Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala, India. It is one of the ancient cities of India and an important tourist destination. The long and beautiful shorelines that are present in the city make Trivandrum an ideal place to spend vacations. The magnificent architecture, most of which date back to the colonial era, coupled with some of the art galleries, are wonders to behold. The rich mix of historical and cultural attractions here can trace their origins back to the 18th to 20th centuries. Such points of attraction include the phenomenal Kuthiramalika Palace that displays various collections of artwork from the Travancore royal family.
The city is primarily known for its ethereal natural beauty and sightseeing destinations. Here are the best things to do in Thiruvananthapuram.
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1. The Kanakakunnu Palace
The Kanakakunnu Palace is located just adjacent to the Napier Museum and is one of the prime tourist destinations of Trivandrum. Built under the rule of the Travancore King, Sree Moolam Thirunal, the palace never fails to delight the tourists with its royal appearance. The main reason behind the growing popularity of the Kanakakunnu Palace is its royal architecture. The elegant beauty and superb architecture is really a treat to the eyes. It can also be considered as one of the best places to spend an evening in the midst of a lush green ambiance.
It houses festivals and cultural programs such as the All India Dance Festival held from October to March and organized yearly by the Department of Tourism. The dances and performances are a significant part of Indian culture, and every year, tourists stream in from various places to be part of the experience.
The Kanakakunnu Palace
Address: Sooryakanthi Rd, Kanaka Nagar, Nanthancodu, 695033 Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Price: Free
Opening Hours: Open all seasons, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Website: The Kanakakunnu Palace
2. Neyyar Wild Life Sanctuary
The Neyyar Wild Life Sanctuary is simply a treat for all animal and nature lovers. The lion and deer safari is one of the prime reasons behind its popularity and it never fails to chill the spines of the tourists. The park is also a home for the elephants as well as the crocodiles and hence, visiting the park is simply a lifetime experience for all the tourists. The sanctuary occupies an area of 49 square miles (126.9 square kilometers). Neyyar Wild Life Sanctuary can be considered as a must-visit for anyone visiting Trivandrum.
Neyyar Wild Life Sanctuary
Address: 695572 Kallikkad, Kerala Price: USD 3.87 per person Opening hours: Open all seasons, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: Neyyar Wild Life Sanctuary
3. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the ancient temples of Kerala and it stands tall with all its pride and glory in the capital city, i.e Trivandrum. This gold capped temple is one of the oldest temples in India out of the 108 temples of the Hindu deity Vishnu. In Hinduism, it is one of the most sacred temples of Lord Vishnu where one will be able to witness the Lord in his “Anantha Shayanam" posture through the three massive doors.
Every year, a lot of tourists visit Trivandrum just to get a glance of the Lord in the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It is indeed one of the top tourist attractions of Trivandrum. The temple was also the focus of many media houses in recent years because of the mysteries associated with it. Legends reveal the fact that one of the vaults inside the temple is protected by two sacred cobras and anyone trying to open it will face an ill fate and in turn, it would also unleash hell upon the Earth. Since then, the count of tourists has increased each year.
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Address: West Nada, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, 69502 Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Price: Free, but 2.30 to 2.80 USD per person is charged in case of special offerings.
Opening hours: All seasons, all days from 3:30 a.m. to noon
Website: Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
4. The Napier Museum
Spending an afternoon in the Napier Museum is one of the best things that a tourist can do in Trivandrum. The legacy of the museum makes it one of the prime tourist spots of the city. Founded in 1855 and reconstructed in 1874, Napier Museum became an established site for historical and archaeological collections. This place holds ancient artifacts of historical value and also houses the popular Sree Chitra Art Gallery, which contains significant art collections. The rebuilt building was designed by architect Robert Chisholm, in honor of the Governor of Madras, Lord Francis Napier. This architectural masterpiece is a blend of various styles from Gothic to Indo-Saracenic. The museum is just 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) away from the center of Thiruvananthapuram.
The museum boasts of its vast collection of sculptures, paintings and musical instruments and is also responsible for attracting tourists throughout the year.
The Napier Museum
Address: LMS Vellayambalam Road, Palayam, 695033 Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Price: 0.15 USD per person entry fee for adults, 0.05 USD per person entry fee for children, 0.30 USD per person entry fee for zoo and gallery for adults, 0.10 USD per person entry fee for zoo and gallery for children.
