Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

[90 kms / 3 hrs Road Drive from Kanyakumari]

Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. This perfect leisure destination is naturally emerald and entrancing. This city boasts a fine amalgam of Indian and European traditions in the form of its architecture and culture. With palm fringed tranquil beaches, serene backwaters, historic monuments and a varied cultural heritage. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and Tamil Nadu in the east, this beautiful city is worth staying. Intense tropical forests, stunning beaches, crags, rocky coasts, an intricate maze of backwaters, 44 radiant rivers have make this city one of the most sought after tourist destination. What ever you want you will find them all in this very place.
Popular Tourist Attractions in/ around Thiruvananthapuram
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (built in 1733 by the Maharaja of Travancore)
Dedicated to lord Vishnu, the temple is one of the major tourist attractions of the city. The temple houses a huge gopuram and a large pond. This temple is famous for the statue of lord Mahavishnu in sleeping posture.

Highlights: 10-day annual festival, the Arattu procession, statue of lord Mahavishnu in sleeping posture, architecture of the temple etc.



Kuthiramalika Palace Museum (built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma)
The great Poet king of Travancore built this magnificent Palace. You will find Swords, guns etc. of olden ages are also exhibited here. At a short distance from the Padmanabhaswamy temple, this palace’s southern portion boasts a beautiful monument of 122 horses.

Highlights: 'Dantasimhasana', Swords, guns, antiques, beautiful murals etc.

The Zoological Park (Open 1000 - 1700 hrs - closed on Mondays)
Situated at a short distance from the city, this zoo is one of the firsts of its kinds in India. Here you will experience of a jungle in the middle of the city. Apart from the other animal species this place has different varieties of snakes.

Highlights: snakes, botanical garden, frangipani, jacaranda etc.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram, this wildlife sanctuary is dotted with hillocks, rich flora and fauna. This is one of the most frequented destinations for the wildlife aficionado. There are 13 tribal settlements in the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.

Highlights: tiger, panther, wild dog, lion tailed macaque, elephant, gaur, sambhar, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, Nilgiri langur, Malabar squirrel etc.

Backwater Tour in Thiruvananthapuram
Trivandrum is also known for its backwaters. Thiruvallam and Veli are two main Back water stretch of this beautiful area. Boat rides in these serene backwaters will take you to a voyage of unforgettable memories. Thiruvallam backwater stretch is also famous for its canoe rides. Get introduce you to the hidden Kerala that exists on the shores of these backwaters.

Popular Excursions from Thiruvananthapuram
You can visit and see many places when you are based in Thiruvananthapuram. Just a

Few kms away placed is the famous Kovalam beach. Ranked amongst one of the loveliest beaches in the world this beach is ideal for Yoga, Ayurvedic massage, surfing, swimming and sun-bathing. 29 km from the city, Neyyar Dam is located which houses a mini wildlife sanctuary, and a crocodile farm. The additional attractions of this place include boating facilities and trekking opportunities. Kollam, 66 km from the city houses the Astamudi Lake, ancient churches, the Thirumullavaram beach and some Hindu shrines is a must see. If you want you can also organize backwater cruises to Alappuzha from here

Popular Shopping Items/ Shopping Centres in Thiruvananthapuram
Being one of the most important cities of Kerala, Trivandrum is an important shopping center. Not only for the traditional Kerala items but also for modern goods Thiruvananthapuram is famous. The best buys from Trivandrum are woodcarvings, copperware, cane and bamboo furniture and crafts, lacquer ware etc. Pick up some kitchenware, brass lamps, Coir products, Floor coverings, doormats, floor Matting and rugs etc, which come in a range of colors and designs

The main shopping centers in Thiruvananthapuram are M. G. Road, Chalai, Attukal Shopping Complex, Power House Road, Saphalya (Palayam), Narmada Shopping Complex (Kaudiar) and Kedaram (Kesavadasapuram).

Thiruvananthapuram Travel Information
Thiruvananthapuram is well accessible by air, water and road.

Closest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Closest Railway Station: Central railway station

Bus Stand:

• KSRTC bus stand
• City bus depot
• Vikas Bhavan bus depot
• Peroorkada bus depot
• Pappanamcode bus depot
• Kaniyapuram bus depot
• Vellanad bus depot

Road Link: National Highway 47

Local Transport in Thiruvananthapuram
The internal city public transport is mainly dominated by the state-owned KSRTC. Apart from this city has tourist vehicles operated by the several authorized tourist agents. For the comparatively long journeys intercity trains, ensure an easy and efficient mode of transportation.