Explore Thiruvananthapuram – Top 15 Must-Visit Destinations!

Thiruvananthapuram, the delightful capital city of God’s Own Country is the best place to begin a Kerala tour. It is a must-visit place in Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram is the center of political events in the state. Thiruvananthapuram is also named the ‘Abode of Lord Anantha’.

Thiruvananthapuram also named Trivandrum is edged by the Arabian Sea in the West and Tamil Nadu in the East. Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala is the best place to begin the visit. Also in this article, we have mentioned some of the best places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram!

Trivandrum is the great gateway to backwaters and beaches. Begin your journey from a place where all the lures are there and they are not far apart. You will be pleased by the pleasing beaches and the serene backwaters of Trivandrum.

Trivandrum, the most imperative historical city is a feast for the eyes. There are so different museums and palaces in Trivandrum. Trivandrum proposes everything for everyone. You can’t resist the charm of this delightful city.

There is an assortment of museums in Thiruvananthapuram. These museums are in a park across the North of the city. The entry charge to this museum is very less but it’s very enjoyable and informative. This temple city has several magnificent sights to offer.

The most essential feature of the city is the Padmanabhaswamy temple of Lord Vishnu. The all-encompassing view of stunning landscapes, sun-kissed beaches, calm backwaters, the architectural beauty of old temples, and royal palaces will unquestionably be a wonderful experience for you all.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

This palace has a magnificent past. Padmanabhapuram palace was once the bench of Travancore leaders. This architectural attractiveness is 65 km away from Thiruvananthapuram. This palace complex located inside the old granite fortress around 4 kilometers long has some attractive structures like Manthrasala, Thai Kottaram, Natakasala, and 4 storied central buildings, etc.

The 300-year-old clock in the clock tower, a room filled with Chinese jars and gifts from Chinese merchants, swords, weapons, daggers, a painting gallery, brass lamps, wood, stone sculptures, and several more interesting things in the palace will be a dissimilar experience for all.

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum

Constructed in the 1840s by the prodigious Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, the Kuthira Malika Palace stands as an iconic monument that carried an enquiring insight into the magnificent history of Kerala. ‘Kuthira Malika’ accurately translates to ‘Mansion of horses’, and it has been called so because of the 122 horses that adorn the different pillars that assist the southern roof of this grand structure.

The key idea behind building this palace was to preserve and encourage the different traditional art forms of India, mainly the south.

Take a patient stroll along this palace with one of the local attendants, and you will be engrossed by the mystical charm of this high-minded palace. Right in the premises of this palace, you will also come around the notorious Kuthira Malika Museum which is indeed a haven for history buffs and those who escalate the attractiveness of prehistoric antiquities.

The museum houses artifacts such as the ethnic jewelry that was once worn by the queens, wooden paintings and carvings, an armory, and idols made of the cleanest metal.

Another captivating reason for this palace’s admiration is the Swathi Sangeethotsavam, an annual music festival that is conducted right on the palace premises! Thousands of individuals throng here to watch the enthralling performances of the different leading classical musicians that are invited to this festival.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

This is an astounding temple with a shimmering architectural design and an awe-inspiring ambiance and one of the best places to visit in Trivandrum. This immense temple also happens to be the richest temple in the world. Padmanabhaswamy temple is enthusiastic to the Lord Shri Padmanabhswamy who is said to be the lord of the city of Trivandrum.

This is also among the most stayed religious sites in India and around the world. The impressive temple is simply an architectural marvel and each part of the temple is constructed with a lot of care and thought. The temple has an unbelievably rich history and heritage. There is a severe dress code – and only traditional dresses are permitted.

Napier Museum Thiruvananthapuram

Called after a former British Governor (Lord Francis Napier) the Napier Museum is something you can’t have enough money to miss while in the city. With a rare assortment of bronze articles, antique musical instruments, and ivory carvings, it is also better known for its commendable architectural design.

The museum also has Zoological Gardens and is better known to be one of the well-planned zoos in Asia. The Botanical Garden also has all the species of tropical trees that prevail.

Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple

Being one of the most prevalent Ganesh temples of the south, the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple holds a superior place in the hearts of the locals and the enthusiastic devotees of Lord Ganesh. The devotees who visit this temple are overcome with the serene calm and relentless peace of the supernaturally pious atmosphere.

They say that Lord Ganesh fulfills their sincere wishes and fixes the stubbornest issues of his devotees who visit him at the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple.

This opulent Ganpati Temple in Trivandrum is well-known mainly for two reasons- its excellent jet-black color, a rare color for temples in India, and its unique Ganesh idol. The position of the idol that sits in this temple is diverse from most others. 

Hawa Beach

Hawa Beach is also named Eve’s Beach. This picturesque place is ideal for travelers looking for isolated and tranquil stretches of sandy shores.

Hawa Beach and Kovalam Beach are detached from each other by a foreland named Edakallu. It offers one of the most attractive sunset views from this headland.

The Kanakakunnu Palace

Neighbor to the well-known Napier Museum stands Kanakakunnu Palace, a personification of outstanding craftsmanship and architecture. This palace is the gratified possession of the state of Kerala. Considered one of the best places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram. Constructed by Sree Moolam Thirunal for holding imperial ceremonies and banquets retains its picture as a place of entertainment for the royal family.

As of now, the palace plays host to different cultural programs. It has been called a heritage monument by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

Swathi Thirunal, who was a prevalent ruler of his time, built tennis courts on the premises of the palace. Massive and exquisite crystal chandeliers and antique furniture are the most beautiful features here.

The attractive structure is a living testimony of the lifestyle of royals in Kerala. The attractive backdrop of small yet lush hills and verdant meadows make it one of the best places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram.

Vizhinjam Lighthouse

Vizhinjam Light House is located on the Kurumkal hilltop, just 10 km away from Thiruvananthapuram. The lighthouse was built in 1925, the 36 m high masonry tower is at an advancement of 57 m from sea level. There are 144 meandering steps and a steel ladder to reach the top.

From the top, one can observe the spectacular views of the Arabian Sea on one side and the umbrella of coconut trees on the other. The sunset over the skyline with the lighthouse as a background is a spectacular sight. The light is swapped on at 5:30 pm and switched off at 6:00 am.

Vizhinjam beach surrounding the lighthouse is a piece of the prevalent Kovalam beach. The lighthouse road is outstanding for long walks and cycling. There are also numerous tiny eateries close to the beach.

Priyadarshini Space Planetarium

Regarded as one of the great planetariums in the whole of South India, the Priyadarshini Planetarium should positively top your list of places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram. This is India’s first named domed planetarium and has been doing a flawless job at not only educating individuals on the diverse subject of astronomy but also keeping them conversant with the latest evolutions in the field.

The Priyadarshini Planetarium opens you up to a world of science and the mysteries of the world like never before.

The Priyadarshini Planetarium hosts a show in Malayalam and English where the individuals are introduced to the magical universe of outer space. Not only has this assisted build a scientific temperament in the minds of the kids, but also satiated the ever-growing curiosity about how the universe actually is.

Kovalam Beach

The epicenter of tourist flow, Kovalam Beach requires no introduction. This water delight snatches the top position in the list of tourist places in Trivandrum. Often jam-packed with both local and foreign tourists, it is situated 13km away from the city.

Kovalam Beach is the treasure chest of a multitude of escapade activities. Along with the assemblies of para-sailing, diving, and windsurfing, the beach also enables you to go on a leisure walk and proposes a spirited swimming time.

Tourists have a choice to choose lounge chairs to just sit and gaze at the most unexpected sunrises and sunsets. The polished blue water and silver sand are a quality time to relish nature at its best. 

Kerala is proud to host the 12th edition of @UNWTO's training program that would help understand and debate the latest trends in the tourism sector. #Kovalam #Thiruvananthapuram pic.twitter.com/xmQsy6LF8p

— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) March 16, 2018

Varkala Beach

Varkala is a coastal town located at a distance of 40 km from Trivandrum. The major attractions in Varkala town are Varkala Beach or Papanasam Beach, the 2000-year-old Janardana Swami Temple an imperative vaishnavaite shrine in India, and Sivagiri Mutt recognized in the memory of reformer Sree Narayan Guru who is suppressed here.

