Thiruvananthapuram is characterized by its royal heritage, palaces and its pristine countryside. The beauty of the city is still intact, in the wide, open avenues, parks, gardens, cultural institutions and undulating countryside.
The most prominent science and technology institute, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre is based here. India’s first Information Technology Park “Techno Park” came up in 1955 in Thiruvananthapuram.
Modern history begins with Marthananda Verma, regarded as the Father of Modern Travencore. He made Thiruvananthapuram his capital. Thiruvananthapuram was a great centre of intellectual and artistic activities in those days.
The city derives its name from the deity at the Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswami Temple, one of the major landmarks. The name is derived from the words Thiru-Anantha-Puram, meaning the town of Anantha.
In 1956, when the state of Kerala was formed, Thiruvananthapuram was again chosen as the capital.
