bigtravelbuzzThiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is the capital city of the Indian state of Kerala. It is located on the southwestern coast of India and is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and vibrant markets. Here are some popular places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram:
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple: This ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India.
- Napier Museum: This museum showcases a rich collection of South Indian art, sculptures, and artifacts, and is a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts.
- Zoological Park: This park is home to a diverse range of animals and birds, including lions, tigers, monkeys, and a wide variety of birds.
- Shanghumugham Beach: This beautiful beach is popular for its clean sand and calm waters, and is a great place to relax and soak up the sun.
- Kovalam Beach: This world-famous beach is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of water sports and beach activities.
- Sri Chitra Art Gallery: This art gallery showcases a collection of traditional and modern Indian art, including paintings by Raja Ravi Varma.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Best Time To Visit Thiruvananthapuram
The best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram, India, is from October to March, during the winter months. During this time, the weather is pleasant and cool, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Thiruvananthapuram experiences a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers, and monsoon rains from June to September. The winter months offer a respite from the heat, making it a great time to visit the city’s many beaches and historical landmarks.
It’s important to keep in mind that the monsoon season can cause heavy rains and flooding in some areas, so it’s best to avoid traveling to Thiruvananthapuram during this time.
If you’re planning a trip to Thiruvananthapuram, consider visiting during the winter months for the best weather and the most enjoyable experience.
Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is a vibrant city located on the southwestern coast of India. There are many things to do and see in this beautiful city, including:
- Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple: This ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India.
- Explore the Napier Museum: This museum showcases a rich collection of South Indian art, sculptures, and artifacts.
- Visit the Zoological Park: This park is home to a diverse range of animals and birds, including lions, tigers, monkeys, and a wide variety of birds.
- Relax at the Shanghumugham Beach: This beautiful beach is popular for its clean sand and calm waters, and is a great place to relax and soak up the sun.
- Surfing and sunbathing at the Kovalam Beach: This world-famous beach is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of water sports and beach activities.
- Discover local arts and crafts at the Sri Chitra Art Gallery: This art gallery showcases a collection of traditional and modern Indian art, including paintings by Raja Ravi Varma.
- Visit the Sri Padmanabhaswamy College of Engineering and Technology: This engineering college is one of the oldest in India and is famous for its beautiful architecture and lush gardens.
- Visit the Museum Complex: This complex is home to a number of museums and exhibitions showcasing the cultural heritage of Kerala.
- Take a stroll through the Keralan Botanical Gardens: These gardens are home to a variety of indigenous and exotic plants, as well as a number of scenic walking trails.
These are just a few of the many things to do and see in Thiruvananthapuram. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
How to Get Around in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram is a well-connected city with a variety of transportation options available to visitors. Here are some of the ways to get around in Thiruvananthapuram:
- Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. They are widely available and can be easily hailed on the street or booked in advance.
- Taxis: Taxis are another popular transportation option in Thiruvananthapuram. They are more expensive than auto-rickshaws but offer a comfortable and convenient way to get around the city.
- Buses: The city has a well-developed bus network that connects all parts of Thiruvananthapuram. Buses are an affordable way to get around, but they can get crowded during peak hours.
- Rent a Bicycle or a Scooter: Renting a bicycle or a scooter is a great way to explore the city at your own pace. This is a cheap and convenient option, especially if you’re traveling in a small group.
- Take a Walking Tour: Thiruvananthapuram is a compact city and many of its attractions can be easily explored on foot. Taking a walking tour is a great way to see the city and get some exercise at the same time.
Regardless of which transportation option you choose, it’s important to be aware of local traffic rules and regulations. If you’re not familiar with the city, it’s best to take a map or use a GPS navigation system to ensure you reach your destination safely and efficiently.
Where to eat in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Here are some of the best places to eat in Thiruvananthapuram:
- Sreekrishna Inn: A popular restaurant that serves delicious South Indian food, including dosas, idlis, and vadas.
- Surabhi Restaurant: A vegetarian restaurant that serves a variety of Indian dishes, including South Indian specialties.
- Ananda Bhavan: This is a chain of vegetarian restaurants that serves a variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes.
- Travancore Kitchen: A popular restaurant that serves traditional Kerala cuisine, including dishes made with seafood and spices.
