Explore The 10 Best Places To Visit In Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is a city located in the southwestern part of India. The city is situated on the west coast of the Arabian Sea and is the capital of the state of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram has a rich cultural and historical significance and is considered one of the most important cities in the region.

The city has a diverse and rich history, with evidence of human habitation in the region dating back to the Neolithic era. Over the centuries, Thiruvananthapuram has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Cheras, the Pandyas, and the Travancore royal family. The city was a major trading hub for spices, ivory, and other commodities during the Medieval period.
Thiruvananthapuram is renowned for its ancient temples and architecture. The city is also home to several museums that showcase the region's history and culture.

There is a long list of tourist places in Thiruvananthapuram and famous for their natural beauty. The city has several pristine beaches, including Kovalam, Shanghumukham, and Varkala, which are known for their clear waters, white sands, and serene ambience. The city's backwaters, including the Neyyar and Veli backwaters, offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of Kerala's lush greenery and tranquil waterways, an unmissable experience while you explore the places to see in Thiruvananthapuram.

Top 10 best places to visit in Trivandrum that you must include in your itinerary

1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most revered temples in India and a significant landmark in Thiruvananthapuram, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya desams. The temple's architecture is a masterpiece of Dravidian-style architecture, with intricate carvings, sculptures, and murals adorning its walls.

Located in the heart of the city, the temple is known for its strict dress code, and visitors are required to wear traditional attire. The temple has a strict security protocol, and visitors are not allowed to carry any electronic devices or cameras inside. The temple opens early in the morning and closes by mid-day, so it's best to plan your visit accordingly.

Famous for: Being one of the richest and most famous Hindu temples in India, with 16th-century Dravidian-style architecture and a 100-foot-high gopuram (tower).
Timings: 3:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. (closed during some festivals and rituals.)
Entry fee: Free for Hindus, non-Hindus are not allowed inside the sanctum.
Best time to visit: October to February, to avoid the hot and humid weather.
Location: East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
How to visit: The temple is located in the heart of the city and can be reached easily by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus.

2. Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Situated near the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, also referred to as the Palace of Horses, is an exquisite palace and one of the top places to see in Thiruvananthapuram. The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, a patron of the arts and literature. The palace features a mix of traditional Kerala and European architecture, with wooden carvings, gabled roofs, and sloping roofs.

The palace is now a museum that showcases a collection of artefacts, paintings, and other objects that were used by the royal family. The museum is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.

Famous for: Its unique architecture, which features 122 wooden horses carved on the roof beams, and for being the former residence of the Travancore royal family.
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on Mondays and national holidays.)
Entry fee: Rs 20 for Indian nationals and Rs 100 for foreign nationals.
Best time to visit: October to March, to avoid the hot and humid weather.
Location: Near East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
How to visit: The palace is located in the heart of the city and can be reached easily by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus.

3. Napier Museum

The tourist places in Thiruvananthapuram include the Napier Museum, a museum of art and natural history. The museum was built in the 19th century and features a mix of Indian and European architectural styles. The museum houses a vast collection of artefacts, including bronze sculptures, ancient carvings, and weapons.
The museum also has a separate section dedicated to natural history, where visitors can learn about the flora and fauna of Kerala. The museum's highlight is the Sree Chitra Art Gallery, which features a collection of paintings by famous Indian artists, including Raja Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich.

Famous for: Its collection of historical and contemporary art, natural history exhibits, and bronze and ivory sculptures.
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 a.m. (closed on Mondays and national holidays.)
Entry fee: Rs 20 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreigners.
Best time to visit: October to March, to avoid the hot and humid weather.
Location: Museum Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
How to visit: The museum is located in the heart of the city and can be reached easily by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus.

4. Kovalam Beach

Always making it to every list of places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Thiruvananthapuram and is known for its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. Divided into three sections, the southernmost part of the beach is the most frequented. Visitors can indulge in a variety of water sports, including surfing, parasailing, and swimming.

The beach is also known for its lively nightlife, with several restaurants, cafes, and bars lining the shore. Visitors can also take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the stunning views of the sunset.

Famous for: Its beautiful crescent-shaped beach, calm waters, and picturesque sunsets. Also popular for water sports and Ayurvedic treatments.
Timings: Open 24 hours.
Entry fee: Free
Best time to visit: September to February, to enjoy the pleasant weather and avoid the monsoon season.
Location: Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
How to visit: Kovalam is located around 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram and can be reached by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, around 15 km away.

