Thiruvananthapuram

Located near the southern tip of mainland India, Thiruvananthapuram (Malayalam: തിരുവനന്തപുരം Tiruvanantapuraṁ), (formerly and often still known as Trivandrum) is the capital city of Kerala in Southern India. The city is shares the same name with its district, Thiruvananthapuram, which is one of the 14 districts of Kerala. Referred to by Mahatma Gandhi as the "Evergreen city of India", the city is characterized by its undulating terrain of low coastal hills and busy commercial alleys.

Thiruvananthapuram is built on hills by the sea shore and sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Thiruvananthapuram is ranked first in the number of foreign tourists visiting Kerala and is a fascinating destination for holidaymakers.

Thiruvananthapuram, with a tradition dating back to 1000 BC, lies on a small strip of land covered with coconut and palm trees. Thiruvananthapuram means "City of Lord Anantha" (the serpent on which Lord Padmanabha/Vishnu reclines) in Sanskrit and Malayalam. Historically, it was a trading post for spices, sandalwood and ivory. Thiruvananthapuram is the largest city in Kerala. The city is the state capital and houses many central and state government offices, organizations and companies. Besides being the political nerve centre of Kerala, it is also a major academic hub and home to several educational institutions, including the University of Kerala, and many science and technology institutions. Some prominent institutions being the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Technopark, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER).

Thiruvananthapuram is one of the oldest cities in India, with periodic references in many Greek and Roman literatures. This city came to the forefront when the Venad Dynasty rose to power in the southern regions, after the Great Partition of the Kerala Empire of Cheras in the 14th century. Though Venad rulers had their capital at Kollam (70 km north of Thiruvananthapuram), Thiruvananthapuram was considered the major trading centre. The formation of Travancore Kingdom in late 17th century proved a turning point for the city. In this time, the Raja dedicated the entire kingdom to Lord Padmanabha, the presiding deity of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, meaning that the royal family was ruling in the name of the lord. The capital was moved to Thiruvananthapuram, and the city expanded around the temple. In the 19th century, the entire administration was brought to Thiruvananthapuram city from the royal headquarters of Sree Padmanabhapuram Fort (50 km from Thiruvananthapuram city), which marked completion of first phase of Thiruvananthapuram city.

Travancore was one of the most powerful Indian princely states during the British Raj, with the kingdom becoming the 3rd-richest state among native states. Thiruvananthapuram city, under the royal patronage, grew into a major academic and cultural hub of India with many firsts to its credit. As the power and wealth of the Travancore Kingdom reached its peak during early 20th century, Thiruvananthapuram became a prosperous city. When India attained independence, the Travancore chose to accede to the India Union. After formation of Kerala state in 1957, Thiruvananthapuram was retained as the capital city.

Being a capital and administrative city, it remains the hottest political centres in Kerala. A third phase of development came in early 1990s, when the Kerala Government established Technopark, a large information-technology park. The success of Technopark as the largest IT park in South Asia has been a major impetus for growth in city. Today the city is focused on maintaining its status as a major IT/Bio-Technology hub.

The city has a tropical climate and does not experience distinct seasons. The mean maximum temperature is 34°C and the mean minimum temperature is 21°C. Humidity is high, and rises to about 90% during the monsoon season.

Thiruvananthapuram is the first city along the path of the south-west monsoon and gets its first showers in early June. However, pre-monsoon showers are common in April and May, accounting for about 35 cm on average. Annual rainfall is not high compared to other districts of Kerala, but it is still a substantial 180 cm. The rainiest months are May, June, July, August, and October, but there are frequent showers in other months too between April and November. For travelers who wish to avoid the rain, the best period to visit is from December to March.

The winter temperature comes down to about 18°C at some places at high altitudes and summer temperatures can sometimes go as high as 35°C.

• The best time to visit Trivandrum is between October and February, the perfect time for beach vacations. February to May is summer, which is very hot and humid while June to September is the monsoon season. The second rainy season, the North-East monsoon, is equally strong and occurs during the months of October and November.
• The festival of Onam which occurs towards the end of August or early September is a good time to soak up the carnival atmosphere. There are usually many cultural programs during the official Onam celebrations lasting 10 days.
• The Monsoon season starts from June every year and is a time of heavy rains in the area. The Monsoon has become an attraction for tourists seeking to experience it.

The festival of Onam which occurs towards the end of August or early September is a good time to soak up the carnival atmosphere. There are usually many cultural programs during the official Onam celebrations lasting 10 days.

The Monsoon season starts from June every year and is a time of heavy rains in the area. The Monsoon has become an attraction for tourists seeking to experience it.

The native language of Kerala is Malayalam, which is a Dravidian language like Tamil and Kannada. Most educated locals are also able to communicate in Hindi and English. The people are generally very helpful and friendly. Tamil is generally understood, though people may not be too fluent in the language.

Thiruvananthapuram is a historic city, dotted with many historical structures, parks, museums, tourist centers and palaces. Its also famous for its distinctive greenery, present all over, a rare site in any bustling Indian city. Most ticketed museums are closed on Mondays, so do check online/by phone before visiting. Visit the official website of Kerala Tourism for more details.

