Capital of Kerala – Thiruvananthapuram

Capital of Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, serves as the capital of Kerala. It’s located in the southwestern part of India, by the Arabian Sea, and has some hills nearby. Back in 1745, Raja Martanda Varma made this city the capital of the Travancore kingdom.

Thiruvananthapuram is a significant center for Information Technology in Kerala and is home to various schools and colleges, including the University of Kerala and technical schools. Additionally, the city plays a crucial role in education and is where you can find many important research institutions like the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Technopark, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology.

Overview of Thiruvananthapuram – Capital of Kerala State

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, India, has a rich and varied history, culture, and economy. Here’s an overview covering various aspects of the city:

• Etymology: The name ‘Thiruvananthapuram’ is derived from the Malayalam words ‘Thiru-Anantha-Puram,’ meaning the ‘City of Lord Anantha,’ referring to the deity of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple located in the city.
• History: Thiruvananthapuram has a history dating back to the 10th century, but its importance grew in the 18th century under the rule of Marthanda Varma. It became the capital of the princely state of Travancore.
• Geography and Climate: Located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland, the city is characterized by its hilly terrain and proximity to the sea. It experiences a tropical climate, with heavy monsoons and pleasant winters.
• Demographics: The city has a diverse population, with Malayalam being the predominant language. It’s known for its high literacy rate and a mix of various religions and cultures.
• Administration: Thiruvananthapuram serves as the administrative center for the Kerala state government. It’s administered by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and is the seat of the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
• Economy: The economy is diverse, encompassing sectors like information technology, tourism, education, and research. The Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the largest IT parks in Asia.
• Tourism: Thiruvananthapuram is a major tourist hub, known for its beaches (like Kovalam), historic temples (like Padmanabhaswamy Temple), and cultural heritage sites.
• Culture: The city is a center for Kerala’s rich tradition in arts, including classical dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. It hosts various cultural festivals, such as the annual International Film Festival of Kerala.
• Transport: Thiruvananthapuram is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Trivandrum International Airport links the city with other parts of India and the world. The city also has a well-developed public transport system, including buses and taxis.
• Education: The city is an educational hub, home to the University of Kerala, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), and several other prestigious educational institutions and research centers.

Also Check: Culture of Kerala

Capital of Kerala in Map

Capital of Kerala State

The capital of Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram. It’s a city that blends its rich culture with modern progress. Thiruvananthapuram is famous for its unique buildings, peaceful beaches, and beautiful green scenery. It’s a very important and special place in Kerala, both in terms of location and culture.

Brief Facts about Thiruvananthapuram:

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala, a state in India. Here are some basic facts about it:

• The name Thiruvananthapuram means “The City of Lord Anantha.”
• It’s a lively city in the southern part of Kerala, India, with a rich history, beautiful buildings, and natural scenery.
• This city is famous for important places like the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, calm backwaters, schools, hospitals, and the IT industry, which creates jobs and progress.
• Thiruvananthapuram has museums, art galleries, and cultural centers that display the traditions and history of Kerala.
• It’s a gateway to the lovely backwaters and a significant IT center in India, responsible for 55% of Kerala’s software exports in 2015.
• Whether you enjoy history, nature, or art, Thiruvananthapuram has something for everyone. It’s a captivating place to visit and experience its beauty and charm.

Also Check Capital of Other States

Cultural Capital of Kerala

Thrissur is a cultural capital of Kerala, is a city in the southern state of Kerala, India. It’s famous for its culture, spirituality, and religious heritage.

Some important things about Thrissur’s cultural significance are:

• Cultural Institutions: Thrissur has places like Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, and Kerala Sahitya Academy. They promote literature, music, and arts in Kerala.
• Thrissur Pooram Festival: This colorful temple festival happens at Thekkinkadu Maidan in April or May. It brings thousands of people every year. You can enjoy folk art performances and heritage tours to learn about the region’s culture.
• Kerala Kalamandalam: In Cheruthuruthy, you’ll find this famous academy. It promotes classical arts like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam dance forms.
• Sakthan Thampuran Palace: This palace has an archaeology museum with bronze statues and ancient coins, showing the region’s history.
• Vadakkumnathan Temple: It’s one of the oldest temples in Kerala, showcasing Kerala-style architecture and many murals.

Industrial Capital of Kerala

Industrial capital of Kerala is Kochi, which is a state in India. It’s a rapidly growing city with a strong focus on industries like IT, shipbuilding, oil refining, software, and more. They also have areas specifically for IT and ITES services. Other important industries in Kochi include making things from minerals found along the coast, processing marine products, and making rubber-based items.

