Thiruvananthapuram District
The southernmost district and capital of Kerala, renowned for magnificent beaches, ancient temples, and thriving IT sector. Home to the world-famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple and internationally acclaimed Kovalam Beach.
Area
2,192 sq km
Population
3.3 million
Headquarters
Thiruvananthapuram
Economy
IT sector, aerospace industry, medical tourism, traditional industries
Climate
Tropical climate with moderate temperatures year-round, ideal for tourism
Best Time to Visit
October to March for pleasant weather and outdoor activities
History
Thiruvananthapuram has ancient roots dating back to the 3rd century BCE, with references to ships of King Solomon landing at Ophir (Poovar) in 1036 BCE. The Ay Dynasty ruled from Vizhinjam as their capital from the 2nd century BC onwards, making it an independent political entity with rich trading heritage in spices, sandalwood and ivory. Under Marthanda Varma (1729-1758), known as the "Father of Modern Travancore," the city became the capital of the Travancore kingdom in 1745 and flourished as a center of arts, culture and administration. The cultural golden age continued under rulers like Swathi Thirunal (1829-47) who promoted music and arts, while the region became Kerala's capital upon state formation on November 1, 1956. The establishment of TERLS in 1962 and India's first rocket launch in 1963 marked its emergence into the space age, followed by Technopark in 1995, making it India's first IT park.
Geography
Located as Kerala's southernmost district, Thiruvananthapuram covers 2,192 square kilometers with a strategic position bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Kollam district to the north, and Tamil Nadu to the east and south. The district features three distinct geographical zones: coastal plains with 78 kilometers of palm-fringed shoreline including famous beaches like Kovalam and Varkala, midland regions with rolling hills and valleys, and highland areas in the east and northeast with dense Western Ghats forests reaching up to Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. Three major rivers, several freshwater lakes, and over 300 ponds provide abundant water resources, while the tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 23-35°C and annual rainfall of 1,800mm creates ideal conditions for tourism and agriculture throughout the year.
Culture
Thiruvananthapuram stands as Kerala's cultural epicenter, renowned for the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple with its unique Tamil-Dravidian architecture and legendary treasures worth $22 billion, making it one of the world's richest temples. The city celebrates grand festivals including the spectacular Onam with Athachamayam processions featuring elephants and cultural performances, the world-record-holding Attukal Pongala where millions of women participate, and classical music festivals like Swathi Sangeethotsavam and Nishagandhi Dance Festival at Kanakakunnu Palace. As the birthplace of renowned artists like Maharaja Swathi Thirunal (composer-king), Raja Ravi Varma (legendary painter), and social reformers Sri Narayana Guru and Ayyankali, the district preserves classical dance forms including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Bharatanatyam through institutions like Margi Theatre, while its cosmopolitan character embraces diverse religious communities in Hindu temples, Christian churches, and Islamic mosques, creating a harmonious cultural tapestry.