Sprawled across seven hills on the southwest coast of India, Trivandrum is a place of great natural beauty. Between the peaks and the long coastline is a magnificent collection of historic buildings. Visit temples and palaces and relax on miles of sandy beaches.
Trivandrum is an ancient city, named after Anantha, also known as Vishnu. The powerful Hindu deity is worshipped at one of the city’s major landmarks, Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Stop by the stone temple to admire its beautiful architecture. The origin of the towering structure is unknown, but it is believed to be thousands of years old, and only Hindus may enter.
Nearby is the two-story Kuthiramalika Palace. Tour its rooms to see statues and weapons of former kings, and admire the roof beams, which were carved to resemble horses. Drive 35 miles (55 kilometers) south of the city for the murals and architecture of Padmanabhapuram Palace. This elegant wooden building dates back to 1601.
Many of Trivandrum's cultural attractions are clustered in the 80-acre (32-hectare) Museum Complex. Within the grounds of this large public park are museums, art galleries and a zoo. See temple chariots, bronze idols and many other historical objects at the Napier Museum. Browse paintings by renowned Indian artists at the Shri Chitra Art Gallery. Then stroll through the woods of the Zoological Park to see indigenous wildlife such as the Royal Bengal tiger and the lion-tailed macaque.
The state of Kerala is known as a beach destination and there are many beautiful sandy expanses close to Trivandrum. Visit Shanghumukham Beach, one of the city's most popular stretches of coastline, particularly at sunset. Among the attractions are a large statue of a mermaid and an indoor sports center.
Reach the city by flying into Trivandrum International Airport, just 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the center. Auto rickshaws and buses are the cheapest ways to get around, but there are also taxis and rental cars. Let the city excite you with its holy sites, history and scenic beauty.