TRIVANDRUM
General Information about  Trivandrum

City of Holy Serpent

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.

Excursions of Trivandrum

Forts & Palaces

• Anchuthengu Fort
  Located 36 kms from Trivandrum. The historic remains of the fort built by the British East India Company in the 17th century and an adjoining cemetery are the noteworthy relics of this first major British trading station on the Malabar Coast.
• Padmanabhapuram Palace (Tamil Nadu)
   54 kms. A place of elaborate woodwork, it was the ancient seat of the Travancore rulers. It contains relics of historical and artistic value.
• Koyikkal Palace
  Koyikkal Palace, the ancient palace, located 18 km from Trivandrum on the way to Ponmudi hillstation and the Kuttalam waterfalls, dates back to the 15th century.
• Kaudiar Palace
  This palace, home of the late Maharaja Sree Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family is off limits to the public.
• Temples
  • Sucheendram (Tamil Nadu)
    74 kms. The temple contains beautiful carvings and sculptures. There is an impressive statue of Hanuman and navagrahas carved on the ceiling imitating universe.
  • Aaranmula Parthasarathy Temple
    Parthasarthy temple, dedicated to Parthasarathi or Lord Krishna is said to date back to the days of the Mahabharata. The Vaishnavite Alwar Saints have sung its glory.
  • Ulathupuzha Temple
    Kulathupuzha Temple is situated on a forest range on the Trivandrum - Shenkotta road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple.
  • Sivagiri Temple
    The 'Sivagiri Mutt' is a 'Ashram' founded by the great Hindu reformer and philosopher, Sree Naravana Guru. Even decades after the Guru breathed his last here in 1928 AD, his 'Samadhi' (restling place) continues to be thronged by thousands every year.

Ponmudi
61 kms. It is a beautiful hill station away from the city. The natural scenery, salubrious climate and the scope of hiking in high trails make the visit an exhilarating experience.

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