The
panoramic landscapes, golden beaches, sun-kissed sands and emerald green
palm trees, Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram, the seaside capital of Kerela,
is bestowed with the glory of the nature. The city gets its name from the
word, “Thiru Ananthapuram” meaning the city of Ananth or the abode
of the sacred serpent Anantha, on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the
Hindu trinity, reclines.
Trivandrum has a long shoreline, with universally renowned beaches,
historic monuments, backwater stretches and a cultural heritage, thus making
it a sought after tourist destination in India. The abode is encompassed by
seven hills and notarizes ancient and modern style of architecture.
Best Time & Climate :
Because of its nearness to the sea, Trivandrum has a tropical climate and
has a pleasant weather throughout the year. The average temperature can go
up to 36.2 degree Celsius in summer and minimum temperature does not go
below 18 degree Celsius. Monsoon comes to Trivandrum in the month of May and
remains there until November. Therefore, the best time to visit Trivandrum
is between December-February.
How to get there ?
» By Air - Trivandrum is well connected with major
cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Mumbai.
» By Train - There are direct trains to all the main
towns in Kerala as well as the major cities in India like Ahmedabad,
Bangalore, Guwahati, Calcutta, Cape Comorin, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai.
» By Road - Trivandrum is well - connected with
Calicut- 448 kms, Cochin- 223 kms, Kanyakumari- 87 kms, Madurai- 417 kms,
Periyar- 272 kms, Ponmudi- 61 kms, Quilon- 73 kms, Varkala- 55 kms.
Must Visit :
» Kovalam Beach - The beach has been a favourite
haunt for tourists since 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent
beaches. The Southernmost, known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most
popular Kovalam, which offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.
»
The Napier Musuem - An architectural marvel, the Napier Museum combines
traditional Kerala style with the Chinese and Mughal influences much evident
in its architecture. The museum contains a fine collection of Kerala's
bronzes, ornaments and costumes, and a model of "Tharawad' the
traditional Nair family home.
» Agasthyakoodam - Agastyarkoodam Peak is a
spectacular peak in the Western Ghats that rises to a magnificent height of
about 1868 metres in the form of a sharp cone. It is accessible only on
foot, with 61 kms of trekking from Bonacaud, and 32 kms from Neyyar Dam.
» Akkulam - Akkulam is a place of great panoramic
beauty with a picturesque lake. Akkulam Lake is situated 3 kms away from
Ulloor junction, in Thiruvananthapuram city. Boating facilities are provided
in the lake. The children's park here is one of the biggest in Kerala.
» Padmanabha Swamy Temple - Dedicated to Lord Vishnu
& an amalgam of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture, the
temple is well known for its Mural Paintings and Stone Carvings.
» Kuthiramalika Palace Museum - The palace was built
by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was
a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of
artisanship in the traditional style of architecture also has exquisite wood
carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless
collections of the royal family.
» Varkala Beach - 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. The 2,000 year old
Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions
here.
Besides these, other places to visit are Anchuthengu, Aruvikkara,
Aruvipuram, Balaramapuram, Kombai Kani-Meenmutty Waterfalls, and Zoo, Neyyar
Dam, Neyyattinkara, Peppara, Ponmudi, Poovar, Sarkara, Thiruvallom, Veli and
Vizhinjam.
»
