Location: South India
Famous For: Capital of Kerala
Places of Interest: Kovalam, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Aruvikkara Dam, Neyyar Dam and Science & Technology Museum
Temperature: summer - Max.36.2, Min.20.6, and winter - Max.35, Min.18
Rainfall: 170 cm (May to November).
Ideal Time to Visit: October to March
Language: Malayalam, English

An Over All View
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Thiruvananthapuram is an important gateway to southern part of India facilitating accessibility to Maldives, Sri Lanka and many countries to the west Arabian Sea. It is also an excellent junction to hunt the interiors of Kerala and the entire region in Southern India. Trivandrum caters to the need of all the sections of the tourist, offering all kind of modern facilities needed by a visitor.

Historic Perspective
Thiruvananthapuram City of Kerala is also known as Trivandrum is situated in the south of India is also called the wadi (Valley) of south.
Thiruvananthapuram also the capital of the Kerala State, is a ravishing seaside city perched on the Malabar Coast. The city procure its name from the word, Thiru Ananthapuram meaning the city of Ananth or the home of the divine serpent Anantha, on which Lord Vishnu, the protector of the Hindu trinity, sprawl out.
Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient city with rich cultural tradition dating back to 1000 BC. The city was converted in to the capital of Raja of Travancore in 1750, it is a serene charming city located on the low hills by the sea. Thiruvananthapuram had artfully preserved and retain the age-old decor of rich Kerala heritage in its red tiled roofs, narrow winding lanes, close corner cafes. The illustrative pagoda roof style is unique to Kerala and in Coastal Karnataka.

Charms of Trivandrum
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Padmanabhaswamy the most important pilgrimage center of Thiruvananthapuram is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is an architectural splendor depicting Dravidian style of workmanship. It is best known for its poignant 7-story gopuram (minaret) is also known for its artistic scene and sculptures. Other attractions are intricate granite sculptures, resting on 400 pillars, endorsing temple corridors. Non Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple. Hindus can enter the temple only wearing white dhoti a big white unstitched cloth.
Timings: The temple opens from 04:15-05:15hrs, 06:45-07:30hrs, 08:30-10:30hrs, 11:30-12:00hrs, 17:15-19:30hrs.

Kuthiramalika (Puthemalika) Palace Museum
Maharaja Swathi Tirunal Balarama Varma, the King of Travancore constructed the Palace who himself was a great poet, musician and a social reformer. The unique wood carving in the Palace will definitely leave its visitors wonder stuck. The palace museum houses diverse painting of the royal family and much more.
Timings: It will be open from 8:30-12:30hrs and 3:30-5:30hrs.
It will be closed on Monday.

Veli Tourist Village
10km from the city is a fascinating picnic spot with boating facility. Other attractions are its speedboats, restaurant, and well-maintained gardens with sculptures erected in the center, definitely a tourist-relaxing joint.
Timing: It is open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.

Aruvikkara Dam
Located 16km north of Thiruvananthapuram is adorned with prodigal picturesque splendor. The spot is very famous as an international renowned beach resort and is a desired leisure hunt for tourist since 1930. Other attraction is an ancient temple dedicated to Durga crowned on the riverbanks.

Museum of Science and Technology
The museum is located near the mascot hotel and exhibits the science, technology, electronics and every kind of modern development.
Timings: Open from 10am to 5pm.
Closed on Monday.

Sri Chittira Art Gallery
The gallery has an admirable store of Indian art- Paintings by Raja Ravi Varma. Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings and Tanjore paintings arrayed with semi- precious stones are also exhibited here. Other attractions are a fabulous Zoo and an Aquarium nearby.
Timings: It will be open from 10am to 5pm.
Closed on Monday and Wednesday mornings.

Excursion
Kovalam
Kovalam beach- 16kms away from Thiruvananthapuram is rated among the most renowned beaches in the world. Kovalam's sandy beaches are adorned with palm-fringed lagoons and rocky terrain. Kovalam have in its treasure 3 adjoining beaches, the Lighthouse beach is very popular among the tourist. Government is also facilitating Kovalam as the major tourist destination. The beach is equipped with all modern and international facilitates, with restaurants serving delicacies of fresh seafood. Many hotels offer complete health and recreational packages facilitating ayurveda treatment.
Best Time to visit is from December to March.

Padmanabhapuram Palace
This imperial palace is 54km from Thiruvananthapuram and is located at Thucklai, on the Kanyakumari way. The palace is famous for its marvelous architectural splendor, the fascinating 17th and 18th century artistic scene, carved reddish-brown ceiling, painted mica windows, secret underground passages and a museum.
Timings: It will be closed on Mondays.

Ponmudi
Ponmudi is a hill station at 61km from Thiruvananthapuram. The town is crown at the height of 915metres above sea level with narrow, winding pathways and tall, lush green trees making an absolute destination for the tourist. It is also idle spot for adventure lovers like trekking, bird watching and climbing. The natural scenery, hearty climate and the scope of hiking in high trails gives the visit an stimulating experience.

Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary)- 272 km, Kanniyakumari- 87 km and Quilon -72 km are some of the other excursions from Thiruvananthapuram.

Festivities
Attukal Pongala
(Month of February): Attukal Bhagavati temple is 2km from Thiruvananthapuram is dedicated to goddess bagavati. The prestigious pongala utsavam is celebrated here for over a period of 10 days. Pongala is a form of sweet porridge that is offered to the goddess, prepared in jaggery, coconut, and rice in a specific proportion. The priest moves around the temple courtyard holding goddess swards and consecrate devotees by sprinkle holy water and flowers.

Great Elephant march
(Month of January): This is a 4-day tourism fair with a kaleidoscopic march of embellished elephants.

Chandanakuda at Beema palli
(Month of March): The 10-day festival starts on the 1st of the Hijra month and continues over the period of 10days. The shrine is dedicated to Beema Beevi, a Muslim woman who had divine powers and the festival is held in her memory.

Nishangandhi Dance Festival
(Month of February): It is a famous dance festival that is conducted at Nishagandhi open-air auditorium in kanakakunnu Palace. Celebrities and renowned artist perform the Bharathanatyam, Kathak, kathkali, kuchipudi, manipuri, mohiniyattom and oddissi dances here.

Getting Around
Air: Air-India and Indian Airlines flights with Mumbai ,Channai, Cochin, Delhi and Colombo connect Thiruvananthapuram. Private Airlines such as Goa-way, East West, Continental Airways operate flight to Thiruvananthapuram from Mumbai and Goa.

Rail: Thiruvananthapuram is directly connected by rail to Kolkotta and other major cities in India.

Road: Thiruvananthapuram is also well connected by means of road transport to several tourist centers in India as: Cochin- 223 km, Kanyakumari- 87 km, Madurai- 417 km, Periyar- 272 km and Varkala- 55 km.