The city is worth exploring on foot in order to get a real feel for the place. Alternatively, buses are the cheapest form of public transport. The government-run KSRTC vehicles are painted red and yellow, with the company’s fast buses painted blue. The city’s central bus station is located at East Fort, near the Padmanabha Swamy Temple. Autorickshaws, or autos, are another cost-effective mode of transport, and offer an interesting tourist experience. Be sure to ride in legally licensed autorickshaws, characterised by on-board fare meters. Finally, there is the option of a taxi, which can be hired by the trip or by the day.
Other Points to Remember
- Due to the Temple Entry Proclamation, only people of the Hindu faith can enter their temples.
- Drink only bottled water.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Flights to Thiruvananthapuram are served by Trivandrum International Airport, 2 miles (3.2 km) west of the city centre. Flights to major Indian cities such as Dehli and Bangalore are offered daily, while international routes are restricted to cities in the Persian Gulf. Other international destinations are served on a seasonal basis, so it is best to check availability in advance. Private hire taxis are available for transport to and from the city, but it is recommended to seek out the slightly more expensive companies that come with government accreditation. Car hire is also available.
Thiruvananthapuram airport overview
A small provincial airport in southern India, Trivandrum International is not a place you’d want to have a long stopover. The queues are notoriously long and service can be very slow, especially at peak times. The airport has recently expanded however, with a new third terminal to handle international flights that boasts air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.
The airport serves the Kerala province and many of the popular beach resorts there. Its position on the west side of the southern tip of India also makes the airport a convenient transit point for trips to the Maldives and Sri Lanka or the Middle East, and flights to Trivandrum are available from nearly every airport in India.