Top 15 Places to Visit in Thiruvananthpuram

Also called the 'Evergreen city of India', Thiruvananthapuram is a major tourist center in India. This capital city comprises beautiful beaches, long stretches of palm-fringed shorelines, windy backwaters, and historical structures. Along with its natural and historical significance, the city is also known for its ancient temples that are renowned for their architectural structures. Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most visited pilgrim centers in India. Not only is Trivandrum known for its historical influence, but also it conducts a plethora of activities like skydiving, surfing, trekking, and much more. These activities are good enough to make your trip indelible.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thiruvananthapuram is an awe-inspiring place to enjoy a lion safari by the Western Ghats. The Wildlife Sanctuary offers a rare chance to view exotic flora and fauna like the Asian Elephant, tiger, leopard, Slender Loris, and reptiles and amphibians like the Travancore Tortoise and the King Cobra. You can also stop by the deer park, lion safari park, and a crocodile farm. 

Traveler information:

• Famous for: Exotic flora and fauna.
• Best time to visit: September to March.
• Duration: 2 hours.

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Wildlife Safari.

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu religious shrine at Attukal in Kerala, India. Celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Attukal Pongala is a ten-day festival where millions of women gather on the ninth day and prepare spiritual food made of rice in clay or earthen pots and offer it to the goddess of the temple. Goddess Bhadrakali, mounted over 'vethala', is the main deity in this temple. The streets are known to be jam-packed with faithful devotees during the time of the festival. 

Traveler information:

• Famous for: Annual Attukal Pongal festival.
• Best time to visit: September to February.
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Kuthiramalika Palace is situated adjacent to Padmanabhaswamy Temple in East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram. Built-in Dravidian style, this temple is quite famous in Kerala. Makers of the palace - Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma was the King of Travancore, who happens to be a great poet, musician, social reformer, and statesman. The palace has a unique architecture with wood carvings, a typical Travancore style of architecture. The Palace comprises a museum that displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family. It also has a unique Navarathri Mandapam on the outer premises that conducts numerous concerts and other important events. 

Traveler information:

• Famous for: Navarathri Mandapam.
• Best time to visit: November to February.
• Duration: 2 hours.

Shankumugham Beach, located close to Thiruvananthapuram, is one of the most beautiful beaches of all time. The beach is known for its white sand and its splendid beauty. The 35 m long Matsya Kanyaka (Mermaid) statue, sculpted by Kunhiraman, is the major attraction of this beach. Shanghumugham beach is an ideal place for a picnic and relaxation that attracts many tourists to its serene environment. The beach is well known for its breathtaking sunset views that are bound to rejuvenate your soul. The impeccable sand extends long, beautiful, smack blast amidst the warm sun, with pristine waters ideal for snorkeling and other thrilling activities.

Traveler information:

• Famous for: Its beautiful mermaid statue.
• Best time to visit: October to February.
• Duration: 2 hours. 

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Skiing, Snorkelling, Surfing, Boat riding.

Situated on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, Eruthavoor is fast developing as a rock climbing site. The craggy rock here is 160 ft in height. The Kerala chapter of the National Adventure Foundation regularly organises rock climbing caps here. The temple situated on the top of Eruthavoor Hill enshrines Lord Muruga as the presiding deity. Trekking is the most effective way to explore every nook and corner of the place. The tranquil atmosphere is bound to leave a magical impact on you.

Traveler information:

• Famous for: Eruthavoor Sree Balasubramanya Swamy Temple.
• Best time to visit: October to March.
• Duration: 2 days.

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Rock Climbing.

Napier Museum, situated in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city, was built in the 19th century. Kerala's rich cultural heritage is on display at the museum. It comprises a host of historical artefacts like bronze idols, ancient mammals, a temple chariot, and ivory carvings. The most renowned and celebrated exhibit of the Napier Museum is the sword of one of the first martyrs of the Indian freedom struggle, Veluthampi Dalawa. Other main attractions in this gallery are the wood carving of temple cars, the royal dressing table, a multi-chambered jewelry box, etc.  Napier Museum is a popular attraction for history buffs in Trivandrum that showcases a glimpse of rich cultural heritage.

Traveler information:

• Famous for: Its historical artefacts.
• Best time to visit: October to March. 
• Duration: 2 hours.

Situated at the foot of the Agasthya hill range, Agasthyakoodam Peak is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Trivandrum. Rested on the lap of Western Ghats, Agasthyakoodam is also known for its more than 2000 species of flora and fauna like lichens, orchids, mosses, and ferns.  Agasthyakoodam, the second highest peak in Kerala, is an ornithologist's paradise and home to many exotic birds. This mountain range is also credited to hold the richest collection of medicinal plants in the entire Western Ghats region. This area is also home to numerous exotic animals like the Elephants, Indian Gaurs, Leopards, tigers, Sloth bears, Sambar Deer, Lion-Tailed Macaque, and Malabar Giant Squirrels. The tourists can also come across almost fifty types of reptiles. Trekking passes are issued from their district office in Thiruvananthapuram by the Kerala Forest Department.  

Traveler information:

• Famous for: Trek trails.
• Best time to visit: January to mid-March.
• Duration: 2 days.

 

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Wildlife Safari, Trekking.