• Chacha Nehru Children's Museum. A good children's museum with a large collection of dolls, masks, and paintings. A mini aquarium and water play area is set here. Located in Thycuad, in the heart of city, it is a good evening spot for families.
• East Fort. An old fort around Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple. Today most of fortifications have been dismantled, except the Eastern side. The for will sometimes be referred to as the East Fort because of this. The Fort Gate opens directly before Sree Padmanabha Temple and is designed in a European style. The illumination of the East Fort Gate in the evenings is a major attraction.
• Kanaka Kunnu Palace. The cultural hotspot of ancient Thiruvananthapuram. The large palace and its sprawling gardens was once the banquet palace for visiting State guests of Travancore. Today, it has engaging galleries and the grand lawns serve as open-air auditoriums for regular concerts and evening dance programs.
• Kerala Government Secretariat. Built as Huzur Kacheri (Secretarial Offices in Malayalam) in 1860 to serve as the Royal Durbar Hall of Travancore Kingdom, this building has an imposing structure. The building was designed by the British Royal Engineers Corps combining international architectural styles and is a testimony to past influences from Roman, Dutch and English styles on Kerala. The old Legislature Assembly Hall inside the complex (Asia's first native legislative assembly) has a good museum with a detailed gallery that depicts the history of the Travancore Legislative Assembly. Other areas in this building are not of tourist interest as they are government offices.
• Kerala Legislature Assembly Complex. The new legislature assembly complex, called Niyamasabha (Law House in Malayalam), is a modern structure located in heart of the city. It's famous for the classical Kerala architecture with ornate teak works, a unique Kerala styled dome, exquisitely designed interiors and a vast expanse of greenery around it. A photo shoot before this structure is an excellent addition to your travelogue.
• Kerala Science and Technology Museum. This large science museum features a timeline of various technologies. On display are galleries on Electrical Engineering, Biomedical, and Mechanical Engineering. It has a collection of electronic equipments and a 3D theatre with regular shows.
• Keralan Museum. Housed in a beautiful colonial building, this newly developed museum (circa 2008 vintage) presents a periodised history of Kerala. It's the first 'interactive' museum in the country, featuring touchscreen terminals. Unfortunately, like so many museums and historical texts in India, there are no maps inside to provide visual aid to the topics. Regardless, the museum is very pleasant, clean, modern and well presented when compared to others. Displays begin in the stone age and advance through rock art and stone tools to pottery, bronze sculptures, folk art and architecture, with a few latter-day items to boot. A small canteen behind the museum for staff of the adjacent tourist department offers good value fish or vegetable curry. Entry is ₹200 for foreigners, extra for a camera.
• Kowdiar Palace. In Kowdiar, this is the current, official residence of the Travancore Maharajas and royal family. It is off-the-limits for public. However a friendly guard may let you inside to have a glimpse of this large architectural wonder built in mixture of Saxon-Travancore styles. The public however can enter into Panchavadi, the resting place of Late H.H Maharaja Chitra Thirunal- the last and popular King of Travancore.
• Kuthiramalika Palace. A unique palace designed by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal (a famous musical genius Maharaja of Travancore), this palace is famous for its horse shaped windows and decor. The palace, near Padmanabhaswamy temple, has collections of antiques related to Maharaja Swati Thirunal's times. This palace is the location of the Swathi Thirunal Music Festival and other musical concerts patronized by Royal family.
• Legislature Museum. This museum depicts the history of South Asian Legislature assemblies. The building was once the headquarters of Travancore Royal Nair Brigade (Travancore Army). Today its galleries can give a detailed look into history of South Asian legislature activities and process.
• Napier Museum. Named after former Madras governor, Lord Napier (Francis Napier, 10th Lord Napier and 1st Baron Ettrick), this museum is a beautiful building in the museum (read: park) compound. This masterpiece was designed by Madras Government architect Robert Chisholm in Indo-Saracenic style. The museum displays rare archaeological and historical artifacts including bronze idols, ceramics, an impressive carved wooden cart, Buddhist statues from various parts of the country and neighbouring places, ivory carvings, chests, Balinese shadow puppets, various old coins, Hindu puja items, and more. Quite a few objects are foreign, and of those quite a few are Chinese. Unfortunately most are lacking labels, have labels only in Malayalam, or are very vague. Look up at the impressive roof when you enter! (Open 10AM-5PM, closed on Mondays and before noon Wednesday.) No photography allowed. There is no sign saying 'Napier Museum', just 'Art Gallery' and it's the big building in the park to the north of Museum Road. ₹5 for tickets.
• Palace museum. Has a good collection of many antique items from the Travancore era Kings. Thrones, paintings and many belongings are kept in a very good condition, housed in an erstwhile royal building.
• Palayam Pally. The principal mosque of Thiruvananthapuram. It is a Juma Masjid (Friday Mosque). The Mosque is one of the largest in Kerala and famous for its regular sermons. The mosque was established with patronage of Travancore Kings.
• Priyadarshini Space Planetarium. One of the largest planetariums in India and rated as one of the best horizontal planetariums of the world. It has a collection of astronomical science objects from ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization). 2 major shows regarding various secrets of universe are done daily. It has a good Sky Theatre, a large conference hall and is the location of regular space related programs.
• Sree Chithra Art Gallery. An art gallery in the Museum compound and displays a rare collection of mainly Indian paintings. The main attractions are paintings by Kerala painter Raja Ravi Varma and other famous painters Raja raja Varma and Nicholas Roerich. Also featured are miniature paintings from around the world, Kerala mural paintings, and Tanjore miniature paintings. Not open on Mondays.
• Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple. The icon of the city: the world's richest temple. The temple came to prominence after the details of the temple's massive wealth were released by an order from the supreme court of India. The temple itself has thousands of stories to tell with immaculate sculptures and mandaps. The entire Thiruvanathapuram city was built around this temple. It was nominated into the last round of 7 Wonders of World. The building style is a mixture of Kerala and Tamil architecture. The temple has many structures inside, like musical pillars, golden mandap, 500 pillared corridor famous for its sculptures and large collection of temple mural paintings. The temple has a large clear pond called Padmatheertham, which is also landmark. The deity is Maha Vishnu in a rare reclining posture, called as "ananthasayanam" or the lord's sleep. The temple has a huge role in history of Kerala, with the presiding deity even being crowned as Emperor of Travancore in 18th century and all the rulers ruling the state in the name of the deity. The royal crown of Travancore, is preserved inside the temple, though seeing it is a rare. The temple does not use any lighting generated by an electrical source and has no light bulbs or tube-lights. The only lighting is either natural or from oil lamps, which is quite minimal. The use of electronic items is prohibited in the temple. This temple is open only for Hindus, and even the Hindus admitted inside have to follow rigorous dress code and customs. Dress code for men is just Kerala Mundu (White Dhothi) with the body uncovered waist-up. Dhotis are available for one-time rental or for sale from nearby shops. Women are required to wear an Indian Sari or Kerala Mundu (The idea is that your legs must not be visible separately). Entrants would also be asked to store their bags, umbrellas etc. at a nearby counter. This temple belongs to the Travancore Royal Family and is guarded by the Palace Guards of Travancore. Beware of presence of large number of professional touts at the entrance of temple, who attempt to forcibly sell puja plates with flowers, incense, oil lamps to first timers and tourists. Likewise at exit gates, touts try to hard sell pictures, lamps, and shells by claiming it is holy and sacred. Do not be carried away by claims and politely avoid them. Inside the main arena of the temple, you can view the diety in 3 stages - Hand, Navel (with the Lotus carrying Brahma) and Feet.
• St Anne's Church, Pettah. This is the first Christian church of Trivandrum set up in 1796 during the reign of King Rama Varma, commonly called "Dharma Raja". It was built on the orders of the King for the benefit of Thachil Matthoo Tharakan, one of his ministers, who was also the first ever native Christian to be appointed as a minister in a Princely State in India. The old church was renovated several times. It is situated on the road leading to the airport.
• Zoological Park. Closed Mondays, Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. This is the first zoo India opened in 1843, as a concept of Palace for wildlife. Situated in the Museum compound, this area has a rich botanical garden. There are a wide variety of animals, plants and birds. It has a separate reptile park and butterfly garden.

Chacha Nehru Children's Museum. A good children's museum with a large collection of dolls, masks, and paintings. A mini aquarium and water play area is set here. Located in Thycuad, in the heart of city, it is a good evening spot for families.

East Fort. An old fort around Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple. Today most of fortifications have been dismantled, except the Eastern side. The for will sometimes be referred to as the East Fort because of this. The Fort Gate opens directly before Sree Padmanabha Temple and is designed in a European style. The illumination of the East Fort Gate in the evenings is a major attraction.

Kanaka Kunnu Palace. The cultural hotspot of ancient Thiruvananthapuram. The large palace and its sprawling gardens was once the banquet palace for visiting State guests of Travancore. Today, it has engaging galleries and the grand lawns serve as open-air auditoriums for regular concerts and evening dance programs.

Kerala Government Secretariat. Built as Huzur Kacheri (Secretarial Offices in Malayalam) in 1860 to serve as the Royal Durbar Hall of Travancore Kingdom, this building has an imposing structure. The building was designed by the British Royal Engineers Corps combining international architectural styles and is a testimony to past influences from Roman, Dutch and English styles on Kerala. The old Legislature Assembly Hall inside the complex (Asia's first native legislative assembly) has a good museum with a detailed gallery that depicts the history of the Travancore Legislative Assembly. Other areas in this building are not of tourist interest as they are government offices.

Kerala Legislature Assembly Complex. The new legislature assembly complex, called Niyamasabha (Law House in Malayalam), is a modern structure located in heart of the city. It's famous for the classical Kerala architecture with ornate teak works, a unique Kerala styled dome, exquisitely designed interiors and a vast expanse of greenery around it. A photo shoot before this structure is an excellent addition to your travelogue.

Kerala Science and Technology Museum. This large science museum features a timeline of various technologies. On display are galleries on Electrical Engineering, Biomedical, and Mechanical Engineering. It has a collection of electronic equipments and a 3D theatre with regular shows.

