Thiruvananthapuram Travel Guide, How to Reach, Places to Visit

Overview

Thiruvananthapuram or more popularly Trivandrum is a vibrant and bustling metropolis yet retaining the good old charm of yore. Its long coastline is washed by the Arabian Sea. Till today Trivandrum carriers the distinctive flavor of its regal past. No wonder the history dates back the city to around 1000 BC. Mythically Thiruvananthapuram means "City of Lord Anantha" the serpent god upon whom Lord Padmanabha( Vishnu) reclines. This was the name given to the place in the year 1750 when it became the famed capital city of the iconic Marthanda Varma, the Raja of Travancore.

Modern Trivandrum as you will discover is a blend of ancient traditions with signs of rapid leaps into information technology. Yet it remains an out-and-out tourist destination. Thiruvananthapuram is all about verdant beaches, versatile Museums, ancient temples, stretches of famed backwaters, mouthwatering seafood, sipping tender coconut water and shopping traditional knickknacks. Nothing gets better than this!

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How to Reach

Trivandrum is well connected to all major cities across India by air, rail, and road. Trivandrum International Airport is located just outside the city, in close proximity to the Shankumugham beach. A number of national and international flights connect it to the number of Indian cities along with gulf countries, Srilanka and Maldives. The Central Railway station located at Thampanoor is a major junction of the southern railway and is well serviced by trains to all major Indian cities. In addition to long-distance trains a good network of local trains connects Thiruvananthapuram to nearby places like Kollam, Kottayam.

Coming to roads, Trivandrum is serviced by an excellent road network spearheaded by National Highway 47. Besides the Kerala places well-laid roads for Bangalore, Chennai, Madurai, Pondicherry also lures the visitors in contemplating a long drive.

How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram by Train: There are three stations in Trivandrum. Trivandrum Central (TVC) is the busiest, then there is Trivandrum Pett(TVP) and finally the satellite railway station at Kochuveli(KCVL).

How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram by Road: Trivandrum being the capital of Kerala has an excellent road network. This makes the journey to the southern gateway a pleasure to travel. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) along with other Roadways buses from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, private bus services and taxis makes Thiruvananthapuram an easily accessible place.

How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram by Airways: Trivandrum International Airport is very close to the city and is well connected both nationally as well as internationally.

Driving Directions

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala, South India. Graced by the presence of the Arabian Sea in the West and the Western Ghats in the East, this destination is a dazzling place where travelers can spend some precious time of their holiday. The attractions of the region include a visit to Shri Chitra Art Gallery, Kanakunnu Palace, Napier Museum, Hawa Beach-Kovalam, Neyyar Dam and Wild Life Sanctuary, Samudra beach, Sanghumukam beach, and the Zoological museum. Fringed by the long line of palm trees, temples, and the old edifices, Trivandrum is the place worth visiting for the travelers looking to forward to spend their time in complete seclusion and serenity. Trivandrum International airport, located 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest aerodrome from where the travelers can board flights to other countries of the world. Trivandrum Railway Junction is the nearest railhead from where the travelers. Many train services originate from here, and also connects to the states like Jammu, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Howrah. The powerhouse road, NH 7 and NH 47 are the roads which link other neighboring cities with Trivandrum. The Kerala State transport buses provide a regular service to and from Trivandrum.

Attractions & Activities

Kiomoi Must-Dos while in Thiruvananthapuram

Trivandrum offers plentiful opportunities to the tourists to enjoy their time under the sun. We at kiomoi.com has narrowed down on certain activities that are must-do there. Let’s have look at the activities.

Enjoy Onam: If you happen to be in Thiruvananthapuram at the end of August or early September you are in for some good time. It is the time for the Onam festival meaning a carnival-type atmosphere. The official Onam celebration spreads over a week with many cultural festivals around.

Watch a Temple procession: The temples in Thiruvananthapuram like other Kerala temples follow the tradition of taking deities atop decorated Elephants in a grand procession. The atmosphere gets magical with the beating of drums and other musical instruments.

Eat from the Roadside Eateries: The Kerala capital offers some of the best roadside eateries. They are known in Malayalam as Thattukada. There is nothing like eating tasty ‘Parottas’ with a spicy fried chicken. Do not miss this.

Enjoy Malayalam Movies: This idea might sound a bit weird but trust us l the Malayalam movies provide all the same twists, turns, actions, romance, melodrama like their Bollywood counterparts. So nothing like watching top actress Kavya Madhavan being wooed around trees or Superstar Mammootty playing a Super Cop.

Rehydrate yourself to your heart’s content: In Trivandrum, you will find enough excuses to drink “Karikku”, tender coconut water and “Sambharam” a delicious concoction prepared with buttermilk, green chilies, ginger and salt to taste. While Karikku can be had from the umpteenth Street or cycle vendors, Sambharam is available at Milma outlets of the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation.

