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. |