Located at the southwestern tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram district is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and Tamil Nadu on the east. 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 makes this district a much sought after tourist destination. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala.
Thiruvananthapuram, the city of the snake god, is the capital of Kerala State and is situated at south India. The city is a blend of modern and traditional architecture. Named after the fabled Serpent God 'Anantha' on whom Sri Anantha Padmanabhan (Lord Vishnu) reclines, the city is built on seven hills. Caressed by the Arabian Sea at the west, Thiruvananthapuram is a popular transit destination for Indians and foreigners alike who like to visit south India. Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient city that had riding links with the other parts of the world. Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, a landmark of Thiruvananthapuram, is 2000 years old. King Marthandavarma, the erstwhile founder of Travancore made Thiruvananthapuram his capital. After Marthandavarma, it remained the capital of Travancore and after independence, became the capital of State of Travancore-Cochin. In 1956, when Kerala state was formed, Thiruvananthapuram was again chosen as the capital of Kerala.