Keralan Museum. Housed in a beautiful colonial building, this newly developed museum (circa 2008 vintage) presents a periodised history of Kerala. It's the first 'interactive' museum in the country, featuring touchscreen terminals. Unfortunately, like so many museums and historical texts in India, there are no maps inside to provide visual aid to the topics. Regardless, the museum is very pleasant, clean, modern and well presented when compared to others. Displays begin in the stone age and advance through rock art and stone tools to pottery, bronze sculptures, folk art and architecture, with a few latter-day items to boot. A small canteen behind the museum for staff of the adjacent tourist department offers good value fish or vegetable curry. Entry is ₹200 for foreigners, extra for a camera.

Kowdiar Palace. In Kowdiar, this is the current, official residence of the Travancore Maharajas and royal family. It is off-the-limits for public. However a friendly guard may let you inside to have a glimpse of this large architectural wonder built in mixture of Saxon-Travancore styles. The public however can enter into Panchavadi, the resting place of Late H.H Maharaja Chitra Thirunal- the last and popular King of Travancore.

Kuthiramalika Palace. A unique palace designed by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal (a famous musical genius Maharaja of Travancore), this palace is famous for its horse shaped windows and decor. The palace, near Padmanabhaswamy temple, has collections of antiques related to Maharaja Swati Thirunal's times. This palace is the location of the Swathi Thirunal Music Festival and other musical concerts patronized by Royal family.

Legislature Museum. This museum depicts the history of South Asian Legislature assemblies. The building was once the headquarters of Travancore Royal Nair Brigade (Travancore Army). Today its galleries can give a detailed look into history of South Asian legislature activities and process.

Napier Museum. Named after former Madras governor, Lord Napier (Francis Napier, 10th Lord Napier and 1st Baron Ettrick), this museum is a beautiful building in the museum (read: park) compound. This masterpiece was designed by Madras Government architect Robert Chisholm in Indo-Saracenic style. The museum displays rare archaeological and historical artifacts including bronze idols, ceramics, an impressive carved wooden cart, Buddhist statues from various parts of the country and neighbouring places, ivory carvings, chests, Balinese shadow puppets, various old coins, Hindu puja items, and more. Quite a few objects are foreign, and of those quite a few are Chinese. Unfortunately most are lacking labels, have labels only in Malayalam, or are very vague. Look up at the impressive roof when you enter! (Open 10AM-5PM, closed on Mondays and before noon Wednesday.) No photography allowed. There is no sign saying 'Napier Museum', just 'Art Gallery' and it's the big building in the park to the north of Museum Road. ₹5 for tickets.

Palace museum. Has a good collection of many antique items from the Travancore era Kings. Thrones, paintings and many belongings are kept in a very good condition, housed in an erstwhile royal building.

Palayam Pally. The principal mosque of Thiruvananthapuram. It is a Juma Masjid (Friday Mosque). The Mosque is one of the largest in Kerala and famous for its regular sermons. The mosque was established with patronage of Travancore Kings.

Priyadarshini Space Planetarium. One of the largest planetariums in India and rated as one of the best horizontal planetariums of the world. It has a collection of astronomical science objects from ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization). 2 major shows regarding various secrets of universe are done daily. It has a good Sky Theatre, a large conference hall and is the location of regular space related programs.

Sree Chithra Art Gallery. An art gallery in the Museum compound and displays a rare collection of mainly Indian paintings. The main attractions are paintings by Kerala painter Raja Ravi Varma and other famous painters Raja raja Varma and Nicholas Roerich. Also featured are miniature paintings from around the world, Kerala mural paintings, and Tanjore miniature paintings. Not open on Mondays.

Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple. The icon of the city: the world's richest temple. The temple came to prominence after the details of the temple's massive wealth were released by an order from the supreme court of India. The temple itself has thousands of stories to tell with immaculate sculptures and mandaps. The entire Thiruvanathapuram city was built around this temple. It was nominated into the last round of 7 Wonders of World. The building style is a mixture of Kerala and Tamil architecture. The temple has many structures inside, like musical pillars, golden mandap, 500 pillared corridor famous for its sculptures and large collection of temple mural paintings. The temple has a large clear pond called Padmatheertham, which is also landmark. The deity is Maha Vishnu in a rare reclining posture, called as "ananthasayanam" or the lord's sleep. The temple has a huge role in history of Kerala, with the presiding deity even being crowned as Emperor of Travancore in 18th century and all the rulers ruling the state in the name of the deity. The royal crown of Travancore, is preserved inside the temple, though seeing it is a rare. The temple does not use any lighting generated by an electrical source and has no light bulbs or tube-lights. The only lighting is either natural or from oil lamps, which is quite minimal. The use of electronic items is prohibited in the temple. This temple is open only for Hindus, and even the Hindus admitted inside have to follow rigorous dress code and customs. Dress code for men is just Kerala Mundu (White Dhothi) with the body uncovered waist-up. Dhotis are available for one-time rental or for sale from nearby shops. Women are required to wear an Indian Sari or Kerala Mundu (The idea is that your legs must not be visible separately). Entrants would also be asked to store their bags, umbrellas etc. at a nearby counter. This temple belongs to the Travancore Royal Family and is guarded by the Palace Guards of Travancore. Beware of presence of large number of professional touts at the entrance of temple, who attempt to forcibly sell puja plates with flowers, incense, oil lamps to first timers and tourists. Likewise at exit gates, touts try to hard sell pictures, lamps, and shells by claiming it is holy and sacred. Do not be carried away by claims and politely avoid them. Inside the main arena of the temple, you can view the diety in 3 stages - Hand, Navel (with the Lotus carrying Brahma) and Feet.

St Anne's Church, Pettah. This is the first Christian church of Trivandrum set up in 1796 during the reign of King Rama Varma, commonly called "Dharma Raja". It was built on the orders of the King for the benefit of Thachil Matthoo Tharakan, one of his ministers, who was also the first ever native Christian to be appointed as a minister in a Princely State in India. The old church was renovated several times. It is situated on the road leading to the airport.

Zoological Park. Closed Mondays, Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. This is the first zoo India opened in 1843, as a concept of Palace for wildlife. Situated in the Museum compound, this area has a rich botanical garden. There are a wide variety of animals, plants and birds. It has a separate reptile park and butterfly garden.

• Kovalam Beach. 17 km from Thiruvananthapuram City, the locals believe this to be one of the finest beaches in India. There are 2 large beaches and they are highly safe for swimming. A visit to Kovalam is must for Trivandrum. The beach becomes crowded during November–December, when foreign tourists flock in mass. Beware of local touts and beach-side restaurants/shops selling items nearly 3 to 4 times more than its normal price. Haggling is accepted with sellers. Several massage palours located near to the beach are fake and are illicit sex palours.
• Shanghumukham Beach. This city beach is 8 km outside the city, adjacent to the airport. Local people flock here to watch the sunset. It's a well maintained, safe beach. There is an indoor recreation club nearby. Matsyakanyaka a gigantic sculpture of a mermaid by sculptor Kanai Kunjiraman draws a fair crowd. A small garden and star-fish shaped restaurant operates here and attracts large crowds. There is also a temple nearby.
• Veli Tourist Village. A lake blending into the beach, almost as if it were teasing the sea. This area features boating, horse riding on the beach, a floating bridge, a shallow pond where you can feed the fish, and beautifully maintained gardens. It's an excellent destination if you are interested in water adventure sports.

Kovalam Beach. 17 km from Thiruvananthapuram City, the locals believe this to be one of the finest beaches in India. There are 2 large beaches and they are highly safe for swimming. A visit to Kovalam is must for Trivandrum. The beach becomes crowded during November–December, when foreign tourists flock in mass. Beware of local touts and beach-side restaurants/shops selling items nearly 3 to 4 times more than its normal price. Haggling is accepted with sellers. Several massage palours located near to the beach are fake and are illicit sex palours.

