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.<\/p>\n
Before you go, check out our list of\u00a0Must Visit Places In Trivandrum\u00a0that are sure to entice you and make your vacation one of a kind.<\/p>\n
How can one come to the “Land of Padmanabha”<\/strong> 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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n he 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<\/strong> is mandatory for male devotees and Saree or Half Saree for female devotees entering this temple.<\/p>\n Pristine beaches, refreshing ambience, and impeccable landscapes make Kovalam is a must-visit place in Trivandrum. Favourite among foreign travelers,\u00a0Kovalam\u00a0enchants you with its stunning crescent-shaped beaches namely,\u00a0Lighthouse Beach,\u00a0Hawah Beach,\u00a0and\u00a0Samudra Beach.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0Ayurveda massage, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, catamaran cruising, water skiing, and other water sports are what you can enjoy here.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Varkala Cliff<\/strong> 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 Janardan Swami Temple and the famous Sivagiri Mutt,\u00a0established by the social reformer\u00a0Sree Narayana Guru.\u00a0Varkala Lighthouse\u00a0which displays colonial-style architecture is a famous attraction here.<\/p>\n Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city,\u00a0Ponmudi\u00a0is an unmissable\u00a0hill station in Trivandrum that offers awe-inspiring nature treks, adventurous activities, and peaceful surroundings to unwind.<\/p>\n The drive to\u00a0Ponmudi Hill Station<\/strong>\u00a0is 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,\u00a0Ponmudi\u00a0makes 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 Backwaters.<\/p>\n Visit\u00a0Trivandrum Zoo\u00a0to explore fascinating wildlife. This is one of the oldest zoos in India\u00a0which is said to have been established by the erstwhile King of Travancore,\u00a0Maharaja Swati Thirunal in the year 1857. It is home to some exotic species of wild animals from around the world.<\/p>\n Roam around Trivandrum Zoo\u00a0and 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\u00a0also houses a snake farm called ‘The Reptile House’, which exhibits both poisonous and non-poisonous snakes along with 7 Anacondas.<\/p>\n A sacred temple for women devotees,\u00a0Attukal Bhagavathy Temple,<\/strong> also nicknamed “Sabarimala of Women”<\/strong>, is another\u00a0must-visit place in Trivandrum. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali (Kannaki) who is fondly called Attukal Amma. The world-famous\u00a0Attukal Pongala Festival\u00a0takes place here which involves the participation of over three million women every year.<\/p>\n The history of\u00a0Attukal Temple\u00a0is 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.<\/p>\n Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple\u00a0is a popular religious as well as a historical landmark of\u00a0Trivandrum. The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Mahaganapathy or Lord Ganesha.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Kanakakunnu Palace\u00a0is one of the\u00a0famous\u00a0places 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,\u00a0Kanakakunnu Palace is adorned with exquisite pieces of royal furniture, massive crystal chandeliers, and wonderful pieces of antiques that take you back in time.<\/p>\n 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<\/strong> auditorium. The Department of Tourism organizes an All India Dance Festival, named Nishagandhi Festival<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n The iconic\u00a0Kuthiramalika Palace gives you a curious insight into the glorious history of\u00a0Kerala, making it a\u00a0must-visit place in Trivandrum. The beautiful palace entices you with its mind-blowing Travancore-style architecture and wooden carvings.<\/p>\n 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<\/strong>, 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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n A captivating wooden marvelous feat, exhibiting an indigenous Kerala style of architecture and designs, Padmanabhapuram Palace\u00a0is a great place to visit in Trivandrum for architectural enthusiasts and history lovers.<\/p>\n The palace is situated at Thuckalay<\/strong>, on the way to\u00a0Kanyakumari, which comes under the State premises of\u00a0Tamil Nadu. But the majestic Palace which upholds the culture and tradition of\u00a0Kerala\u00a0is owned by the\u00a0Government 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.<\/p>\n When in Trivandrum, you shouldn’t miss the incredible\u00a0Napier Museum. An incomparable heritage edifice, Napier Museum\u00a0reflects the cultural magnificence of\u00a0Kerala. Adorned in shades of red and white, Napier Museum showcases a unique blend of Indian, Kerala, Chinese, and Mughal Schools of Architecture.