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Also known as Tiruvananthapuram, the seaside capital of Kerala state, Trivandrum is surrounded by numerous hills and hilloks on which stand building and parks. Trivandrum literally means the 'Holy city of Ananta' and is a city of magnificient buildings of ancient and modern Architecture. 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, is an ancient city with trading tradition dating back to 1000 BC.

Sightseeing at Trivandrum -

Padmanabhaswami Temple : The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its mural paintings and stone carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the Serpent. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple in a complete traditional attire.

Zoological Gardens : Zoological Gardens, set in sylvan surroundings and acclaimed as one of the best and second oldest zoos of the country with an interesting collection of reptiles - these are some of the places which you are bound to enjoy during your stay in Trivandrum. The zoo is located in a well-planned botanical garden. With huge trees like frangipani and jacaranda dotting the sprawling lawns and wild fowl swimming in the lake, it is like a small jungle in the heart of the city.

Shankhumugham Beach : Just 8 km from the city, this is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village. An indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here. Chacha Nehru Traffic Training Park here provides opportunity for children to learn the traffic rules.

The Napier Museum : Built in the 19th century, the Indo - saracenic structure boasts a "natural" air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plastic is banned in the museum premises.

Reaching Trivandrum -

Air : Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Mumbai.
Rail : Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Guwahati, Calcutta, Cape Comorin, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai.
Road : Trivandrum is well connected to all the major cities of the south India.

Shopping in Trivandrum -

A speciality of Thiruvananthapuram is Arammula metal mirror produced by mixing certain herbs with molten metal to give it a highly reflective surface. Carved rosewood, teak furniture and decorative items, masks depicting various characters of Indian mythology (usually worn in Kathakali performances, Thyyams and other classical dances), are important products in the markets of Triuvandrum, Kerala.

The main shopping area of the city is the stretch On M.G. Road between East Fort and Palayam. Most emporia are located in this area. Gram Sree, the village crafts centre, is one of the best places.