Thirunananthapuram - accomodation -advice please plus help !

Hi, My friend and I (2 fit young grandmothers - I've been to North India before) are arriving in Tri. on June 21st on our way back from UK, via Dubai, and depart from Bangalore 5 weeks later, 25th July back to New Zealand. We need the first 2 nights booked in Tri as we due to arrive 8pm - any recommendations AND ANY SUGGESTED ITINERY FROM THEN - MAKING OUR WAY UP TO BANGALORE OR BEYOND - NOT PAID FOR OUR AIR TICKET YET SO FLEXIBLE - but due to depart for The Middle East in 3 weeks on our way to the UK.

I'd appreciate some help . Also - does India Rail give the 30% discsount to Over 60's regardless i.e. to tourists? What class is best to travel on.
We have an old Lonely Planet book,but dont want to take it around with me for 2 months before arrival in India - what chances of buying one in Tri???

Thank you in advance,
Joy

Wild Palms is a very nice place in Trivandrum, if you are prepared to pay 1.500 Rs including breakfast.
Hotel Regency is not bad for about 700 Rs.
You can go to Bangalore via Kerala or Tamil Nadu, my choice would be the latter: Kanyakumari, Madurai, Rameswaram, Trichy, Thanjavur and Kumbakonam, from where you can catch the daily overnight train to Mysore and back to Bangalore. I would recommend 2 AC on the train, less crowded, more privacy. You don't have to be Indian to qualify for the 30% discount, but you have to make a reservation in advance to get it. Don't know weather you can buy LP in Trivandrum. Have a great trip (just did Kerala and Tamil Nadu for the 3rd time)...

easy to get new lonely planet in trv. statue junction on MG raod, theres a couple of good book shops DC is the best.

A very good mid-range hotel in Trivandrum is Hotel Pankaj in MG Road. It is centrally located and has a couple of restaurants. It's website is hotelpankaj.com.
I stayed there a couple of years ago and like it a lot.