<\/strong><\/p>\n Named after John Napier, the former Governor-General of Madras,\u00a0Napier Museum\u00a0is deemed\u00a0one 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<\/strong>, and the celebrated Russian theosophist, Nicholas Roerich, and specimens of Mughal and Tanjore art forms.<\/p>\n In the vicinity of the famous\u00a0Kovalam Beach\u00a0situates attracting history lovers from near and far. It is the smallest as well as the\u00a0ancient 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.<\/p>\n There is a one-celled shrine inside the granite cave that houses an independent sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthy<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Neyyar is a tourist paradise in Trivandrum which houses the famous Neyyar Dam and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.<\/strong> Blessed with enchanting beauty and serenity, the place promises a captivating and revitalizing break for tourists amid nature.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Aazhimala\u00a0is another\u00a0awesome place to visit in Trivandrum. it is a vibrant Hindu temple with ornate architecture offering breathtaking seaside views is the major attraction of\u00a0Aazhimala. 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<\/strong> native and an alumnus of Govt Fine Arts college Trivandrum. The sculpture portrays Lord Shiva in the form of Gangadhareshwara Mahadev Avatar<\/strong> 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\u00a0Azhimala Beach\u00a0with the magnificent Arabian Sea in the backdrop, this gigantic Sculpture is the\u00a0tallest Shiva Sculpture in Kerala.<\/p>\n If you are spending a holiday in\u00a0Trivandrum, you must certainly visit\u00a0Sunil’s Wax Museum. It is the very\u00a0first wax museum in Kerala\u00a0that 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.\u00a0Sunil Kandalloor<\/strong>, 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,<\/strong> Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnikanth, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Salman Khan, Great Maharaja of Travancore Sree Chitra Thirunal, and many more.<\/p>\n Priyadarshini Space Planetarium in Trivandrum\u00a0is a heaven for astrophiles. It is the\u00a0first hybrid Planetarium in India. It is undoubtedly a great place to gain knowledge regarding the mysteries of our universe and the solar system.\u00a0Priyadarshini Planetarium\u00a0offers 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.<\/p>\n Visit\u00a0Lulu 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).<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0Trivandrum Lulu Mall\u00a0also 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.<\/p>\n Veli Tourist Village\u00a0is an incredible\u00a0picnic spot in Trivandrum\u00a0to 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.<\/p>\n Tourists visiting\u00a0Veli Tourist Village\u00a0can indulge in boat rides through the charming\u00a0Veli Lake.<\/strong> The ethereal surroundings and lovely gardens are a treat for the eyes. The beautiful stone and grass sculptures by\u00a0Kanayi Kunjiraman\u00a0<\/strong>will definitely steal your attention. The floating restaurant, swimming pool, shopping stalls, and long walkway are the other attractions of\u00a0Veli Tourist Village.<\/p>\n If you are a true history buff or a lover of architecture, you should definitely include\u00a0CSI Christ Church in your Trivandrum travel itinerary. Built over 150 years ago and adorning the vibrant city of Palayam in Trivandrum,\u00a0CSI Christ Church\u00a0is said to be the\u00a0oldest 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.<\/p>\n Agasthyakoodam Peak\u00a0or\u00a0Agasthyamala\u00a0is a well-known\u00a0trekking destination in Trivandrum . The 2000 feet high\u00a0Agasthyakoodam Peak<\/strong>\u00a0is the\u00a0second-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\u00a0UNESCO’s list of Biosphere Reserves.Also<\/p>\n The place is often haunted by trekking enthusiasts and bird watchers. However, one can access\u00a0Agasthyakoodam Peak\u00a0only with the prior permission of the Forest Department.\u00a0Agasthyakoodam\u00a0is 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3560,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3061","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cultural","category-heritage"],"yoast_head":"\nKovalam<\/h2>\n
Varkala<\/h2>\n
Ponmudi<\/h2>\n
Poovar<\/h2>\n
Trivandrum Zoo<\/h2>\n
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple<\/h2>\n
Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple<\/h2>\n
Kanakakunnu Palace<\/h2>\n
Kuthiramalika Palace<\/h2>\n
Padmanabhapuram Palace<\/h2>\n
Napier Museum<\/h2>\n
Vizhinjam Rock-Cut Cave Temple<\/h2>\n
Neyyar<\/h2>\n
Aazhimala<\/h2>\n
Sunil’s Wax Museum<\/h2>\n
Priyadarshini Planetarium<\/h2>\n
Lulu Mall<\/h2>\n
Veli Tourist Village<\/h2>\n
CSI Christ Church<\/h2>\n
Agasthyakoodam\/Agasthyamala<\/h2>\n