10 Facts About Thiruvananthapuram City You Must Know
Apart from being the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is a vivid combination of new and old traditions and culture. The city is situated in the southwest coast of India and has stunning views, rich history, and an array of historical sites. Below are some amazing facts about the city that every traveler, history lover, or fun explorer should know.
1. The Name Has Religious Significance
In Malayalam, the term 'Thiruvananthapuram' means the city of Anantha. The word comes from Anantha Padmanabha, which a formation of Lord Vishnu, who is resting on the serpent called Anantha. The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the most affluent temples in the world, is also located here and is known for its significance.
2. Home to One of the Richest Temples in the World
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is known for its religious value, but it also serves as a massive temple in India. The temple has an intense dom of power. In 2011, vaults of the temple were opened and gold, artifacts and a lot more was valued into several billions of dollars. This gigantic discovery gained a lot of attention globally and had a huge impact on India's history and culture.
3. An Evergreen City with Beautiful Beaches
Thiruvananthapuram is called the 'Evergreen City of India' which is a gift from Mahatma Gandhi. It is a paradise for nature lovers because of its beautiful greenery, rolling hills, beaches like Kovalam and Shanghumugham. Kovalam beach is also famous for its crown shaped coastline which brings tourists from all over the world.
4. The First City in Kerala with a Planned Layout
Thiruvananthapuram at first was a planned city under the domain of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal in the early years of the 19th century. The layout of the city is unique among other Indian cities because it shows colonial influences mixed with traditional Kerala architecture. Slowly over the years major institutions like University of Kerala, Technopark were established over time.
5. The First IT Park in Non Metro Areas of India
Technopark, located in Kazhakuttom, is the first technology park built in non metropolitan areas of India opened in 1991. It has now transformed into a center for IT firms, Startups and innovation. With its vast campuses and modern equipment, Technopark is a big contributor to the economic growth and job opportunities in kerala.
6. Cultural Hub with Artistic Traditions
Thiruvananthapuram is famous for its art, music, and dances from Kerala. The city conducts many cultural festivals during the year, especially the well known Navratri Mandala Vilakku in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. These are also promoted through educational institutions like Kerala Kalamandalam which specializes in various forms of classical performing arts such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Ottamthullal.
7. Educational Excellence
The city has some of the most important educational institutions in the country. Examples include University of Kerala, College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET), and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). There are other reasons why the schools are very popular among students from all parts of the country, adding to the city's reputation as an educational hub.
8. Gateway to Backwaters and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Thiruvananthapuram is the gateway to the backwaters and wildlife sanctuaries of kerala. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is just a short drive away and is home to a rich variety of plants and animals, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. Other than that, Poovar Island is only reachable by boat rides through calm backwaters, showcasing some of Kerala's beautiful scenery.
9. Scientific Legacy
As one of the major scientific cities of India, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is based in Thiruvananthapuram. The visionary Indian space program director Vikram Sarabhai's work center is capable of advanced technology development for India's satellite and launch vehicles, which puts the city within the limits of aerospace research internationally.
10. A Blend of History and Modernity
Tourism in Thiruvananthapuram has a special place for historic features waiting to be appreciated alongside areas of modern growth. The British-era Napier Museum is not only accompanied by educational infrastructure such as shopping malls and multi theaters, but is also flanked by modern architectural feats. The former royal estate Kanakakunnu Palace has been transformed to serve as a host for cultural exhibits depicting the city's vitality.
Conclusion
An important and economically advanced city, Thiruvananthapuram is the best representation of the state of Kerala. With roots extending deep into temples of the olden days and being home to numerous tech businesses and educational institutes, the city is an epitome of contradiction and advancement. Be it deep diving into the cultural heritage, relaxing on the scenic beaches or sightseeing the architectural brilliance, tourists are bound to get an unrivaled experience from the capital city.
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