India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [231]
By Train There are regular trains between Trivandrum and other important destinations in Kerala, including Kochi (under 4 hr.), Alleppey (31⁄2 hr.), Kollam (11⁄2 hr.), and Varkala (1 hr.). If you’re coming from Chennai in Tamil Nadu, the overnight Trivandrum Mail is convenient. Trains also reach India’s southernmost point, Kanyakumari; the journey takes around 21⁄2 hours.
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is just east of M.G. Road, on Station Road; for general railway inquiries, call 131. For reservations, call 132 or 0471/232-3066, or you can access the Interactive Voice Response service by calling 1361.
GETTING AROUND By Taxi & Auto-Rickshaw In this region you will probably need a taxi from the airport (or your hired car and driver if you’ve been traveling around the state) to take you to your Kovalam resort; after this you’re unlikely to need transport, with the exception of a possible brief foray to a nearby market. For this you’re best off using a rickshaw; these officially charge Rs 10 for the first 1 1⁄2km, plus around Rs 5 per additional kilometer, although you might want to settle on a fair price before setting off. To hire a car and driver, see “Guided Tours,” below.
By Motorcycle & Scooter You can rent an Enfield or Honda on a daily basis from Kerala Adventures ( 0471/243-3398) in Trivandrum.
GUIDED TOURS & TRAVEL AGENTS To make the most of your time, we strongly recommend hiring a private car and driver, and set off on a personalized trip from Trivandrum. Our personal preference would be to use the top-notch local outfit Kerala Adventures (House No. 101 Geeth, Golflinks Rd., Sasthamangalam, Trivandrum; 0471/243-3398 or 0471/231-9548; www.keralaadventure.com; touch@keralaadventure.com); proprietor John Thomas (24-hr. emergency contact 98-4706-5548 or 99-9507-6829) provides a seamless service and has never let us down no matter how convoluted our schedule. He is also adept at putting customized itineraries together—he’s not afraid to take you well off the beaten track if you like adventure, and arranges all sorts of specialized trips (for birders, cycling enthusiasts, and even ardent campers, for example). Shopping around? Then you could also get a quote from Sita World Travel ( 0471/247-0921 or 0471/246-0173; trv@sitaindia.com) or try Tourindia ( 0471/232-8070 or 0471/233-1507), which has been involved in several innovative alternative tourism projects in Kerala. KTDC (Hotel Chaithram, adjacent Central Bus Station, Thampanoor; 0471/233-0031; Mon–Sat 6:30am–9:30pm) runs conducted sightseeing tours in and around the city. Aimed primarily at domestic tourists, they are not recommended, but are a cheap way of taking in as many of the sights as possible.
Trivandrum
Airlines The airlines with the most useful services to and from Trivandrum are Kingfisher Airlines ( 1800-2333-131 or 0471/250-8822) and Jet Airways ( 0471/272-1018 or -8864); you can also contact Jet at the airport ( 0471/250-0710 -0860).
Area Code The area code for Trivandrum is 0471.
ATMs Numerous ATMs in Trivandrum accept Visa and MasterCard (and also American Express); note that there are far fewer facilities south of the capital, so best to draw cash for incidentals in the city.
Banks You can exchange currency and traveler’s checks at any bank; a conveniently located bank is Canara Bank at Spencer Junction, M.G. Road ( 0471/233-1536; Mon–Fri 10am–2pm and 2:30–3:30pm, Sat 10am–noon). Alternatively use one of the many ATMs throughout the city.
Car Hire See “Guided Tours,” above.
Currency Exchange See “Banks,” above. Thomas Cook is also located on M.G. Road ( 0471/233-8140 or -8141).
Drugstores City Medical Service (Statue; 0471/246-1770) or Central Medical Stores (Statue; 0471/246-0923).
Emergencies For fires and other emergencies, including medical services, call 101.
Hospitals Medical tourism is becoming quite a trend in Kerala; here are a few reputable options in Trivandrum: Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences, P.B. No.1, Anayara ( 1800/425-4748;www.kimskerala.com); Sree Uthradom Thirunal Hospital, Pattom ( 0471/244-7566;www.suthospital.com);