Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, is surrounded by hills and coastal areas in the midst of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Ranked top for the number of foreign visitors, it makes an amazing holiday destination with vast stretches of low coastal hills and eventful commercial areas. It is known for its British colonial architecture and art galleries. Apart from being regarded as one of the ten greenest cities in India, it is also an academic hub and houses renowned educational institutions such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram (CET) amongst other. Also, this city is known for the establishment of India’s first and largest IT park called the ‘Technopark’...
Major attractions of Trivandrum
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Famously known as the World's Richest Temple, it is believed that the whole city was built around this temple. Following an order by the Supreme Court, the temple partially released its valuation of assets and monumental items which stood close to Rs.1,000 billion (US$15 billion). It has numerous stories associated with it along with intricate sculptures and architectural designs. The temple houses an impressive 18 feet long idol of Lord Vishnu in his ‘Sheshashayana’ (reclining on the serpent, Shesha) state.
East Fort
It retains the heritage of the royal family of Travancore and their golden history which is preserved in the interior walls and the premises. Even, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located within the fort.
Kowidar Palace
Situated in Kowidar, this magnificent palace is the official residence of the Travancore royal family and the Maharajas. One can catch a glimpse of the marvellous architectures of this palace which is a combination of the Saxon and Travancore styles.
Shanghumukham Beach
It is a popular attraction of Thiruvananthapuram where people come to relax in the natural environment. You can catch mesmerizing sunset views at this beach.
Sri Chitra Arts Gallery
Established in 1935, this art gallery is a treat for art lovers. It displays a rare collection of traditional and contemporary paintings and the great works of Raja Ravi Varma, Nicholas Roerich, Svetoslav Roerich, Jamini Roy, Rabindranath Tagore, V. S. Valiathan, C. Raja Raja Varma, and K. C. S. Paniker.
Other Attractions
Other attractions in the city would include the beaches of Kovalam and Shanghumukham, the Padmanabhapuram Palace, Ponmudi, the Science & Technology Museum, the Public Park and Observatory, the Veli Tourist Village and the Akkulam Boat Club amongst others.
How to Reach
Trivandrum is well connected by air through the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and by rail via Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.