Nestled in the Arabian Sea and Veli Lake is Veli Beach, a popular tourist spot in Thiruvananthapuram. Veli tourist village associated with the beach offers boating facilities. If you are tired of your mundane life, look out for the watersports that Veli Beach has to offer. The nerve-wracking activities are as delightful as the pristine water of the beach.  

Traveler information:

• Famous for: Veli Lake.
• Best time to visit: October to March.
• Duration: 4 hours.

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Skiing, Surfing, Boat riding.

Poovar Island is famous for its undisturbed natural beauty. After enjoying the uninterrupted view of the confluence of the river, lake, backwaters, and the sea, you can plan some fun-filled activities at Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium and Kovalam Surf Club. While cruising in the Poovar backwaters one can easily spot water birds like Kingfisher, Brahminy Kite, Night Heron, Sea Egret, Black Darter, and Indian Cormorant eagle. The main thing to see in Poovar is – Poovar Beach and a trip in a speed boat or wooden boat through the Backwaters of Poovar. The speed boat will take approximately 1.5 / 2 hours to cover the backwater trip.

Traveler Information:

• Famous for: Backwaters.
• Best time to visit: August to May.
• Duration: As much time as you want to.

Things to do: 

• Adventure Activities: Surfing-Kovalam Surf Club, Speed boating.
• Other places to Visit: Pozhikkara Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam Beach, Hawa Beach

Puthenthope Beach is situated 15 km away from Trivandrum in Puthenthope. Graciously fringed with palm trees, the beach has mesmerising sunrise and sunset views. Along with the serene view of the horizon, this beach also offers an array of water-based sports, adding a cherry on top. It is comparatively less crowded than the other beaches of the city and is synonymous with peace and tranquillity. 

Traveler Information:

• Famous for: Mesmerising sunrise and sunset views.
• Best time to visit: October to February.
• Duration: 2 hours.

 

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Skiing, Surfing, Boat riding.

One of the first zoos in India, the Zoological Park in Thiruvananthapuram, was established in 1859. The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is home to 82 species from around the world. Indigenous species at the zoo like the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian rhinoceros, Asiatic lion, royal Bengal tiger, white tiger and leopard, and Asian elephants are some of its prominent attractions. This Zoological garden is unique in India for its breathtaking landscapes and luxuriant growth of vegetation. The Royal look of lofty trees, towering bamboo, and lush green landscapes give it a hint of rare distinction, making it one of the most beautiful zoos in South-East Asia. Spread over 36 acres of land and located in the heart of the city, it offers tourism and recreation for visitors from all over.

Traveler Information:

• Famous for: One of the first zoos in India.
• Best time to visit: October to February.
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours.

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Wildlife Safari.

Located on the upper reaches of the Neyyar Reservoir in Trivandrum District, Meenmutty Waterfalls is one of the finest waterfalls in Kerala.  The waterfall, along with its serene surroundings, offers a unique and exhilarating experience. Those with zeal for trekking and bird watching can take a narrow track, starting from the right side of the Kallar Bridge. The track will lead one to a medium-sized captivating waterfall, popularly known as Meenmutty. It is a favorite haunt for picnickers and attracts many with a passion for trekking and bird watching.

Traveler Information:

• Famous for: Trekking and sightseeing.
• Best time to visit: December to February.
• Duration: 1 to 2 days.

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: Trekking.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples or 'Divya Deshams' in India. Across the world, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is renowned for its beauty and grandeur. The great King of Travancore, Marthanda Varma, has successfully made the place an ideal pilgrim spot. It is known to be one of the 108 holy temples associated with Vaishnavism in India. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is famous for its stone carvings and mural paintings. One of the richest temples in India, the worth of gold and jewels at Shree Padmanabhaswamy shrine, the temple is built in an intricate fusion of the Chera style and the Dravidian style of architecture, featuring high walls and a 16th-century gopura.

Traveler Information:

• Famous for: One of the oldest temples in the country.
• Best time to visit: October to February.
• Duration: One hour.

Situated on a hill at an elevation of about 60 metres above sea level (the highest point in the city), this astronomical observatory offers exquisite views of the surroundings and the city as a whole. The mesmerising bird-eye view is the best thing this observatory can offer. The observatory was a contrivance of Sri Swathi Tirunal, the Maharaja of Travancore who was an ardent follower of astronomy. He took a particular interest in equipping it with the best instruments available in Europe at that time. Along with astronomical equipment, meteorological observations were also paid attention to.

Traveler Information:

• Famous for: As the magnetic equator at that time passed through Trivandrum.
• Best time to visit: October to March.
• Duration: 2 hours.

Azhimala Shiva Temple, perched on the cliff adjoining the sea, is an ancient one that envelops the whole region in a pious aura.  In the picturesque hamlet of Azhimala in Vizhinjam, there is a surreal blend of divinity and nature. While the gorgeous beach and green surroundings invite travellers, the much revered Azhimala Shiva Temple adds a mystic touch to the place. The temple is prominent for its 58-ft-tall statue of Lord Shiva in the Gangadhareshwara form. You can directly see lord shiva holding the goddess Ganga in his locks. The statue is an intricately detailed piece of structure constructed by Devadathan.

Traveler Information:

• Famous for: The tallest Shiva statue in Kerala.
• Best time to visit: September to February.
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Are you still dreaming about skiing in the water of Veli Beach; or trekking through the serene paths of Agasthyakoodam? Well, you can turn them into reality. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Thiruvananthapuram with us, with some added thrill to it.