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About: Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) city is the capital of one of the most beautiful states in India, Kerala. It is situated on the southern tip of Malabar coast in Peninsular India. ‘Thiru-anantha-puram’ means the town of the sacred snake-god Ananthan. It stretches along the shores of the Arabian sea for a distance of 78 kms and an area of 2192 sq kms. Trivandrum, is famous for its enchanting tourist spots including internationally renowned beaches like Kovalam, historic monuments with Gothic architecture, lakes and backwaters, unexplored mountain ranges etc. The city enjoys a notable position in the tourist map of India

Location: Trivandrum is the southern most district of the 14 districts in Kerala. It stretches along the shores of the Arabian sea for a distance of 78 kms and an area of 2192 sq kms. It also possess a handful of naturalistic and magnificent beaches, backwaters, mountains, wild life sancturies, historic monuments etc. The surrounding taluks include Chirayinkeezhu, Nedumangad and NeyyatinkaraGeographical locationNorth latitudes 8° 17' and 8° 54' east longitudes 76° 41' and 77° 17'.

Name: Thiruvananthapuram is named after the holy serpent, the thousand-headed Anantha. Thiruvananthapuram means 'The town of Lord Anantha' is believed to be originated due the presence of the temple of Lord Anantha in the heart of the city. Another view is that the name originated from 'Aananthapuram'

History: Thiruvananthapuram city and several other places in the district, occupies an important place in ancient tradition, folklores and literature of the State. South Kerala, particularly Thiruvananthapuram district, had a political and cultural history in the early past, which was in some respect independent from that of the rest of Kerala. The Ays were the leading political power till the beginning of the 10th century A.D. The disappearance of the Ays, synchronised with the emergence of the rulers of Venad. In 1684, during the regency of Umayamma Rani, the English East India Company obtained a sandy piece of land at Anchuthengu (Anjengo) on the sea coast, about 32 kms north of Thiruvananthapuram city, for erecting a factory and fortifying it. The place had earlier been frequented by the Portuguese and later by the Dutch. It was from here that the English gradually extended their domain to other parts of Thiruvithamcore anglicised as Travancore. Modern history begins with Maharaja Marthanda Varma who reigned from 1729 to 1758 A.D and is generally regarded as the Father of modern Travancore. Thiruvananthapuram was known as a great centre of intellectual and artistic activity in those days. The accession of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal who reigned from 1829 to 1847 A.D., ushered in an epoch of cultural progress and economic prosperity. The beginning of English education was marked in 1834 by the opening of an English school at Thiruvananthapuram. An observatory and a charity hospital were also established here in 1836. During the reign of Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal (1860-1880), a fulfledged Arts College was started here besides the several English, Malayalam and Tamil schools, all over the State. A large hospital with lying-in-facility and a lunatic asylum were also established in Thir u­vananthapuram. The University College was started in 1873. It was during the reign of Sri. Moolam Thirunal (1885­1924), that the Sanskrit College, Ayur veda College, Law College and a second grade College for Women were started here. A department for the preservation and publication of oriental manuscripts was also established.One of the significant aspects associated with Maharaja Sree Moolam Thirunal’s reign was the inauguration of the Legislative Council in 1888. This was the first legislative chamber, instituted in an Indian State. The Sri. Moolam Assembly came into being in 1904. The activities of the Indian National Congress echoed in Thiruvananthapuram and other parts of Kerala during the reign of Maharaja Sree Moolam Thirunal. A political conference of the Congress was held in the city under the presidency of Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramaiah, in 1938. The period of Maharaja Sri. Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma who took the reigns of administration in 1931, witnessed many-sided progress. The promulgation of the Temple Entry Proclamation (1936) was an act that underlined social emanicipation. In 1937, a separate University for Travancore was started. This was later re­designated as the University of Kerala, following the formation of the State of Kerala in 1956. With the accession of Travancore to the Indian Union after Independence, the policy of the State Government as well as the political atmosphere underwent radical changes. The first popular ministry headed by Sri. Pattom A. Thanu Pillai was installed in office on 24th March, 1948.Consequent to the recommendations of the State Reorganisation Commission, the four southern taluks of Thovala, Agastheewaram, Kalkulam and Vilavancode were merged with Tamil Nadu and the State of Kerala came into being on 1st November, 1956

Aruvikkara Dam: Aruvikkara Devi Kshetram (Durga Temple) is situated near the Dam. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.The fishes are considered to be holy and it is beleived that feeding of the fishes cure warts, whiteheads, blemishes etc in the skin.

Neyyar Dam: Popular picnic spot, Neyyar Dam has a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary:This sanctuary spread over 53 sq. km on the Western Ghats, is accessible from Vithurai, which is on the way to Ponmudi. With its rich flora and fauna, Peppara, dotted with hillocks, forests and eucalyptus plantations, is emerging as a great attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.Peppara is 12 km away from vithura situated between Trivandrum - Ponmudi. Peppara is for birdwathcers and buterfly lovers. The Peppara Dam built on the Karamana river provides water to the district. The sanctuary includes part of the Palode and Kuttoor reserve forests and covers an area of 53 sq km. you can do one to two day treks here, but for that, you need to take permission from the Chief wildlife Warden, Trivandrum.

