Air: Trivandrum is connected by flights, from major domestic carriers, with Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi.
Rail: Trivandrum is directly connected by rail to all the major cities in India.
Road: Trivandrum is connected by road to several tourist centers in India such Calicut(448 km) Cochin(223 km) Kanyakumari(87 km) Madurai(417 km) Periyar(272 km) Ponmudi(61 km) Quilon(73 km) Varkala(55 km).
Bus: Regular bus services connect Trivandrum to various places in Kerala as well as to Madras, Madurai, Kanyakumari etc.
1. Dakhani Degh: Known for mouth-watering Hyderabadi biriyani and chicken recipes. Situated at Chacai junction, beside National Highway.
2. Zamzam: Best tandoori and roasted chickens and ice-creams are available at reasonable prise. Near Palayam/opposite of university library.
3. Ambrosia: Topmost bakers of Kerala, known for its burgers and pastries which are really worth trying. Outlets are at Bakery Junction, Technopark, Kowdiar, Pattom.
4. Zinc n Rock: Burgers, sandwiches and other KFC and McD type preperations can be found in a fantastic ambience. Near Spencers, Vanross junction
5. Sharma dhaba: Pure veg meals in dhaba style. Near Shree Vishakh cinema hall.
6. Dominos: Shasthamangalam, Vellayambalam.
List of Hotels:
1)Arya Nivas
2)Nadan Hotel
3)Hotel Pankaj - Manorama road, Thampanoor Peroorkada Jn. M.G. Road - Phone: 0471230789 Phone: 0471 2430155 Phone: 0471 2464645
4)Hotel The Grand Central
5)Hotel Chaitram
6)Manjalikulam Tourist Home - Opp. Secretariat, M.G. Road Thampanoor Manjalikulam Road, Thampanoor - Phone: 0471 2471286, 2575227 Phone: 0471 2330977 Phone: 0471 2330776, 2332984
Budget Hotels:
1)Hotel Highland
2) Anu Tourist Home
3) Hotel Regency - Manjalikulam road, Thampanoor Manjalikulam road, Thampanoor Manjalikulam Road, Thampanoor - Phone: 0471 2333200, Phone: 0471 2329777 Phone: 0471 2330377,
4)Hotel Sukvas
5)Hotel Arulakam
6) Pravin Tourist Home - Manjalikulam Road, Thampanoor Railway Station Road Manjalikulam road, Thampanoor-Phone: 0471 2331967, 2338190 Phone: 0471 2330488 Phone: 0471 2330753
7)Hotel Home Land
8)Hotel Highland Park - Manjalikulam road, Thampanoor Manjalikulam road, Thampanoor - Phone: 0471 2338415, 2338416 Phone: 0471 2338800
NOTE : WE DO NOT HAVE ANY LINKS WITH THE ABOVE MENTIONED HOTELS. THE PURPOSE OF THIS LIST IS THAT THE PARTICIPANTS WHO DO NOT GET ACCOMMODATION IN CAMPUS, CAN MAKE THEIR OWN ARRANGEMENTS.
We welcome you to Kerala, one of the hotspots for tourism in India with its beautiful beaches and eye feasting greenery. Trivandrum, the capital of the state of Kerala, is a beautiful seaside city. The city gets its name from the word, Thiru Ananthapuram meaning the city of Ananth or the abode of the sacred serpent Anantha, on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines.
Altitude: Sea level.
Temperature (deg C): Summer - Max.36.2, Min.20.6. Winter - Max.35, Min.18. Rainfall: May to November.
Clothing: Very light clothing. Woolen wares are not needed at all.
Languages Spoken: Malayalam, English
Best Season: October to March.
STD Code: 0471
Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of sculpture and architecture. This temple holds the most unique piece of art and sculpture. The temple pond and the traditional Kerala style buildings surrounding the temple are the other interesting attractions. The Padmanabha Swami Temple darshan times are 4.15 to 5 am, 6.45 to 7.30 am, 8.30 to 10.30 am, 11.30 to 11.45 am, and 5.15 to 7.30 pm.Location: Opposite East-Fort bus depot.Transport: Take an auto from TVM Central Railway sty. Approximate fare is Rs.10-15.
