Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 2328114; Thampanoor Junction; s/d ?435/680, with AC ?900/1070; )
Close to the muted mayhem of
the train station and bus stand, Greenland is acceptable for the location with lots of
serenity-inducing pastel colours. Rooms are cleanish but variable so ask to see a few. Offi-
cious staff demand a hefty two-night advance deposit.
Graceful Homestay
HOMESTAY
$$
( 2444358;
www.gracefulhomestay.com
; Pothujanam Rd, Philip's Hill; downstairs s/d ?1300/1500, upstairs & ste s/d
incl breakfast ?2000/2500; )
In Trivandrum's leafy western suburbs, this lovely, serene
house set in a couple of hectares of garden is owned by Sylvia and run by her brother
Giles. The four rooms are all neatly furnished with access to kitchen, living areas and bal-
conies. The pick of the rooms has an amazing covered terrace with views overlooking a
sea of palms.
Wild Palms Home Stay
MAP
HOMESTAY
$$
GOOGLE MAP
(
2471175;
www.wildpalmsonsea.com
;
Mathrubhumi Rd; s ?1095-1495, d ?1395-1795, ste s/d ?1795/2195;
)
A leafy courtyard garden greets you in front of this ornate but cosy family home with
plenty of character. The seven rooms are all spacious with enormous bathrooms - the best
is the upstairs suite with balcony, reached by a spiral staircase. Breakfast included.
Varikatt Heritage
( 2336057;
www.varikattheritage.com
; Punnen Rd; r incl breakfast ?3950-5050; )
Trivandrum's most
charismatic place to stay is the 250-year-old home of Colonel Roy Kuncheria. It's a won-
derful Indo-Saracenic bungalow with four rooms flanked by verandahs facing a pretty
garden. Every antique - and the home itself - has a family story attached. Lunch and din-
ner available (?300).
HOMESTAY
$$$
Taj Vivanta
MAP
HOTEL
$$$
GOOGLE MAP
( 6612345;
www.vivantabytaj.com
; Thycaud Hospital Rd; s/d incl breakfast from ?9500/10,700, ste ?25,500;
)
The lobby here is bigger than most hotels in town, so the Taj doesn't disappoint
with the wow factor. Rooms are sufficiently plush, the lawn and pool area is well main-
tained, there's a gym and a couple of good restaurants.
