Thiruvananthapuram (also known as Trivandrum and The Prince of Arabian Sea) is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram is a major Information Technology hub in India, and contributes 55% of Kerala's software exports as of 2015.
Thiruvananthapuram is a major academic hub, and is home to the University of Kerala, the regional headquarters of Indira Gandhi National Open University, and many other schools and colleges. Thiruvananthapuram is also home to research centers such as the Indian Space Research Organisation's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, and a campus of the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research.
The city is ranked among the best cities to live in India. The city is also ranked as the best governed city in India.
Thiruvananthapuram is a major tourist hub in South India. Kovalam and Varkala are popular beach towns located near the city. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple circled by the East Fort is believed to be among the richest and grandest temples in the world. Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is enlisted by UNESCO to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Connectivity
Thiruvananthapuram is a divisional headquarters in the Southern Railway zone of the Indian Railways. Long-distance trains originate from Thiruvananthapuram Central and Kochuveli railway terminal. Kochuveli railway terminal is developed to ease congestion on central station and it act as satellite station to Thiruvananthapuram Central.
Thiruvananthapuram is served by the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located at Chakai, only about 6.7 kilometres from the city centre.