Shanghumukham Beach. This city beach is 8 km outside the city, adjacent to the airport. Local people flock here to watch the sunset. It's a well maintained, safe beach. There is an indoor recreation club nearby. Matsyakanyaka a gigantic sculpture of a mermaid by sculptor Kanai Kunjiraman draws a fair crowd. A small garden and star-fish shaped restaurant operates here and attracts large crowds. There is also a temple nearby.

Veli Tourist Village. A lake blending into the beach, almost as if it were teasing the sea. This area features boating, horse riding on the beach, a floating bridge, a shallow pond where you can feed the fish, and beautifully maintained gardens. It's an excellent destination if you are interested in water adventure sports.

There are several attractions located outside the city limits.

• Attingal Palace. The headquarters of Travancore Queens who ruled the small province of Attingal. The large palace also houses one of the royal family temples. Much of the palace is off-limits to public, however its durbar hall and public areas are open to the public.
• Kerala Art College. Affiliated with Kerala University and easy to find, it is directly opposite the unmissable Chandrasekharan Nair (Football) Stadium. It is housed in an old colonial building with sprawling grounds behind. There are occasional art shows (e.g. after graduation, circa early June) held upstairs, and the downstairs offers a large library with world art books. The grounds have many impressive sculptures from students who are friendly and may be keen to show you around the workshops.
• Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad. This palace was built in the 16th century and showcases the traditional palace architectural style of Kerala. It features a folklore museum and a numismatics museum.
• Neyyar Dam. A surprising scenic local, the Neyyar Dam is an excellent picnic spot. There is also a yoga center and several temples near this dam, if you are interested in making a day-trip of it.
• The Padmanabhapuram Palace. The old headquarters of Travancore Royal family is one of the most attractive palaces which no tourist can afford to miss. The palace is recorded as the World's largest Wooden Palace, by the Guinness Books of Records. It is entirely made of teak and rosewood and has flooring made of granite and a rare ayurvedic mixture with secret extracts to keep the floor cool in the summer season and warm during the rainy season. It has a grand Dubar Hall made out of rosewood and glass. The Palace houses numerous rare antiques, including a 600-year-old spice bed made out of a special wood treated in various spices to rejuvenate the kings. The clock tower is one of the oldest in South Asia that is still working. It is 65 km from Trivandrum City and is in the Kanniyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. The royal sword of Travancore Maharajas is preserved here and is taken to Trivandrum in a grand procession during Arattu Festivals of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
• Ponmudi. A hill station in the district nestled within a tropical forest. It offers hiking and trekking opportunities.

Attingal Palace. The headquarters of Travancore Queens who ruled the small province of Attingal. The large palace also houses one of the royal family temples. Much of the palace is off-limits to public, however its durbar hall and public areas are open to the public.

Kerala Art College. Affiliated with Kerala University and easy to find, it is directly opposite the unmissable Chandrasekharan Nair (Football) Stadium. It is housed in an old colonial building with sprawling grounds behind. There are occasional art shows (e.g. after graduation, circa early June) held upstairs, and the downstairs offers a large library with world art books. The grounds have many impressive sculptures from students who are friendly and may be keen to show you around the workshops.

Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad. This palace was built in the 16th century and showcases the traditional palace architectural style of Kerala. It features a folklore museum and a numismatics museum.

Neyyar Dam. A surprising scenic local, the Neyyar Dam is an excellent picnic spot. There is also a yoga center and several temples near this dam, if you are interested in making a day-trip of it.

The Padmanabhapuram Palace. The old headquarters of Travancore Royal family is one of the most attractive palaces which no tourist can afford to miss. The palace is recorded as the World's largest Wooden Palace, by the Guinness Books of Records. It is entirely made of teak and rosewood and has flooring made of granite and a rare ayurvedic mixture with secret extracts to keep the floor cool in the summer season and warm during the rainy season. It has a grand Dubar Hall made out of rosewood and glass. The Palace houses numerous rare antiques, including a 600-year-old spice bed made out of a special wood treated in various spices to rejuvenate the kings. The clock tower is one of the oldest in South Asia that is still working. It is 65 km from Trivandrum City and is in the [[Kanniyakumari]] district of [[Tamil Nadu]]. The royal sword of Travancore Maharajas is preserved here and is taken to Trivandrum in a grand procession during Arattu Festivals of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Ponmudi. A hill station in the district nestled within a tropical forest. It offers hiking and trekking opportunities.

• See Trivandrum on foot. Take public transport to Kanaka Kunnu Palace. Visit this public building that adorns the on top of a hill. It is often used for cultural programs which might be a nice addition to your visit. Check local listings to see what is offered and when. Once finished, walk down to the Napier Museum and Zoo. Walk around the park, admire the architecture, and visit the zoo. Also of interest in this area are the Sree Chitra Art Gallery, Natural History museum and the Reptile House. Then walk towards Palayam along the MG road absorbing the roadside buzz of activities and shopping at the roadside shops.

Usually there are cultural programs at VJT Hall which may be open to the public. Continue along MG road towards the Secretariat. The area around the secretariat is known locally as Statue, due to a few neglected statues of important figures. There are sometimes political protests or demonstrations along this place. You should sample the food from the local restaurants here. SMS Institute on a side road, near the Secretariat, sells authentic Kerala handicrafts and gifts. Prices start from ₹25 to a few thousands. Continue along the MG road and you will find many local book shops including Modern Book House and Prabhat book store. The Ayurveda college , which teaches traditional ayurvedic medicine, will be on the right side of the street. Opposite this, there is another handicraft store. Walk along the MG road and you will reach the junction with traffic signals known as the Over bridge locally. There are a few movie theatres nearby.

The railway station and bus station are towards the left, about half a mile. If you continue straight, you will eventually reach Pazhavangadi. You will see the remains of a fort (well hidden) on the right side (known as Kottakakam/East fort). The famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple is nearby, complete with a temple lake (Padmatheertham). The architecture of the temple is more in line with Tamil temples as compared to other Kerala temples. On the left is Chaalai Bazaar. This is a busy congested road teeming with all kinds of shops.

See Trivandrum on foot. Take public transport to Kanaka Kunnu Palace. Visit this public building that adorns the on top of a hill. It is often used for cultural programs which might be a nice addition to your visit. Check local listings to see what is offered and when. Once finished, walk down to the Napier Museum and Zoo. Walk around the park, admire the architecture, and visit the zoo. Also of interest in this area are the Sree Chitra Art Gallery, Natural History museum and the Reptile House. Then walk towards Palayam along the MG road absorbing the roadside buzz of activities and shopping at the roadside shops.

