The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is a booming IT city and business centre. Historically speaking, Thiruvananthapuram was a princely state and a trading post for spices, sandalwood, and ivory.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the richest Hindu temple in the world and is built in the indigenous Kerala and Dravidian styles. Whether you wish to visit the temple as a devotee or to observe its architecture and beauty, it is a must-visit for you when you are in Thiruvananthapuram. This city is also famous for its beaches, and its Varkala beach is a haven for water sports and swimming. The 2,000-year old Janardhana Swamy temple, an important shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, can also be found in Varkala. The Kovalam beach offers an endless visual delight of coconut trees and you can find excellent Ayurvedic salons in the beach town. For those who want to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala, you can plan a trip to Poovar to admire its natural beauty. Anchuthengu is another gorgeous place to visit and you can also enjoy some Portuguese style architecture and history while you are there.