About Thiruvanathapuram
Thiruvanathapuram,also known as Trivandrum ,is the capital state of the Indian state of kerala.The Etymology of the city's name can be broken down in malayalam as Thiru(signification of respect)-Anantha(signifying,"Place of ") Puram(Signifiying City).
Mahatma Gandhi reffered to the city as "The evergreen city of India". Thiruvananthapuram contributes 80% of the state's software exports and is a major IT hub.
History
Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient region with trading traditions dating back to 1000 BCE. It is believed that the ships of King Solomon landed in a port called Ophir (now Poovar) in Thiruvananthapuram in 1036 BCE. The city was the trading post of spices, sandalwood and ivory
The rise of modern Thiruvananthapuram began with accession of Marthanda Varma in 1729 as the founding ruler of the princely state of Travancore (Thiruvithamkoor in the local vernacular). Thiruvananthapuram was made the capital of Travancore in 1745 after shifting the capital from Padmanabhapuram in Kanyakumari district. The city developed into a major intellectual and artistic centre during this period. The golden age in the city's history was during the mid 19th century under the reign of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal and Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal.
Geography
Governemnt Website
Thiruvananthapuram is built on seven hills by the sea shore and is located at 8.5°N 76.9°E on the west coast, near the southern tip of mainland India. The city situated on the west coast of India, and is bounded by Laccadive Sea to its west and the Western Ghats to its east. The city spans an area of 214.86 km2 (82.96 sq mi) and the greater metropolitan area spans an area of 250 km2 (96.53 sq mi). The average elevation of the city is 16 ft (4.9 m) above sea level.The Geological Survey of India has identified Thiruvananthapuram as a moderately earthquake-prone urban centre and categorised the city in the Seismic III Zone. Thiruvananthapuram lies on the shores of Karamana and Killi rivers. Vellayani, Thiruvallam and Aakulam backwaters lies in the city.
Culture
The cultural background of Thiruvananthapuram originates from the efforts of the rulers of erstwhile Travancore, who took an active interest in the development of arts and culture. Thiruvananthapuram has produced several great artists, the most famous ones being Maharaja Swathi Thirunal,Irayimman Thampi and Raja Ravi Varma. Maharaja Swathi Thirunal was a great composer and played a vital role in the development of Carnatic music.There is a music college in his name in the city – Swathi Thirunal College of Music. Raja Ravi Varma was a famous painter of international renown. His contributions to Indian art are substantial. Most of his famous paintings are preserved at the Sree Chithra Art Gallery in the city. The Padmanabha Swamy Temple and the fort surrounding it, the Napier Museum and Zoo, the VJT hall are among the prominent heritage buildings in the city. The Veli lake and Shankumugham beach are home to various sculptures of the noted sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman. Many people, including Mahatma Gandhi have admired the city's greenery.
Cuisine
The general cuisine of the people is Keralite cuisine, which is characterised by an abundance of coconut and spices. This includes predominantly vegetarian Naadan ( country ) and non vegetarian Malabar and Kuttanad recipes. Other South Indian cuisines, as well as Chinese and North Indian cuisines are popular. Arabian, Thai and branded fast food joints are also patronised.
City Administration
Thiruvananthapuram City officials
Mayor :K. Chandrika( 0471-2322470)
Deputy Mayor :G. Happikumar(0471 2320821)
Corporation Secretary :Biju K IAS(0471 2345221)
Commissioner of Police :H. Venkitesh(0471 2356639)
Holy Places
TEMPLES
- Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple
- Attukal Devi temple
- Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple
MOSQUES
- Bheemapalli Mosque
- Palayam Juma Masjid
- Manacaud Juma Masjid
CHURCHES
- Lourdes Church
- vettukadu-Madre de Deus Church
- kunnathura-St. Peter Church
Hotels
- Taj vivanta
- SP Grand days
Hospitals
- Government Medical college
- KIMS
- S.K.Hospital
address: Medical College Ulloor Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695011
phone number: 0471 252 8300
address: P.B.No.1, Anayara P.O, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695029
phone number:0471 304 1000
address:Edappazhinji, Pangode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695006
phone number:0471 235 6260
Economy
The economy of Thiruvananthapuram city was earlier based on the tertiary sector with about 60% of the workforce being employed as government servants. Large-scale industrial establishments are low compared to other south Indian state capitals like Bangalore and Chennai. Currently the economy is growing with the contributions from more professionals in the field of IT.
The city contributes 80% of software exports from the state, and was selected as thefourth hottest[IT destination in India.Since the establishment of Technopark in 1995, Thiruvananthapuram has steadily grown into a competitive IT centre. The city was rated as the best 2nd tier metro with IT/ITES infrastructure, and second in terms of availability of human talent.Technopark is home to several companies including Oracle Corporation, Infosys, ITC Infotech, TCS, Capgemini, Visual Graphics Computing Services, Ernst & Young Global Shared Services Center, Allianz Cornhill, RR Donnelley, UST Global, Tata Elxsi, IBS Software Services, NeST Software, SunTec Business Solutions etc.
- Uthradam thirunnal Marthanda Varma
- Lt.colonel Bharat Mohanlal
- M.Jayachandran
