Thiruvananthapuram
Population: 3,234,707 (2001 census)
Altitude: Sea level
Located in the southwestern tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram is bound by the Arabian Sea in the west and Tamil Nadu in the east. Named after Anantha Padmanabha or Lord Vishnu, the city is home to many ancient temples. But the landmark is the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple around which the city has been built on seven low hills. The wooded highlands of the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought-after tourist destination. Clean and green, Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala is one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
ACCESSIBILITY
Telephone access code: +91-471
Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (6 km from the city) has over 30 air links with convenient connections to Colombo, Maldives, Singapore and the Middle East. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate domestic flights to different parts of the country
Airline offices: Airport Authority of India Ph: 2501424 • Indian Airlines, Mascot Jn. Ph: 2316870, 2501537 • Jet Airways, Sasthamangalam Ph: 2721018 • Jet Airways (Airport) Ph: 2500710 • Air India, Palayam Ph: 2310310, 2501426 • SriLankan Airlines Ph: 2471810 • Gulf Air, Vellayambalam Ph: 2728003, 2501206 • Oman Airways, Sasthamangalam Ph: 2728950 • Kuwait Airways, Vellayambalam Ph: 2720013 • Saudi Arabian Airlines Ph: 2723141 • Silk Air Ph: 2314142, 2314141 • Qatar Airways Ph: 3919091, 3919092 • Paramount Ph: 99954 00003 • Kingfisher Ph: 2508822 • Jetlite Ph: 4010033
Rail: There are direct trains from Thiruvananthapuram to all the main towns in Kerala as well as the major cities in India. • Railway enquiry Ph: 131 • Railway reservation
Ph: 132
Road: Long distance buses operate from the Central Bus Station at Thampanoor, opposite the Railway Station: KSRTC Ph: 2323886. Short distance buses operate from the City Bus Station, East Fort Ph: 2463029 • Taxi fare: Minimum charge Rs. 80 (Non A/c) and Rs. 100 (A/c); Rs. 6 per running km (Non A/c) and Rs. 7 per running km (A/c) • Autorickshaw fare: Minimum charge Rs. 10; Rs. 7 per running km
Tourist Information Offices:
Tourist Facilitation Centre, Department of Tourism, Park View Ph: 2321132 • Tourist Information Centre, Railway Station, Thampanoor Ph: 2334470 • Tourist Information Centre, KSRTC Central Bus Station, Thampanoor Ph: 2327224 • Tourist Information Centre, Domestic Airport Ph: 2501085 • Tourist Information Centre, International Airport Ph: 2502298 • Tourist Facilitation Centre, Kovalam Ph: 2480085 • Tourist Reception Centre (KTDC), Thampanoor Ph: 2330031 • Central Reservations (KTDC), Hotel Mascot Ph: 2316736 • District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Vellayambalam Ph: 2315397 Fax: 2313606 www.keralacapital.org
MUST SEE
Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Napier Museum & Art Gallery
Kovalam Beach
Varkala Beach
Ponmudi Hill Station