¤ About Trivandrum
Thiruvananthapuram
(formerly, Trivandrum), the capital of the Indian state of Kerala, lies on
the southwest coast of India. The place is well connected to most of the
other major cities of India through rail, road, and air network. The city
derives its name from Thiru Anantha Puram, which means the town of Anantha.
In fact, Anantha is the deity at the Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswami Temple, a
major landmark of the city believed to be several thousands years old.
Legend has it that traders came to Thiruvananthapuram as far back as AD 190
for spices, sandalwood, and ivory. It was in the 18th century that
Thiruvananthapuram shot into prominence when the erstwhile kings of the then
Travancore state shifted their capital from Padmanabhapuram to
Thiruvananthapuram. After India's independence, the city was made the
capital of Kerala. The city's proximity to the sea gives it a pleasant
climate throughout the year though the summers can turn a bit hot with the
maximum temperature at times going up to 36.2°C. The monsoon here lasts
from May to November. The ancient temple of Sri Padmanabhaswamy is one of
the major attractions in the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Move around the
city and you get to see various picturesque spots besides the glimpses of
the city's past. Some of the attractions that are not to be missed are the
Napier Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, Zoo, Observatory Hill, Science and
Technology Museum, and Chacha Nehru Children's Museum.
¤ Major Tourist Attractions
of TrivandrumNapier Museum - The Museum, Zoo, and
the park they are located are in, are quite popular with the local people
and tourists. The Napier Museum is housed in a striking building, and has a
good collection of bronzes, ivory carvings, ancient musical instruments and
life-size figures of Kathakali dancers.
Shri
Padmanabhaswamy Vishnu Temple - The area of historical interest in
the city is The Fort, at the southern end of M.G.Road, which encloses the
famous Shri Padmanabhaswamy Vishnu Temple. The fort gateway leads to the
temple, which is surprisingly enough, in the Dravidian style of
architecture, typical of Tamil Nadu. The temple enshrines, and is dedicated,
to the presiding deity of Thiruvananthapuram, Lord Vishnu. It was
constructed by a Maharaja of Travancore, in 1733. The temple is open only to
Hindus. The city derives its name from this temple, as the deity i.e Lord
Vishnu, is shown as reclining on his serpent, Anantha.
¤
AccomodationTrivandrum has a wide range of accomodation facilities
in Government Guest Houses, Hotels & in PWD Rest House.
¤
ShoppingMainly the area of Trivandrum is rich in tea and spice
plantation and thus becomes a paradise for those who have the affinity to
shop for these two items respectively. During shopping in Trivandrum, the
place offers immense variety of spices like- fenu greek, nutmeg, black,
white and green pepper, rolls of cinnamon, coriander and cloves. The mouth
watering banana chips, however, cannot be forgotten while your heavenly days
of shopping in Trivandrum.
Trivandrum
