The city’s name Trivandrum is originated from “Tiru,” “Anantha,” and “Puram,” which means “Lord Anantha’s kingdom.” Trivandrum was ruled by the Ays till the 10th century A.D., according to traditions and history. The Ays lost power, and the city was taken over by Venad’s rulers. During the reign of Umayamma Rani in 1684, the East India Company attempted to establish authority at Anchuthengu on the sea coast about 32 kilometers north of Thiruvananthapuram.
However, Trivandrum entered the historical spotlight only with Marathanda Varma, recognized as the Father of Modern Travancore (1729-1758 AD). It was only during his reign that the palace became a prominent center of intellectual and artistic pursuits. During the reign of Maharaja Swathi Thiruna, there was significant cultural and economic advancement following Marathanda Varman. Around 1834, English education began to spread. The Shri Moolam Assembly was established in 1904. During the reign of Shri Moolam Thirunal, the activities of the Indian National Congress were heard in Thiruvananthapuram and other parts of Kerala.
Festivals and occasions
Onam, also known as Thiruvonam, is Kerala’s largest annual harvest festival, lasting 10 days and beginning with the Atham day of the Malayalam month Chingam (Aug – Sep) and commemorating the return of mythical King Mahabali. Worship, music, dances, sports, boat races, and, of course, wonderful food are all part of the Onam festivities.
Floral displays, elephant processions, Thiruvathirakali, classical and folk-dance performances, classical and folk music recitals, cultural pageants, and water carnivals also feature the Onam festival.
Best Places to Visit in Trivandrum
1 Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The temple is situated within the east fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the architecture is a fusion of Kerala and Dravidian styles. It’s famous for its Mural paintings and stone carvings. The principal deity in this temple is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the serpent, one of the 108 famous Vishnu temples in India.
2. Poovar Island
Poovar Island is a traveler’s paradise, nestled between the Arabian Sea, Kerala backwaters, and the gorgeous Western Ghats. There are palm-fringed beaches, golden sands, and turquoise blue saltwater can be found here. This is Kerala’s most distinctive isolated hideaway, and it’s ideal for spending quality time with nature and loved ones.
Poovar Island is a resort with a wide variety of lodging alternatives. 56 of the hotel’s 78 rooms can be utilized as triples. A hammock may be found on the terrace of several of the hotel’s rooms.
The resort provides Land Cottages, Ayurveda Land Cottages, Superior Land Cottages, and Premier Cottages, giving you plenty of options. Deluxe Rooms, Floating Cottages, and Ayurveda Floating Cottages provide a plethora of superb accommodation options.
3. Kanakakunnu Palace
Kanakannu Palace, next to the well-known Napier Museum, is an example of fine craftsmanship and construction. The state of Kerala is the proud owner of this castle. Sree Moola Thirunal built it for royal rituals and banquets. It still serves as a center of amusement for the royal family. Currently, the palace hosts a variety of cultural events. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural-Historical has designated it as a heritage monument.
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Tennis courts were built on the palace grounds by Swathi Thirunal, a popular monarch of his day. The most appealing characteristics here are the enormous and magnificent crystal chandeliers and antique furniture. The stunning building is a living testament to Kerala’s royal lifestyle. The scenic backdrop of modest yet lush hills and grassy meadows makes it one of Trivandrum’s most popular tourist destinations.
Kanakakunnu Palace is the city’s cultural center. The palace complex now has two auditoriums, which host a variety of cultural events. If you go, make sure to catch the All-India Dance Festival, also known as the Nish Gandhi Festival, held here every year.
4. Agasthyakoodam
Agasthyakoodama, the second-highest mountain in Kerala, is located at an elevation of around 1890 meters above sea level. Agasthyakoodama, a mountain range in the Sahyadri range, offers a collection of uncommon medicinal herbs and plants. Agasthyakoodama also guarantees a plethora of fauna and birds. Trekking can also be done from Kotor, near Neyyar Dam, with a permit from the Trivandrum Forest Department.
5. Napier Museum
This art and history museum, named Lord Napier, was founded in 1855. The Napier Museum, a prime example of gothic architecture, is well-known for its natural air cooling system. It is home to a magnificent collection of jewelry, bronze gods, chariots, and ivory carvings. The museum provides insight into Kerala’s rich and wonderful culture and history.
The tremendous contribution made by the Rajput, Mughal, and Tanjore schools of art and the brilliant work of various Chinese, Japanese, and Tibetan artists may be discovered in this exhibition. Tourists are drawn to the Japanese leather statues depicting the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics.
The Napier Museum is without a doubt one of the most popular tourist attractions in Trivandrum. The lower level of this building, located within the Museum enclosure, features India’s oldest zoological garden. Another noteworthy landmark is the Sree Chithra Art Gallery, founded in 1935 by Maharaja Chithira Thirunalin. The collection features epic works by renowned artists Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich.
6. Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple
The Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple, which is almost 600 years old, adds to the historical significance and cultural richness of the small but thriving city of Karikkakom. This old temple is located in dense green surroundings, with tall luscious palms enclosing it on all sides. The Karikkakom Devi temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundi. The temple’s distinguishing feature is that it idolizes all three forms of Goddess Chamundi: Maha Chamundi, Rakhta Chamundi, and Bala Chamundi.
7. Sri Chitra art gallery
It is close to the Napier Museum. This art collection features select paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and magnificent pieces from India’s Rajput, Mughal, and Tanjore schools of art.
8. Vettukad Church
The Vettukad Church is located 7 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram and is also recognized as the ‘Madre De Deus’ Church. The annual festival is known as the ‘Feast Of Christ, The King.’
9. Fort Anchuthengu
The British East India Company constructed the Anchuthengu Fort in the 17th century. Even though it now just retains the ancient remains of the fort and a cemetery, it is nevertheless a worthwhile destination to visit. About 36 kilometers from Trivandrum, this location was an important British commercial post on the Malabar Coast.
10. Sucheendram’s
This pilgrimage site is roughly 74 kilometers from Trivandrum and is known for its magnificent carvings and sculptures. The architecture of the Sucheendram temple is beautiful, with statues of Hanuman and Navagrahas carved on the roof to represent the universe.
