Markets in Thiruvananthapuram

From streets thriving with local shops to chic shopping centres and from new shopping malls to old city markets, Thiruvananthapuram is the ideal place in Kerala for the tourists as well as for the locals to shop for a wide variety of objects, which include handicrafts, apparels, books, spices, souvenirs and gifts. In fact, the markets in Thiruvananthapuram are the best to shop for exclusive yet inexpensive items, which are found in abundance at the stores located in the Thiruvananthapuram markets.


The M.G. Road is the main thoroughfare in the town, along which various shops and shopping centres are positioned. However, the most popular markets in the city date back to a couple of centuries and though historic, yet these carry the same charm and still enjoy the popularity of being some of the finest shopping destinations in the city of Thiruvananthapuram. The most popular markets in Thiruvananthapuram are the Palayam or Connemara Market and the Chalai Market.

History of Chalai Market in Thiruvananthapuram

The Travancore rulers reigned over Thiruvananthapuram for a duration of more than two centuries and the Chalai Bazaar was primarily set up by them to provide the local inhabitants with regular resources.

Chaliyas were a group of traders heralded by the rulers of Travancore to operate their business at the Chalai Market. The kings also gifted them with various facilities along with enough space to set up the market and to maintain. Chalai Market derived its name from this community of traders, the Chaliyas.

Chalai Market Attractions

Located within a kilometre of the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station and within only 7 kilometres of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, is the interesting shopping destination of the Chalai Market. The East Fort Bus Station is also situated nearby for the easy accessibility of the local shoppers and the regular visitors as well.

Moving rightward from East Fort gets a visitor to Chalai Market, which had been set up at the heart of the city. The road that joins Killipalam to East Fort in a westward direction from its eastern side is home to the Chalai Market or Chalai Bazaar. The road is 2 kilometres long and has a number of by-lanes, which are also found to have many local shops.

Practically, each and everything, from jewelleries to artifacts and from vegetables to hardware, are available at Chalai Market. A major attraction here is the long line of colourful flower baskets and bouquets, which carry fresh vibrant flowers fascinating all the visitors in the market. Fresh big fishes are also a major attraction of the Chalai Market.

Open 6 days a week from early morning to late evening, the shops at Chalai Bazaar serve the local shoppers as well as the occasional visitors. The area is found to be bustling with people at evening time, other major attractions here being the popular food joints.

Connemara Market History and Attractions

The Palayam Junction of Thiruvanathapuram is widely popular for being home to the Connemara Market. In fact, the Connemara Market has been just modernized recently and adjoined with the Saphalyam Complex. In 1857 the Palayam Market or the Connemara Market was established during the reign of Sri Uthradom Thirunai, a descendant of the historic Travancore kings.

The market was originally designed to meet the regular needs of the royal army. In 1888 the inaugural function of the vaulted market gate was attended by the Governor of Madras Presidency, Sir Connemara. The name Connemara Market was attributed to this shopping area for honoring the British official.

All types of articles from souvenirs to handloom products and from gifts to daily essentials, all are available at Connemara Market in Thiruvanathapuram. Saphalyam Shopping Complex adjoins the Connemara Market and happen to a interesting tourist attraction in Trivandrum.