Area
: 2,192 sq km
Population : 2,938,533
Best time
to Visit : August to May
Languages : Malayalam
The
southernmost district of the State, Thiruvananthapuram is bounded by the
wooded highlands of the Western Ghats on the east and northeast, and the
Arabian Sea on the west. A long shoreline, with secluded,
internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater
stretches and a rich cultural heritage give this district some of the
most enchanting picnic spots.
The
main backwater areas of Thiruvananthapuram are Thiruvallam and Veli. In
Thiruvananthapuram one can visit the Museum with its profusion of gables
and turrets. A repository of fine works of art, the chief attraction
here is the 250-year-old temple car made for Lord Vishnu, artistically
designed and ornamented. Besides this, objects carved out of wood,
models of temple, antique jewelry, etc., make the museum worth a visit.
Trip to Thiruvananthapuram in India is incomplete without a
boat-ride on its enchanting backwaters. These waterways of
Thiruvananthapuram in India teem with life. One can be seduced by the
panorama of beautiful landscapes, beaches and waterways, coconut palms
and, of course, beautiful, friendly people of Thiruvananthapuram in
India.
Thiruvananthapuram was the capital of the princely
state of Travancore from 1745 to 1949. In 1949 it became the capital of
Thiru-Kochi formed by the integration of Travancore with its northern
neighbour Kochi. When the state of Kerala was formed on November 1,
1956, Thiruvanathapuram was chosen as the capital of the new state.
Thiruvananthapuram literally translates to the city of Ananthan. The
name derives from the main deity of a Hindu temple at the centre of the
city. Ananthan is the serpent from Hindu mythology on whom Padmanabhan
or Vishnu is shown reclining. The climate of Thiruvananthapuram like the
rest of Kerala can be classified as in equatorial type of climate. It is
hot and humid but in comparison to other inland cities, the ocean makes
the climate quite pleasant i.e. not so hot and humid. From June to Sept.
it experiences torrential rains brought by the monsoon clouds. However
from October to February, the climate remains relatively dry and cool
and it is the best period to visit the city.
Wildlife
SancturiesNeyyar Dam, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary : It is
situated at 30km east of Thiruvananthapuram, at the foot of western
ghats. It was established in 1958. It is occupying the basin of the
Rivers Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. This popular picnic spot has a watch
tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park. The 128sqkm
Neyyar sanctuary occupies a beautiful wooded and hilly landscape,
dominated by the peak of Agasthya malai. Wild life includes gaur, sloth
bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat and Nilgiri langur but most commonly seen
animal are wild elephants and sambar deer. Boating facilities are
available at the reservoir.
How to reach
- Air: Indian air lines is on Museum Rd, next to the Mascot Hotel;
the office is open from 10am to 5.35pm daily, with a lunch break
from 1 to 1.45pm. Rail: The booking office is open Monday to
Saturday from 8am to 2pm and from 2.15 to 8pm; Sunday from 8am to
2pm. Road: The KSRTC Bus terminal ,opposite the railway station.
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Backwaters
of Thiruvananthapuram