State :
Kerala


Climate :
Because of its nearness to the sea, the climate of Trivandrum is tropical. This also gives Trivandrum a very pleasant weather round the year. The average maximum temperature can go up to 36.2°C in summer months and to a minimum of 18.0°C in the winters. Monsoon comes to Trivandrum in the month of May and remains there until November.

Significance :
This capital city of Kerala is a historical city with numerous memories of the past.


Trivandrum - the city of Anantha, the sacred serpent of Vishnu :
Trivandrum is a wonderful city with its kaleidoscopic sunsets along with beautiful palm trees dancing to the tunes of nature, the gentle aromas of coffee, spices and coconuts, the stronghold of communism, a literate people with warm and friendly nature. Built on seven hills, this beautiful seaside state capital city exudes natural beauty with its exotic locations, lovely sites, appealing beaches and captivating lagoons. This is the city that strongly respects and retains its ancient traditions along while the modern lifestyle with tolerance and invitation. Indeed Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum is the miniature form of Kerala.


History :
According to a Myth the city got its name from the city of Anantha, the sacred serpent of Vishnu. Historians say that Thiruvananthapuram was once the port of call for Romans and Jews, Arabs and Christians and even today it remains one of the biggest centres for sea-bound labour..


Connectivity :
» By Air - Trivandrum is well connected by air with Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai. Trivandrum is also an international airport, with Silk Air, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Air Lanka and Air India operating direct flights from there.

» By Rail - Long-distance express trains connect Trivandrum with other important places in the state and to places outside the state like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, and Calcutta.

» By Road - Trivandrum is well connected by road to Cochin, Kumarakom, Periyar, Alleppey and Madurai.


Highlights of the City :
» Varkala - Varkala, a sea side resort, is also an important Hindu center of pilgrimage. High cliffs with mineral springs having therapeutic values rise majestically from the coastline. Varkala also has a 2,000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and a Nature Center, which are a must visit.

» Kanyakumari - Kanyakumari, 70 kms from Trivandrum, is the southernmost tip of peninsular India, where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet. The place offers spectacular sunrises and colourful sunsets to marvel at. Kanyakumari is said to have been named after the Goddess Kanyakumari Amman (the virgin Goddess), who is a renowned deity of this district and over throughout the country. The legend says that the Goddess Parvathi is one of her incarnation as 'Devi Kanya' who penanced on one of the rocks of this land to achieve the hand of Lord Siva.

Near the coast is the memorial to the great Indian philosopher, Swami Vivekananda who is supposed to have sat here in deep meditation in 1892. On the island one can even see the Shri Pada Parai - the footprints of the virgin goddess.

» The Gandhi Memorial - The Gandhi Memorial at Kanniyakumari is located at the place where his ashes were kept before immersion. It has been designed in a fashion so that on 2nd October, on his birthday, the sun's rays fall directly on the spot.

» Kovalam Beach - Kovalam Beach is a beautiful palm-lined beach of golden sands and safe bathing. The Kovalam beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, catamaran ride into the sea and skiing. Other sources of entertainment are water sports, a theatre that presents traditional Kathakali dance dramas, a yoga centre and facilities for traditional oil bathing and massages according to the ancient Indian Ayurvedic system..


Festivals of Trivandrum (India) :
Onam is the main festival of Trivandrum and is celebrated in the month of August or September. Being the harvest festival of Trivandrum it signifies the association of the people with agriculture. Christmas is also celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness when Trivandrum wears a colorful look. Classical Music Festival is rejoiced from January 27 to February 3 every year and is a great time to enjoy for the lovers of pure classical music forms such as Carnatic and Hindustani music.