara - 16 km. It is both a pilgrim centre
and a picnic spot, with a waterfall nearby. On the banks of the Karamana
River, the spot houses a temple, where a rock cut shrine is dedicated to
Goddess Bhagvathy, the divine embodiment of female power. A stream with
fishes, which come up to be fed by visitors, is another attraction. more...
» Beema Palli - 5 kms south of Trivandrum. An
important Muslim pilgrim centre, it is dedicated to Beema Beevi, a pious
Muslim lady believed to have possessed divine powers. Devotees of all faiths
visit the mosque.
» Vizhinjam - Near Kovalam, it's a fishing port,
which is also important for an ongoing pioneer project to generate
electricity from wave energy.
» Public Park - Truly a representative of the clean
and verdant aspect of the city, the Public Park houses many important
institutions, like the Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The observatory on the
Observatory hill is also located in the Public Park.
