Thiruvananthapuram: God’s own land
If you visit Kerala, what's a better place to explore than Kerala's capital, Trivandrum, or Thiruvananthapuram? Trivandrum brags a rich history dating back to ancient times. The city was once a significant trading post for empires like the Cholas, the Pandyas, and the Venad kingdom. Later, it became the capital of Travancore, a princely state under the rule of the Travancore royal family. This historical legacy is evident in the city's architecture, monuments, and cultural practices. The culture of Trivandrum is deeply rooted in its vibrant art forms, music, dance, and festivals. Classical dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniattam and traditional music genres like Carnatic music are integral to the city's cultural fabric. Festivals such as Onam and Vishu are celebrated with great zeal and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Try dishes like appam with stew, puttu, Kerala sadya (a traditional feast served on banana leaves), and fresh seafood delicacies. Local tea and filter coffee add to the exciting aura.
When exploring the city, you can unwind at famous cafes that offer traditional flavours and a modern ambience. Places like the iconic Indian Coffee House and trendy restaurants like Kashi Art Café and Villa Maya provide a fun experience for coffee enthusiasts and food lovers. Trivandrum's landscapes and serene beaches are blessed with spots like Kovalam and Varkala. Hop on to these flights to Thiruvananthapuram by IndiGo and explore all this yourself.
Places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram
Making an itinerary for your trip to this city can be highly beneficial as you can cover all the city's best destinations and plan your days here accordingly. Make your itinerary based on these places you shouldn’t miss out on.
- Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Take the blessings of lord Vishnu at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The temple's presiding deity is depicted in a unique reclining posture, known as "Anantha Shayana," with a thousand-hooded serpent as a bed. This magnificent temple showcases ancient Dravidian architecture, with its towering gopuram (gateway tower) and elaborate carvings. The temple's legacy is intricately woven with the history of the Travancore royal family, who have been the principal custodians of the temple for generations. It can be the perfect starting point for your trip.
- Magic Planet: Magic Planet is a Kinfra Film and Video Park theme park near Kazhakuttam and can be a delightful experience. You will come across the aura of scientific, mathematical and psycho-magic. Mr Oommen Chandy, the former Chief Minister of Kerala, inaugurated this in 2014. Since then, this theme park has become a significant attraction. The talent involved here and tricks like "Indian Basket Trick" can be worth your money and time. It spreads over 1.5 acres and can be a great addition to your itinerary with a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Napier Museum: Napier Museum is an iconic landmark and one of the most prominent museums in the state. It was built in the 19th century and showcases a fascinating collection of artefacts that glimpse Kerala's rich cultural heritage. The museum was established in 1855 and named after the then Governor of Madras, Lord Napier. Witness ancient sculptures, bronze idols, traditional Kerala art, exquisite ivory carvings, and various artefacts from different periods. This museum surely deserves a place on your itinerary.
- Kovalam Beach: Kovalam Beach is just 16 km from the city centre. It is a coastal heaven that has earned its top spot. The beach is famous for its sandy shores, turquoise waters, and serene ambience. The coast comprises three main parts - Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach (also known as Eve's Beach), and Samudra Beach. Lighthouse Beach is the most popular and vibrant of the three, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops lining the promenade. It is named after the iconic Vizhinjam Lighthouse, which stands tall on a rocky promontory overlooking the beach.
- Thiruvananthapuram Zoo: Explore the rich wildlife in the city at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo of India. It covers a vast area of 55 acres of lush greenery and is one of India's oldest and most well-maintained zoological parks, dating back to 1857. Visitors can explore various enclosures designed to replicate the animals' natural habitats. The zoo offers a fascinating glimpse into the state's rich biodiversity, from tigers, elephants, and deer to various birds and reptiles. Its successful breeding programs have contributed significantly to preserving endangered species like the Indian rhinoceros and the royal Bengal tiger.
- Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a revered temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, a form of the Divine Mother, and is a delightful experience. This temple holds immense religious and cultural significance and is renowned for its annual Attukal Pongala festival, one of the world's largest all-women religious gatherings. The temple's history dates back centuries, and it is believed to have been initially established by Goddess Kannaki, a revered deity in Tamil literature. The present-day infrastructure of this temple was built in the 18th century, and it stands as a symbol of spiritual devotion and architectural grandeur.
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is a significant airport just 4 km from the city. The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are dedicated to all international and domestic flights. They regularly receive flights to Thiruvananthapuram and departures worldwide. Lounges, cafes and restaurants, ATMs, currency exchange counters, and other facilities are available in both terminals. The distance between the airport and the city centre is approximately 3.7 km. You can get to the city centre in about 30 minutes by taxi. Buses and rental vehicles are also available.