Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
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Zoological gardens
The modern zoological gardens are among the most impressive in India. There are shaded paths meandering through woodland and lakes, where animals, such as tigers, macaques and lots of bird-life, happily frolic in massive, open enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. There’s a separate reptile house (entrance with zoo ticket), where dozens of the slithery things do their thing and cobras frequently flare their hoods – just don’t ask what the cute guinea pigs are here for.
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Pizza Corner
A bit of East meets West, with tasty pizza’s sporting everything from traditional toppings (margarita) to Indian twists on a theme (ie Punjabi chicken tikka).
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Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
This 260-year-old temple is Trivandrum’s spiritual heart. Spilling over 2400 sq metres, its main entrance is the 30m tall, seven-tier eastern gopuram (gateway tower). In the inner sanctum, the deity Padmanabha reclines on the sacred serpent and is made from over 10,000 salagramam (sacred stones) that were purportedly, and no doubt slowly, transported from Nepal by elephant.
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Margi Kathakali School
Margi Kathakali School conducts courses in kathakali and kootiattam (traditional Sanskrit drama) for beginner and advanced students. Fees average Rs200 per 1½-hour class. Visitors can peek at uncostumed practice sessions held 10am to noon Monday to Friday. It’s in an unmarked building behind the Fort School.
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Veli Tourist Park
At the junction of Veli Lake and the Arabian sea, 8km west of the city, the unique Veli Tourist Park showcases strikingly oversized sculptures by local artist Kanai Kunhiraman. It's well-designed, and the ponds, mammoth concrete conches and quasi-erotic curves of the artwork make for an interesting backdrop for a picnic or a stroll.
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Puthe Maliga Palace Museum
The Puthe Maliga Palace Museum is housed in the 200-year-old palace of the Travancore maharajas. The traditional Keralan palace has carved wooden ceilings, marble sculptures and even imported Belgian glass. Inside you’ll find Kathakali images, an armoury, portraits of Maharajas, ornate thrones and other artefacts.
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Thiruvananthapuram City Day Tour
KTDC offers tours, leaving from the Tourist Reception Centre at the KTDC Hotel Chaithram on Central Station Rd. The Thiruvananthapuram City Day Tour visits Trivandrum’s major sights plus Kovalam beach (half day 8.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 7pm; full day 8.30am to 7pm). Avoid Monday, when some places are closed.
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CVN Kalari Sangham
CVN Kalari Sangham offers three-month courses (Rs1000 per month) in kalarippayat for serious students with some experience in martial arts. Contact Sathyan for details. On Monday to Saturday at 7am to 8.30am, training sessions are open for public viewing.
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Academy of Magical Sciences
Ever wanted to learn how on earth they do that Indian rope trick? This is your chance. This academy works to preserve traditional Indian magic, give recognition to street magicians and train students in the art of illusion. It holds regular shows and have a store selling magic kits. Fun.
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Ayurveda
The students at Ayurveda College perform massage and general panchakarma (cleansing and purification) treatments (after consultation with a doctor) free of charge. Expect to wait in line, and expect Indian hospital, rather than Western resort-style, ambience.
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Kanyakumari Day Tour
KTDC offers tours, leaving from the Tourist Reception Centre at the KTDC Hotel Chaithram on Central Station Rd. The Kanyakumari Day Tour visits Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kanyakumari and the nearby Suchindram Temple.
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Ariya Nivaas
Close to the train station and convenient for a quick feed between trains, this popular thali (traditional ‘all-you-can-eat’ meal) place gets positive reports from travellers. It’s sparking and run with efficiency.
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Kerala House Family Restaurant
Don't expect much in the way of décor (think formica), but do expect one mean fish-curry masala. The fish pollichathu (baked in banana leaf), with ginger, vegetables and spices, is also top-notch.
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India Experience
20 days (ex Delhi)
by Intrepid
Spot exotic creatures on a safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Witness traditional dance performances in Kochi, Unwind at the Kovalam Beach, Cruise the wa…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,745 -
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Indian Coffee House
This branch of the Indian Coffee House chain serves its yummy coffee and snacks in a unique, four-storey, spiralling tower lined inside by bench tables. Equal parts funhouse and Indian diner, it’s a must-see.
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Maveli Café
Part of the Indian Coffee House chain, Maveli serves its standard tucker in a unique, narrow, four-storey spiralling tower lined by bench tables. Equal parts funhouse and Indian diner, it's a must-see.
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Connemara Market
Wander around Connemara Market to see vendors selling vegetables, fish, live goats, fabric, clothes, spices and more bananas than you can poke a hungry monkey at.
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SMSM Institute
No, this place is not dedicated to the study of text messaging, but is a Kerala Government-run handicraft empor-ium with an Aladdin’s cave of goodies that are well-priced.
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Sankers Coffee & Tea
You’ll smell the fresh coffee well before you reach this dainty little shop. It sells Nilgiri Export OP Leaf Tea (Rs250 per kg) and a variety of coffees and nuts.
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Spencer’s Daily
Spencer’s Daily is a well-stocked supermarket with lots of Western food (and even tampons!).
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DC Books
Kerala’s excellent bookshop chain, with a respectable selection of fiction and nonfiction books.
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Tiffany’s Restaurant
There’s a choice of decent hotel buffets at places like Tiffany’s Restaurant.
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Regency Restaurant
There’s a choice of decent hotel buffets at places like Regency Restaurant.
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Regency
There's a choice of good hotel buffets at places like Regency at the South Park Hotel.
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Ananda Bhavan
A classic Keralan sit-down-and-dig-in-with-your-hands type situation.
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