- The Storytellers Cafe: A charming cafe that serves a variety of Indian and international dishes, including breakfast items, sandwiches, and salads.
- Green Fields: A vegetarian restaurant that serves a variety of South Indian dishes, including dosas and idlis.
These are just a few of the many great dining options in Thiruvananthapuram. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional South Indian food or international cuisine, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.
Famous street stalls in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram is famous for its street food culture, and there are many street stalls and food carts offering a variety of delicious treats. Here are some of the most famous street stalls in Thiruvananthapuram:
- Aryan’s Juice Centre: A popular juice stall that serves fresh fruit juices, milkshakes, and other refreshing drinks.
- Halais: A street stall that specializes in local sweets and desserts, including jalebis and gulab jamun.
- Janardhanas: A street food stall that serves delicious South Indian dishes, including dosas, idlis, and vadas.
- Pazham Pori: A food cart that specializes in sweet and savory banana fritters, which are a popular snack in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Sree Krishna Sweet Stall: A popular sweet shop that offers a variety of traditional sweets and desserts, including laddoos and jalebis.
These street stalls are a great way to experience the local food culture and sample some of Thiruvananthapuram’s most popular dishes. Be sure to try some of the street food and drinks when you’re in the city.
Where to stay in Thiruvananthapuram
Luxury accommodation
Thiruvananthapuram offers a range of luxurious accommodations for travelers seeking a comfortable and upscale stay. Here are some of the best options for luxury accommodation in Thiruvananthapuram:
- The Leela Kovalam Beach: A luxury beach resort located just a few minutes from the city center. It offers spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and a range of recreational activities.
- The Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa: A luxury resort located on Kovalam beach that offers beautiful sea-facing rooms, several dining options, a spa, and a range of recreational activities.
- Vivanta by Taj – Trivandrum: A stylish and modern luxury hotel located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram. It offers comfortable rooms, multiple dining options, a spa, and a range of recreational facilities.
- The Marriott: A luxury hotel located in the city center that offers spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and a range of recreational activities.
- The Regency Lagoon Pool Villa: A luxury resort located in Thiruvananthapuram that offers spacious villas with private pools, several dining options, and a range of recreational activities.
These are some of the best luxury accommodation options in Thiruvananthapuram, each offering a range of luxurious amenities and services to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Budget accommodation
Thiruvananthapuram offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations for travelers seeking affordable and comfortable stays. Here are some of the best options for budget accommodation in Thiruvananthapuram:
- Hotel Sreekrishna Inn: A budget hotel located in the city center that offers basic rooms at affordable prices.
- Hotel Pankaja: A budget hotel located in the city center that offers basic rooms with all necessary amenities.
- Hotel Sree Krishna: A budget hotel located in the city center that offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
- Hotel New Sreekrishna: A budget hotel located in the city center that offers basic rooms with all necessary amenities.
- Hotel Abi Krishna: A budget hotel located in the city center that offers basic rooms with all necessary amenities.
These budget accommodations are a great option for travelers seeking affordable and comfortable stays in Thiruvananthapuram. They offer basic rooms with all necessary amenities, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers on a budget.
Travel Tips Thiruvananthapuram
Here are some travel tips for Thiruvananthapuram that can help make your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free:
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram is between November and February, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
- Transportation: The city has a well-developed transportation network, with options such as auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local buses available for getting around.
- Local food: Try the local cuisine, which is a blend of traditional Kerala and South Indian dishes. Some popular local dishes include dosa, idli, and sambar.
- Safety: Thiruvananthapuram is generally a safe city, but it’s always best to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially when exploring alone or at night.
- Tipping: Tipping is not common in Thiruvananthapuram, but it is always appreciated for good service.
- Shopping: The city has several markets and shopping areas where you can buy local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs.
- Respect local customs: Thiruvananthapuram has a rich cultural heritage, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions while visiting. Dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites.
- Budget accordingly: Thiruvananthapuram is a relatively affordable destination, but it’s always a good idea to budget accordingly and keep track of your expenses to avoid overspending.
- Be aware of the monsoon season: Thiruvananthapuram experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September), which can disrupt travel plans and cause flooding in some areas.
- Stay hydrated: The weather in Thiruvananthapuram is hot and humid, so it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day.
By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Thiruvananthapuram.