£176+ Cheap flights to Trivandrum

Thiruvananthapuram overview

Located on the country’s very southern tip, Thiruvananthapuram is one of India’s oldest cities. It gained its fame as a trading post for spices, sandalwood and ivory, with both Greek and Roman texts hailing the city’s importance in the world of ancient commerce. Today, Thiruvananthapuram is known for its proximity to golden sand beaches and warm tropical waters only 8 miles (12.8 km) from the city centre. It is due to this rich mixture of history and beachfront comfort that developed Thiruvananthapuram into a popular tourist spot, earning it the nickname, India’s Evergreen City.

Visitors arriving on flights to Thiruvananthapuram will find themselves in a bustling city, passing along streets lined with markets and restaurants. One of the most prominent fixtures in the city’s skyline is Padmanabhaswamy temple, an early medieval Dravidian style centre of worship dedicated to Vishnu. Another major religious site is the impressive Bheema mosque, located just south of the city limits. Grand buildings erected by the Maharajas add further flavour to the cityscape, with The Kerala Government Secretariat rounding things off with a classic, Victorian feel. 

Getting around Thiruvananthapuram

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.