Country | India |
Population | 957730 |
Area | 214 km2 (83 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Coordinates | 8.4855, 76.94924 |
Highest elevation | 38.93 m (127.72 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Thiruvananthapuram, commonly known as TVM or by its former name Trivandrum, is the vibrant capital of the Indian state of Kerala. With a population of 957,730 as of the 2011 census, it stands as the most populous city in Kerala, while its urban agglomeration reaches around 1.68 million. Situated on the west coast of India near the southern tip of the mainland, Thiruvananthapuram is an influential information technology hub, contributing 55% of Kerala’s software exports as of 2016.
Mahatma Gandhi once referred to Thiruvananthapuram as the “Evergreen city of India,” a nod to its lush, undulating terrain of low coastal hills. The city’s history is deeply rooted in its ancient rulers, the Ays, who were connected to the Chera dynasty. In the 12th century, the region fell under the Kingdom of Venad’s control. The 18th century saw King Marthanda Varma expanding the territory, founding the princely state of Travancore, and making Thiruvananthapuram its capital. Travancore became the most dominant state in Kerala after defeating the powerful Zamorin of Kozhikode in the battle of Purakkad in 1755.
Following India’s independence in 1947, Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of the Travancore-Cochin state until the formation of the new Indian state of Kerala in 1956. Today, it is a notable academic and research hub, home to the University of Kerala, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, and regional headquarters of the Indira Gandhi National Open University, among many other institutions.
Thiruvananthapuram also boasts significant research centers such as the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, and the National Centre for Earth Science Studies. These institutions highlight the city’s role in scientific advancement and education.
The city’s economy is diverse and thriving. It hosts media institutions like Toonz Animation India, Tata Elxsi Ltd, Chitranjali Film Studio, and Kinfra Film and Video Park, India’s first Infotainment industrial park. Thiruvananthapuram’s strategic importance is underscored by the presence of the Southern Air Command headquarters of the Indian Air Force, the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station, and the upcoming Vizhinjam International Seaport.
Tourism is a major industry in Thiruvananthapuram, attracting visitors with landmarks such as the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the scenic beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, the serene backwaters of Poovar and Anchuthengu, and the Western Ghats’ natural beauty in Ponmudi and the Agastya Mala. The city’s blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty makes it a significant destination for travelers.
In recognition of its livability, Thiruvananthapuram was named the best Kerala city to live in by a field survey conducted by The Times of India in 2012. In 2013, India Today ranked it the fifteenth best city to live in India. The Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy’s Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) ranked Thiruvananthapuram as the best Indian city for two consecutive years, 2015 and 2016. Additionally, the city was selected as the best-governed city in India in a 2017 survey by the same organization.
Thiruvananthapuram’s blend of historical significance, cultural richness, academic excellence, and modern infrastructure make it a unique and dynamic city. It continues to grow and evolve while maintaining its charm and heritage, offering a high quality of life to its residents and an enriching experience to its visitors.
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