"Best Hidden Gems in Thiruvananthapuram" Created By: Cityseeker 21 Locations Bookmarked Sankar's Coffee & Tea "Aromatic Nilgiri Tea" If you are looking to purchase some authentic and delicious, locally grown tea leaves and coffee beans, look no further than Sankar's Tea & Coffee. Situated in PKP Manor near Pulimoodu Junction, patrons can locate the store by following the wafting aromas of fresh tea and coffee. This is the place where you can purchase some of the best Niligiri tea, as well as a by alice_henneman variety of coffee beans and dry nuts. While this store may be small, you are certain to find what you are looking for here. +91 471 232 0469 M. G. Road, PKP Manor, Pulimoodu, Thiruvananthapuram SMSM Institute "Local Handicrafts Store" Built in the memory of Sree Moolam Thirunal, Maharaja of Travancore, SMSM Institute is a government-run handicraft store armed with the aim to maintain and encourage local, traditional art forms like wood carving, bell metal craft and screwpine mat weaving. Buy eco-friendly products like handbags and wall hangings that reflect Kerala’s culture. Made from by Ashcoounter locally sourced products like coir, coconut shell and wood, the products are quite stunning to behold. The intricacy and detailing that goes in making each product will leave you admiring the traditional arts of Kerala. Though the handicrafts seems to priced on the steeper side, the quality, beauty, durability and the time that goes in creating each product is well worth the listed price. However, don’t just shop at this wonderful store for yourself, buy some great, souvenirs for friends and family back home and showcase them the wonders of God’s Own Country. +91 471 233 0298 www.keralahandicrafts.in/ [email protected] Punnen Road, Thiruvananthapuram Navarathri Mandapam "Song and Dance" Navarathri is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India. During the nine- day festival, goddesses Lakshmi, Durga and Saraswathi are worshiped with much fervor and adulation. Navarathri Mandapam is one of the many structures located within the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It is located on the right of the East Gopuram of the temple and is mainly used by Aviatorjk during the festival of Navarathri. The idols of the goddesses are placed at the Navarathri Mandapam during those nine days and special poojas and rituals are held in their honor. Besides its religious importance, Navarathri Mandapam is known for hosting several classical concerts and is truly a cultural hub of the city. +91 471 245 0233 info@sreepadmanabhaswamytemple Enchakkal Westfort Road, Sree .org Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram Nefertiti Beauty Parlor "Glam Up" If you want a makeover for a special party or program, or simply want to get a new haircut or color, Nefertiti Beauty Parlor is the place to come to. From facials to pedicures, the parlor offers a wide variety of treatments to ensure that you look your best from head to toe. Under the direction of Jane Abraham, the renowned stylist who is said to have opened the first by thomaswanhoff beauty parlor in the state of Kerala, the treatments offered at this parlor are both state-of-the art and suit the needs of each customer. Hair texturing, hot oil massages, gold facials, fruit clean ups, hand and leg polishing, eyebrow coloring and bridal makeup are some of the treatments which are offered here. +91 471 232 1405 www.nefertitibeautyparlour.com/ MP Appan Road, Thiruvananthapuram Alliance Française Art Gallery "French and Local Art" The Art Gallery housed within the Alliance Française de Trivandrum is not just a mere art gallery but functions as a multipurpose venue. Don't let its size fool you because this very space has hosted several educational, cultural as well as art events which throw light on the French culture as well as its prevalence and association with India. The gallery is available by JimboRocks to be rented out by artists, provided all the prerequisites are fulfilled. +91 471 232 0666 trivandrum.afindia.org/services/gall Forest Office Lane, Alliance Française ery de Trivandrum, Sudharsana, Vazhutacaud, Thiruvananthapuram Ayurvedic Massage Center "Specialty Treatments and Massages" Located in the Trivandrub Club, Ayurvedic Massage Center is a members only wellness center which specializes in various types of Ayurvedic treatments. Some are simply oil massages of various kinds, making use of fragrant medical oils which help the body to recuperate from certain health conditions. Other treatments include the Dhara treatment wherein by tinyfroglet medicated buttermilk or oil is steadily poured on the forehead following a specific pattern and Sirovasthy wherein a warm oil cap is left on the head for 30 minutes to cure visual problems, headaches and memory problems. All in all, undergoing a few treatments is a must if you want to decompress after a long work week. +91 471 414 4444 www.trivandrumclub.net/php/show Off CV Raman Pillai Road, Trivandrum Content.php?linkid=20 Club, Thiruvananthapuram Satyan Art Gallery "Photographs of a Legendary Actor" Located at an important art and cultural junction of the city, Satyan Art Gallery is a fine tribute to the life of a renowned superstar of the Malayam film industry named Sathyaneshan Nadar. Established by the Kerala Cultural Forum, this art gallery is located inside the Satyan Memorial Building and comprises black and white photographs of the actor detailing his contribution to cinema over the years. Besides this, the gallery is known for hosting several cultural events regularly. LMS Vellayambalam Road, Satyan Memorial Building, Museum Junction, Thiruvananthapuram Trivandrum Heritage Walk "Morning Walk of A Kind!" The city of Thiruvananthapuram has a plethora of architectural beauty and one of the best ways to soak in the splendor of these historic marvels is the Trivandrum Heritage Walk. Led by Bina Thomas, passionate archaeologist, these tours are quite detailed and very interesting. The walk around the Pettah Railway Station is a particularly striking one by Ashcoounter because it gets visitors acquainted with the forgotten, historic importance of the railway station. At 7a, Thomas takes you on a tour of this old railway station then proceeds to the the centuries old St Anne’s Forane’ Church narrating the historical and cultural significance of many other spots that the group encounters in between. [email protected] Railway Station Road, Pettah railway station, Thiruvananthapuram Saatwika Ayurveda "Ayurvedic Treatments" Saatwika Ayurveda is a holistic healing center which offers treatment for ailments ranging from insomnia to obesity. Using Ayurvedic methods of healing and massage, the center offers an array of treatments which are sure to remove all your stress and leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Anti-arthritic massages, slimming programs, body purification by Booking.com programs and immunization treatments are a few of the therapies and treatments which are offered at this center. A mix of herbal massages, saunas and yoga as well as several other traditional techniques are used for the best results. +91 471 319 4222 saatwika.in/ [email protected] Kurups Lane, Thiruvananthapuram Sarwaa "Beautiful Ethnic Items" Tucked away on Sankar Road, this gem of a shop is a delightful find. Sarwaa will charm you with its eclectic collection of ethnic products that are are made from natural materials and fabrics. You will find artisan block- prints, jewelry, pottery, unique lamp shades, curios, collectibles, vintage knick-knacks, branded lingerie and gifts beautifully arranged in their by Associated Fabrication boutique. There is also a selective collection of books and organic products. Everything displayed is carefully selected and is made by local and regional artisans. +91 471 302 2220 [email protected] Sankar Road, Althara Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram St. Antony's Forane Church Valiyathura "Blessings From Above" St. Antony's Forane Church Valiyathura is a prominent Christian religious sight in Thiruvananthapuram. The distinct architecture attracts lots of visitors to this place situated near the Shankumugham Beach. The church has daily mass and has a regular attendance of the local community. The by Public Domain church is involved in many social welfare activities around the region. The parish hall in the church compound hosts various church events and is rented out for cultural activities as well. +91 471 250 1253 [email protected] Church Road, Valiyathura, Thiruvananthapuram Akkulam Tourist Village "Nature's Glory" A beautiful tourist destination in the city, this lake side village has a lot of fun activities including boating. The vast lake and the green shores blend in with the crimson sky to form a surreal landscape during evenings. Owing to the natural beauty of the place, large number of tourists and locals can be spotted here with a relaxed attitude. Located close to the Medical College Hospital, this place can be easily accessed by road. Public transportation is also available. Do visit and enjoy a speed boat ride through the charming Akkulam Lake. Though admission is free to the village, rates are applicable for boat services. www.keralatourism.org/destination/akkulam-tourist- Uloor Akkulam Road, Thiruvananthapuram village/7 Vizhinjam Cave Temple "Art in Stone" This 18th-Century archaeological marvel is located in Vizhinjam close to Kovalam. There is a sculpture of 'Vinandhara Dakshinamurti', the god of wisdom, enclosed in a granite cave as the major deity of the temple. The walls have carved structures of 'Shiva and Parvati' which is incomplete and artistic. The temple is located near to the Vizhinjam Harbor and is easily accessible by road. Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple is a protected monument of the Archaeology Department of India and is a must-see place in the city. www.keralatourism.org/destination/vizhinjam-rock-cut- Munavary Road, Kakkakuzhi, Thiruvananthapuram cave/237 Vellayani Lake "An Utopian Setting" Existing since the Travancore era, Vellayani Lake is a vast, freshwater lake that spans across more than 865 acres (350 hectares).