Formerly known as Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram is gateway to one of the most beautiful states in India- Kerala, The climate is pleasant all the year round, though June-November could be very wet. Thiruvananthapuram opens the gates to a world of beaches, mountains, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries and islands. The city of Thiruvananthapuram presides over one of the most scenic states stretching along the southern coast of the country, with the backwaters of the Arabian Sea reaching deep into the verdant countryside, Kerala offers a fascinating experience.
Air: Thiruvananthapuram international airport (6 kms from the city)
Rail: There are direct trains to all the main towns in kerala as well as the major cities in india.
Road: It is well connected to all towns & cities.
What to see?
Shankhumugham
This is the preferred beach for local residents. One can spend hours watching the planes take off from the international airport and watch the ships sail by on the horizon. There is a huge cement statue of a reclining mermaid on the beach. The sunrise and sunset is a big draw. There are small shops which sprout across the beach on a regular basis once evening sets in. You can get hot sizzling vadas, shawarma's (a type of meat roll) and red hot chilli bajjis, in addition to roasted peanuts.
Kovalam
Is a brand. It was one of those very special beaches which sort of catapulted Trivandrum on to the international tourist arena. A beach of international repute, it is about 14km from the city centre. But as with other must see tourist destinations, Kovalam is highly commercialized. It is advisable to strike a rapport with a local and explore the beaches nearby if you like to discover quieter beaches.
Vizhinjam
Just 2 km from Kovalam, it is an ancient port. The tetra pods, put out on the strip of beach to prevent erosion, in a way make a trip to the beach a bit tedious. While at Vijinjam, check out the lighthouse. The steady beam from the lighthouse still guides ships and smaller sea faring vessels from crashing on to the rocks under water.
Velli Tourist Village
It was developed to be a proper tourist village, complete with cottages et al, a couple of years ago. About 10 km from the city, it is somewhat a lagoon. Come monsoon, and the narrow band of land separating the sea and the Velli Lake is cut open. You can hire boats at the jetty and go rowing out on your own. Paddle boats are a hit with the honeymooners and speed boats for the more adventurous.
Palaces and Museums Kanakakunnu Palace
Atop a hillock, it was home to the Travancore Rajas. It now hosts a variety of cultural events. Napier Museum
Feast your eyes on bronze idols, archaeological finds, ivory carvings and a temple chariot, or ratha. It is open between 10 am and 6 pm; Monday is a holiday. Sree Chithra Art Gallery
Must visit for its proud collection of Ravi Varmas, Roerichs and other famous names.
Foodie
Life is more relaxed in Trivandrum and eating out is a special occasion. But take-aways are a fad in this city. Be warned that the typical Kerala fare tends to get a bit spicy. For vegetarians, we recommend Arul Jyothi, Kadalivanam, Arya Bhavan, and Comfort Inn Grand. Non-vegetarians may try Kalpakavadi, Pankaj Rooftop, Ootupura, and South Park. For Chinese, Hotel Mascot, and South Park are safe bets. In fact, both are multi-cuisine.
Nightlife
No Nightlife as such in Trivandrum
Shopping
For traditional Kerala offerings-wood carvings, coir products, handwoven mats-try SMSM Handicrafts Emporium (on YMCA Road), Kairali, the state emporium (opposite the Secratariat), or Gramsree (in Vazhutacaud).
If interested in traditional Kerala handloom dresses, there's no better place than Karalkada (in Kaithamukku, just 3kms from the city).
For branded, urban stuff Palayam Bazaar and Chalai Bazaar are the two main marketplaces lined with showrooms of well-known brands.
The Parthas, near East Fort is a dress shop which caters to the needs of the entire family.
For the traditional silks, visit the shops around the Padmanabhaswamy temple. The Gurukirpa Sri Venkatrao's Silk Shop is one of the oldest. A must visit if you love to feel and hear the rustle of soft silk. You can also check out the Alappat house of silk and Alukas which are also near by.
Language tips:
Malayalam is commonly spoken here
Hello : Namaskaram
Yes : Undu, (it changes with situation)
No : Illa
Thank you : Nandi
You are welcome : Swagatham
What is your name : Ningalude perenthanu
I do not understand : Enikku manasilayilla
Nice to meet you : Kandathil santhosham
How are u : Sugam ano
What price : Entha vila
Friend : Suhurthu
Formerly known as Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram is gateway to one of the most beautiful states in India- Kerala, The climate is pleasant all the year round, though June-November could be very wet. Thiruvananthapuram opens the gates to a world of beaches, mountains, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries and islands. The city of Thiruvananthapuram presides over one of the most scenic states stretching along the southern coast of the country, with the backwaters of the Arabian Sea reaching deep into the verdant countryside, Kerala offers a fascinating experience.
