Cheap flights to Thiruvananthapuram will bring you to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, also known by the city's former name as the Trivandrum Airport, approximately 4 kilometres west of the city. The first airport to be built in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is a main point of entry into the state. It is among the busiest airports in the country and is strongly connected to cities in India and abroad. There are 3 main terminals at the Thiruvananthapuram airport. Passengers are advised to arrange for a hotel shuttle or a taxi service at the taxi stand or prepaid taxi counter. The airport has facilities such as wheelchairs for the physically handicapped and any other special facilities can be requested in advance when booking Thiruvananthapuram flights.
Once your Thiruvananthapuram flight lands at the airport, you'll find that travel within the city is best done by taxis and auto rickshaws, also simply known as autos. Although autos tend to be cheaper, they are not very comfortable, especially in Kerala's hot and humid summer months. Taxis, which can be identified by black and yellow paint, are more convenient and preferred by most tourists. Taxis can be booked not just for travelling over short distances, but also for a number of days at a time. There are also a number of private car rental companies offering cars with drivers on rent. Scooters and motorcycles are the preferred mode of transport on the busy roads of Thiruvananthapuram and can be hired from a select few rental companies. The cheapest means of public transport is the local bus system. The bus system is efficient and extremely cost-effective. However, unless you are an experienced traveller, travel by bus is not recommended as the buses tend to get heavily crowded and uncomfortably hot during peak hours, especially in summers.
Cheap flights to Thiruvananthapuram offer you a trip to a capital city of one of the most historically and socially vibrant states in India. Kerala is a stronghold of South Indian culture and Thiruvanathapuram has long been the state's cultural and administrative epicentre. The city is replete with historically significant monuments, parks, tourist centres, temples, museums and palaces. The Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple is an important tourist attraction around which the entire city was built. One of the richest temples in India, the Sri Padmanbhaswamy temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Another famed monument is the East Fort, originally built around the temple. Today only the eastern wall of the fort stands and the illumination of the East Fort gate in the evenings is a major attraction.
The Kowdiar Palace is the official residence of the Travancore Royal family and is off limits to the public. However, there are a number of other palaces such as the Kuthira Malika Palace and the Kanakakunnu Palace that are open to tourists. These palaces are perfect examples of traditional Kerala architecture. They boast beautiful crystal chandeliers and a collection of exquisite pieces of royal furniture. A portion of Kuthira Malika has been converted into a Palace Museum and houses some of the assets owned by the Travancore Royal family. Among other places of interest are a number of museums and parks. The Kovalam and Shangumugham beaches as well as the Veli Tourist village offer a respite from the bustling city and are very popular among tourists.
Thiruvananthapuram has numerous shopping lanes well known for traditional handicrafts such as woodcarvings, furniture, copper and lacquer ware. Chalai Bazaar, which is a few centuries old, is the most popular wholesale market in Thiruvananthapuram, and is famous for its traditional silk saris and gold jewellery. Other famous shopping destinations include MG road and Connemara Market, which sell everything from sculptures to coir and brass handicrafts. The Khadi and Kairali emporiums located on MG road are popular for their handicrafts and artworks.
Thiruvananthapuram is a foodie’s haven and has something to whet everyone’s appetite. Dining options range from small eateries to fine dining restaurants serving south Indian food as well as a range of cuisines from around the world. Thiruvananthapuram has its share of pubs and bars. However, the nightlife in this city is best enjoyed by watching a night performance of dances particular to Kerala namely Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. The Kovalam beach is another favourite hangout spot among tourists and bursts with life after dark.