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Thiruvananthapuram
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.
Thiruvananthapuram 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 Thiruvananthapuram,
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.
Excursion
Sri Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple
The ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram.
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 Thiruvananthapuram)
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.
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.
Beema Palli (5 kms south of Thiruvananthapuram)
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.
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Getting There
By Air
Trivandrum Airport (International) is linked by flights to Cochin,
Madras, Delhi, Goa and Bombay. International flights also operate
to Colombo, Mali, Dubai, Abudhabi and Kuwait.
By Rail
There are trains from Mangalore, Ernakulam, Bangalore, Chennai,
Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Kanyakumari and many other places. There are
about seven trains a day from Thrissur. There are daily many trains
from Kollam and Kochi.
By Road
Long distance buses depart from the Central Bus Station (KSRTC,
Thampanoor bus terminal), opposite the railway station.
Buses go from Kochi, Chennai, Madurai, Bangalore
and Kanyakumari via Nagercoil to Thiruvananthapuram.
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Weather
The climate of Thiruvananthapuram like the rest of Kerala can be classified
as in equatorial type of climate. It is hot and humid but in comparison
to other inland cities, the ocean makes the climate quite pleasant
i.e. not so hot and humid. From June to Sept. it experiences torrential
rains brought by the monsoon clouds. However from October to February,
the climate remains relatively dry and cool and it is the best period
to visit the city.
Rainfall 170 cms. (May to November)
Tourist Season : Auguest to May
Clothing
It is advisable to wear natural fibres as synthetic fibres as the
climates of Thiruvananthapuram do not quite agree with each other.
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General Information & Accomdation info
on Thiruvananthapuram city of Kerala - India
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