Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala

• Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (historic, major pilgrimage site; strict dress code applies)
• Kovalam Beach (popular sandy beach with lighthouse and crescent shores)
• Napier Museum & Sri Chitra Art Gallery (collections of art, archaeology and royal artifacts)
• Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace (exquisite Travancore architecture and exhibits)
• Veli Tourist Village (backwater-lagoon meets sea, boating and park)
• Shanghumukham Beach (watch the famous Jatayu sculpture and sunsets)
• Kadmattukara & local markets (for spices, handicrafts, banana chips)
• Agasthyakoodam (nearby peak in the Western Ghats — biodiversity hotspot; permits required)
• Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Dam (wildlife, crocodile farm and boat rides)
• Attukal Temple (site of the huge Attukal Pongala festival)

• Blend of Dravidian and Kerala temple architecture and royal palaces
• Coastal beaches and backwater lagoons adjacent to urban center
• Gateway to Western Ghats biodiversity and hill treks
• Strong Ayurvedic and wellness tradition with reputable centers
• Vibrant performing-arts scene (Kathakali, classical music and kathaprasangam)
• Rich spice and seafood culinary traditions

• Temple darshan and attending morning/evening rituals (observe dress code and photography rules)
• Relaxing at Kovalam, swimming (obey lifeguards) and beach yoga
• Ayurvedic spa treatments and Panchakarma programs
• Exploring museums, palace exhibits and colonial-era architecture
• Boat rides on Veli backwaters and short houseboat experiences
• Day treks to nearby hills (Agasthyakoodam — check permit and season) and wildlife spotting at Neyyar
• Watching classical performances (Kathakali, Mohiniyattam) and attending local music concerts
• Shopping at Chalai Market and local craft shops for spices, coir, and handloom

• Attukal Pongala (annual mass women’s offering — one of the largest gatherings of women devotees in the world)
• International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) — held in Thiruvananthapuram (seasonal; check dates)
• Onam celebrations (statewide festival with special events in the city)
• Regular temple festivals and processions around Sree Padmanabhaswamy and local shrines

October to February — cooler, drier and ideal for beaches, sightseeing and hill treks. Monsoon (June–September) is lush but wet; March–May is hot and humid.

Tropical coastal climate: warm and humid year-round. Average temperatures range from ~24°C (winter nights) to mid-30s°C in summer. Heavy rains during the southwest monsoon (June–September) and some pre-monsoon showers.

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) — well connected to domestic and international destinations. Major rail hub: Thiruvananthapuram Central. City buses, private taxis, autos and ride-hailing services cover urban travel. Some heritage sites and older buildings may have limited wheelchair access; newer public areas and larger museums are more accessible. Road conditions are generally good within the city; expect slower traffic during peak hours and festivals.

2–4 days to cover the city and beaches; 5–7+ days if adding hill treks, backwaters or extended Ayurvedic programs.

Light, breathable cotton clothing for daytime. Modest attire for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered). Swimwear for beaches (use resort/private beach areas if preferred). Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, reusable water bottle, and a light rain jacket during monsoon months.

Must-try foods: Kerala fish curry, appam and stew, puttu and kadala curry, banana chips, and local sweets like ada and payasam. Souvenirs: spices (pepper, cardamom), coir products, handloom fabrics and kasavu sarees, Ayurvedic oils and herbal products, local handicrafts and woodwork.