Thiruvananthapuram City Guide

Local dishes include Appam with Stew, Puttu and Kadala Curry, and seafood specialties. International options like Chinese and North Indian food are available. Vegetarian and vegan options are common. Few late-night food spots outside hotels.

Nightlife is quiet with mostly hotel bars and some pubs. Alcohol rules limit late hours; most places close by 11 PM or midnight.

Coffee culture mixes traditional South Indian filter coffee with a few specialty shops emerging. Local filter coffee is very common.

Tipping is common in restaurants (5-10%) when no service charge is included. Taxi drivers don't expect tips but rounding up is appreciated. Small tips for hotel and salon staff are common.

SIMs from Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea are easy to get at the airport or shops. Jio and Airtel have good coverage and data. ID and photo needed; activation may take hours or a day.

Main roads and tourist areas are fairly clean, though litter appears in some inner streets. Recycling is developing and waste pickup exists.

Several pharmacies and hospital emergency services operate 24/7. Minimarts less common late at night. Food options limited after hours.

Supermarkets like Lulu Mall, Reliance Fresh, More, and Spencers stock international and local products. Fresh produce markets like Chalai Market offer local goods. Shops usually open 9:30 AM–9 PM; smaller shops may be closed on Sundays.

Most urban places accept digital payments like UPI and cards. Small shops and vendors may still prefer cash.

ATMs from major banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Axis are plentiful. Withdrawals from other banks may have small fees after free transactions.

International schools include Trivandrum International and Green Valley International. Instruction is mostly English. Check admissions early as spots can fill up.

There is a small but growing nomad community with informal meetups and nomad-friendly cafes. The IT Park area has a professional crowd but no strong central hub.

Parks like Napier Museum grounds and Kanakakunnu Palace offer shaded walking and running areas. University campus adds green space.

Popular routes include parks, university grounds, and coastal roads. Mostly safe during daylight; running groups exist. Air quality is generally good.

Gyms and fitness centers are available. Many residential complexes and hotels have gym facilities.

Tennis courts are at clubs like Trivandrum Tennis Club and some hotels. Booking is usually by membership.

Padel availability is unknown or not common.

Many yoga studios and ashrams offer traditional and modern classes. English-speaking instructors and drop-in classes are common.

Traditional Kalaripayattu is taught in several centers, some offering workshops for visitors. Other arts like Karate and Taekwondo are also available.

No skiing available.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are offered at Kovalam and Veli Tourist Village. Sailing and windsurfing options are limited. Rentals and guided tours exist.

Surfing is available mainly at Kovalam Beach, suitable for beginners and intermediates. Water is warm year-round, best waves from October to March. Surf schools and rentals exist.

Limited diving and snorkeling around Kovalam. Visibility is moderate with some reef fish and corals. Basic courses and rentals are available.

Hospitals like KIMS, Ananthapuri, and Medical College have English-speaking staff. Private hospitals offer more specialized care. Pharmacies are many, with some open 24/7. Emergency numbers are 100 (police), 101 (fire), and 102/108 (ambulance).

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is widely available and advised.

Parks like Kanakakunnu Palace and Napier Museum have playgrounds. Kid-friendly cafes are growing. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include Napier Museum, Zoo, and Magic Planet.

Acceptance is low to moderate. Some urban venues are inclusive. Legal status improved but discrimination risks remain.

Pet policies vary; some guesthouses allow pets but many hotels don't. Veterinary clinics exist but few dedicated pet parks.