The word "Thiru Ananthapuram", means the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred thousand-headed serpent Anantha, who forms the couch on which reclines Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the trinity of Hindu gods. The name also reflects the city's best-known temple and a famous landmark, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Padmanabha or Lord Vishnu. Built on seven hills, and liberally covered with the green of low-lying paddy fields and coconut palms, Trivandrum has not lost this holy glory, having accepted diverse cultures and religious traditions in its warm and hospitable embrace. The city has recently grown as a tourist and commercial centre, with the Trivandrum International Airport becoming the main gateway into Kerala for a substantial number of visitors and tourists. The Akkulam Lakeside Boat Club is another popular local destination for city dwellers who wish to get away from it all. About 13 km from the city, it has a large children's park. Located at PMG Junction, near the Mascot Hotel, the Science and Technology Museum is an interactive educative experience for students and youth as well as other inquisitive minds. Kovalam, the world-renowned beach endowed with a sheltered bay safe for swimming during the off-monsoon months is about 16 km away. Apart from the five-star Ashok Radisson Hotel, there are several hotels of various standards to suit every budget. A pilgrim centre and picnic spot 16 km from Trivandrum is Aruvikkara. Another favourite local destination is Neyyar Dam, a dam site with the lake providing a picnic spot as well as opportunities for boating and hiking. About 11 km from the city is the VeliTourist Village, a well- developed tourist spot where the lake merges with the sea.

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