• Stroll around the town during the dusk time when the city comes to life. It is advised not to venture out alone late into the night
• Find local bargains and shop for souvenirs.
• Watch the sunset from the Shankumukham or Veli beach
• Get pampered with a traditional Ayurvedic massage
• Visit the local museum and art gallery.
• Visit a martial arts centre (Kalaripayattu)
• Watch traditional performers perform a Kathakali dance.
• Watch a temple procession at the end of a local festival when the deity is taken out on the top of an elephant.
• Watch a Malayalam or Bollywood movie (no subtitles) in a local cinema.
• Check the newspapers for daily events, especially theatre/film/dance performances. Try to find out if anything is on at the Tagore theatre when you're there, especially during the film festivals which screen art house classics from around the world.
• Take a rain walk - if you're there during the monsoons, buy an umbrella and walk from place to place in the magical monsoon.
• Laze around on any of the pristine beaches.
• Visit the public library for its stunning architecture and colonial charm.
• If you're there during the Onam season, be sure to pass by the secretariat building and the kanakakunnu palace for the brilliant illuminations. If it's Christmastime, walk down a little further to the L.M.S compound to see the awesome collection of Christmas stars.
• A long breezy stroll on Veli beach with its kilometres of the orange beach is precious. Take note, as you move past the 'Tourist Village' zone you'll come into areas where the locals live by the beach, they may question you. They're trying to be friendly to the 'new face', so feel free to chat up or move on giving them a friendly wave! Here you can witness the fishermen sail back in the evening and mend their nets. Perhaps join the local kids in a game of beach ball or cricket. There is a strip on the left of the boating club where you can find sea eagles circling in the air, it is a majestic sight to see them swoop in for their prey, and then devour it mid-flight.

Haggling is quite acceptable and very much needed if you buy anything from the vendors.

• Anna's Arcade. Spencer Junction
• Arcade Shopping Complex. Killipalam
• Attukal Shopping Complex. East Fort
• Big Bazaar. East Fort & Perrorkada & Kesavadasapuram
• De Options. Nanthencode
• Karimpanal Arcade. East Fort
• Kedaram Shopping Complex. Kesavadasapuram
• Pothys, Ayurveda College, MG Road.
• Saphalyam Shopping Complex. Palayam
• SARWAA Your Lifestyle Store, SRL A 47,Sankar Road,Sasthamangalam.
• Spencer's. Palayam & Vellayambalam
• Mall Of Travancore, Near Ananthapuri Hospital, Eanchakal Byepass, NH66.

Anna's Arcade. Spencer Junction

Arcade Shopping Complex. Killipalam

Attukal Shopping Complex. East Fort

Big Bazaar. East Fort & Perrorkada & Kesavadasapuram

De Options. Nanthencode

Karimpanal Arcade. East Fort

Kedaram Shopping Complex. Kesavadasapuram

Pothys, Ayurveda College, MG Road.

Saphalyam Shopping Complex. Palayam

SARWAA Your Lifestyle Store, SRL A 47,Sankar Road,Sasthamangalam.

Spencer's. Palayam & Vellayambalam

Mall Of Travancore, Near Ananthapuri Hospital, Eanchakal Byepass, NH66.

• Galaxy.
• Modern Book Centre, +91 471 2478826. Gandhari Amman Kovil Road, near: M.G Road, Trivandrum. There is a wide selection of books on religion and spirituality, a small stock of imports (novels, histories, etc.), a linguistics section, and a 'Kerala Corner' with books all about local history and culture. The store is overall very well organized. It is not huge, but definitely big enough to find something you'll like.
• Music world. Overbridge, near SMV school
• Paico. Statue
• Prabhat Book House. Statue
• Prabhus Books, +91 471 2479586. Vanchiyoor, Trivandrum 2-min walk from Over Bridge, west of M.G Road.
• Second hand books. On the streets between Kerala Art College and Napier Museum. It features a wide range of pre-owned books.

Galaxy.

Modern Book Centre, +91 471 2478826. Gandhari Amman Kovil Road, near: M.G Road, Trivandrum. There is a wide selection of books on religion and spirituality, a small stock of imports (novels, histories, etc.), a linguistics section, and a 'Kerala Corner' with books all about local history and culture. The store is overall very well organized. It is not huge, but definitely big enough to find something you'll like.

Music world. Overbridge, near SMV school

Paico. Statue

Prabhat Book House. Statue

Prabhus Books, +91 471 2479586. Vanchiyoor, Trivandrum 2-min walk from Over Bridge, west of M.G Road.

Second hand books. On the streets between Kerala Art College and Napier Museum. It features a wide range of pre-owned books.

• Handicrafts, trendy and traditional, can be bought from SARWAA, Sanker Road, Sasthamangalam. Among the collection of handcrafted gifts you can find stationaries, paper crafts, home décor, jewelry and cotton hand-block printed, vegetable-dyed clothing.
• Handicrafts and gift items can be purchased from the “SMSM Institute” near secretariat in the heart of Trivandrum city or other genuine craft shops (Natesan’s, opposite the Ayurvedic college). These are often very expensive, sometimes to the point of questioning whether they exist solely to empty traveler's wallets.

Do not buy handicrafts from roadside shops at tourist places, like Kovalam, as you will be ripped off.

When you come to cities like Thiruvananthapuram, do not pack too many clothes. You can buy them cheap at the local shops. There are many shops around the east fort and over-bridge areas.

• JayaLakshmi. Pothys, etc. This is a leading garment chain in south India and they have also opened their outlets on MG Road, Trivandrum.
• Kalyan Silks. Near East Fort
• Karalkada. This is a good place to shop for traditional clothes in the Fort area.
• Parthas. On Powerhouse road is the collection of Indian traditional wear for women is excellent here. The western style collection leaves much to be desired. It has all that you might need in Men’s wear

For western clothes:

• Aiyappas.
• Last Option.
• Naaz.

For branded clothes, try the showrooms:

• Adidas. Nanthankode
• Benetton.
• Levi Strauss Signature.
• Pepe Jeans.
• Reebok. Plamoodu

JayaLakshmi. Pothys, etc. This is a leading garment chain in south India and they have also opened their outlets on MG Road, Trivandrum.

Kalyan Silks. Near East Fort

Karalkada. This is a good place to shop for traditional clothes in the Fort area.

Parthas. On Powerhouse road is the collection of Indian traditional wear for women is excellent here. The western style collection leaves much to be desired. It has all that you might need in Men’s wear

Aiyappas.

Last Option.

Naaz.

Adidas. Nanthankode

Benetton.

Levi Strauss Signature.

Pepe Jeans.

Reebok. Plamoodu

• Alappat Fashion Jewellery, +91 471 2478716. Attukal Shopping Complex, East Fort,
• Alukkas Jewellery, +91 471 2570481. East Fort
• Bhima Jewellery, +91 471 2461631. Elankath Complex
• Chemmannur Jewellers, +91 471 2463128. East Fort
• Josco Jewellers. East Fort & Pattom
• Lekshmi jewellery, +91 471 2470609. East fort
• Prince Jewellers, +91 471 2470667. East Fort
• Saravana Jewellers, +91 471 2470667. East Fort

Alappat Fashion Jewellery, +91 471 2478716. Attukal Shopping Complex, East Fort,

Alukkas Jewellery, +91 471 2570481. East Fort

Bhima Jewellery, +91 471 2461631. Elankath Complex

Chemmannur Jewellers, +91 471 2463128. East Fort

Josco Jewellers. East Fort & Pattom

Lekshmi jewellery, +91 471 2470609. East fort

Prince Jewellers, +91 471 2470667. East Fort

Saravana Jewellers, +91 471 2470667. East Fort

There are plenty of restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram serving South Indian food. There are also quite a few eating places serving other cuisines, such as North Indian, Chinese and American food. Please note that the word 'hotel' is used for restaurants.