This place is one of the best tourist places in Thiruvananthapuram.
It is very prevalent among tourists for sunbathing, swimming, and sunset viewing during the evenings. It is also named a black beach because of the black sand which is owing to the existence of Thorium-oxide in the sand.

There are different beach houses and small shops on the long stretch of cliff. It is supposed to have a natural spring and its water has medicinal properties.

Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of the oldest terraria in the country was established as an addition to the Napier Museum during the year 1857 by the former Maharaja of Travancore, which was formerly opened for recreational determinations, the zoo becomes a conservation center of wildlife over a period of time.

The zoo has a broad array of 35 species of animals, 28 species of birds, and 17 kinds of reptiles. The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo also houses botanical gardens with more than 200 species of trees, thousands of attractive plants, orchids, and a snake farm.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Trivandrum is one of the most talked about concerns to temples of not just the south, but the complete country. Among the different reasons for its popularity, likely the most eye-catching one is that it established a Guinness World Book record when over 37 lakh women offered pongala at this temple at once, making it the destination of the greatest gathering of women for a spiritual activity!

Popularly better known as the ‘Sabarimala of Women’, this temple draws an enormous throng of women each year throughout the famous Attukal Pongala festival. Rich in cultural heritage and ornamented by impeccable Tamil architecture, this temple controls an extremely critical place in the hearts of the natives and the devotees of Goddess Bhagavathy, the principal divinity of this temple.

Shanghumukham Beach

Shankumugham Beach is a popular beach in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, south India. The massive stretch of white sand and the tranquil atmosphere, away from the crowd in the city, carry all the ingredients for relaxation and for spending a perfect evening.

There is also a “Star Fish Restaurant” with eating kiosks and an open-air theatre with car parking amenities. Good food can be celebrated at the Old Coffee House, just around the beach, which is also a vantage point for celebrating the sunset.

Inopportunely, the beach is not well preserved with garbage littering the complete area. Shanghumugham beach is measured as the ‘Arattukadavu’ of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan – The reigning deity of the city. Thousands of Hindus function ‘Bali Tharpanam’ on special occasions. Shanghumugham is the major location for Ganesh Nimarjan at the time of Vinayaka Chathurthi.

Neyyar Dam And Wildlife Sanctuary

Popular for its Lion and Deer Safari, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a treat for nature fanatics. The park houses a crocodile farm and an elephant restoration center. Ask for a directed tour of the sanctuary which is moderately informative.

Best Time To Visit Thiruvananthapuram

The beautiful capital city of God’s own land, Thiruvananthapuram, is all set at the southern tip of India. The place is better known for its temples, gardens, and beautiful museums. In addition, individuals from dissimilar parts of the world visit the place to look carefully at nature.

The best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram is from October to March, as winter bestows the weather that developed the traveling experience. Throughout this time, tourists enjoy visiting the place as the weather is accurate for sightseeing and several other activities.

How To Reach Thiruvananthapuram?

Being the capital city of Kerala and an imperative hub of trade and business, Thiruvanathapuram is well-linked with all 3 major means of transport in different cities of India. The also houses an international airport which also links it with other countries of the universe as well.

BY AIR

Trivandrum International Airport is the most beautiful and closest airport. The airport is well linked with all the key cities of India and countries as well and is just 6 kilometers far from the railway station. The airport is designed to deliver every conceivable service to tourists.

BY RAILWAYS

There are nearly 20 railway stations in the Thiruvananthapuram district which are well-linked with all the key cities of India. Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is better known as the largest and busiest railway station around South India when it comes to passenger moments.

Fairly a good number of trains are accessible each hour that links the city to the complete nation.

BY ROAD

NH-66 links Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangalore, and different other cities of Kerala. There are unvarying services from key cities like Cochin, Bangalore, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Chennai. Right from Volvos to deluxe buses, different types of buses are run by Kerala tourism.

Conclusion 

Trivandrum or commonly better known as Thiruvananthapuram is located in Kerala, a South Indian state. This place is also the capital city of Kerala. The most beautiful feature of this place is the British architecture all the place and the well-managed art galleries. This city was once chosen as the best-ruled city of India and is named the Evergreen city of India too.

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