Thiruvananthapuram

The University College Thiruvananthapuram was established in 1834 by the initiative of the then Maharaja of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma. The college has since been central to higher education in Kerala, influencing the academic landscape significantly. Affiliated later to the University of Kerala, it offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses and is known for its remarkable history and contribution to the academic and cultural society of the region.

The Napier Museum in Thiruvananthapuram was built in 1885, representing a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It houses a rare collection of archaeological and historical artifacts, including bronze idols, ancient ornaments, and a temple chariot. The museum is named after Lord Napier, the former Governor of Madras, under whom its construction was completed. It is a prime cultural institution attracting both tourists and researchers.

Founded in 1932, Sree Chithira Thirunal College of Engineering (SCTCE) is located in Thiruvananthapuram and is one of the premier institutes for technical education in Kerala. It was established by the Maharaja of Travancore, Sree Chithira Thirunal, and has grown to be one of the best technical colleges in the country. The college is affiliated to the University of Kerala and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

The University of Kerala, established in 1937 in Thiruvananthapuram, is one of the first sixteen universities in India. Initially founded as the University of Travancore, it has become a pivotal institution for higher education in the region, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. The University of Kerala has a rich history and continues to influence academia in the region.

The state of Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956, by merging the Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile states of Travancore-Cochin and Madras. Thiruvananthapuram, previously known as Trivandrum, became the capital of the new state. The city was significant due to its historical importance as the former capital of the Kingdom of Travancore and its ongoing role as the political and cultural hub of Kerala.

In 1963, the Kerala Legislative Assembly was constituted in Thiruvananthapuram, serving as the primary legislative body of the state of Kerala. The establishment of this assembly was a significant step in the democratic process of the state, enabling systematic legislative governance. Until today, it plays a crucial role in formulating laws and policies for the people of Kerala, making Thiruvananthapuram the heart of the state's political scene.

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the primary space research center of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was launched in 1982 in Thiruvananthapuram. Named after the renowned Indian scientist Vikram Sarabhai, the center focuses on the design and development of satellite launch vehicles and supporting technologies. It has played a pivotal role in India's space programs, contributing substantially to their success.

One of the oldest zoos in India, the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo in Kerala, was opened in 1990. It was founded with the intent to complement the educational and recreational features of the Napier Museum and has since become an important site for animal conservation and tourism. The zoo occupies an area amidst gardens and is home to many species of animals, birds, and reptiles, promoting wildlife awareness and conservation.

On August 25, 1995, the first IT park in India, Technopark, was established in Thiruvananthapuram. This would set off a chain of developments in the IT sector across the country. Spanning 330 acres of land, it offered space to IT and software companies, which led to rapid economic progress for the city and employment opportunities for many. It has been a model IT park and has inspired similar initiatives elsewhere in India.

The Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) was inaugurated in Thiruvananthapuram in 2005. It is a renowned multi-specialty hospital offering a variety of healthcare services. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a team of skilled professionals, KIMS plays a vital role in providing quality medical care to the people of Kerala and has been recognized internationally for its excellent healthcare services.

The Vizhinjam International Seaport, a port under construction near Thiruvananthapuram, began operations in 2015. Intended to become one of India's premier container transshipment ports, it is strategically located close to international shipping routes. The seaport is expected to drastically reduce the cost and time of transportation of goods and become a significant hub in the regional maritime economy.