A great tourist destination and the proud capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram aka Trivandrum needs no introduction. With the charm and peacefulness of nature all around, the vibrant city fascinates visitors with its long-back history and healing spiritual vibes. Take in Trivandrum‘s glorious historical past, tour some of the city’s historical and cultural landmarks, marvel at the magnificence of renowned religious shrines, relax on the pristine beaches, soak in the enchanting beauty of hill station, enjoy exciting activities, the list is endless, and you’ll be sure to find something to meet your need in this beautiful city. Find your way to Trivandrum, where mesmerizingly exhilarating places await you with an assurance of memories worth a lifetime.
Before you go, check out our list of Must Visit Places In Trivandrum that are sure to entice you and make your vacation one of a kind.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
How can one come to the “Land of Padmanabha” and leave without paying a visit to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and seeking the blessings of Lord Padmanabha? Needless to say, the richest temple in the world, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a must-visit place in Trivandrum.Lord Maha Vishnu in the Anantha shayanam posture, reclining on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha forms the presiding deity here.
The temple and its incredibly rich history and unbelievable mysteries will surely shake your senses. Also, the architecture is hard to miss, a beautiful medley of Kerala and Dravidian styles embellished with gold-plated covering. As per temple customs, only Hindu devotees are allowed to enter Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Mundu or Dhoti with or without Angavastra is mandatory for male devotees and Saree or Half Saree for female devotees entering this temple.
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Kovalam
Pristine beaches, refreshing ambience, and impeccable landscapes make Kovalam a must-visit place in Trivandrum. Favourite among foreign travelers, Kovalam enchants you with its stunning crescent-shaped beaches namely, Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach.
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If you ever dreamt of a heart-stirring and rip-roaring beach vacation, Kovalam is the place to be. This bustling beach paradise is so picturesque, lined with lush coconut trees and full of fun and activities. Ayurveda massage, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, catamaran cruising, water skiing, and other water sports are what you can enjoy here.
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Varkala
Varkala beckons all those who are eager to have a fun-filled beach holiday, rejuvenate with Ayurveda, find inner peace, dine by the seas from rooftop cafes and shacks, and be one with nature. Backed by picturesque palm-covered red cliffs and studded with umpteen fancy cafes and shacks, this mesmerizing seaside destination is so pretty and pleasant to visit.
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Varkala Cliff offers breathtaking views and is a great place to have a memorable walk. Besides its stunning beach and awesome fun activities, Varkala is a well-known pilgrimage centre which houses the 2000 years old Janardana Swami Temple and the famous Sivagiri Mutt, established by the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. Varkala Lighthouse which displays colonial-style architecture is a famous attraction here.
Ponmudi
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Ponmudi is an unmissable hill station in Trivandrum that offers awe-inspiring nature treks, adventurous activities, and peaceful surroundings to unwind.
The drive to Ponmudi Hill Station is a daring yet thrilling one with numerous narrow winding paths and hairpin bends one after the other, an absolute delight for bikers and adrenaline junkies. So green, so serene, and untouched by modernity, Ponmudi makes for a soul-rejuvenating destination where one can become one with Mother Nature and embrace all her raw beauty. This enthralling hill station also serves as the perfect vantage point for paragliding.
Poovar
Poovar Island is like a mini version of Maldives in Trivandrum, Kerala. Swaying coconut trees, tranquil backwaters, crashing beach waves, stunning sunset, and gorgeous floating cottages overlooking the sea, river, and beach all in one glance, Poovar is so surreal and so magical.
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A perfect marriage of a heavenly setting, super-luxury, and supreme privacy and seclusion, this idyllic island destination offers an ultimate romantic getaway for you and your partner. The heartwarming beauty and charm of the place attract nature lovers and solitude seekers as well. The place is also known for offering relaxing boat rides across the enchanting Poovar Backwaters.
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Trivandrum Zoo
Visit Trivandrum Zoo to explore fascinating wildlife. This is one of the oldest zoos in India which is said to have been established by the erstwhile King of Travancore, Maharaja Swati Thirunal in the year 1857. It is home to some exotic species of wild animals from around the world.
Roam around Trivandrum Zoo and catch an amazing glimpse of majestic creatures of the wild like Asian elephants, Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian rhinoceros, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Indian rhinoceros, Nilgiri Langur, Giraffes, Hippos, Zebras, and Cape Buffalos. Trivandrum Zoo also houses a snake farm called ‘The Reptile House’, which exhibits both poisonous and non-poisonous snakes along with 7 Anacondas.
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
A sacred temple for women devotees, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, also nicknamed “Sabarimala of Women“, is another must-visit place in Trivandrum. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali (Kannaki) who is fondly called Attukal Amma. The world-famous Attukal Pongala Festival takes place here which involves the participation of over three million women every year.
