The capital of Kerala, Trivandrum, or Thiruvananthapuram, is a popular tourist destination in South India and a very lively place! In addition to being known for its culture and tradition, Trivandrum is beautiful with relaxed beaches, stunning temples, greenery, and backwaters. If you love history, beaches, and/or nature, there are numerous tourist places in Trivandrum that can provide memories you'll cherish for a lifetime. From the sacred Padmanabhaswamy Temple to the beautiful Kovalam Beach to astonishing Poovar Island, every one of these tourist locations showcases Kerala itself in unique ways. If you're making your escape plans, this guide to the 10 best places to visit in Trivandrum will let you check out the most famous tourist attractions in Trivandrum to create your visiting list!
Top Tourist Places in Trivandrum
Now let’s explore the top 10 best places to visit in Trivandrum that make this city a must-visit destination. Each of these locations reflects the unique culture, natural beauty, and heritage of Kerala.
1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple
As one of Trivandrum's most popular
tourist attractions, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is well-known
for its Dravidian style architecture, unique gold plated sanctum, and
magnificent stone carvings. However, it
is more than just an important place of worship; it has a lot of history and
culture behind it. In addition to this, it is said to be one of the richest
places of worship in the world. For this
reason, it is a landmark worth visiting.
2. Kovalam Beach
When considering beaches in Kerala, no
piece of land can compare to the greatness of Kovalam. It is famous for its crescent shape
coastline, golden sands and its calm blue waters. Therefore, it is great to
come here for some fun and relaxation for the day. A day in Kovalam which
consists of sun bathing, surfing, parasailing, with Ayurvedic massage therapy
will make for an enjoyable trip. The combined beaches commonly referred to as
Lighthouse beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach make Kovalam a great beach destination
get away.
3. Napier Museum
If a history and culture buff, the
Napier Museum could be a treasure trove for you. In the 19th century, spectacular architecture
with rare artifacts, ornaments, and bronze idols were exhibited at the museum.
The Trivandrum Zoo, thankfully next to the museum, is known to be one of the
oldest zoos in the country and is set in dense vegetation which includes
tigers, elephants, lions, and exotic birds. With a museum and a zoo, this area
is one of the most culturally immersive tourist attractions in Trivandrum.
4. Poovar Island
Poovar Island is a hidden treasure at
the southern tip of Kerala, where rivers, lakes, and the Arabian Sea meet.
Since it can only be accessed via boat, it boasts unspoiled backwaters,
beautiful beaches, and stunning vistas. The houseboats and floating cottages
lend a unique way of staying. For lovebirds and nature enthusiasts, Poovar
Island is among the most popular sites for tourism in Trivandrum.
5. Veli Tourist Village
Veli Tourist Village is a great family
spot that is also near the airport and blends Veli Lake with the Arabian Sea.
There are pedal boats, floating bridges, landscaped gardens, and playgrounds
for the children. The backwater boating experience is quite popular among
pursuing tourists. Veli Tourist Village is one of the most popular tourist
places in Trivandrum for a family outing.
6. Shankumugham Beach
Around the corner is Shankumugham Beach, famous for its calm serenity and sunset view. One will not miss the
highlight of the beach: a large sculpture of a mermaid no doubt attracting many
visitors all year around. There are wide sandy stretches with not much
commercial activity - ideal for travelers seeking tranquillity.
7. Agasthyakoodam
Agasthyakoodam, part of the Western
Ghats, is the second-highest peak in Kerala and a trekker's paradise. This
place is known for having great biodiversity, with many rare medicinal plants
and exotic birds. A special permit is required for trekkers but trekking
through the dense green forests and views from the mountain at the top is an
agony for hikers, without doubt one of the most adventurous tourist places in
Trivandrum.
8. Kuthira Malika Palace
The palace came to be known as Kuthira
Malika (Mansion of Horses) because of the horse motifs carved into the walls of
the palace which was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, one of the great rulers
of Travancore and located very near to Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The palace is
now a museum that displays artefacts, paintings, and traditional architecture
of Kerala. This would be a must-visit for all history fanatics.
9. Varkala Beach & Cliff
About 50 km outside of Trivandrum,
Varkala has one of the most beautiful coastlines in Kerala. The cliffs
overlooking the Arabian Sea filled with cafes and Ayurvedic spas make a
soothing ambience. The Varkala beach also has a natural spring which is
supposed to have natural majority. Along with adventure sports, yoga centres
and nightlife, it’s not simply just a beach but an altogether holistic
experience.
10. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Dam
For wildlife enthusiasts, Neyyar
Wildlife Sanctuary is among the best places to visit in Trivandrum. Spread over
12,000 hectares, it is home to elephants, crocodiles, and numerous bird
species. The Neyyar Dam nearby offers boating and is a popular tourist attractions for picnic.
Together, they provide the perfect mix of adventure and nature exploration.
Explore Places to Visit in Trivandrum
From ancient temples to serene beaches, cultural museums to lush wildlife sanctuaries, these top 10 tourist places in Trivandrum offer something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re seeking spirituality, relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, the famous tourist places in Trivandrum ensure your journey is memorable.