Non vegetarian Kerala cuisine is served in -

• Azad Restaurant/Hotel. Which has branches in a few places in Thiruvananthapuram including Statue Junction, Near overbridge and Vazhuthacaud.
• Balan's Tattukada. Kaithamukku
• Buhari Hotel. Atakulangara, Near East Fort. Try the puttu and mutton curry. Not for the faint hearted as the food is spicy.
• Cafe Coffee Day. By the main road at Kowdiar is a branch of the popular national chain and ideal for a cappuccino or sandwich.
• Dakhni Deg. Serves Hydrabad delicacies including Dum biryani, Tandoori stuff and great desserts. It has three branches in the city. Technopark and Kuravakonam. A must try.
• Indian Coffee House. The distinctive curved red building near the bus station and main train station is cool to walk inside of on its own. Very popular and open when many other restaurants are closed. They do Indian food, but their specialties include western dishes like 'Bombay Toast' (French Toast) @ ₹30-60. In spite of being very photogenic, this building is very uncomfortable for aged customers as there is no lift.
• Kaithal Restaurant. Chalai. Try the pepper chicken.
• Marry Brown Restaurant, +91 471-4061010. A Malaysia based fast food chain serving fried chicken, burgers, seafood, finger foods, desserts and beverages. Its at Panavila Jn near the fly-over.
• Maveli Cafe. A branch of Indian Coffee House near the KSRTC bus stand in a unique spiral tower. There are other branches of Indian Coffee House in the city which also serve cheap traditional food.
• Mubarak restaurant. Ruby nagar, Chalai
• Open House. Ayurveda College jn
• Varnam Seafood Family Restaurant. Nandavanam Road, Near RBI.
• Zam Zam. Near the MLA hostel, famous for Arabian dishes. Order Shawarma (shredded chicken), Shawaiya (Chicken roast), Al Faham (Chicken Roast) and Kubuz (special Arabian roti). This is a must-visit for chicken-lovers.

Vegetarian options include:

• Anand Bhavan. (Statue Junction)
• Arul Jyothi, +91 471 2470240. M.G. Road, serves delicious South Indian vegetarian food.
• Ariya Bhavan. Opp: Bus Stand, Thampanoor
• Arulakam. Palayam junction & Bakery junction
• Arya Nivas. Very popular with good food and quality service.
• Green sign restaurant. It's about 50 m up from the bus station on the same side. Good cheap food, and very clean!
• Hotel Venkateshwara. Airport road, Fort. A small hotel which offers food favoured by Tamil Brahmins & famous for its kara vadai

Most of the budget restaurants tend to be crowded and noisy as the aim is a rapid turnover and not relaxed dining. It might be better to use the take away facilities and eat at a local park.

• Hotel Sea Rock, Kovalam. Famous for their grilled sea food.
• Rahmaniyya Hotel, Chala (Kethal. Famous for their tender chicken & chappathi.
• Dhanya Restaurant, Kaitha Mukku. For tapioca, Choora fish, Appam, Puttu, chicken, beef and egg biriyani, available after 12:30PM. Rice porridge is available after 5:30PM for ₹40.

Azad Restaurant/Hotel. Which has branches in a few places in Thiruvananthapuram including Statue Junction, Near overbridge and Vazhuthacaud.

Balan's Tattukada. Kaithamukku

Buhari Hotel. Atakulangara, Near East Fort. Try the puttu and mutton curry. Not for the faint hearted as the food is spicy.

Cafe Coffee Day. By the main road at Kowdiar is a branch of the popular national chain and ideal for a cappuccino or sandwich.

Dakhni Deg. Serves Hydrabad delicacies including Dum biryani, Tandoori stuff and great desserts. It has three branches in the city. Technopark and Kuravakonam. A must try.

Indian Coffee House. The distinctive curved red building near the bus station and main train station is cool to walk inside of on its own. Very popular and open when many other restaurants are closed. They do Indian food, but their specialties include western dishes like 'Bombay Toast' (French Toast) @ ₹30-60. In spite of being very photogenic, this building is very uncomfortable for aged customers as there is no lift.

Kaithal Restaurant. Chalai. Try the pepper chicken.

Marry Brown Restaurant, +91 471-4061010. A Malaysia based fast food chain serving fried chicken, burgers, seafood, finger foods, desserts and beverages. Its at Panavila Jn near the fly-over.

Maveli Cafe. A branch of Indian Coffee House near the KSRTC bus stand in a unique spiral tower. There are other branches of Indian Coffee House in the city which also serve cheap traditional food.

Mubarak restaurant. Ruby nagar, Chalai

Open House. Ayurveda College jn

Varnam Seafood Family Restaurant. Nandavanam Road, Near RBI.

Zam Zam. Near the MLA hostel, famous for Arabian dishes. Order Shawarma (shredded chicken), Shawaiya (Chicken roast), Al Faham (Chicken Roast) and Kubuz (special Arabian roti). This is a must-visit for chicken-lovers.

Anand Bhavan. (Statue Junction)

Arul Jyothi, +91 471 2470240. M.G. Road, serves delicious South Indian vegetarian food.

Ariya Bhavan. Opp: Bus Stand, Thampanoor

Arulakam. Palayam junction & Bakery junction

Arya Nivas. Very popular with good food and quality service.

Green sign restaurant. It's about 50 m up from the bus station on the same side. Good cheap food, and very clean!

Hotel Venkateshwara. Airport road, Fort. A small hotel which offers food favoured by Tamil Brahmins & famous for its kara vadai

Hotel Sea Rock, Kovalam. Famous for their grilled sea food.

Rahmaniyya Hotel, Chala (Kethal. Famous for their tender chicken & chappathi.

Dhanya Restaurant, Kaitha Mukku. For tapioca, Choora fish, Appam, Puttu, chicken, beef and egg biriyani, available after 12:30PM. Rice porridge is available after 5:30PM for ₹40.

• Ambrosia. A bakery with an eating outlet. Serves burgers, hotdogs and pizzas. Bakery junction and near Medical College.
• Cafe Mojo, Kuravankonam. A good place to dine. Continental & Thai dishes available. Good option for dining out once in a while. Mid range.
• Casa Bianca. A pizzeria and restaurant at Vazhuthacaud owned and run by a lovely expatriate. Serves great, fresh tasting pastas, pizzas and all things Italian in a casual intimate setting. Definitely worth the trip from Kovalam if you're missing a good quality thin crust pizza.
• Hotel Geeth. At Statue, good Kerala food. Lunch buffet at ₹190.
• Indraprastha. Near bakery junction.
• Kalavara. At Kowdiar, behind the Trivandrum Tennis Club.
• KTDC floating restaurant. At Veli. Amazing scenery across the lake.
• Maurya rajadhani. Statue road. ₹150-200 for buffet lunch
• Park Field.
• Pizza Corner. At the Spencer junction.
• Ruby Arena.
• The Seven Hills. A new multi cuisine restaurant featuring mouth watering dishes from across to globe including authentic Kerala meals.
• Sindhoor. Near the Cotton Hill Girls High School, Vazhuthacaud. Serves Chinese and Indian cuisine. The interior is designed to mimic a cave and results in a dark environment. Not very cosy or stylish. Tasty food, and good value for money.
• Swagat. At Statue, good Vegetarian food. Very good lunch thalis for ₹60. Serves Sadhya (traditional Kerala food on Sundays).
• Take Home. A popular roadside take-away joint in Kowdiar.
• Zinc n Rock. A multicuisine restaurant that serves burgers, sandwiches, omelettes, variety mocktail smoothies, their own recipe of crispy and crunchy Fricassee Fried Chicken, Indian, Chinese & Italian dishes. At Vanross Junction, behind Secreteriate, Statue.

Ambrosia. A bakery with an eating outlet. Serves burgers, hotdogs and pizzas. Bakery junction and near Medical College.

Cafe Mojo, Kuravankonam. A good place to dine. Continental & Thai dishes available. Good option for dining out once in a while. Mid range.

Casa Bianca. A pizzeria and restaurant at Vazhuthacaud owned and run by a lovely expatriate. Serves great, fresh tasting pastas, pizzas and all things Italian in a casual intimate setting. Definitely worth the trip from Kovalam if you're missing a good quality thin crust pizza.

