The city of Thiruvananthapuram (formerly Trivandrum) is a fascinating tourist destination in the Southwest tip of Indian peninsula and an excellent base to explore the scenic Kerala. This capital city of the state of Kerala derived its name from the words- ‘tiru’, ‘anantha’ and ‘puram’ that denotes ‘the abode of the sacred thousand headed serpent –Anantha’. Thiruvananthapuram is also an important entry point to India with direct communication links to Maldives and Sri Lanka, and many other countries to the west Arabian Sea.

The historical monuments, enchanting beaches and overwhelming greenery of the city tend to evoke that unique effortless appeal felt in every part of Kerala. Whether it’s those picturesque red-tiled roofs or the never-ending stretches of palm trees, the maze of narrow, winding streets or the azure blue sea, Thiruvananthapuram makes for a fascinating mixture of culture, architecture, and nature.

Among the major attractions of the city, the Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswami Temple is a must see site. The city owes its name to the deity of this very temple. Other important attractions include the City Museum and Zoological Park, which are quite popular among tourists. The museum is home to a good collection bronze, ivory carvings, ancient musical instruments and life-size figures of classical dancers.