Thiruvananthapuram – The Essential Travel Checklist
At the southern end of the Western Ghats and Mainland India, caressed by the Arabian Sea, lies the beautiful capital city of Kerala. Referred to by Mahatma Gandhi as the “Evergreen City of India,” Thiruvananthapuram is the most popular tourist destination in the state.
Trivandrum, which has a history dating back as far as 1000 BC, is located on a narrow stretch of land studded with coconut and palm plantations. In Sanskrit as well as Malayalam, Thiruvananthapuram translates as “the city of Ananda” – the serpent lord over which Lord Padmanabha reclines). It was originally a trading hub for spice, hardwood, and ivory. Trivandrum is Kerala’s biggest city.
The city serves as the capital of Kerala and is home to numerous state and central government institutions, agencies, and businesses. In spite of being the administrative capital, and an upcoming technological hub, Thiruvananthapuram offers its visitors a unique and fulfilling travel experience. Pristine beaches, a modern cityscape intertwined with lush greenery, hill stations, a multitude of trekking spots, backwaters, and wildlife sanctuaries, all served with a distinctive South Kerala cuisine, are bound to make you fall in love with this city.
Geographical Extent and Climate
Thiruvananthapuram is situated on seven low-lying hills, part of the Western Ghats. The city is bounded on the west by the Laccadive (Lakshadweep) Sea and the Western Ghats to the east, with an average elevation of around 16 ft. The larger Thiruvananthapuram Metropolitan Area encompasses the City and 3 Municipalities, which cover an area of 311 sq m.
Thiruvananthapuram has a tropical monsoon climate, and the temperature remains relatively consistent throughout the year. Variations are generally based on the amount of rainfall, with a minimum mean temperature of 21 degrees celsius and a maximum mean temperature of 34 degrees celsius. Being the first city along the route of the South- West monsoon, the city receives extensive rainfall during the months of June through August and also from the receding monsoon during the month of October.
This moderate and stable weather makes Thiruvananthapuram an ideal destination to visit throughout the year, even though the peak tourist season is from October to February.
How to Reach
By flight: Trivandrum International Airport has distinct terminals for domestic and international travel. Terminal 1 covers domestic flights, while Terminal 2 covers international flights. Most domestic airlines, as well as international carriers, fly to Trivandrum.
By rail: Trivandrum has strong rail connectivity to the vast majority of the country, and trains frequently ply from Trivandrum Central Railway Station and Kochuveli Railway Station.
By road: National and state highways connect Thiruvananthapuram to other metropolises and to the rest of Kerala. KSRTC and other Private buses run inter-state transport services to places including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Chennai, Coimbatore etc.
Your Travel Itinerary
Day 1 and 2 – Thiruvananthapuram City
Places to Visit – Napier Museum and Zoo – Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, Shanghumugham Beach, Veli Tourist Village, Magic Planet, Ponmudi, and Bonacaud
Day 3 to 5 – Kovalam and Poovar
Places to Visit – Samudra Beach, Kovalam Lighthouse, Poovar Island, Valiyathura, Rock Cut Cave Temple, Vellayani Lake and Backwaters, Neyyar Dam, and Padmanabhapuram Palace.
Day 6 and 7 – Varkala
Places to Visit – Varkala Cliff, Sivagiri Mutt, Kappil Beach and Lake, Edava Beach, Janardhana Swamy Temple, Anjengo Fort, Ponnumthuruthu Island.
Day 8- Back to Thiruvananthapuram
Best Time to Travel
- Trivandrum is best explored from October to February, when it is ideal for beach vacations. Summertime lasts from February through May and is extremely warm and humid, whereas the southwest monsoon lasts from June through September. The other annual rainfall, the North-East monsoon, is similarly intense and arrives from October to November.
- The Onam festival, which takes place from the close of August to early September, is a great chance to gobble up the festive spirit. And during the traditional Onam celebrations, which last ten days, there are generally various cultural programmes.
- Every year, the monsoon season begins in June and is characterised by significant rains in the area. The rainy season has become a popular tourist stopover for those eager to witness it.
Know Before You Go
- Thiruvananthapuram receives rainfall for the most part of the year, even during the non-monsoon season. Be sure to pack adequate rain-protective bags, clothing, and umbrellas.
- Many destinations, such as the Napier Museum, Veli Tourist village, Neyyar Dam, and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, require passes for persons and separate passes for cameras.
- Padmanabha Swamy Temple – One of the major religious attractions of the place is closed to non-Hindus.
- Hill stations like Ponmudi and Bonacaud might require trekking.