Hotel Geeth. At Statue, good Kerala food. Lunch buffet at ₹190.

Indraprastha. Near bakery junction.

Kalavara. At Kowdiar, behind the Trivandrum Tennis Club.

KTDC floating restaurant. At Veli. Amazing scenery across the lake.

Maurya rajadhani. Statue road. ₹150-200 for buffet lunch

Park Field.

Pizza Corner. At the Spencer junction.

Ruby Arena.

The Seven Hills. A new multi cuisine restaurant featuring mouth watering dishes from across to globe including authentic Kerala meals.

Sindhoor. Near the Cotton Hill Girls High School, Vazhuthacaud. Serves Chinese and Indian cuisine. The interior is designed to mimic a cave and results in a dark environment. Not very cosy or stylish. Tasty food, and good value for money.

Swagat. At Statue, good Vegetarian food. Very good lunch thalis for ₹60. Serves Sadhya (traditional Kerala food on Sundays).

Take Home. A popular roadside take-away joint in Kowdiar.

Zinc n Rock. A multicuisine restaurant that serves burgers, sandwiches, omelettes, variety mocktail smoothies, their own recipe of crispy and crunchy Fricassee Fried Chicken, Indian, Chinese & Italian dishes. At Vanross Junction, behind Secreteriate, Statue.

• Leela Kempinski. Resort Kovalam.
• Mascot Restaurant, Post Master General junction, +91-94000 08561. Breakfast: ₹500, lunch: ₹650
• South Park. MG Road
• Taj Residency. Vazhuthacaud
• Villa Maya. Airport Road, Enjakkal
• Vivanta by Taj. Kovalam (formerly Taj Green Cove)

Leela Kempinski. Resort Kovalam.

Mascot Restaurant, Post Master General junction, +91-94000 08561. Breakfast: ₹500, lunch: ₹650

South Park. MG Road

Taj Residency. Vazhuthacaud

Villa Maya. Airport Road, Enjakkal

Vivanta by Taj. Kovalam (formerly Taj Green Cove)

Traditional drinks include Karikku(tender coconut water) and Sambharam (buttermilk with salt, ginger and green chilly). Karikku can be bought mostly from the streetside vendors while Sambharam can be bought from the ubiquitous Milma outlets. The Bakery Junction area has several fresh juice vendors, serving inspirted mocktails like Sharjah and Tsunami. "Sharjah" is very popular and available in various juice shops all over trivandrum.

• Hotel-attached restaurant/bar on a street running north, slightly east of the train station
• Rooftop restaurant/bar on the western side of MG Rd, above Club Purple, slightly north of the intersection with the road running west from the station. (I think it has a like word 'Jungle' in it) This place is a fire trap, the little lift cannot empty the place at speed...

Take home Alcoholic drinks are more difficult to obtain. Government run beverages corporation shops are there as the one near overbridge. A Pub is there near overbridge junction opposite to SMV school. Hotels/restaurants with "bar attached" signs sell alcoholic beverages. Public consumption of these drinks including beer is not socially accepted. The local "toddy shops" and "arrack shops" sell strong local spirit.

Female tourists should be wary of hooligans, especially in New Year parties.

Only eat hot food and drink only boiled or good bottled water. Take water purification tablets with you. Water from corporation supplied lines are generally safe, but to be on the safer side go for purified forms.

If you are visiting during the summers (April–May) temperatures might be higher and you might want to take some preparations against it. Evenings are best time to stroll. City sleeps early so you can roam about until maximum 10PM inside the city (really the limit). Most shops close by that time. If you are staying somewhere outside the centre transport options get harder to find and more expensive later at night.

If you need injections or blood tests, try to provide your own needle, bringing a few with your first aid kit. Private hospitals generally provide good service.

The dialling code for Trivandrum is 471. When calling from overseas, dial +91 471 XXXX XXX. If you have a non-working phone number with only 6 digits try to add a "2" in front of it.

If you don’t have an Indian phone number then get a pre-paid calling card if you planning on using your phone frequently. By government regulation you need a photocopy of your passport (visa and the main photo ID-page) and a color photo to be able to buy a pre-paid card. Pre-paid cards are sold in most shops that sell mobile telephones.

'Telephone booths' or public telephones are widely available usually painted with the letters PCO (Public Call office, local calls), STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialing) and ISD (International Subscriber Dialing). All booths have electronic metering and you pay what's displayed on the meter.

There are many internet cafes around Trivandrum. They offer cheap, tolerably fast internet access to the public.

There is a tourist information booth open on Thiruvananthapuram station. Helping with train times and local attractions mainly, the guy who works there is usually happy to answer anything else. It is a physical booth on the platform near the middle and the entrance closest to the booking office. It's marked with a green sign, but easily missed.

Trivandrum has world class medical facilities with very competitive rates. This attracts "health tourists" from other states and even other countries. If you are in need of medical care, try to go to one of the reputed hospitals listed below.

• General hospital general hospital junction, Vanchiyoor
• Medical College Hospital, Medical College, Trivandrum
• Regional Cancer Centre Medical College Campus, Medical College Phone: +91 471 2442541.
• Sree Avittam Thirunal Hospital Medical College, Phone: +91 471 2444270.
• Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Science and Technology Medical College, Phone:+91 471 2443152
• Women and Children Hospital, Thycaud, Trivandrum

General hospital general hospital junction, Vanchiyoor

Medical College Hospital, Medical College, Trivandrum

Regional Cancer Centre Medical College Campus, Medical College Phone: +91 471 2442541.

Sree Avittam Thirunal Hospital Medical College, Phone: +91 471 2444270.

Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Science and Technology Medical College, Phone:+91 471 2443152

Women and Children Hospital, Thycaud, Trivandrum

• Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Chacka NH bypass, near International Airport, Phone +91 471 2579900
• Arumana Hospital, Airport Road, West Fort
• Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Center Kesavadasapuram, Phone: +91 471 2447183.
• Cosmopolitan Hospital Murinjapalam, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Phone: +91 471 2448182.
• Divya Prabha Eye Hospital Kumarapuram, Phone: +91 471 2442050. www.divyaprabha.in
• Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Kumarapuram Poonthi Road, Anamukham, Anayara, Phone: +91 471 2447575.
• Matha Ayurveda Eye Hospital Kudappanakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram, Phone: +91 471 2731352.
• P R S Hospital Killippalam, Phone: +91 471 2344443.
• SP Fort hospital, near fort high school, Fort
• Sree Uthradam Thirunal Hospital Pattom Phone: +91 471 2446220.

Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Chacka NH bypass, near International Airport, Phone +91 471 2579900

Arumana Hospital, Airport Road, West Fort

Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Center Kesavadasapuram, Phone: +91 471 2447183.

Cosmopolitan Hospital Murinjapalam, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Phone: +91 471 2448182.

Divya Prabha Eye Hospital Kumarapuram, Phone: +91 471 2442050. www.divyaprabha.in

Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Kumarapuram Poonthi Road, Anamukham, Anayara, Phone: +91 471 2447575.

Matha Ayurveda Eye Hospital Kudappanakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram, Phone: +91 471 2731352.

P R S Hospital Killippalam, Phone: +91 471 2344443.

SP Fort hospital, near fort high school, Fort

Sree Uthradam Thirunal Hospital Pattom Phone: +91 471 2446220.

• Kailas Dental Clinic Near Medical College Mens Hostel Phone: +91 471 2553801
• Dr.Jacob's Omega Dental Clinic, Centre for Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry Near QRS, Main Road, Plamood, Pattom, Trivandrum, www.omegadentalclinic.com, Phone: +91 94 4736 6770, +91 98 4605 3333, +91 471 2726252.
• Dr.Jacob's Omega International Dental Clinic, Centre for Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry , Suseela Gardens, Beach Road, Kovalam, Trivandrum, Phone: +91 94 473 66770, +91 98 4605 3333.

