Trivandrum: The Jewel of Kerala

• Helloഹലോ
  [halo]
• Goodbyeബൈ
  [bai]
• Yesഅതെ
  [athe]
• Noഇല്ല
  [illa]
• Please/You're welcomeദയവായി
  [dayavayi]
• Thank youനന്ദി
  [nandi]
• Excuse me/Sorryക്ഷമിക്കണം
  [kshamikkam]
• How are you?സുഖമാണോ?
  [sukhamaano?]
• Fine. And you?നന്ദി. നിന്നെ?
  [nandi. ninne?]
• Do you speak English?നിനക്ക് ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് അറിയുക?
  [ninakku english ariyuka?]
• I don't understandഎനിക്ക് അറിയില്ല
  [enikku ariyilla]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseദയവായി മെനു കാണാമോ
  [dayavayi menu kaanamo]
• I don't eat meatഞാൻ പശുവില്ലാത്തതും വെച്ചുകൊള്ളും
  [naan pashuvillathathum vechu kollum]
• Cheers!ചീർസ്!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseദയവായി പെയ്യാനും
  [dayavayi peyyanum]

• Help!സഹായം!
  [sahaayam!]
• Go away!പോയിയെടോ!
  [poyiedo!]
• Call the Police!പോലീസിനെ വിളിക്കുക!
  [policeine vilikkuka!]
• Call a doctor!ഡോക്ടറെ വിളിക്കുക!
  [doctorae vilikkuka!]
• I'm lostഞാൻ താഴ്ന്നിരിക്കുന്നു
  [naan thaazhnnirikkunn]
• I'm illഞാൻ അസുഖി
  [naan asukhi]

• I'd like to buy...എനിക്ക് ... വാങ്ങണം
  [enikku ... vaangannam]
• I'm just lookingഞാൻ കാണാനാണ്
  [naan kaananaanu]
• How much is it?ഇത് എത്ര?
  [ithu ethra?]
• That's too expensiveഅത് അതിവലിയാണ്
  [athu athivaliyano]
• Can you lower the price?വില കുറയ്ക്കാംകോ?
  [vila kuraykkaamko?]

• What time is it?ഏത് സമയം?
  [ethu samayam?]
• It's one o'clockഒന്ന് സമയം
  [onnu samayam]
• Half past (10)(10) ന്ന് അര്ധം
  [(10) onnu ardham]
• Morningരാവിലെ
  [raavile]
• Afternoonഉച്ചയിലെ
  [ucchayile]
• Eveningവൈകാരിക
  [vaikaarika]
• Yesterdayഇന്നലെ
  [innale]
• Todayഇന്ന്
  [innu]
• Tomorrowനാളെ
  [naale]
• 1ഒന്ന്
  [onnu]
• 2രണ്ട്
  [randu]
• 3മൂന്ന്
  [moonn]
• 4നാല്
  [naal]
• 5അഞ്ച്
  [anch]
• 6ആറ്
  [aaru]
• 7ഏഴ്
  [eel]
• 8എട്ട്
  [ett]
• 9ഒമ്പത്
  [ombath]
• 10പത്ത്
  [path]

• Where's a/the...?...എങ്ങനെ?
  [... engane?]
• What's the address?വിലാസം എന്താണ്?
  [vilaasam enthaano?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?എനിക്ക് കാർട്ടിൽ കാണിക്കാമോ?
  [enikku kaarttil kaanikkamo?]
• When's the next (bus)?അടുത്ത ബസ്സ് എപ്പോഴാണ്?
  [adutha buss eppozhaano?]
• A ticket (to ....)ഒരു ടിക്കറ്റ് (...നോട്)
  [oru ticket (...note)]

Trivandrum, now known as Thiruvananthapuram, traces its roots back to ancient times. It is believed to have been established by King Solomon, who traded here around 1036 BCE. The city’s name is derived from the Malayalam words 'Thiru-Anantha-Puram', meaning 'City of Lord Ananta', a reference to the deity of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a historic landmark of Trivandrum, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Dating back to the 8th century, it is an architectural marvel blending Dravidian and Kerala styles. The temple gained international attention in 2011 when a hidden treasure worth billions of dollars was discovered in its vaults.

During the colonial period, Trivandrum came under the influence of the British East India Company. The city became the capital of the princely state of Travancore in 1795 under Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, a patron of the arts and modern governance. British architectural influences can still be seen in many of the city's buildings.

Trivandrum has been a center for education and scientific research since the 19th century. The University of Kerala, founded in 1937, is one of the oldest universities in India. Additionally, the city hosts the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, a leading hub for space research under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Trivandrum is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including the classical art forms of Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. The city celebrates various festivals like Onam with great enthusiasm. The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, located here, promotes the Malayalam film industry, and the annual International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) draws filmmakers and cinephiles from around the globe.

Established in 1935 by the Maharaja of Travancore, the Sree Chitra Art Gallery houses a unique collection of traditional and contemporary Indian art. The gallery includes works by Raja Ravi Varma, Nicholas Roerich, and Rabindranath Tagore, offering a glimpse into India's artistic heritage.

Trivandrum has played a significant role in the political landscape of Kerala. It was a focal point during the struggle for Kerala's statehood in the 1950s. Post-independence, the city continued to serve as the administrative center, hosting the Kerala Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat.

Trivandrum, officially known as Thiruvananthapuram, is well connected by air, rail, and road. The Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) serves both domestic and international flights, with regular connections to major cities in India as well as destinations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. For rail travelers, the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is a major hub with services to various parts of India. National highways and state highways connect Trivandrum to other cities, and long-distance buses operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators are available.

Trivandrum has a variety of transportation options. Auto-rickshaws are a popular and inexpensive way to get around the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola are also widely available. The city has a robust public bus system operated by KSRTC, providing routes throughout Trivandrum and surrounding areas. For a unique experience, consider renting a bicycle or scooter to explore the city at your own pace. For longer journeys within Kerala, trains and long-distance buses are reliable options.

The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, especially in urban areas. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, street vendors, and auto-rickshaws. ATMs are plentiful throughout Trivandrum, and currency exchange services are available at the airport, major hotels, and some banks.

Trivandrum is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any city, it is important to take precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places like markets and public transport. Notable areas where tourists should exercise extra caution include the Central Bus Station and the vicinity of the Railway Station. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuables openly.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for fire services, and 102 for medical emergencies. The General Hospital Trivandrum and several other hospitals provide medical care. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For assistance, tourists can also contact their respective embassies or consulates located in India.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' (palms together) or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Trivandrum like a local, visit the Chalai Bazaar for an authentic shopping experience. Explore the city’s heritage by visiting landmarks like the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Napier Museum, and the Kuthiramalika Palace. Enjoy a traditional Kerala meal at a local restaurant, and don’t miss the chance to watch a Kathakali performance. For a tranquil experience, visit the nearby Kovalam Beach or take a boat ride on the Veli Tourist Village's backwaters.