Welcome to the capital of God’s own country

by Sandy · March 1, 2013

Almost all cities of India are known for its huge buildings, parks and monuments. But Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Ananthapuri and Trivandrum (this name not used nowadays) is known for its greenery, beaches and a few historic places. It’s the capital city of Kerala and southern most district of India, in addition to Kanya Kumari. Lovely sandwiched between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea, this place has a moderate temperature throughout. Though no special tourist season is there, it’s better to avoid hot summer. Through this column, let me give you a tourist guide – the list of all important tourist destinations of this green city, the capital of God’s own country.

Most recently, Shree Padmanabha Swamy Temple is in news for its treasure hunt. Now, according to statistics, it’s the richest temple of the world. Let me add one interesting fact – this city’s name was coined from name of the temple; the city of Lord Anantha. Lord Vishnu is in Anantha Shayanam position with a pleasing smile on his face. Another temple whose name is in Guinness Book of World Records is Sree Attukal Bhagavathi temple and this temple is famous for Attukal Pongal –a sweet offering with rice, jaggery, bay leaves and coconut. Attukal Pongala holds the world record of biggest gathering of women at a place a single day. Vigneswara temple at East Fort Junction is another pilgrim destination. Palayam church and mosque are also famous. This city is famous for a large number of churches and forts.

This city was constructed this way by great kings of Travancore and people of royal family still stays at Kowdiar Palace. Earlier they ruled the state from Padmanabhapuram Palace, Thuckalay. Though Kanyakumari district has been added to Tamil Nadu, this palace is still under Kerala government’s custody and if you want to visit this palace, it’s about 50 km away from the heart of the city.

Famous Shankh at Veli

Now let me tell you important tourist destinations of this city. Veli lake, Shankhumugham beach, Archeological museum, Kanakakunnu palace, zoological garden and Aakulam tourist village are spread around the city. Kovalam beach is just 15 kms away from East fort. The coastal belt from Kovalam to Poovar, including Vizhinjam, Chappath and Aazimala is a wonderful spot for all tourists, especially foreigners. Silent waves – that’s why this sea is popular.

Famous Yakshi Statue at Shankhumugham

If you want to go to a hill station, Ponmudi is near. If you are a religious person who loves pilgrimage or an adventurous person who loves trekking, Agastharkoodam is the best destination. This place is believed to be the place where Saga Agasthya lived.

One of the two front gates of Museum

Now let me give you information about important dams of the district. Neyyar dam and Aruvikkara Dam are most famous. Secretariat and Legislative Assembly, Kilimanur palace, Technopark of Kazhakoottam, Amusement park, Aruvippuram temple, Neyyattinkara Srikrishna temple and Peppara wild life sanctuary are a few other places that need special mention.

You can reach the capital city by train or flight. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is just 10 kms away from the city. Bus stand and railway station stands on either side of the same road smiling each other at Thampanoor. Now construction is going on at bus stand to convert it to an amazing shopping centre. Private bus stand is at East fort, approximately 1 km away from these places.

Also read: Dishes served in Thiruvananthapuram style Kerala sadya

You can read a few more articles related to Thiruvananthapuram- The capital city of Kerala, and the posts cover different topics. Here is the page link. Click on the images in the gallery to read

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Tags: Ananthapuri kanakakunnu palace Kerala best places to visit Kerala Tourism Shankhumugham Thiruvananthapuram thiruvananthapuram museum thiruvananthapuram zoo trivandrum museum trivandrum tourism trivandrum tourist spots TVM Tourism veli Veli lake Yakshi Statue Yakshi Statue at Shankhumugham

Sandy

A freelance writer and blogger by profession since October 2011, interested in writing over a wide range of topics. Hope you enjoy my writings. I belong to one of the beautiful places of the world, Kerala, nicknamed as 'God's own country'.