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Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is Kerala’s capital — laid-back, green, coastal, and culturally rich. Plan for tropical weather, temple etiquette, easy transport, and regional cuisine. Below are visa/entry rules and practical travel guidance to help you make the most of your visit.
Visa / Entry requirements
- Indian nationals: no visa required.
- Foreign nationals: obtain an Indian visa appropriate to your purpose (e-Visa available to many nationalities). Check the official Government of India e-Visa site for eligibility, required documents, fees, and processing times.
- Passport validity: generally at least 6 months from date of entry and one or two blank pages.
- Carry photocopies of passport/visa and your hotel booking; immigration may ask.
Best time to visit
- October to March: ideal — cooler temperatures (20–32°C), low humidity, good for sightseeing and beaches.
- April to June: hot and humid; still manageable but expect temperatures above 35°C.
- June to September: monsoon season — heavy rains, lush scenery, good for Ayurvedic treatments but expect travel disruptions.
Safety tips
- Trivandrum is relatively safe for tourists; exercise normal precautions.
- Keep valuables secure; use hotel safes and avoid flashing expensive items in crowded areas.
- Avoid isolated beaches at night; stick to populated sections.
- Use only licensed taxis/ride-hailing apps (Uber/Ola) or autorickshaws that use meters or agree fare upfront.
- For solo travelers, especially women, prefer well-reviewed accommodations and avoid poorly lit areas late at night.
Local customs & cultural notes
- Conservative dress is appreciated, especially at temples and religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees; women may need to wear sarees or sarongs where required.
- Remove shoes and headgear before entering temples and some homes.
- Public displays of affection are uncommon and may attract attention.
- Use your right hand for giving/receiving items and food in traditional settings.
- Be respectful when photographing people and religious ceremonies; ask permission.
Currency & money
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR).
- ATMs are widely available in the city; notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.
- Credit/debit cards accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shops; small vendors prefer cash.
- Carry some small-denomination notes for autorickshaws, tips, and market purchases.
Transportation
- By air: Trivandrum International Airport (TVC) — domestic and select international flights.
- By train: Trivandrum Central (TVC) connects well to major Indian cities.
- Local transport: taxis (app-based and private), autorickshaws, buses (cheap but can be crowded). Prepaid taxi counters at the airport and major stations are convenient.
- Renting a car or bike is possible; drive cautiously — local driving can be busy and roads vary.
- For nearby beach or hill destinations, arrange transfers through trusted operators or your hotel.
Must-know practical tips & local insights
- Language: Malayalam is the local language; English and Hindi are commonly understood in tourist areas.
- Food: Enjoy fresh seafood, vegetarian thali, and local Kerala dishes (appam, puttu, seafood curries). Ask about spice levels if you’re sensitive.
- Ayurveda: Trivandrum and nearby Kovalam have many Ayurvedic centers; choose licensed, well-reviewed clinics and allow multiple days for treatments.
- Day trips: Popular nearby attractions include Kovalam Beach, Kanyakumari (a few hours away), Shanghumukham Beach, Padmanabhaswamy Temple (check entry rules), and Poovar Island backwaters.
- Temple rules: Some temples (like Sree Padmanabhaswamy) have strict dress codes and may restrict camera use; men may need to wear dhoti or mundu.
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz; bring suitable adapters if needed.
- Connectivity: Mobile networks and internet are good in the city; buy a local SIM at the airport or authorized outlets if needed.
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water; carry basic medication for heat/diarrhea/bugs. If you plan Ayurveda, disclose medical history.
Quick checklist before you go
- Valid passport and visa/e-Visa confirmation
- Hotel bookings and travel insurance
- Local currency / card access
- Copies of important documents
- Lightweight, modest clothing + rain gear (if visiting monsoon season)
- Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent
Enjoy Trivandrum’s relaxed pace, rich culture, beaches and cuisine — plan temple visits with respect, pick the season that suits your travel style, and you’ll have a rewarding trip.