Opening Hours: All seasons, all days, except Monday. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: The Napier Museum
5. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is one of the oldest zoological gardens in India and is home to a wide array of species of birds. The zoo and the park were added as part of the Napier Museum in 1859 to attract the public. Both the zoo and the museum were conceived by Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the state’s Maharajah in 1846. In 1857, the zoo began catering to the public and was turned into a recreational center. However, its primary objective today is animal conservation. The zoo, also called Trivandrum Zoo, is located in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. It sits on 22 hectares (54.3 acres) of land, with magnificent lawns, lakes, and woodland. You will see leopards, monkeys, bears, and zebras here, among others.
It is undoubtedly a great tourist attraction for bird lovers, especially the bird watchers. Various species of migratory birds visit this place and it is simply a joy to witness all those birds in their colorful attire. The picturesque beauty and serene ambiance of the zoo attract tourists not only from India but also from the entire globe. Besides this, the tourists can also take a boat ride in the lake which is inside the zoo. The boat ride amidst the beauty of nature is simply a majestic feeling and is undoubtedly a lifetime experience.
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
Address: Kanaka Nagar, Nanthancodu, 695001 Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Price: 0.30 USD per person aged 12 years or above, 0.10 USD per person aged below 12 years.
Opening Hours: All seasons, all days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
6. Kerala Science and Technology Museum
The Kerala Science and Technology Museum is one of the prime tourist attractions of Trivandrum. Founded in 1984, the sole objective of the museum is to develop the inquisitive minds of the children towards modern science. Since its inception, it attracts tourists of all age groups and never fails to blow away their minds with its cutting-edge technological equipment and experiments. It is equipped with 10 galleries showcasing hundreds of exhibitions. Each gallery is dedicated to either a specific field of science, computer technology, and even electrical and mechanical engineering.
The Priyadarsini Planetarium located adjacent to the museum is a great place to visit, especially for those tourists who are fond of science.
Kerala Science and Technology Museum
Address: PMG Junction, Vikas Bhavan P.O, 695033 Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Price: 0.20 USD per person below 10 years, 0.40 USD per person aged 10 years or above.
Opening Hours: All seasons, all days except Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: Kerala Science and Technology Museum
7. Shanghumukham Beach
The Shanghumukham Beach can be considered the show stopper of Trivandrum. Located adjacent to the airport, it is a must-visit for each and every tourist, especially those who are fond of a tranquil ambiance. The beach is known widely for its beautiful waters and heart touching sunsets. The strong waves rolling up and down to the ocean are simply ethereal to witness. Visiting the beach during the early mornings or evenings is undoubtedly a great thing to do in Trivandrum.
Shanghumukham Beach
Address: The beach is located on the western side of Thiruvananthapuram and is very near to the airport.
Price: Free
Opening Hours: Open all seasons, all hours
Website: Shanghumukham Beach
8. Sri Chitra Art Gallery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Sri Chitra Art Gallery is the perfect destination for all people who are fond of art. It was established in 1935 and houses some of the best art collections from contemporary and traditional artists. Out of the 1,100 paintings on display in the gallery, you will find some notable works from Raja Ravi Varma, Jamini Roy, K., and C. S. Paniker, among others. The art gallery covers a good variety, from mural paintings originating from India to oriental collections from Japan and China. Some excellent works of art to look out for are the 400-year-old Tanjore painting and works by Russian painter Nicholas Roerich.
The western form and style of the paintings portraying the Indian lives and culture is one of the main reasons behind its popularity. Besides this, this art gallery is also home to the numerous artifacts of the Mughal, Rajput, and Tanjore art schools. Hence, it can be considered a must-visit in Trivandrum for each and every tourist, especially the art lovers.
Sri Chitra Art Gallery
Address: Museum Bains Compound Rd, LMS Compound, PMG, 695033 Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Price: 0.15 USD per person for adults, 0.05 USD per person for children.
Opening Hours: All seasons, all days except Monday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Website: Sri Chitra Art Gallery
9. Veli Lake Tourist Village
Veli Lake Tourist Village is the perfect spot for those who want to fully enjoy the great outdoors. This popular tourist spot is located by the scenic Veli Lake in an area where the lake meets the Arabian Sea. Here, visitors can enjoy boating, picnicking, and strolling while savoring the fresh air and the beautiful natural views. You and your family can also easily get here as it’s just 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) away from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram.
Veli Lake Tourist Village
Address: Veli - Perumathura Rd, Madhavapuram Colony, Veli, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695021, India
Website: Veli Lake Tourist Village
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
10. Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple
The Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus. While it serves mainly as a place of devotion for the Hindu god Ganesha, other deities such as Dharmasasta, Durga, and Nagaraja are worshipped here as well.
