Thiru-v-anantha-puram is a three-syllable name meaning the home of the sacred snake god "Anantha".  Lord Vishnu of the ancient Indian mythology rests on this huge serpent. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. It is located on the west coast of India on the extreme south. It is an evergreen city with low coastal hills and busy commercial alleys. It is the largest and most populous city in Kerala. The city is the state capital and houses many central and state government offices, organisations and companies. It is the political nerve centre of Kerala, and is home to several educational institutions including the Kerala University, and to many science and technology institutions, the most prominent being the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and Technopark.

One of the most prominent tourist spots in Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram. It has access to many tourist spots like the famed Kovalam beach (16 km), the Neyyar Dam and minor wildlife sanctuary (32 km), the Ponmudi hill resort (61 km), Varkala mineral springs (55 km) and popular local tourist sports like the Veli Tourist Village and the Akkulam Lakeside complex. There is an Art Museum with a surrounding park and it also houses the Sri Chitra Art Gallery and the Zoological Gardens. The Zoological Garden is one of the best laid-out zoos in Asia and is set in pleasant surroundings, amidst lawns and lakes. Its animals and birds and the snake collection in the reptile house attracts many visitors. Then there is the Kanakakunnu palace and opposite the place is the Government Observatory that offers a lovely view from its roof terrace. The city gives a towering example of communal harmony with a good number of temples, churches and mosques located close to one another. At Palayam in the city, the famous St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Juma Masjid and the Ganapathy temple stand very close to one another quite symbolic of the communal harmony.

Places to Visit

Kovalam

Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South". The word "Kovalam" means a grove of coconut trees. This village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Kovalam has a crescent-shaped beach that has three parts. The southern most one is the lighthouse beach. It offers an amazing sight of Vizhinjam mosque. The northern beach is the Samudra, the middle one is the Hawah beach where one can see fishermen setting out for sea. The sea here is pacific and shallow and you can take a dip in the saline waters. You can lie down on the clean white sand and tan your body. There are Ayurvedic massage centres where rejuvenating herbal, body-toning massage and holistic therapies are done.

Kovalam is a natural bay ideal for kayaking, swimming, surfing and skiing. The coast at many places is lined with beautiful patches of coral reefs or you can crest the waves on logs of lashed woods on catamarans. Tourists can explore the handicrafts, jewellery and cloth shops spread along the waterfront. Not to speak of the delightful seafood fare including lobsters available at the beachside restaurants of Kovalam. In the evening the quiet atmosphere of the Kovalam beachside is enlivened by Kathakali performances, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. From Kovalam, you can go for a backwater cruise to the beautiful countryside of Kerala paddling country boats, enjoying its lush greenery.

Varkala

Varkala is a seaside town away from the city. It is an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. There is the 2000-year-old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre. Varkala beach is rich in mineral water springs that are known for their medicinal value. A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to purify the body and the soul of all the sins. It is called the ‘Papanashini’, which means the destroyer of all sins. In the Malayalam month of 'Karkidakam', during early hours of dawn, thousands of people offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual believed to help the souls of ancestors rest in peace. Varkala Beach is also famous for its landscape. A high rocky cliff ends abruptly and a stretch of clear sand extends down to the sea. The contrast between the cliffs, sand and sea makes Varkala Beach a striking sight. The sunset at Varkala Beach is truly breathtaking with the sun sinking into the sea like a ball of molten gold.

Sivagiri Mutt, which is a memorial of Shri Narayana Guru, spiritual leader and social reformer of Kerala is situated here. He propagated the idea of one caste, one religion, and one God. His discourses were conducted mainly in and around Varkala. Sivagiri Mutt is located about 2.5 km from the town and is visited by thousands of Hindu pilgrims, annually.

Ponmudi

Ponmudi is a hill resort situated 54 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and is connected to Trivandrum by a narrow winding road which offers a scenic view on the way to Ponmudi. It is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea. It is one of the popular tourist spots and has accommodation and restaurant facilities. It has mountains and tea plantations and provides beautiful hiking trails. The major attractions near Ponmudi include Golden Valley and a number of rivulets and rapids, some even across the road. Located in a rich forest area, this whole place may be of interest to those who are interested in tropical vegetation. Tea estates at Ponmudi are not as big as those in the Munnar hills. Large water sprays shower the gardens. Trekking is one of the main attractions of Ponmudi. Trekking to the north of Ponmudi Crest, one passes along a mini zoo, primarily of barasinghas, on the edge of the forest. It has a spectacular view of sweeping hill ranges, tea-estates and the mist-covered valleys, peppered with little toy-like stone cottages painted a pretty violet, pink, or white with pointed and peaked roofs. The main attractions at Ponmudi are Orchids and Deer Park which is only 3 kilometers away from the Ponmudi resort.