The history of Attukal Temple is related to Kannaki, the heroine of the Tamil epic Silapathikaram written by Ilango Adikal. The presiding deity of the temple is worshipped in 3 different forms such as Maha Saraswati (goddess of knowledge), Maha Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Mahakali/ Durga/ Parvathy (goddess of power) which is its another speciality.
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Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple
Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple is a popular religious as well as a historical landmark of Trivandrum. The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Mahaganapathy or Lord Ganesha.
The temple is noted for its remarkable architecture that showcases a beautiful blend of South Indian as well as Dravidian architectural styles. It houses two Ganapathy idols, one entirely made of gold while the other made of pure granite. You can also find the idol of Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent Anantha here. The breaking of Coconuts is the main ‘vazhipadu’ or offering of Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple.
Kanakakunnu Palace
Kanakakunnu Palace is one of the famous places to visit in Trivandrum. Built-in typical Kerala-style architecture, this dazzling palace is believed to be one of the last architectural vestiges of the colonial era. Served as the main venue for royal banquets in the past, Kanakakunnu Palace is adorned with exquisite pieces of royal furniture, massive crystal chandeliers, and wonderful pieces of antiques that take you back in time.
The Palace now belongs to the Kerala State Government and is well-known for hosting a plethora of cultural programs at its Nishagandhi open-air auditorium and Sooryakanthi auditorium. The Department of Tourism organizes an All India Dance Festival, named Nishagandhi Festival every year at the Nishagandhi open-air auditorium of Kanakakunnu Palace. The palace complex is quite serene and calm and dotted with shopping stalls, perfect for a walk and to shop local souvenirs and handicrafts.
Kuthiramalika Palace
The iconic Kuthiramalika Palace gives you a curious insight into the glorious history of Kerala, making it a must-visit place in Trivandrum. The beautiful palace entices you with its mind-blowing Travancore-style architecture and wooden carvings.
Kuthiramalika translates to Horse Bungalow and as the name suggests, you can see 122 smiling horses adorning the many pillars of the palace. The prestigious Swathi Sangeetholsavam, an annual Music Festival takes place here which attracts a lot of musicians from various states. A haven for culture vultures and history enthusiasts, the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum features assets owned by the Travancore Royal Family along with royal armory, royal portraits and paintings, royal jewellery, and sculptures and idols made from white marble.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
A captivating wooden marvelous feat, exhibiting an indigenous Kerala style of architecture and designs, Padmanabhapuram Palace is a great place to visit in Trivandrum for architectural enthusiasts and history lovers.
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The palace is situated at Thuckalay, on the way to Kanyakumari, which comes under the State premises of Tamil Nadu. But the majestic Palace which upholds the culture and tradition of Kerala is owned by the Government of Kerala. The intricate rosewood carvings, stunning sculptures, and mesmerizing murals of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna at the palace will leave you in awe.
Napier Museum
When in Trivandrum, you shouldn’t miss the incredible Napier Museum. An incomparable heritage edifice, Napier Museum reflects the cultural magnificence of Kerala. Adorned in shades of red and white, Napier Museum showcases a unique blend of Indian, Kerala, Chinese, and Mughal Schools of Architecture.
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Named after John Napier, the former Governor-General of Madras, Napier Museum is deemed one of the oldest art and natural history museums in India. The magnificent palace is a treasure trove of information which attracts history and art lovers with its great collection of historic and archaeological artefacts and works of famous artists, such as Raja Ravi Varma, and the celebrated Russian theosophist, Nicholas Roerich, and specimens of Mughal and Tanjore art forms.
Vizhinjam Rock-Cut Cave Temple
In the vicinity of the famous Kovalam Beach situates Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, attracting history lovers from near and far. It is the smallest as well as the ancient rock-cut shrine in South India. The temple houses rock-cut sculptures, dating back to the 18th century that brings fame to this Cave Temple.
There is a one-celled shrine inside the granite cave that houses an independent sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthy with unfinished sculptures of Siva and Parvathi on either side of the cell. Even though the sculpture remains half complete, its charm is awe-inspiring. Don’t miss paying a visit to Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple when in Trivandrum. Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, and Fishing Harbour are the major attractions near the cave temple.
Neyyar
Neyyar is a tourist paradise in Trivandrum which houses the famous Neyyar Dam and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Blessed with enchanting beauty and serenity, the place promises a captivating and revitalizing break for tourists amid nature.
Set amidst a charming lake and picturesque surroundings, Neyyar Dam attracts swarms of tourists every year. Go boating through the scenic lake to explore more of the mesmerizing beauty of the place. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, snuggled in the lush Western Ghats is a refreshing treat to the eyes. The picturesque Sanctuary has a wealth of flora and fauna including the rarest natural herbs and wildlife species.
Aazhimala
Aazhimala is another awesome place to visit in Trivandrum. Aazhimala Shiva Temple, a vibrant Hindu temple with ornate architecture offering breathtaking seaside views is the major attraction of Aazhimala. Besides, what steals the show here is the jaw-dropping 58-feet tall Shiva Sculpture, exuding a divine splendour and offering a new visual feast for tourists visiting Trivandrum. The sculpture is the brainchild of P S Devadathan, an Azhimala native and an alumnus of Govt Fine Arts college Trivandrum. The sculpture portrays Lord Shiva in the form of Gangadhareshwara Mahadev Avatar holding a Trishul and his extremely wavy hair carrying Goddess Ganga makes for a stupendous sight you’ve ever seen. Perched on the charming cliff of Azhimala Beach with the magnificent Arabian Sea in the backdrop, this gigantic Sculpture is the tallest Shiva Sculpture in Kerala.
Sunil’s Wax Museum
If you are spending a holiday in Trivandrum, you must certainly visit Sunil’s Wax Museum. It is the very first wax museum in Kerala that houses 31 magnificent life-like statues of celebrities and famous personalities, ranging from great kings to freedom fighters, soldiers, leaders, sportsmen, politicians, and film stars. Sunil Kandalloor, a wax sculptor is the mastermind behind this incredible wax museum. The best part is that you can click pictures with the statues of prominent personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnikanth, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Salman Khan, Great Maharaja of Travancore Sree Chitra Thirunal, and many more.
Priyadarshini Planetarium
Priyadarshini Space Planetarium in Trivandrum is a heaven for astrophiles. It is the first hybrid Planetarium in India. It is undoubtedly a great place to gain knowledge regarding the mysteries of our universe and the solar system. Priyadarshini Planetarium offers live Astronomy classes along with education plus entertainment film shows that are truly rewarding. It has the GM-11 starfield projector that helps you to witness the mesmerizing world of planets and stars through its projection.
Lulu Mall
Visit Lulu Mall in Trivandrum for the best international shopping experience. It is India’s largest shopping mall which is spread across a total built-up area of 2,000,000 Sq-ft (190,000 m2).
This enormous sprawling shopping mall is home to exclusive international brands and high-end products, endless entertainment, and an array of food courts and multi-cuisine restaurants, serving dishes from traditional Kerala cuisines to Arabic, Chinese, Italian, and more. Trivandrum Lulu Mall also features a 12-screen Superplex Multiplex by PVR movies, a family entertainment centre, and a trampoline park, offering top-notch amusement facilities for people of all ages.
Veli Tourist Village
Veli Tourist Village is an incredible picnic spot in Trivandrum to spend some fun-filled time with your family and friends. It is beautifully positioned near Veli Lake where it meets the vast Arabian Sea which is a mesmerizing sight to behold.
Tourists visiting Veli Tourist Village can indulge in boat rides through the charming Veli Lake. The ethereal surroundings and lovely gardens are a treat for the eyes. The beautiful stone and grass sculptures by Kanayi Kunjiraman will definitely steal your attention. The floating restaurant, swimming pool, shopping stalls, and long walkway are the other attractions of Veli Tourist Village.
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CSI Christ Church
If you are a true history buff or a lover of architecture, you should definitely include CSI Christ Church in your Trivandrum travel itinerary. Built over 150 years ago and adorning the vibrant city of Palayam in Trivandrum, CSI Christ Church is said to be the oldest church in the entire city. The Church is built in the Gothic style and looks simple and elegant with beautiful stained glass windows portraying ‘The Good Shepherd’. The windows on the walls beautifully depict the twelve disciples (and their symbols) and others associated with the life of Jesus Christ which are worth admiring.
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Agasthyakoodam/Agasthyamala
Agasthyakoodam Peak or Agasthyamala is a well-known trekking destination in Trivandrum. The 2000 feet high Agasthyakoodam Peak is the second-highest peak in Kerala. Home to diverse species of fauna and rare species of medicinal herbs along with avifauna and exotic birds, it is included in UNESCO’s list of Biosphere Reserves.
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The place is often haunted by trekking enthusiasts and bird watchers. However, one can access Agasthyakoodam Peak only with the prior permission of the Forest Department. Agasthyakoodam is also a major Hindu pilgrimage spot which is named after the Hindu sage Agasthya. At the top of the peak, there is a shrine dedicated to the sage where the devotees pay homage.
And there you have it, the Must Visit Places in Trivandrum! They’ll for sure make for a fabulous holiday in Trivandrum.
If you think there’s something we missed out, let us know in the comments below!
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