Kovalam Beach: Internationally renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets

Varkala Beach:Varkala is one of the beautiful beach which lies in the western coast of India. The beach is regarded as second only to Kovalam in the Trivandrum beaches.Varkala is one of the Keralas most quite and pictureque beaches with less chaos, crowds and hawkers. Varkala is also fringed by backwaters.Varkala is a seaside resort and spa. It is also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. The final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, is near Varkala, atop a hill called Sivagiri. High cliffs with mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. According to a myth, sage Narada was approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned. Narada threw his valkkalam (cloth made of the bark of a tree) into the air, and the place where it landed was subsequently named Varkala. The mendicants were directed by Narada to offer their prayers in the newly created place by the seashore. The place where they prayed for redemption, came to be known as the Papanasham Beach (Papanasham means redemption from sins). The 2000year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions here.

Shankhumukham Beach: The most easily accessible beach from the capital. 10 km from the bus station. Adjacent to the airport. Attractions: long beach with walk, star fish restaurant, Children's Traffic training park, Aquarium, statue of Matsyakanyaka etc

Vell Tourist Village Lake: It is about 10kms from the city and boating facilities are offered at this picnic spot. Speed boats, restaurants and well landscaped gardens are available. It is open from : 8:00am to 6:00pm

Aakulam Tourist Village: Aakulam Tourist Village, a beautiful picnic spot just about 10 kms From the railway Station 3 kms from Ulloor (NH 47) ] Pleasant backwaters with boating facilities. Water Park (Swimming Pool & Water Slides) Hill top rest place, Children’s Park are major attractions. A musical & Dancing Fountain with State of art facilities, water park all are some of the attractions coming up. Open all days

The Museum Complex Napier Museum: The Zoological Park, Sree Chithra Art Gallery
The Museum Complex located in the heart of the Trivandrum city has everything for its visitors who reach here for tourism, study or research. The institutions inside the complex are potential education centres to all regardlesss of their age, sex and social status. Whereas Museum offer enormous opputrunities to learn about the Art and Culture the Zoological and Botanical gardens have a lot to say about the rich natural heritage of the state.

Agastyakoodam: Agasthyakoodam is the second highest peak in Kerala, at a height of 1890mts above sea level and is a part of the Sahyadri range of mountains.It is 60 Kms North East of Trivandrum.The mountain is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, as it is believed to be the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara as well as of the sage Agastya, a disciple of Shiva. The forests of Agasthyakoodam are rich in rare medicinal herbs and plant, and hued orchids. In 1992, an area covering around 23 sq kms was established as Agasthya Vanam Biological Park. The intention was to restore the degraded forests and to use it for educational purpose. The season from December to April is advocated for trekking and is a distance of 28 kms to the top. It takes approximately two days and trekking is permitted only between December and April.

Neyyar Dam: A popular picnic spot, Neyyar Dam has a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.

Ponmudi Hill Station: An idyllic hill resort with narrow,winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 915 metres above sea level. Along with a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and the deer park nearby, this hill station also has excellent trekking trails.

Sree padmanabha swamy temple: The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. it is known for its mural painting sand stone carvings, one among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu recling on Anantha the Serpent. The temple must see spot and also is the cause of the citys name. It was built in 1733 a.d., and the deity is Lord Padmanabha.

Mahadeva Temple, Kazhakuttam: Situated in Kazhakuttom, this ancient temple is believed to date back to the 14th century. Another old temple in the district is the Mitramandapuram Temple on the outskirts of the city.

Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad: Located on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Courtallam waterfalls, this ancient palace dates back to tkc 1 StK century. Here you can sec a double storeyed traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archeology. The Folklore Museum set up in 1992 is a treasure house of quaint musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils, models of folk arts etc. Displayed in the Koyikkal Palace, they focus attention on the cultural background of the State. The Numismatics Museum houses rare and historically valuable coins denoting the trade relations of the State.

Anchuthengu (Anjengo): Situated 40 kms. north of Thiruvananthapuram, along the sea coast, Anchuthengu is a place of historic importance. It was here that the first settlement of the English East India Company was established in 1864 A.D. Historically, the limits of area where five coconut palms stood was given on lease to the Company by the King of Travancore for trade purposes. The remains of the old English Fort, which had withstood many a siege, can be seen here even today.

Anchuthengu Fort: Anchuthengu was one of the most important bastions of the British East India company. In 1690 the Attingal Queen allowed the British to build a fort. The fort was completed at 1695. This was used as the first signalling station for ships arriving from England to India. Pepper and Coir trade was common here.

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is situated on the southern tip of Malabar coast in Peninsular India. Geographical locationNorth latitudes 8° 17' and 8° 54' east longitudes 76° 41' and 77° 17'.

Air: The Trivandrum International Airport is located 6 kms from the city centre along the National Highway -47. The airport has a domestic and an international terminal and is connected to all cities and also to some destinations in the middle east, Singapore, etc.On reaching the Airport you can have a prepaid taxi from the stand to all Destinations in south Kerala and also into the City

Railway: The Trivandrum Central Railway Station is situated in the heart of the city. the city is connected with New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Ernakulam by daily express trains.

Road: Trivandrum is near the end of NH47 that links Salem to Kanyakumari via Coimbatore. The Main Central Road (SH1) links Angamali (Ernakulam) with Trivandrum via Kottayam. Trivandrums KSRTC Bus Stand, Thampanoor and Ciry Bus Stand, Eastfort connects Trivandrum with most towns in Kerala. Daily and frequent services go to Kollam, Kottayam, Alleppey, Kochi, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Kanyakumari. To get transport buses for travelling around the city you should go to the bus stand at Eastfort and for long distance travel you should get the buses from Thampanoor Bus Station.