Poovar

Poovar Beach is another popular tourist spot lying near the Kovalam Beach. It separates the River Neyyar from the sea. Poovar is a fishing village and the only way to reach Poovar is through water. It is known for its virginal beauty, and is a natural wonder where the Lake, River, Sea and Beach meet the land. There is the Poovar Island, which is enveloped by the backwaters and an opening out to the sea. Tourists can cruise to a neighbouring fishing village or visit the centuries old martial arts village. It is unspoilt and unexplored, envoloped by the most serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach.The historical importance of Poovar has its strong ties with the legendary King of the erstwhile Princely State of Travanmcore, the great Marthanda Varma Maharaja. The Raja was once outsted from his throne and in exile. But, a strong ruler, Marthanda Varama Maharaja not only regained his lost land but also enlarged his kingdom besides reasserting the royal power during his 29-year rule from 1729 to 1758. And, the success story of the Maharaja had close links with the small and beautiful land of Poovar, situated on the south of the Neyyar River

Peppara

The forests of Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary constitute the catchment of Peppara dam constructed across Karamana river and commissioned during 1983 to augment drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas. Peppara is a wildlife sanctuary with a rich variety of flora and fauna. There are rugged terrains with running streams, rolling hillocks and green meadows. The forests of Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary constitute the catchment of Peppara dam constructed across Karamana River. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary consists of Part of Palode reserve (24sq.kms) and part of Kottoor reserve (29sq.kms). The total area of the sanctuary is 53 sq kms. The sanctuary is located about 50kms north east of Thiruvananthapuram city. The major mammals include elephant, gaur,sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, tiger, panther, wild dog, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Malabar squirrel etc. Water birds like darter, little cormorant, pied king fisher and egrets are also common. Many kinds of snakes including the king cobra and python are also present in this sanctuary. The area has a variety of moth and butterflies.

Veli

Veli is a tourist village located near the airport. It offers a sheltered lagoon with landscaped gardens and water-sports facilities. It is a popular picnic spot. It is about 10kms from the city and boating facilities are offered at this picnic spot. Speedboats, restaurants and well-landscaped gardens are a major attraction here. There is an exquisitely carved sculpture of a mermaid in the landscaped gardens of Veli. It is a huge statue, about 35 m in height. Veli is a major tourist spot and provides facilities for pedal-boating, row boating, swimming, get together, etc.. It is just the right place for an exciting outing The village is bordered by Veli lagoon and Arabian Sea, which makes it one of the picturesque locations. The lagoon is separated from the sea by narrow sand bar. Besides water sports, a floating bridge connects the village to the Shankhumukham beach and there is a children's park around the floating bridge. The village is now open from 10 am to 8 pm.

Koyikkal Palace

Koyikkal palace is located at Nedumangad, about 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram city on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Courtalam waterfalls. The Koyikkal Palace was actually built for Umayamma Rani of the Venad royal family who ruled the land between 1677 and 1684. Koyikkal palace was the official residence of “Perakathai Vazhi” (one of the maternal lane) of “Trippappur Swaroopam” – the Travancore rules. Dutch and British called this Royal family as “Perithally”. Historians have recorded that this royal family had former relationship with “Odandu” royal family when the civil war out brake in Travancore during AD 1677-1684. The palace is a double storey traditional nalukettu with slanting gabled roofs and an inner courtyard. Today, the palace houses a Folklore Museum and a Numismatics Museum set up by the Department of Archaeology. The Folklore Museum is a treasure house of old-time musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils, models of folk arts etc and was set up in 1992.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The temple is located inside the East Fort and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has a blend of Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its Mural Paintings and Stone Carvings. Here you can get to see Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the serpent. The majestic 18-feet-long idol of Lord Vishnu at the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple is covered in gold and invaluable precious stones. The temple structure is an imposing seven-storied tower; there are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and, mural paintings. The temple is an excellent example of the Dravidian style of architecture.

Kappil/Edava

Kappil is a small village near Varkala. The main attraction here is its wide beach and backwaters. Kappil has a boat club and it is 6kms north of Varkala. People travelling in trains and buses through the area can enjoy the scenic beauty between Edava and Kappil. It shares it borders with Kollam district. The sight between Arabian Sea and Edava Nadayara Kayal is most beautiful. Kappil beach is one of the most secluded beaches of Kerala where you can enjoy the serene and tranquil surroundings, away from the bustling city and crowds. The swaying coconut trees and the soft water lapping at your feet as you watch the sun go down will mesmerize you completely.