Thiruvananthapuram is a shopper's paradise especially for Kerala handicrafts. Here one can find the traditional handicrafts such as wood carvings, copperware, cane and bamboo furniture and crafts, lacquer ware etc. Although ivory goods have now been banned, inlay on wood carving, Kathakali masks and traditional fabrics can be bought at a number of shops.

Besides the usual fare of government craft shops, City's main shopping centers are Chalai Bazar, Connemara market, shops in Power House Road and M.G.Road, Attukal Shopping Complex (East Fort), Narmada Shopping Complex (Kaudiar), Kedaram (Kesavadasapuram) and the main road from Palayam to the East Fort. Most shops open from 9am-8pm daily except Sundays.

M.G. Road 
M.G. Road is a popular shopping area in the city located between East Fort and Palayam. Various shops in and around M.G road showcases some fine examples of Kerala art. Sculptures and furniture in  teak and sandalwood, coir handicrafts, brass items,  masks of Kathakali models, textiles and handloom materials are available at the various shops in and around M.G.Road.  

Some famous shopping outlets on M.G. Road are the Kairali Government Emporium opposite the Secretariat, Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan (Ph: 2331627- opposite the Ayurvedic College, SMSM Kerala Government Handicrafts Emporium (S.M.S.M Institute Central handicrafts Emporium, Puthenchantal, Thiruvananthapuram-695001.Phone: (91) (471) 2330298 / 2330625,  Email: Contact now) behind the Secretariat, are good shops for handicraft items. Natesan’s Antique Arts (0471-2331594) is another place where one can purchase local handicrafts, bronze items or unusual souvenirs. 

For textiles visit Parthas (Parthas, Power House Road, Thiruvanathapuram. Phone : 91+471-2461949, 2462164, Fax : 2463136, Telex : Konalena, Email: Contact now ). Some of the other outlets such as Variety, Style Plus and the Jewel Hut on M.G. Road offer fancy jewellery such as chains,  bangles, earrings, varieties in headgear. Higginbothams, DC Books and Paico Books are good choices to buy books. 

Connemara Market (Palayam Market) 
Located at the northern end of MG Road, Connemara market  is another great shopping place in the city. Lined with shops of garments, a variety of household items, coir products, grocery and vegetables; Connemara is a place where you can buy mistletoe and wine during Christmas season. 

Chalai Bazar
Located right opposite the East fort entrance, this is a major wholesale market in the city. Chalai Market is where you can buy a wide range of interesting items such as goods in brass, coir and other handicrafts as well as flowers, jewellery, vegetables etc. It is very crowded most of the time. 

In general, there are many shops in the city where you can buy dress materials, electronic goods, gift items etc. 

The main shops for dress materials and ready to wear dresses are Ayyappa's (Ph: 2462827), Wills Lifestyle, Czarina etc. Karalkada is famous for the traditional wear - Kerala Saree, Mundum Neriathum and Dhotis. (Karalkada,  Trivandrum - 24. Ph: +91-471-2474520, 2570191, Fax: +91-471-2472932, Email : Contact now).

For the traditional silks, visit the shops around the Padmanabhaswamy temple. The Gurukirpa Sri Venkatrao's Silk Shop, Alappat House of Silks (0471-2478908) and Allukas are also located near by.  For foot wear Hollywood, Boots( 0471-2477301), Kings (0471-2333465), Attukal Mall are the best bet.