Kailas Dental Clinic Near Medical College Mens Hostel Phone: +91 471 2553801

Dr.Jacob's Omega Dental Clinic, Centre for Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry Near QRS, Main Road, Plamood, Pattom, Trivandrum, www.omegadentalclinic.com, Phone: +91 94 4736 6770, +91 98 4605 3333, +91 471 2726252.

Dr.Jacob's Omega International Dental Clinic, Centre for Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry , Suseela Gardens, Beach Road, Kovalam, Trivandrum, Phone: +91 94 473 66770, +91 98 4605 3333.

ATMs are widely available in Trivandrum, mainly along with branches of banks. A number of them are present along the MG road.

• Air Travel Enterprises Ltd Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram +91 471 2327212
• T. T. Travels Ltd Vellayambalam, Thiruvananthapuram, +91 471 2332127, +91 471 2333208
• Thomas Cook Ground Floor,Soundarya Building, M.G. Road,Trivandrum. Ph: +91 471 338140, +91 471 338141
• Trivandrum International Airport +91 471 2502470
• U.A.E Exchange Centre Pattom & Vazhuthacadu Branches,Tvm.

Air Travel Enterprises Ltd Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram +91 471 2327212

T. T. Travels Ltd Vellayambalam, Thiruvananthapuram, +91 471 2332127, +91 471 2333208

Thomas Cook Ground Floor,Soundarya Building, M.G. Road,Trivandrum. Ph: +91 471 338140, +91 471 338141

Trivandrum International Airport +91 471 2502470

U.A.E Exchange Centre Pattom & Vazhuthacadu Branches,Tvm.

Most of the major banks in India have a branch in Trivandrum and most of these are around the MG road.

Sunshades and prescription glasses in stylish frames are much cheaper in India as compared to the western world.

• Eye Designs 9-10, Kedaram Shopping Complex, Kesavadasapuram Phone: +91 471 2440985
• Lens & FramesAmbujavilasam Road, Pulimood Phone: +91 471 2471354
• Rose opticalspulimoodu junction
• Solar Opticals Statue Convent Lane, General Hospital Junction Phone: +91 471 2477596
• Vision House Murinja Palam Junction, Pattom

Eye Designs 9-10, Kedaram Shopping Complex, Kesavadasapuram Phone: +91 471 2440985

Lens & FramesAmbujavilasam Road, Pulimood Phone: +91 471 2471354

Rose opticalspulimoodu junction

Solar Opticals Statue Convent Lane, General Hospital Junction Phone: +91 471 2477596

Vision House Murinja Palam Junction, Pattom

• Achas studio MG road, Near Pulimoodu
• Baba Studio East Fort Phone: +91 471 2473399
• Harisons studio Vazhapalli junction, Sreevaraham
• Maharajas Studio Peroorkada Phone: 0471 2433233
• Minerva Studio Station Road, Thampanoor Phone: +91 471 2331575
• Paramount Colour Lab MG Road, Ayurveda College Junction Phone: +91 471 2331643
• Sivans Studio Statue

Achas studio MG road, Near Pulimoodu

Baba Studio East Fort Phone: +91 471 2473399

Harisons studio Vazhapalli junction, Sreevaraham

Maharajas Studio Peroorkada Phone: 0471 2433233

Minerva Studio Station Road, Thampanoor Phone: +91 471 2331575

Paramount Colour Lab MG Road, Ayurveda College Junction Phone: +91 471 2331643

Sivans Studio Statue

• Alliance Francaise"Sudharshana", Forest Office Lane, Vazhuthacaud. Tel : +91 471 2320666, +91 471 5578808.
• Eloor Lending Library ABN Home, I Floor, Vellayambalam Jawahar Lane, Sasthamangalam P.O., Tel: +91 471 2318235.
• Goethe-Zentrum "Casa Julia", University-Kunnukuzhy Road, Palayam, Trivandrum. Tel: +91 471 3013018, +91 471 3013019 Fax +91 471 3013024 Mobile+91 97 4516 0067
• Russian Cultural Centre Gorky Bhavanam, Vanross Junction, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram. Tel: +91 471 2338399
• State Central Library widely known as "Public Library". At Palayam. Has books in English, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil and Sanskrit. Housed in an attractive Victorian Style building.
• University Library, Palayam.

Alliance Francaise"Sudharshana", Forest Office Lane, Vazhuthacaud. Tel : +91 471 2320666, +91 471 5578808.

Eloor Lending Library ABN Home, I Floor, Vellayambalam Jawahar Lane, Sasthamangalam P.O., Tel: +91 471 2318235.

Goethe-Zentrum "Casa Julia", University-Kunnukuzhy Road, Palayam, Trivandrum. Tel: +91 471 3013018, +91 471 3013019 Fax +91 471 3013024 Mobile+91 97 4516 0067

Russian Cultural Centre Gorky Bhavanam, Vanross Junction, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram. Tel: +91 471 2338399

State Central Library widely known as "Public Library". At Palayam. Has books in English, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil and Sanskrit. Housed in an attractive Victorian Style building.

University Library, Palayam.

• Braemore Estate, Trekkers' paradise 50 km away from Thiruvananthapuram.
• Kanyakumari - 87 km away in Tamil Nadu state. Visit early evening to see the glorious sunsets where the 3 seas meet; the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean,
• Kochi - a metropolitan city in Kerala and a major tourist attraction. 5 hours away by train, or 6 by bus.
• Kovalam - famous for its beaches, among the finest in India. 17 km from the city.
• Ponmudi - A pleasant hill resort 61 km away from city, elevation 912m above sea level.
• Swamithoppe - The religious headquarters of Ayyavazhi and the most important pilgrim center of Ayyavazhis.
• Thiruvananthapuram (district) has many more attractions which are a day trip away.
• Varkala - a pilgrimage centre for the devotees of Janardhana Swamy and Sree Narayana Guru. 51 km away from Thiruvananthapuram city.
• Colombo - daily flights, 45 minutes away
• Maldives - multiple flights a day, 1 hour

Other places in Tamil Nadu state like Kutralam or Courtallam for its Water Falls, Madurai, Palani and Thanjavur

If booking train tickets out from Thiruvananthapuram, the reservation office is upstairs in the main railway station, and follows an odd ticketing system. Tickets are available from a small machine with a red button just near the first counter on your right after you walk in. Although it is usually covered by people. There is unfortunately no tourist window at this station, however tourist class can always still be booked!

There is another train reservation counter in the ground floor of the big LIC (Life Insurance Corporation) building at Pattom. Crowds are thinner here.

[[Kanyakumari]] - 87 km away in Tamil Nadu state. Visit early evening to see the glorious sunsets where the 3 seas meet; the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean,

[[Kochi]] - a metropolitan city in Kerala and a major tourist attraction. 5 hours away by train, or 6 by bus.

[[Kovalam]] - famous for its beaches, among the finest in India. 17 km from the city.

[[Ponmudi]] - A pleasant hill resort 61 km away from city, elevation 912m above sea level.

[[Swamithoppe]] - The religious headquarters of Ayyavazhi and the most important pilgrim center of Ayyavazhis.

[[Thiruvananthapuram (district)]] has many more attractions which are a day trip away.

[[Varkala]] - a pilgrimage centre for the devotees of Janardhana Swamy and Sree Narayana Guru. 51 km away from Thiruvananthapuram city.

[[Colombo]] - daily flights, 45 minutes away

[[Maldives]] - multiple flights a day, 1 hour