Understand

Welcome to Thiruvananthapuram, a city with a rich history dating back to 1000BC! Nestled amidst coconut and palm trees, this enchanting city sits on a small strip of land. Its name, meaning "City of Lord Anantha" in Sanskrit and Malayalam, pays tribute to the magnificent serpent on which Lord Padmanabha/Vishnu reclines. As the largest city in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is a vibrant melting pot of ancient traditions and modern wonders. In ancient times, this city already captured the attention of Greek and Roman literatures. However, it was truly brought to the forefront when the Venad Dynasty rose to power in the 14th century. While their capital was initially at Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram emerged as a bustling trading center. The charismatic Maharaja Marthanada Varma and the formation of the Travancore Kingdom in the late 17th century marked a turning point for the city. The kingdom's entire destiny was dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, and Thiruvananthapuram became the capital, flourishing around the majestic Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple. During the British Raj, Travancore stood as one of the most formidable Indian Princely states, ranking as the third wealthiest among its native counterparts. Under royal patronage, Thiruvananthapuram blossomed into a haven of academic and cultural excellence, winning accolades for its lush green landscapes. As the 20th century dawned, the city reached unprecedented prosperity. When India gained independence, Travancore chose to merge into the Indian union, solidifying Thiruvananthapuram's position as the capital city. With a tropical climate, Thiruvananthapuram experiences high humidity, especially during the monsoon season. The city welcomes the south-west monsoon in early June, but showers are also common in April and May. On average, Thiruvananthapuram receives about 180 cm of rainfall annually, with the rainiest months being May, June, July, August, and October. However, even in the other months between April and November, expect occasional showers. For those seeking to avoid the rain, the best time to visit is from December to March. Summers bring temperatures soaring up to 35C, while winter can see temperatures as low as 18C in higher altitudes. Prepare yourself for a captivating journey through time and nature in Thiruvananthapuram!

Popular Foods

Dish: Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)Butter chicken is a rich and creamy curry made with marinated chicken pieces cooked in a tomato-based sauce. The dish originated in the Indian subcontinent and gained popularity in Canada due to the large population of Indian immigrants. It's typically served with basmati rice and naan bread. Butter chicken contains meat – chicken.

Dish: BiryaniBiryani is a popular rice dish made by cooking Basmati rice with meat (usually chicken, goat, or fish), vegetables, yogurt, and a blend of spices. It originates from the Indian subcontinent and is often considered the national dish of Pakistan. It's known for its flavorful layers and distinct aroma. Biryani contains meat – primarily chicken, goat, or fish.

Dish: SamosasSamosas are deep-fried or baked pastry snacks filled with a savory mixture of spiced potatoes, onions, peas, and sometimes meat. They originate from South Asia and have become a popular street food across India. Often served as an appetizer or a quick snack, samosas can be found at roadside stalls, train stations, and even weddings. Samosas can contain meat – typically potatoes, onions, and peas, but some varieties may include meat such as chicken or lamb.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing