8 Best Tourist Spots In Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), India

things to do in thiruvananthapuram (trivandrum) india
Sumit
Sumit 
Updated
| 4 min read

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 city is primarily known for its ethereal natural beauty and sightseeing destinations. Here are the best things to do in Thiruvananthapuram:

1. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rainer Haessner used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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

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2. The Kanakakunnu Palace

Kanakakkunnu Palace Thiruvananthapuram
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ranjithsiji used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

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

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3. Neyyar Wild Life Sanctuary

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kerala Tourism used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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. 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

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4. The Napier Museum

Napier Museum Trivandrum Kerala India
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hirumon used under CC BY 3.0

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. The museum boasts of its vast collection of sculptures, paintings and musical instruments and is also responsible for attracting tourists throughout the year. The museum gives the visitors a perfect insight to the cultural heritage of Kerala and in turn, never fails to mesmerize the tourists. The 150 years of history associated with the museum encourage the tourists to delve into the past of the city and hence helps them to rediscover the past.

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

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5. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Signalarun used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is one of the oldest zoological gardens in India and is home to a wide array of species of birds. 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 there 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

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6. Kerala Science and Technology Museum

Kerala Science and Technology Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sanu N used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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. 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

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7. Shanghumukham Beach

Jalakanyaka, Shanghumukham beach. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerla, India
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ajeeshcphilip used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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

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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. 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

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Trivandrum has a rich heritage

Thiruvananthapuram
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Shishirdasika used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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