5. Vizhinjam Fishing Harbor

Vizhinjam Fishing Harbor is a bustling harbour located near Kovalam Beach. The harbour is a hub of activity, with fishing boats and trawlers coming in and out of the harbour throughout the day. Visitors can take a boat ride and watch the fishermen at work or buy fresh seafood from the local market.

The harbour also has a beautiful beach that is less crowded than Kovalam Beach and is ideal for a quiet evening stroll. The beach has several restaurants and cafes that serve fresh seafood dishes.

Famous for: Fishing boats and trawlers, fresh seafood, and a serene beach.
Timings: 24 hours
Entry fee: Free
Best time to visit: October to February.
Location: Near Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
How to visit: One can take a taxi or bus from Thiruvananthapuram to reach the harbour.

6. Agasthyakoodam

Agasthyakoodam is a mountain peak located in the Western Ghats and is considered to be one of the most challenging trekking trails in South India. The mountain peak is also known for its rich biodiversity, with several endemic species of flora and fauna found in the region.
The trek to Agasthyakoodam is only allowed during the trekking season, which typically starts in January and ends in March. Visitors need to obtain permission from the Forest Department to trek to the peak, and the trek requires a minimum of two days.
Famous for: Challenging trekking trails and rich biodiversity.
Timings: Trekking season from January to March
Entry fee: Visitors need to obtain permission from the Forest Department.
Best time to visit: January to March.
Location: Western Ghats, Kerala
How to visit: The trek to Agasthyakoodam requires a minimum of two days, and visitors need to obtain permission from the Forest Department.

7. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located near Thiruvananthapuram and is home to several species of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and leopards. Visitors can take a jeep safari through the sanctuary and spot several species of birds, butterflies, and reptiles.
The sanctuary also has a crocodile farm and a deer park, where visitors can watch the animals in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Famous for: Tigers, elephants, and leopards, jeep safaris, crocodile farm, and a deer park.
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays).
Entry fee: Rs 20 for Indians and Rs 40 for foreigners.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Location: Near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
How to visit: One can take a taxi or bus from Thiruvananthapuram to reach the sanctuary.

8. Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach is a pristine beach located on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram and is known for its natural beauty and serene ambience. The beach is situated on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, offering stunning views of the sunset.
Visitors can take a dip in the clear waters or indulge in a variety of water sports, including parasailing and surfing. The beach also has several restaurants and cafes that serve fresh seafood dishes.

Famous for: Natural beauty, clear waters, and water sports.
Timings: 24 hours.
Entry fee: Free
Best time to visit: September to May.
Location: Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
How to visit: One can take a taxi or bus from Thiruvananthapuram to reach the beach.

9. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is famous in Thiruvananthapuram for Goddess Bhagavathy, a form of the divine mother. The temple is known for its annual festival, the Attukal Pongala, which is one of the largest all-women festivals in the world.
The festival is celebrated in February and March and attracts millions of devotees. The festival involves cooking rice in earthen pots and offering it to the goddess as a symbol of devotion.

Famous for: Goddess Bhagavathi and the Attukal Pongala festival.
Timings: 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Entry fee: Free
Best time to visit: February to March.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
How to visit: One can take a taxi or bus from Thiruvananthapuram to reach the temple.

10. Veli Tourist Village

Veli Tourist Village is a popular tourist destination on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram. The village is situated on the banks of the Veli Lake, and is a perfect destination for a family outing.

The village has several activities for visitors, including boating, pedal boating, and fishing. Visitors can also stroll along the beautiful gardens or indulge in a picnic by the lake. The village also has several restaurants and cafes that serve local cuisine.

Famous for: Boating, pedal boating, fishing, gardens, and local cuisine.
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entry fee: Rs 5 for adults and Rs 3 for children.
Best time to visit: October to February.
Location: Veli, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
How to visit: One can take a taxi or bus from Thiruvananthapuram to reach the village.

The above-mentioned list of places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram offers a perfect blend of cultural and historical significance and natural beauty. The city's ancient temples, museums, and architectural marvels are a testament to its rich history and cultural heritage. The best beaches in Kerala, backwaters, and hill stations are ideal for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, Thiruvananthapuram has something to offer everyone.