The temple draws thousands of tourists every year because of its awe-inspiring, intricately carved designs. It also features 32 different forms of Lord Ganesha with the main and largest one installed in a seated posture with the right leg in a folded stance right in front of the temple’s façade.
Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple
Address: Padmavilasam Rd, Pazhavangadi, Padma Nagar, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023, India
Website: Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple
Opening hours: 5am - 11:30am and 5pm - 8pm (daily)
11. Keralam - Museum of History and Heritage
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Travel back in time at the Keralam - Museum of History and Heritage. This museum was established by the local government in 2011 to showcase the region’s cultural and historical heritage that spans over 3000 years.
The museum boasts a number of exhibits that offer guests a sneak peek of the region and its people’s history, traditions, lifestyle, art, trade, and many more. Some displays that will pique your interest include a Brahma sculpture that dates back to the 14th century AD, Celtic stone tools, ancient Roman coins, Nataraja sculpture from 16th century AD, Iron Age tools, and a lot more.
Keralam - Museum of History and Heritage
Address: Tourism Directorate Compound, LMS Vellayambalam Road Near Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Office, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033, India
Website: Keralam - Museum of History and Heritage
Opening hours: 10am - 5:30pm (daily)
12. Sunil's Wax Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Sunil's Celebrity Wax Museum on Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Sunil’s Wax Museum is the first-ever wax museum in Kerala. The man behind the wax sculptures is Sunil Kandalloor, a Mumbai-based artist who came up with an idea of wax sculpture when he saw wax models of Fidel Castro and Jesse Owens in a magazine.
Mr. Kandalloor’s passion for wax sculptures would then turn into two wax museums located in Lonavala and Thiruvananthapuram, displaying his life-like works of local and international personalities ranging from film stars, sports figures, politicians, and freedom fighters. The one in Thiruvananthapuram houses 31 life-size wax sculptures.
Sunil's Wax Museum
Address: South Street of Padmanabha Swamy Temple, opposite Priyadarshini Hall, East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023, India
Website: Sunil’s Wax Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 7:30pm
13. Vizhinjam Lighthouse
One of Kerala’s most impressive and longstanding landmarks is Vizhinjam Lighthouse. Located near Kovalam Beach, the lighthouse has been standing over this old seaport for decades. According to the history of Vizhinjam, the seaport was active up until the 19th century when it fell into neglect. There was no lighthouse then except for a beacon that was likely a leftover from the 18th century. Kolachal had a lighted beacon installed, and this village followed soon after. The tower is 36 meters (118 feet) high and has iconic red and white stripes.
Vizjinham Lighthouse
Address: Light house Junction, Vizhinjam Thiruvananthapuram Kovalam, Kerala 695521 India, near Kovalam, Kovalam, Kerala, India
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 12:45pm, 2pm - 5:45pm (closed on Mon)
14. Akkulam Tourist Village
Akkulam Tourist Village is a beautiful, laidback destination on the banks of Akkulam Lake. It’s an excellent picnicking spot that’s decked in a serene atmosphere, which is perfect for a memorable holiday retreat. The village boasts a fully equipped children’s park, swimming pools, and access to boating activities. It’s just 6 miles (9.65 kilometers) from the center of Thiruvananthapuram. The village is accessible via train from Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station.
Akkulam Tourist Village
Address: Ulloor - Akkulam Rd, Aakkulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011, India
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
15. Samudra Beach
If you have ever been to Ashok Beach in Kovalam, then Samudra Beach is just a few minutes away by car. Those who are fond of serene and secluded spots will fall in love with this lesser-known yet magnificent shoreline. Samudra Beach lies south of Kerala and boasts impressive scenic views ideal for an afternoon picnic. You can also enjoy culinary treats from nearby restaurants while you’re there.
Samudra Beach
Address: Kovalam, Kerala 695527, India
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Trivandrum has a rich heritage
Trivandrum is one of the major attractions of India and hence should be termed as a must-visit tourist destination. Anyone willing to enjoy a long vacation by witnessing the rich heritage compiled with the beauty of nature should certainly choose Trivandrum. The wide array of tourist attractions are just a solace to the eyes and they also never fail to take tourists by surprise. The jaw-dropping beauty of Trivandrum will definitely create a lifelong impression on the minds of the tourists.
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Shashwata .about 7 years ago
The description of the place itself takes us to that place!! Thanks for this piece of info.
0 . Reply