City of Holy Serpent
Thiruvananthapuram, formerly known as Trivandrum is gateway to one of the
most beautiful Indian states, Kerala.
Stretching along the southern coast of the country, with the Backwaters
reaching deep into the verdant countryside, Kerala affords a fascinating
experience. The city of the Thousand - headed Anatha, the holy serpent on
which Lord Vishnu reclines.
trivandrum is one of the most beautiful cities of India. Perched on
undulating terrain of low coastal hills near the southern edge of the
Indian mainland, clean and green Trivandrum, which was previously called
Trivandrum, is an ancient city with trading tradition dateing back to 1000
BC. The city once formed a part of the capital of Travancore, which had
its capital at Padmanabhapuram, now in Tamilnadu.
The city is also a welcome departure from other large cities of India in
its spacious layout and regulated life.
It is also an excellent base to explore the interiors of Kerala, the
southernmost region of India, and from Kochi, the Lakshadweep Islands. The
city offers all modern facilities needed by a visitor and is a centre for
cultural activities.
Prime Attractions of Trivandrum
» Churches
§ Vettukad Church : (7 kms from Trivandrum) The
'Madre De Deus' Church popularly known as the Vettukad Church attracts
thousands of devotees from all religions. The annual celebration here is
called the 'Feast Of Christ, The King'.
» Temples
§ Sri Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple : The
ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Trivandrum. Overlooking
the Padma Theertham Tank. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is
depicted reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city
derives its name. Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth
admiring. The temple is open only to Hindus and dress regulations are
strictly enforced.
» Beaches
§ Sankhumugham Beach : The long stretch of clean
sand is located near the airport. The water there, however, is suitable
for bathing.
§
Kovalam
Beach : Kovalam beach is only 16 km. away from the city. This
unique and uncluttered beach of silvery sands fringed with rows of tall
palms, a sheltered bay provides a wide choice of water sports.
» Others
§ Veli Tourist Village : A large recreational
centre located near the airport along a sheltered lagoon offers landscaped
gardens and water-sports facilities. It is a popular picnic spot.
Accommodation facilities are available in the youth hostel
§ Aruvikkara : 16 km. It is both a pilgrim
centre and a picnic spot, with a waterfall nearby. On the banks of the
Karamana River, the spot houses a temple, where a rock cut shrine is
dedicated to Goddess Bhagvathy, the divine embodiment of female power. A
stream with fishes, which come up to be fed by visitors, is another
attraction.
§ Beema Palli : (5 kms south of Trivandrum) An
important Muslim pilgrim centre, it is dedicated to Beema Beevi, a pious
Muslim lady believed to have possessed divine powers. Devotees of all
faiths visit the mosque.
§ Public Park : Truly a representative of the
clean and verdant aspect of the city, the Public Park houses many
important institutions, like the Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The
observatory on the Observatory hill is also located in the Public Park.
§ Vizhinjam : Near Kovalam, it's a fishing port,
which is also important for an ongoing pioneer project to generate
electricity from wave energy.
