# Kazhakoottam

Kazhakkoottam is a major urban area in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala state, India. The largest IT Park of the country in terms of developed area Technopark along with Technocity - an upcoming integrated IT township - is situated here. Hence, it is known as the Information Technology capital of Kerala. It is one of the fastest growing areas of the state.

## History

Kazhakkoottam was the centre of power for Kazhakuttathu Ugran Pillai who was prominent among the so-called Ettuveetil Pillamar (Pillais from Eight Houses) who rebelled against Travancore King Marthanda Varma in the late 18th century. After defeating Pillai, Varma destroyed his palace and replaced it with a pond. To redeem himself, he built a temple to Krishna nearby. Both the pond and the temple survive. The Kazhakuttom Mahadeva Temple is believed to be 1000 years old.

## Administration

Kazhakootam is the 1st ward in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation which is administered by the Mayor. Kazhakoottam assembly constituency is one of the 140 assemblies of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. It is represented by Kadakampally Surendran from CPI(M) 2016 onwards. The Kazhakootam constituency also belongs to the greater Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha Constituency which is represented by Dr. Shashi Tharoor MP (Indian National Congress) from 2009 onwards in the Indian Parliament. Kazhakuttam ward councillor V.K. Prashanth from CPI(M) was elected as the Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram in November 2015.

## Transportation

Kazhakoottam is a major junction where the National Highway 66 (India) Kazhakkoottam Bypass and the main road towards the city are joined. It is well connected to all major destinations in the city by bus services from Kazhakoottam. Kazhakoottam is only 15 kilometres (9 mi) away from Thiruvananthapuram city centre. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport which is at a distance of 14 km. The nearest railway station is Kazhakuttam railway station.

## Institutions

* Technopark
* KINFRA Apparel Park, Menamkulam
* KINFRA Film and Video Park, Chanthavila
* Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Biotechnology
* Regional Women's Training Institute
* Marian Engineering College
* Marian College of Architecture
* Marian Arts& Science College
* Marian Business School

## Major attractions

* Vikram Sarabhai Space centre Space Museum – 5 km
* Thumba Beach – 4 km
* Greenfield International Stadium – 2 km
* Lulu Mall – 7 km
* Mall of Travancore – 14 km
* Akkulam Tourist Village – 8 km
* Mudavoorpara Rock Cut Temple – 8 km
* Magic Planet – 3 km
* Veli Tourist Village-10Km

## Government offices

* Pothencode Block Panchayat Office (Erstwhile Kazhakkottam Block Panchayat)
* Kazhakkottam Village Office
* Kerala State Electricity Board Kazhakkoottam
* Kazhakkoottam Sub Registrar Office
* Kazhakkoottam RTO Office

## Academic institutions

* Sainik School Kazhakkoottam
* Government HS, Kazhakkoottam
* Jyothis Central School, Kazhakkoottam
* Al Uthuman English Medium School,
* Trivandrum Engineering College
* University of Kerala, Kariavattom Campus
* Alan Feldman Public School, Elippakuzhi

## Notable people

* Premkumar – Actor
* Kadakampally Surendran
* Adv VK Prasanth