Thiruvathapuram

Thiruvananthapuram

Places of interest

Kochi

Munnar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (TRIVANDRUM) is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala. The name is derived from "Tiru Ananta Puram", the abode of the sacred serpent Anantha, upon whose coil, reclines Lord Vishnu (in the main temple).

LOCATION & HISTORY

Built over seven low hills, this coastal city lies in the Southwestern part of Kerala. It was made a capital city by the Raja of Travancore in 1750, when he shifted north from PADMANABHAPURAM.

CLIMATE	The climate of THIRUVANANTHAPURAM like the rest of Kerala can be classified as in equatorial type of climate. It is hot and humid but in comparison to other inland cities, the ocean makes the climate quite pleasant i.e. not so hot and humid. From June to Sept. it experiences torrential rains brought by the monsoon clouds. However from October to February, the climate remains relatively dry and cool and it is the best period to visit the city.
CLOTHING	It is advisable to wear natural fibres as synthetic fibres as the climates of THIRUVANANTHAPURAM do not quite agree with each other.
SEASON
LANGUAGE	The principal language of Kerala is Malayalam. Besides Malayalam, English is also spoken and understood by the majority of the population. Hindi and Tamil are also spoken and understood.
ACCESSIBILITY
Air	THIRUVANANTHAPURAM airport (6km from city centre) has been declared an International Airport from Jan. 1991. Singapore Airlines, Air India and Indian Airlines (domestic flight) operate flights to and from the city. Indian Airlines flies between Cochin and Trivandrum every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Road	THIRUVANANTHAPURAM is well connected by the coastal highway (NH47 south of Trichur and NH17 north) with the major cities of Kerala and also with the neighboring states of Karnataka and Tamil-Nadu.
TRAVELING WITHIN THIRUVATHAPURAM
	There are 3 options you can either hire a car preferably from a government-approved agency or take a taxi or if you prefer a cheaper mode of transport hire an auto rickshaw.