What is Thiruvananthapuram best known for?
Thiruvananthapuram (formerly Trivandrum) is the most populous and capital city of Kerala (a state known as God’s own country). Not only is Thiruvananthapuram a major IT hub in Kerala, but it is also a notable academic and research hub.
It is the largest city in deep south India and was also named the best Kerala city to live in. It is also a major tourist hub in India. Clean beaches, intricate temples, evergreen rainforests and the serene backwaters have helped Thiruvananthapuram welcome hoards of tourists wishing to enjoy local cuisine and modern comforts in the lap of nature.
Best-known places in Thiruvananthapuram
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple – One of the 108 abodes of Lord Vishnu, this temple is one of the most famous tourist and pilgrimage places in Kerala. The highlight of the temple is the reclining deity of Padmanabhaswamy.
- Kovalam Beach – Also a must-visit in Kerala, this beach is thronged by both locals and tourists. From serene walks on the soft sand to adventure activities like para-sailing, diving and wind-surfing, visitors can snack on lip-smacking Kerala delicacies while enjoying the blue waters of the ocean.
- Shanghumukham Beach – Visit this beach for some peace and serenity and to admire the magnificent 35m long sculpture of a mermaid carved by the famous Raja Ravi Varma.
- Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary – This is an ideal place to have a picnic. There are also deer safari parks, crocodile and lion farms.
- Napier Museum – This is one of the most visited tourist places due to its exemplary Gothic architecture and stunning display consisting of ornaments, bronze idols, chariots and ivory carvings.
- Padmanabhapuram Palace – Built in the 16th century, this piece of Kerala architecture is glorious with mica windows, antique furniture and intricate Chinese carvings.
- Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum – This palace museum is a fascinating example of traditional Travancore-style architecture.
- Agasthyakoodam – Enjoy a trek to the second highest peak in Kerala covered in forests teeming with rare medicinal herbs and plants and orchids. It is a famous bird-watching site and the air in this area is believed to have healing properties.
Airport address: Trivandrum International Airport, Airport Rd, Chacka, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695008
IATA code: TRV