Thiruvananthapuram Things to Do

Kerala is home to Ayuervedic Medicine. In places like Kovalam, treatments (massages) are offered for Rs 500, but I tried that and was quite disapointed. I went to a "proper" Ayuervidic Centre in Trivandrum - and had very good treatment. The doctor will see you first, and then the treatment (eg rejuvinating massage) is given by two therapists (masseus).
Name of the place:
Ayuerveda Bhavan
Chetitkulangara,
Trivandrum
Rs 1000 per hour

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This is one of the oldest museums in India. The original museum was built in 1857, it was later demolished and the current building constructed in 1880. It houses a vast display of Kerala treasures & antiques.

Set in the observatory gardens the architecture is stunning. There are minarets, gothic roofs and stained glass windows, all in a variety of colours.

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The zoo is situated in the gardens that house the Art Gallery and Napier Museum. In the zoo you'll find many different types of animals, birds and reptiles. Species local to India and many from overseas. I'm not really a fan of zoos, but the place seemed very popular with locals who looked to be enjoying it.

The admission was Rs 10 with an extra Rs 25 to pay if you're carrying a camera.

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This should not be included under a Trivandrum tip.It is in Tamil Nadu really but it is easily accessible from trivandrum, 63km and was the seat of the travancore rulers.
Compared to other palaces in India, palaces in Kerala are not all impressive from the outside.Once inside the sheer beauty of wooden carvings the environment friendly designs and the floors take your breath away.This is an architectural student's delight.I know carpenters who go there to get inspiration from the exotic mahogany and assorted carvings

The palace is undergoing renovation now but worth a visit.

Kerala Secretariat, the seat of administration of the state, is a mighty white-washed Victorian structure located at Statue Junction in the city centre. The construction was started during the period of His Highness Ayilyam Tirunal, the then Maharaja of Travancore and was completed in 1869. The building is a classical example of British colonial architecture and was designed by Barton, a British chief engineer. The crowning of His Highness Chithira Tirunal, the last king of Travancore, was held here. The assembly hall, now a historical monument, attached to the Secretariat complex, was inaugurated in 1936. Visitors are allowed only after 15.00 hrs with an entry pass.

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Victoria Jubilee Town Hall, popularly known as VJT Hall, was built to commemorate the golden jubilee of the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1896. Even today, this colonial structure has retained all its glory and is one of the most sought-after centres for exhibitions and cultural get-togethers.

This statue of Pattom A Thanu Pillai (1885-1970) stands outside the Victoria Jubilee Town Hall. He was a participant in the Indian independence movement who later served as the Chief Minister of Kerala from February 22, 1960 to September 25, 1962.

This monument is located to the side of the Palayam Juma Mosque and commemorates "The heroic patriots who gave their lives in the struggle for the freedom of India". It was unveiled by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of India on 14th August 1957.