The
capital of the state of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram or the City of the Sacred
Snake, is built over seven hills. Named after Anantha, the thousand
- headed serpent of Hindu mythology, the city once formed a part of the
Travancore kingdom, its capital at Padmanabhapuram, now a part of Tamil
Nadu.
Thiruvananthapuram is, decidedly, one of the cleaner and
well-planned cities of the country. The city's scenic appeal, its enchanting
beaches, and overwhelming greenery only add to its uniqueness. It embodies
the magical feel of Kerala, as a whole, and lends terrific insight into the
culture of the state. The red-tiled roofs, the never-ending stretches of
palm trees, the maze of narrow, winding streets and above all, the sea, make
for a fascinating mixture. There is an element of understated and effortless
elegance about the city, which leaves a lasting impression on the visitor.
Festivals
The
festival, that the entire city, anticipates with great enthusiasm is
Onam,
which marks Kerala's new year and harvest season, and comes around in
August-September. The other spectacular event that transfigures the entire
city is Thrissur Pooram, the annual temple festival.
How
to Get There
Thiruvananthapuram is well connected with
the other major cities of the country by air, and railways. By road, the
city is connected via the National Highway 47 to Kanyakumari, Coimbatore,
Chennai, and Bangalore.