Watch the magical Sunset: The capital of Kerala is gifted with many beaches so whether it is Shankumukham or Veli beach, select a perfect spot away from the crowds, place yourself comfortably and watch the sun as it fades into oblivion with the promise to come back.

Walk around the city: Depending upon your temperament and preference Trivandrum offers many types of walks. If you are in times of the magical monsoon, have an Umbrella and see the rain-soaked city. The next walk could be leisurely strolls on any of the pristine beaches. You can also walk round the city’s main artery the Mahatma Gandhi Road to have a feel of the city.

Shop till you drop: The markets and malls of Trivandrum would delight any shopper. Traditional art & crafts like kitchenware, brass lamps, masks, coir products like mats and a whole range of fabrics are there for taking. Kiomoi’s advice: go, indulge yourself.

Pamper your body with Ayurvedic massage: There are enough Ayurveda massage parlors or Beach resorts in Thiruvananthapuram where you can expect to rejuvenate your body through massage and yoga.

Pay Obeisance to God: All the religious places in the capital of “Gods Own Country” have a very secular feel. You will find Churches, close to Mosques or Temples. Each has a tale to tell. Visit these places of worship and affirm your faith.

Shopping & Market

It would not be an exaggeration if it is said that Thiruvananthapuram is a shopper’s paradise. There is everything for anyone. Right from traditional handicrafts like copperware, bamboo and cane made items, wood carvings, Kathakali masks to traditional jewelry and an amazing range of fabrics.

The primary shopping centers of Trivandrum are the Chalai Bazar, Connemara market, Narmada Shopping Complex (Kaudiar), M. G. Road, Shops along the Power House Road, Attukal Shopping Complex (East Fort), Kedaram (Kesavadasapuram)and on the main road leading from Palayam to the East Fort.

Let’s take a look at some of the shopping and shops that make Trivandrum so special.

S.M.S.M Institute: S. M. S. M. Institute located at Puthenchanthai is a Kerala Government-run handicraft emporium. This would surely rank as one of the largest handicrafts showrooms to be run by any State Government. A gigantic statue of Natraja greets the shoppers at the entrance. You can get here a vast range of handcrafted masterpieces made by skillful Kerala artisans.

Khadi Emporium: Impressive Khadi Emporium is located in the busy M G Road here also you can get a good range of textiles, handicrafts and organic food products. The prices are a bit on the higher side though.

Kairali: Kairali located at MG Road opposite the Secretariat is part of a chain of exclusive emporiums of the Handicrafts Development Corporation of Kerala, a State Government-run enterprise. The Emporium is a veritable Treasure-house showcasing the unique handicraft items with different price tags.

Natesan’s Antique Arts: Located on MG Road Natesan’s Antique Arts offers a good range of bronze items along with unusual pieces of souvenirs like the traditional old locks.

Karalkada: Karalkada located in Kaithamukku Junction is a good place for buying fabrics. You can buy here a good range of traditional Travancore Saris and Mundus.

Parthas: Located on the Power House Road Parthas offers a vast range of traditional wears of Kerala including Silk items. You can get here things like Jubba, Mundu and Kasavu Sari among other things.

Main Market Areas:

Chalai Bazaar: The crowded Chalai Bazar is located right opposite the entrance of East fort. It is Trivandrum’s major wholesale market. At Chalai Market you can have a look at a wide range of interesting items. Traditional jewelry to brass wares, coir products to even flowers and vegetables,

M .G. Road: Almost the entire stretch of MG Road between East Fort and Palayam is a popular shopping area in the city. The range available at the shops here is simply amazing. From vegetables, fruits to teak and sandalwood handicraft items, everything is available on a platter here. Try out the different range of Bananas here we bet you have never tasted anything like this before.

Connemara Market (Palayam Market): Connemara Market another popular shopping area in the city is located at the northern end of MG Road. Here you can find most items that are used for daily household use. A great place for bargain

Books: Higginbothams Ltd and Pai & company are good book shops located on M.G. Road.

Kiomoi Tip: Mostly all the shops are open from 9 to 8 daily, except for Sundays

Thiruvananthapuram QnA

YOUR QUERIES AND ANSWERS

Ask a Question

how can i reach Kanyakumari from Trivandrum.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-28 18:42

Hello,

Nagercoil railway station is just 19kms from Kanyakumari, there is a local train between Trivandrum & Nagercoil which is 364 & 377 which runs daily.

The best way is to go by road from Trivandrum as it is just 86km & will take 2.5hrs by road. The route is Thiruvananthapuram- Neyyattinkara- Mulagumudu-Alur-Suchindrum -Kanyakumari ( NH 47).

