The South Indian state of Kerala, nicknamed God’s Own Country, conjures images of swaying palm trees, backwater cruises, whitewashed churches, and golden-sand beaches. Thiruvananthapuram—often still referred to by its former name, Trivandrum—rather breaks the mold, however. These idyllic scenes are not far away, but the capital itself is sprawling and bustling. Even if you’re simply passing through on your way to Kerala’s beaches and backwaters, there are some lovely sights and things to do in Thiruvananthapuram, including temples, museums, and palaces unlike any you’ll see elsewhere in India.
Thiruvananthapuram is in the far south of India’s southern state of Kerala, so it has a tropical climate, with hot temperatures year-round. While it’s almost always humid, it’s less so between October and February, and also less rainy at this time of year. This is the peak season for tourism and the best time to visit. Whether you’re wanting to sightsee in the city or head to the backwaters, aim to do so in the drier season for the most comfortable experience.
Auto-rickshaws and taxis are the best way of getting around Thiruvananthapuram. Local buses are available and inexpensive, but they’re not very comfortable and you’re likely to get stuck in the city’s infamously bad traffic. Unless you’re visiting on a guided tour, hail autos and taxis when you need them, and make sure to negotiate a price before getting in—if you’re not sure how much a trip should cost, ask at your hotel.
Some travelers are justifiably wary about visiting zoos, especially in countries where ideas about animal welfare are often questionable, at best. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is one of the oldest in India, but instead of being locked in depressing cages, the animals are housed in naturalistic enclosures, making it quite a pleasant place. Nevertheless, if you’d rather not visit, it’s still worth heading to the wider zoological park, as the Sri Chitra Art Gallery is located inside, and other museums and palaces are just outside.
