14 Best Things To Do In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

things to do in trivandrum
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Earnest 
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| 4 min read

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of the state of Kerala, and it is also known as Trivandrum. The city boasts major historical and natural attractions that see plenty of visitors every year. 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. Here are some of the top things to do in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

1. Fully enjoy the great outdoors at Veli Lake Tourist Village

Veli Tourist Village
Source: Photo by Flickr user Kerala Tourism used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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)

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2. Find some inner peace at Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple

Pazhavangadi ganapathi temple 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jithindop used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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)

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3. Learn more about the region's history and culture at Keralam - Museum of History and Heritage

Posted by Keralam Museum Of History And Heritage on Thursday, November 29, 2018

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)

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4. Get to see popular personalities "in person" at Sunil's Wax Museum

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

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5. Tour the fascinating Kerala State Science & Technology Museum & Priyadarsini Planetarium

Priyadarsini Planetarium, Thiruvananthapuram
Source: Photo by user Akhilan used under CC BY-SA 4.0

In 1984, the state of Kerala set up Kerala State Science & Technology Museum as an establishment for learning and appreciating science and technology. The museum is designed to offer a unique, recreational approach to understanding the value of cultivating a knowledgeable population. 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.

Kerala State Science & Technology Museum & Priyadarsini Planetarium

Address: Priyadarshini Planetarium Road, Junction, Near, PMG, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033, India

Website: Kerala State Science & Technology Museum & Priyadarsini Planetarium

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

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6. Get a glimpse of the impressive Vizhinjam Lighthouse

Kovalam Lighthouse
Source: Photo by user Kerala Tourism used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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)

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7. Admire the architectural beauty of Kanakakkunnu Palace

Kanakakkunnu Palace Tvm
Source: Photo by user Abhijith VG used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Another place to see in Thiruvananthapuram is Kanakakkunnu Palace, an impressive palace of historical significance. The ancient Kanakakkunnu Palace is today a beautiful, sprawling property overlooking a beach. 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. This is a beautiful, historic venue that is worth a visit.

Kanakakkunnu Palace

Address: Sooryakanthi Rd, Kanaka Nagar, Nanthancodu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033, India

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

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8. Check out the animals at Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

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

Spread over the southeast region of the Western Ghats is Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a wildlife conservation area set up in the 50s. However, the conservation efforts were not that active up until 1985, when things started gaining momentum. The sanctuary occupies an area of 49 square miles (126.9 square kilometers) and it’s one of the best places to see in Kerala. See elephants, tigers, barking deer, different bird species, and more on your visit.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Kallikkad, Kerala 695572, India

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

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9. See excellent works of art at Sree Chitra Art Gallery

things to do in trivandrum | see excellent works of art at sree chitra art gallery
Source: instagram

Sree Chitra Art Gallery in Thiruvananthapuram 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.

Sree Chitra Art Gallery

Address: Museum Bains compound Rd, Kanaka Nagar, Nanthancodu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033, India

Opening hours: Tue, Thu - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Wed: 1pm - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 12am (closed on Mon)

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10. Admire the spectacular Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Source: Photo by user Manu Jha used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The state of Kerala is home to a popular Hindu temple known as Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The location of the temple itself has a religious significance. It is located in the capital city Thiruvananthapuram, which means “The City of Lord Ananta” in the Malayalam language. It refers to a deity of the temple, Vishnu, who is said to be enshrined here in eternal yogic sleep. One of the temple’s most notable attributes is its architecture, which is a blend of the Dravidian style and the Chera style, sporting high walls and a 16th-century gopura (ornate entrance).

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Address: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023, India

Opening hours: 3:30am - 12pm, 5pm - 8:30pm (daily)

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11. Check out the exhibits at Napier Museum

Napier Palace museum
Source: Photo by user Ashiq Surendran used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

Napier Museum

Address: LMS Vellayambalam Rd, near Museum Junction, Kanaka Nagar, Nanthancodu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033, India

Website: Napier Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)

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12. Enjoy a memorable holiday retreat at Akkulam Tourist Village

Aakkulam Tourist village evening
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Akhilan used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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)

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13. Relax on the serene and secluded spots at Samudra Beach

Kovalam Samodra Beach
Source: Photo by user P.K.Niyogi used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

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)

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14. Enjoy the wildlife at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

Hippopotamus in Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Maheshsudhakar used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country. The zoo and the park were added as part of 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.

Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

Address: Nanthancodu Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001, India

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5:15pm (closed on Mon)

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See the marvels of Thiruvananthapuram

If you’re planning to visit Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, you’ll definitely enjoy the art galleries and the stunning architectural marvels here. Kerala is a great tourist destination for art lovers. However, those who are interested in nature and wildlife will also get the opportunity to visit places like Thiruvananthapuram Zoo and the Akkulam Tourist Village. For beach lovers, Samudra Beach is worth the visit.

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