Thank you

Anonymous

Replied on 2019-05-28 18:42

Hi,

To reach Kunchalummoodu from Sreevaraham, One can go through Sreevaraham > Thakarapambu road > Eastfort > Chalai > Killipalam > Karamana > Kuchalummoodu.

Auto =Appx 30 RS, Bus= You will get from Eastfort & approx 5 rs.

Good Day.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-23 13:27

Suggest me way to reach Kunchalummoodu from Sreevaraham Temple Pond, Thiruvanathapuram ?

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-22 17:43

Hi, Apart from YWCA international guest house can u recommend some other guest house for women. Thnx

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-21 14:44

How can i reach Trivandrum from kanyakumari by road. pls suggest the shortest route.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-20 12:23

Hi,

Major towns on the NH 47 which connects Trivandrum to Kanyakumari are given below. The distances are approximate.

Trivandrum City (18KM)=> Neyyattinkara (3KM)=> Amaravila (9KM)=> Parassala (1KM)=> Kaliyikkavila (6KM)=> Marthandam (14KM)=> Thukalay (17KM)=> Nagercoil (19KM)=> Kanyakumari

There are two check posts on the way, one on the Kerala side at Amaravila and the second one at Kaliyikkavilai on the TamilNadu side. Normally private vehicles are not stopped. There is also a toll bridge at Amaravila (which crosses Neyyar river). One way toll fee for cars is Rs. 3(approximately). If you are driving at night, beware of the unmarked bumps on the Amaravila-Kaliyikkavilai stretch!

Road signs for Kanyakumari are seen throughout the NH 47. But once you cross to TamilNadu, the signs are so small that you will have to stop your car to read it!

Crossing the Nagercoil town is a nightmare. It will take approxi. 30 minutes just to cross the town and it is easy to get lost in the town traffic and one way lanes. In some places road signs are put up after the junction! When in doubt, check with someone on the road before you drive around in the wrong route!

Anonymous

Replied on 2019-05-20 12:23

Arulakam hotel #

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-07 17:19

Dear Sir,

Thanks for your query, below i would like to suggest good budget hotels in Thiruvananthapurma.

and here is the link of Arulakam hotel.

www.kiomoi.com/idl_hotel_arulakam_thiruvananthapuram.htm

www.kiomoi.com/idl_hotel_boban_plaza_thiruvananthapuram.htm

www.kiomoi.com/idl_hotel_ganesh_thiruvananthapuram.htm

These are very good hotels in Thiruvananthapuram, for hotels booking and confirmation kindly contact Kiomoi Team , you can mail us on support@kiomoi.com or call us on 9958891364. our travel expert would be happy to assist you.

Good Day.

Anonymous

Replied on 2019-05-07 17:19

For couple of days we want to enjoy our holiday in Kerala suggest me good places to see in Kerala.

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-05-07 10:50

Dear Pradeep,

Thanks for your query in Kiomoi,

Places to enjoy in kerala are :-

Thiruvananthapuram
Kovalam
Alappuzha
Kumarakom
Periyar Wild life Sanctuary, Thekkady
Munnar
Kochi
Athirappilly
Thrissur

Good day !!!

Anonymous

Replied on 2019-05-07 10:50

Hello,

There are many places to see near Thiruvananthapuram. These places can be visited by going on excursions from Trivandrum.

Anchunthengu Fort:- This fort was built in the 17th century and is known to be the first major trading station on the coast of Kerala.

Aruvikkara:- Located on the banks of Karamana River, Aruvikkara is a pilgrimage as well as a recreation center. There is a temple over here that is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawathy, the symbol of female power.

Beema Palli:- This place is an important pilgrim center for the Muslims and is dedicated to Beema Beevi, a Muslim lady who was believed to have divine and miraculous powers.

Vettukad Church:- This church is also known as the Vettukad Church and it attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country. The annual festival celebration in the church is known as "Feast of Christ, the King".

Enjoy

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-04-22 17:54

what are the places to see around trivandrum?

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-04-22 12:09

Family Trip programme for Thiruvananthapuram, suggest best hotels .

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-04-12 18:27

Hi...,

Thanks for your query, below i would like to suggest best hotels in Shillong,

The Travancore Heritage Hotel, thiruvananthapuram

Sankars Homestay, thiruvananthapuram

Highland park hotel, thiruvananthapuram

These are very good hotels in Thiruvananthapuram for hotels booking and confirmation you need to contact Kiomoi Team, you can mail us on support@kiomoi.com or call us on 9958891364. our travel expert would be happy to assist you.

Good Day.

Anonymous

Replied on 2019-04-12 18:27

How we can reach Thiruvananthapuram from Varkala ?

Anonymous

Asked on 2019-04-11 13:09