Thiruvanthapuram is now the state capital of Kerala, it has remained the city of the god. Thiruvanthapuram is built on seven hills. Long ago , when the area was still a forest, an idol of Vishnu was found on the highest hill. The Government Art Museum with its slightly surreal architecture displays an interesting array of Kerala's arts and artifacts: bronzes, antique jewellery, woodcarving ,musical instruments, ritual objects and handicrafts. The shrine that housed the idol eventually grew into the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple. In the same complex is the Sri Chitra Art gallery, best known for its collection of Painting by Raja Ravi Varma.

Kerala's martial arts, Kalaripayattu ,is at least as ancient, fast and deadly as the other better known schools. Take a walk through Connemara Market by passing under an imposing archway whose British design is at odds with the bustle you will find inside. Thiruvananthapuram has an international airport. It is an important terminus on the Indian Railway's Network with connection from all part of the country. The prominent places of interest are Sri Padamanabha swamy Temple, is a fine example of south Indian sculpture. The public park, situated in the center of the city is also the best place for interests beyond religion.

Napier Museum with a fine collection of Kerala bronzes, ornaments and costumes of a typical Nair family. The Observatory Hill and the Zoo are other places worth a visit. Other museums of interest are the Science and technology Museum, Priyadarshini Planetarium and the Chacha Nehru Children's Museum.