Why Thiruvananthapuram is Called the Evergreen City of India?

Thiruvananthapuram, often called the Evergreen City of India, has always stood apart for its natural beauty, laid-back charm, and sustainable approach to growth. Nestled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, the Kerala capital thrives on its tropical climate, tree-lined avenues, and coastal freshness. But in recent years, another layer has been added to this scenic city’s identity, that of a rising hub for affordable housing.

As Kerala’s administrative, educational, and IT nerve centre, Thiruvananthapuram has seen a steady influx of professionals, entrepreneurs, and students from across the state. This has placed consistent pressure on its housing market. Yet, unlike many overcrowded metros, the city’s development has been strategic and well-balanced, blending livability with progress. The result: growing opportunities for affordable housing that cater to both local residents and newcomers seeking quality living at reasonable prices.

The Green Capital’s Growth Story

The charm of Thiruvananthapuram lies not just in its verdant landscape but in how urbanisation has unfolded here. Over the last few decades, the city has expanded its footprint while keeping sustainability in focus. Selected under the Central Government’s Smart Cities Mission, Thiruvananthapuram is witnessing major upgrades in civic infrastructure, mobility, and housing.

Road and rail networks now connect the city’s core with its growing suburbs, encouraging residential expansion beyond the central districts. The city bypass stretching from Kazhakoottam to Kovalam has improved north-south connectivity, while the National Highway 66 links Thiruvananthapuram with major Kerala cities such as Kochi and Kozhikode, as well as Mangaluru beyond the state border.

Rising Suburbs and Affordable Pockets

The city’s northern and eastern suburbs have emerged as promising zones for affordable housing. Areas like Karakulam and Mannanthala are seeing a surge in demand, offering homes that start from as low as Rs. 15–25 lakh. These localities, once considered peripheral, are now well-connected through upgraded roads and public transport, making them ideal for first-time homebuyers.

Meanwhile, in the southern belt, neighbourhoods such as Kaithamukku, Thycaud, Pallithura, and Nemom are becoming residential favourites. Their proximity to small and medium-scale industries offers employment opportunities close to home, reducing commuting stress and creating self-sustained micro-economies within the city.

The western parts of Thiruvananthapuram remain the most developed, thanks to the Technopark IT hub in Kazhakoottam, one of India’s largest technology campuses. Areas like Sreekariyam, Ambalamukku, Kulathoor, and Aakkulam are witnessing steady growth, although land availability here is tightening due to heavy demand.

In contrast, the eastern region still offers vast tracts of land, making it a viable choice for future housing projects. Its closeness to industrial belts and the Main Central (MC) Road, which runs through Vembayam, Kesavadasapuram, and Venjaramoodu, adds to its connectivity advantage. Developers are increasingly eyeing these zones for new residential and mixed-use projects.

Connectivity and Investment Advantage

Thiruvananthapuram’s strategic location on the southwest coast has made it a vital link between Kerala and major South Indian cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The city’s international airport supports both civil and military aviation and serves as the headquarters of the Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force — a rare combination that underscores its strategic and logistical importance.

The upcoming Vizhinjam International Deep-Sea Port, expected to handle large vessels directly, will be India’s first such project and a game-changer for regional trade and infrastructure. Once operational, it is likely to spur industrial and residential growth across the district.

Adding to this, the proposed semi high-speed rail corridor from Kozhikode to Thiruvananthapuram promises to cut travel time dramatically and enhance economic interlinkages across Kerala’s urban centres.

An Emerging IT and Education Powerhouse

Home to more than 250 IT companies and employing over 40,000 professionals, Thiruvananthapuram’s Technopark has been the nucleus of the city’s economic transformation. The presence of research institutions, state-owned enterprises, and a strong educational ecosystem has further diversified employment opportunities.

These developments have fuelled the demand for quality yet affordable housing. Builders are responding with sustainable and community-centric projects that reflect the city’s eco-conscious ethos, combining efficient design with the lush aesthetics that define Thiruvananthapuram.

Looking Ahead

As Kerala continues to urbanise, Thiruvananthapuram is poised to lead the way in balanced, inclusive development. Its green spaces, robust connectivity, and economic opportunities are creating a rare blend of livability and affordability.

The Evergreen City of India is no longer just a metaphor for natural beauty; it now represents a model for urban growth that embraces both nature and need. With infrastructure upgrades and government-backed initiatives paving the way, Thiruvananthapuram’s affordable housing sector looks set for a sustainable and prosperous future.