Sree Chitra Art Gallery:This art gallery displays select paintings of of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali.Open:1000- 1700 hrs daily except on Mondays and Wednesday forenoons. Location: Before Vellayambalam, within museum and zoological park premises. Transport: Take a bus going towards Kowdiar (route no.111,434,etc). Frequent buses ply from Aristro Junction bus stop. Else, take an auto from East-fort bus depot.
The Zoological Park,One of the first Zoos in India, it is located in a well-planned botanical garden. With huge trees like frangipani and jacaranda dotting the sprawling lawns and wild fowl swimming in the lake, it is like a small jungle in the heart of the city. It houses some of the rare wildlife. Open: 1000 - 1700 hrs - closed on Mondays Location: Before Vellayambalam, within museum and zoological park premises. Transport: Take a bus going towards Kowdiar (route no.111,434,etc). Frequent buses ply from Aristro Junction bus stop. Else, take an auto from East-fort bus depot.
Napier Museum:The Indo-Saracenic structure dating back to the 19 century boasts of a "natural " air conditioning system, houses a rare collection of archaeological and historical artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. Open: 1000-1700 hrs daily except on Monday and Wednesday forenoons.Location: Before Vellayambalam, within museum and zoological park premises. Transport: Take a bus going towards Kowdiar (route no.111,434,etc). Frequent buses ply from Aristro Junction bus stop. Else, take an auto from East-fort bus depot.
Shanghumukham Beach:
Adjacent to Trivandrum airport, this beach is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. During the day, you can see fishermen trying to pull out long fishing nets from the sea. The other attraction of this area is the 35-m high sculpture of a mermaid and a restaurant shaped like a starfish.
Veli Tourist Village
This is the point where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea. Speedboats and Pedal boats are available here to explore the charm of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. The new-wide-walls beside shore line are nice place to walk on or sit. Adjacent beach is not advised for bathing. Open: 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs.
Kovalam:
Kovalam Beach is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in India, with its crystal clear blue water and silver sands, it is the best place for relaxation. It has three different beaches of which the Lighthouse beach is the most famous one. Tourists claim that the view from the light house alone is worth the visit to Kerala (light house closes at 5 pm).Transport: Direct buses from East-fort bus depot are available.
Kanyakumari:
Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, is the point where the three mighty water bodies, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean converge. The famous Vivekananda Rock memorial amidst the turbulent sea is a major attraction. Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views and the Devi Temple.Location: 87 km from TVM.Transport: Direct trains from Trivandrum Central Rly Stn. and daily buses from Thampanoor Bus depot (2hrs journey).
Padmanabhapuram Palace:Enroute to Kanyakumari 40 Kms away is the majestic old palace famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, coloured mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, durbar hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Begian mirrors, Granite dance halls and special lac shiny floors made of a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcol and river sand. The palace is built in the traditional Travancore architectural style.
Suchindram Temple:Enroute to Kanyakumari, it is another famous attraction - The Sthanumalaya temple which is a popular pilgrim centre. The temple also houses an emporium of art treasures from various periods in history.
Varkala:Varkala beach is famous for its night life, and for its quiet secluded stretch of sand. The Papanasam beach in Varkala is known for its mineral springs and rocky cliffs. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy temple and the Nature care centre are the two main attractions here. Location: 51 km North-West of Trivandrum.Transport: By train from Trivandrum Central Rly Stn. towards north (30min journey by express train).
Ponmudi hills:
Nearest hill station from Trivandrum, this place is a great attraction for a half-day trekking and sightseeing of lush green forest midst of fogs and clouds. Meenmutty Falls is also a famous attraction in the area.Location: 65km from Trivandrum.Transport: Buses ply from Thampanoor and Nedumangad. Return buses are available till 5pm.
Neyyar Dam:This is a nice spot for a day-out. Trekking through the forest (Neyyar wildlife sanctuary) is possible only with prior permission from the forest department. Tourists can hire a speed boat for Rs 100 to 150 per head to view the surrounding forests.Location: It is situated 30km east of Trivandrum Transport: Buses from Trivandrum city (32km) and Airport (38km) to Neyyar dam are available.