Travel Tips & Safety

Trivandrum is safe for solo travelers

✔️ Trivandrum is safe for solo travelers, families, and women.
✔️ Violent crime is extremely rare—locals are friendly and helpful.
✔️ Petty theft (like pickpocketing) is uncommon but possible in crowded markets or buses—stay alert.
✔️ Avoid isolated areas late at night, especially beaches after dark.

 Tip: Save the contact of your hotel and keep Google Maps downloaded offline.

 Temple Etiquette

 Padmanabhaswamy Temple and others in the region follow strict dress codes:

• Men: Mundu only, no shirts allowed
• Women: Saree or long dress with shawl
• No photography or electronics allowed inside
• Respect rituals and avoid loud behavior

 Tip: Dress modestly even when not visiting temples—it’s appreciated.

 Best Time to Visit

•  October to March: Best weather for sightseeing and beach time
•  June to September: Monsoon – lush and beautiful but may disrupt outdoor plans
•  April to May: Hot and humid; ideal for beach lovers and Ayurveda treatments

 Tip: Festivals like Onam (Aug–Sept) and Attukal Pongala (Feb–Mar) are cultural highlights but can be very crowded.

 Language Tips

• Malayalam is the local language
• English is widely spoken in shops, hotels, and tourist spots
• Learn a few polite phrases:
  • “Namaskaram” – Hello / Greetings
  • “Nanni” – Thank you
  • “Enikku ithu venam” – I want this

 Transport & Getting Around

✔️ Use Uber, Ola, or local taxis/autos for local travel
✔️ Prepaid auto-rickshaw counters available at railway station/airport
✔️ KSRTC buses are affordable and reliable for intercity travel
✔️ For scenic routes (like Ponmudi or Poovar), book a private cab

 Tip: Always agree on fare in autos without meters or confirm app rates before starting the ride.

 Money & Payments

✔️ ATMs are widely available; major cards accepted in most places
✔️ Carry some cash for street food, autos, and smaller shops
✔️ UPI payments (Google Pay, PhonePe, etc.) are widely accepted

 Tip: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash in crowded areas.

 Food Safety & Hygiene

✔️ Street food is generally safe but stick to busy, clean stalls
✔️ Drink bottled or filtered water only
✔️ Try traditional dishes like Sadya, fish curry, appam-stew, and banana chips
✔️ Avoid uncooked foods during monsoon

 Tip: If you're sensitive to spice, ask for "less spicy" (“kurachu mulaku” in Malayalam).

 Health & Emergency Contacts

•  Major Hospitals:
  • Trivandrum Medical College
  • KIMS Hospital
  • Ananthapuri Hospital
  • Sree Uthradom Thirunal Hospital (SUT)
•  Police: 100
•  Ambulance: 108
•  Tourist Helpline: 1800-425-4747
•  Airport Police Helpdesk: +91-471-2501424

 Tip: Carry basic meds and any prescriptions. Mosquito repellent is helpful during monsoon.

 Shopping Tips

 Best places: Chalai Bazaar, Connemara Market, MG Road
✔️ Bargaining is acceptable in local markets—be polite
✔️ Buy genuine Ayurveda products and spices from government or reputed stores
✔️ Always check quality and weight before buying souvenirs like jewelry or handicrafts

 Beach & Nature Safety

✔️ Swim only in designated areas at Kovalam and Shanghumugham
✔️ Follow lifeguard instructions—currents can be strong
✔️ Use sunscreen and stay hydrated during hot days
✔️ In wildlife areas (like Neyyar), stay on trails and follow forest guides

 Tip: Don’t feed wild animals or litter natural spots—respect the environment.

 Cultural Sensitivity & Photography

✔️ Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in temples or rural areas
✔️ Some temples, art centers, and museums prohibit cameras—follow the rules
✔️ Avoid drone usage in restricted areas without permission