The town bustles with activity during Navaratri, when music festivals are held in the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple. Unique in its style, the temple combines the Chola and Chera styles and is large enough to conduct processions within the temple. There is a separate quandrangle for dancers, where even the pillars are tuned and reverberate to different notes! Anantha-Padmanabha in reclined posture is a large statue, which needs to be viewed from three separate doors.
Museum is an important and unique building which houses several artifacts and rare musical instruments used in yesteryears. Within the museum complex is the Chitra Art gallary which houses Raja Ravi Varma's most famous paintings. It also brings to light the unique history of Travancore state, where education was given prominence. Another full length painting captures the mood of temple entry act of 1932 when untouchables were allowed into the Padmanabha temple. Their disbelief, reverence to the LORD are brought out well.
During the beginning of this century, the state had a statesman Diwan called Sir.C.P.Ramaswamy Iyer, who made women's education compulsory and free. He also allocated 15% of the state budget to education, laying the foundation for 100% literacy, which Kerala achieved a few years ago. Petty shop owners were heavily fined if their customers spilled garbage (banana skins etc) into the streets. This is reflected even today, all the shops carry a tin case as refuse bin to keep their city clean!
Extensive backwaters provide plenty of water resouce for all. People in fact are in the habit of bathing thrice a day and are well known for their good personal hygene. At the southern edge of the city is the internationally known Kovalam beach, which has the picturesque view of a paradise. Except for the monsoon season (June-Sept) the beach is a good place to swim and surf, due to it blue, shallow, waters. Specially designed cottages to catch the best of surf and sun make it an excellent summer resort with sauna, yoga and other health clubs provided during the season.
At the northern edge of the city is the space centre where India began its space program in a disused church. Visitors to this city can view launching of sounding rockets on wednesday evenings. These rockets, launched for conducting physics experiments, have been a regular feature for years now. Located on the magnetic equator, the data from the equitorial electrojet at about 70 kms altitude has particular importance to meteorology.
A city of tradition and space technology, Thiruvananthapuram truly represents the contrasts India is well known for. Being the capital of a state which boasts 100% literacy, it is both clean and environmentally conscious. Ayurveda - the Indian system of medicine (extensive use of herbs and roots), is well supported in this state. Doctors practicing this school of medicine have kept alive their generations of knowledge. Today they are supported by the University which conducts undergrad, graduate and research courses in the field of Ayurveda. With valuable help from this Dhanvantari (Doctor) traditions an Ayurvedic pharmacopia exists today and standardized medicines are marketed in India and abroad.
The city is home to one of India's best known architects Mr.Larie W.Baker. This octogenerian architect has built some of the most beautiful residential and public buildings here using his low-cost techniques using local materials and traditions. One of his widely known public buildings is the Centre for Economic development, which was built ECONOMICALLY by Baker. His own home in Nalanchira, often attracts visitors. Although he has been decorated by the Govt of India (Padmabhushan) and the British Queen (Honours list) he continues to be a simple but radical person. He has lived here for decades, helping people build beautiful houses/churches/public buildings at an unimaginably low cost.
Airport of Thiruvanatha puram
Trivandrum Airport is one of the three international airports in Kerala. As large number of people from Kerala are working in the Gulf, most of the international flights flying from Trivandrum International Airport are catering to the Gulf region. With the emergence of Kerala as a hot tourist destination, Thiruvananthapuram Airport is also handling large number of foreign tourists.
Presently, eight International airlines are operating from Trivandrum Airport. These are: Air India, Gulf Air, Indian Airlines Ltd, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, SilkAir, and Sri Lankan Airlines.Nights at thiruvanthapuram.
Shopping at Thiruvanathapuram
The main shopping area of the city is the stretch on M.G. Road between East Fort and Palayam. Most emporia are located in this area. Gram Sree, the village crafts centre, is one of the best places.
Antiques There are a number of antique dealers in Thiruvananthapuram, the two main shops are Natesan's (main shop on Mahatma Gandhi Road, branch at ITDC Ashok Hotel in Kovalam) and theGift Corner (Mahatma Gandhi Road). Look for unusual bronzes and unique decorative items, such as the traditional, intricate old locks especially. A speciality of Thiruvananthapuram is Arammula metal mirror produced by mixing certain herbs with molten metal to give it a highly reflective surface.
Handicrafts At the handicraft emporium in Thiruvananthapuram you will find intricate rosewood and sandalwood carvings, ivory work which carries on a centuries old artistic tradition, brass and "bell-metal" lamps and other decorative objects, and myriad interesting and useful things made from coconut, coir, cane, bamboo and straw. You will also find horn products, wooden toys and lacquerware, as well as significant and evocative masks used for the dramatic Kathakali dance dramas.
Dining
Thiruvananthapuram offers menus for all tastes and budgets, although smart restaurants specializing in Keralan cuisine are thin on the ground. Most of the mid- to top-range hotels include a few local dishes in their menus, and a couple of hotels have pleasant rooftop restaurants. If you want to experience full-flavoured Keralan "meals" or need a cheap dosa -type snack, just head for one of the dozens of crowded, "meal" houses at lunchtime. Note:Do be aware however when dining at these street stalls or meal houses that they are not always the most hygienic and tummy problems may be encountered after a meal at these places. However if you have an iron stomach, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what’s on offer.
The main shopping area of the city is the stretch on M.G. Road between East Fort and Palayam. Most emporia are located in this area. Gram Sree, the village crafts centre, is one of the best places.Antiques There are a number of antique dealers in Thiruvananthapuram, the two main shops are Natesan's (main shop on Mahatma Gandhi Road, branch at ITDC Ashok Hotel in Kovalam) and the Gift Corner (Mahatma Gandhi Road). Look for unusual bronzes and unique decorative items, such as the traditional, intricate old locks especially. A speciality of Thiruvananthapuram is Arammula metal mirror produced by mixing certain herbs with molten metal to give it a highly reflective surface.
Handicrafts At the handicraft emporium in Thiruvananthapuram you will find intricate rosewood and sandalwood carvings, ivory work which carries on a centuries old artistic tradition, brass and "bell-metal" lamps and other decorative objects, and myriad interesting and useful things made from coconut, coir, cane, bamboo and straw. You will also find horn products, wooden toys and lacquerware, as well as significant and evocative masks used for the dramatic Kathakali dance dramas.
Transportation at ThiruvananthPuram (Air)
Trivandrum Airport is one of the three international airports in Kerala. As large number of people from Kerala are working in the Gulf, most of the international flights flying from Trivandrum International Airport are catering to the Gulf region. With the emergence of Kerala as a hot tourist destination, Thiruvananthapuram Airport is also handling large number of foreign tourists.
Presently, eight International airlines are operating from Trivandrum Airport. These are: Air India, Gulf Air, Indian Airlines Ltd, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, SilkAir, and Sri Lankan Airlines.
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