Located near the southernmost tip of mainland India, Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. The city is nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. It was previously known as Trivandrum. The word ‘Thiruvananthapuram’ means ‘City of Lord Anantha’. The city is home to the famous Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Thiruvananthapuram articulates a melange of cultural heritage and modern lifestyle. Despite growing commercialisation, the city preserves its exotic natural splendour.
Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram
Start your day in Thiruvananthapuram by offering prayer at Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Visit the Napier Museum, Kanakakunnu Palace and Priyadarshini Planetarium in the city. Have a tour to Poovar Island to explore the beauty of Kerala backwaters. Trek to Agastya Mala Peak and witness the pristine nature. Spend some great time at beaches like Shanghumukham, Veli and Puthenthope. Further, rejuvenate yourself by visiting the Ayurvedic wellness centres in the city.
Tourist attractions in Thiruvananthapuram
The top sightseeing spots in Thiruvananthapuram include Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Shankhumugham Beach, Napier Museum, Zoological Garden, Poovar Island, Priyadarshini Planetarium, Agastyarkoodam and the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. Further, the Happy Land Water Theme Park and the Magic Planet are among the most happening places for children in the city.
Places to shop in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram is famous for traditional handicraft items like Kathakali masks and ivory figurines, handloom and coir, sandalwood and rosewood and organic spices. Chalai Market is the major shopping destination in the city. It is a century-old market where you will find everything, from apparels to jewellery to electronics. For budget shopping, MG Road is the ideal place. The S.M.S.M. Kerala Government Emporium is a treasure land for traditional paintings, handicrafts and other souvenirs. At the Connemara Market and Sankars Coffee & Tea, you will get a range of spices and condiments. The popular shopping malls in Thiruvananthapuram include the Mall of Travancore, Central Mall and Ramachandran Shopping Mall.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram is from October to February.
Modes of transport
Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs a good network of buses in and around the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Further, auto-rickshaws, taxis and app-based cabs are convenient means of transport in the city.
Weather in Thiruvananthapuram
Situated on the south-western coast, Thiruvananthapuram observes a tropical climate. Summers are warm and humid. The city receives massive rainfall under the influence of south-west monsoons as well as north-east monsoons between June and October. The weather in the city becomes lovely in winters. The minimum temperature remains around 18 degrees Celsius during this season.
Airport in Thiruvananthapuram
Trivandrum International Airport (IATA: TRV) is located about 6 km from the city centre. It was the first airport in the state of Kerala. IndiGo operates more than 50 weekly non-stop flights from Thiruvananthapuram to other major destinations in the country.