Trivandrum
Oficialy popular as Thiruvananthapuram, Trivandrum is the gateway to one of the most exciting back water destination in south India. The city stretches along the southern coastal region of the peninsula of India and has been nicknamed as the City of Serpent. The city in its structure can be compared with Rome as it is a paradise located on seven low lying hills.The city abounds with greenery and its ancient history dates back to about 1000 BC.


Once a part of the capital of Tranvancore which had its headquater at Padmanabhapuram, the place is renamed to present Trivandrum. The hundred percent literacy state is a wonderful base to the exotic places of Kerela and is even the capital of the wonderful, adventurous state of Kerela. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the western Ghats it derieves its name from the deity of Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswami Temple which is a great land mark of the city.


Major Attractions
» The Aranmula Boat Race
The Snake Boat Races are held on the banks of the river Pamda during the festival of Onam, the harvest festival. About 30 decorated Snake boats or Vallams participate in the event. The race conducted on a stretch of 40 kms starts from the hills to the low lying plains on the vervanand Lake.. Oarsmen are dressed with colourful attires and turbans. During the race traditional songs are sung on the rhythms produced by the splashing of waters by the oars. Each boat has 150 oarsmen and 25 singers. The on lookers of the great power show combined with mastery in moving the Boat forward are dumbfolded at the spirit of unity seen to win the race from the other competitors.The snake boat race displays the importance of being united in harmony with nature and the fellow men.

» Varkala Beach
Perfect for watching the Sun setting below the roaring shores,the Varkala beach lies to the coastal region of Kerela. The sight of the Sun melting underneath the waters of the sea, makes it the dream destination for the romantic visitors. The mineral waters that flows from the hills contains medicinal properties, which have the power to heal various ailments of the body. The isolated and quite beach offers its visitors a relaxing holidays from the over crowded city life. The rising rocky cliff surrounds a portion of the beach and ends abruptly submerging in to the sea. The cliff, the sans dunes and the sea all contrast to offer a vivid imagery to the lovely place.
» Sree Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Built in the Dravidian style of architecture and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the 100 feet high gopuram is today the city’s grandest historical landmark. Beautifully decorated with mural paintings and stone carvings it is among the108 most devoted Vishnu Temples in India. The gopuram is carved with gods goddesses, nymphs and is an amazing sight to view for the eyes. Lord Vishnu is seen reclining in the posture of Ananthashayanam' coiled in the lap of the serpent Anantha. The festival of Navarathri is celebrated with great spirit.

» Sri Chitra Art Gallery
Placed on the Napier Museum ground, the Art Gallery exhibits paintings of Raja Ravi Verma, Svetlova and the great Nicholas Roerich. There are also found Portraits from the Mughal and the Tanjore schools of Art. The Chitra Gallery unfolds the different collections of the Travancore family and is even proud to possess a unique Bengali school of painting.


Nearby Attractions
» Padmanabhapuram Palace
Just 54 kms from Thiruvandruum, the magnificent place of the 16th century is a place of beauty for any lover of art and architecture. The interiors are decorated with rose wood carvings and sculptures. Once a home to the family of Travancors, it best exemplifies the wooden architecture of Kerela. The exquisite murals, floral carvings,and the granite floors has passed the test of time. Some of the fascinating 18th century murals are shown on the sacred puja room placed on the upper floor of the palace.


Shopping
One of the favourite items to buy in the capital city is the Arammula metal mirror produced by mixing certain herbs with molten metal to give it a highly reflective surface . Carved rosewood, teak furniture and, masks depicting various characters of Indian mythology (usually worn in Kathakali performances, Thyyams and other classical dances), are other items to choose from a variety in Triuvandrum, Kerala.


Accommodation
Some of the best hotels in Trivandrum that offers hospitality at its best to the visitors are the hotel Sai lucia business hotel, South Park hotel, the Muthu Plaza,hotel residency Tower. All these hotels offers deluxe as well as budget accommodation.

How to Reach
» By Air
Trivandrum, the capital of Kerela is well connected to other major cities of India having its own airport. There are direct flights to Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi.

» By Rail
Trivandrum has its own railway station. Regular trains are available to other states of Karnataka and Tamilnadu, Himsagar Express is a perfect choice of the tourists travelling to North India from there.

» By Road
Trivandrum is well connected with Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam ,Trichur, Chennai Madurai and Pondicherry through an excellent road network.