Some of the big industrial places in the city include the Cochin Shipyard, BPCL-Kochi Refinery, Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd. (FACT), and Hindustan Organic Chemicals (HOC).

Food Capital of Kerala

Food Capital of Kerala is up for discussion, and people can’t agree on whether Kochi or Kozhikode deserves it. Kochi gets called the food capital because it has lots of restaurants with various types of food, from traditional Kerala dishes to international ones. Kozhikode is also famous for its food, especially the Thalassery cuisine. People have different opinions about which city should have the title. So, even though Kochi is often called the food capital of Kerala, Kozhikode is also known for its good food.

Business Capital of Kerala

Kochi is business capital of Kerala the main financial, commercial, and industrial center in Kerala because of its strong economy and strategic location.

• Port and Trade: Kochi has a big port that’s been important for trade for a long time. This has made Kochi a big business center.
• Different Types of Jobs: In Kochi, people have many different kinds of jobs. They work in shipping, making ships, fishing, tourism, computers, spices, and chemicals. This mix of jobs is a big reason why Kochi is important for business.
• Computers and Technology: Kochi has become a big place for computer and tech companies. They have places like Infopark and SmartCity that bring in companies from India and other countries.
• Tourism: Kochi is also a popular place for tourists because of its history and natural beauty. This helps the hospitality and service industries grow.
• Good Facilities: Kochi has good buildings for offices, business areas, and good transportation. This makes it easy for businesses to work here and attracts people who want to invest in the city.

Overview of Kerala

Kerala, located on India’s southwestern Malabar Coast, is famous for its distinctive landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and varied ecosystems. It’s often called “God’s Own Country.”

• Etymology The name ‘Kerala’ comes from “Keralam” in Malayalam, meaning ‘land of coconuts’, which suits the region’s abundant coconut groves.
• History Kerala’s history stretches back to the ancient Sangam era. As an early spice trading hub from around 3000 BCE, it experienced influences from Arab, Chinese, and European cultures due to its trade ties.
• Geography Kerala’s geography is marked by a long shoreline, the Western Ghats, lush environments, and many backwaters. It enjoys a tropical climate with plenty of rain.
• Economy The state’s economy combines traditional sectors like agriculture and fishing with modern ones such as IT and tourism. Kerala is also known for its high remittance rates.
• Transportation Kerala boasts extensive connectivity through its network of roads, railways, and airports, both international and domestic. Its coastal and backwater areas heavily utilize waterways for transportation.
• Demographics With a diverse population speaking Malayalam, Kerala is noted for its high literacy rate and quality of life. It’s a secular state with Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam as major religions.
• Education The state’s focus on education is evident from its high literacy levels. It houses prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and the National Institute of Technology.
• Culture The culture in Kerala, the capital of Kerala state, is a mix of Dravidian and Aryan influences, seen in dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, and festivals such as Onam and Vishu.
• Media Kerala has a lively media landscape, with many Malayalam newspapers, TV channels, and radio stations. It plays a significant role in the state’s socio-political discussions.
• Sports In Kerala, football, cricket, and athletics are popular. The state has produced many national and international athletes, particularly in track and field.
• Tourism Tourism is a key sector in Kerala, drawing visitors to its beaches, hill stations, backwaters, and wildlife areas. The state’s eco-tourism and cultural tourism initiatives are especially notable.

FAQs on Capital of Kerala

What is the real capital of Kerala?

The real capital of Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram. It is the administrative and political hub of the state, housing important government offices and institutions.

What are the two capitals of Kerala?

Kerala has only one capital, which is Thiruvananthapuram. However, Kochi is often referred to as the commercial capital due to its economic significance.

What is the old name of Kochi?

The old name of Kochi was Cochin. This name was used during the colonial period and is still commonly used alongside the official name, Kochi.

What is the old name of Kerala?

Historically, Kerala did not have a different name, but it was known as the Malabar Coast in ancient and medieval texts, especially in the context of foreign trade.

Is Kerala a town or city?

Kerala is neither a town nor a city; it is a state located in the southern part of India. It comprises various towns and cities, including its capital, Thiruvananthapuram.

Was Kerala part of Tamil Nadu?

No, Kerala was never a part of Tamil Nadu. Both are distinct states in India. However, historically, some regions of what is now Kerala were part of the Tamilakam region, sharing cultural similarities with Tamil Nadu.