Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, is a truly splendid place to be. There are plenty of places to visit in Trivandrum. The culture, tourist attractions, and even the people of this city are simply spectacular. Beaches, religious sights, backwaters, and luxurious hotels, no matter what you are looking for, you will find it in Trivandrum. This beautiful city is also known as Thiruvananthapuram.
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Mahatma Gandhi once famously referred to Trivandrum as the “Evergreen City of India” and it is fair to say that the name stuck. Apart from its tourism, Trivandrum is known for its IT sector. The technopark at Trivandrum is one of the largest in the state. In this article, we bring to you the top places that you should definitely explore while in Trivandrum.
Places to visit in Trivandrum
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- Kovalam Beach
- Napier Museum
- Trivandrum Zoo
- Vellayani Lake
- Ponmudi
- Varkala
- Veli Tourist Village
- Beemapally Dargah Shareef
- Pryadarsini Planetarium
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
This iconic temple is one of the richest places of worship in the entire world. Dedicated to Lord Ananta (Lord Vishnu), a temple has been believed to exist at the current site since the 8th Century. The current temple, which is an exemplary example of the architectural brilliance of the architects at the time, was built in the 18th Century. During this time, the reigns of the kingdom of Travancore were in the hands of Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. The temple was looked after by the Royal Family of Travancore. Shri Padmanabha Swamy Temple is one of the must-visit places to visit in Trivandrum.
While visiting this temple, please keep in mind that they follow a strict dress code. Men have to wear mundu, the traditional white dhoti of Malayalee people. Women are supposed to wear the traditional white Kerala saree or drape a mundu around their waist over whatever they are already wearing. This temple is sacred for Hindus from across the nation making it unmissable for tourists.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 03:30 AM to 12:00 PM,Monday to Sunday from 05:00 PM to 08:30 PM
- Major Attractions: Gopuram and the idol of Lord Vishnu
- Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
- Things to Do: Relish the delicious prasadam and seek blessings
Kovalam Beach
The pristine beach of Kovalam is a quintessential Trivandrum attraction. This iconic beach is popular among locals and foreigners alike. For those who are fans of sunbathing, there are very few better options than Kovalam Beach to be at in India. The lighthouse at Kovalam Beach is an excellent vantage point that offers breathtaking views of the Laccadive Sea. Nearby this beach, you will find a large number of luxurious resorts and hotels that offer comfortable stay at a serene location. Kovalam Beach is without a doubt one of the best tourist places in Trivandrum.
Kovalam witnessed an influx of foreign tourists, mostly hippies, during the late seventies. This led to the popularity of Kovalam increasing massively among foreign travelers. Whether for spending a lazy afternoon lying on the beach or for swimming in the sea, visiting Kovalam Beach is highly recommended. Kovalam Beach is one of Trivandrum’s most famous places.
- Best Time to Visit Kovalam Beach: October to May
- Major Attractions: Lighthouse
- Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 to 2 Hour
- Things to do: Sunbathing
Napier Museum
Napier Museum is a popular art and natural history museum situated in the heart of Trivandrum. The Napier Museum’s grounds are also home to the Trivandrum Zoo. The Napier Zoo was established as part of the Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma’s plan to make Trivandrum a popular tourist attraction. It was only after establishing the museum that the idea of adding a zoo was coined to make the area more popular. Napier Museum is also home to Shree Chithira Art Gallery that is home to famous artworks by legendary artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Rabindranath Tagore, V. S. Valiathan, and K. C. S. Paniker.
The Napier Museum’s collection is awe-inspiring. Temple chariots, medieval weapons, idols, ornaments, and various other historical artifacts are on display here. Originally a building was built on the site in 1857. A new and betted museum building was raised at the site during the rule of Ayilyam Thirunal in 1874. The Napier Museum is one of the top places to visit in Trivandrum.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 04:45 PM
- Major Attractions: Historical artifacts on display here
- Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 to 2 Hours
- Things to do: Learn about local history and culture
Trivandrum Zoo
It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Trivandrum Zoo is one of the best in the country. This is also one of the oldest zoos in India. Trivandrum Zoo was first opened to the public in 1857. Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma, and General Cullen deserve equal credit for the establishment of this iconic zoo. The diverse animals that are residents of this zoo attract a large number of visitors every year. A total of 82 species of animals can be admired at the Trivandrum Zoo. This zoo is one of the best places for sightseeing in Trivandrum.
Giraffes, Hippos, Cape buffalos, Asian elephants, Indian rhinoceros, and Nilgiri langurs are the star attractions of the Trivandrum Zoo. This zoo is also home to a reptile house. At the reptile house, inside glass cases, you can see a wide range of venomous and non-venomous reptiles. The reptile house is also home to as many as seven anacondas.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 05:15 PM
- Major Attractions: Lion & Tiger enclosures. The Reptile House.
- Ideal Duration to Explore: 2 to 3 Hours
- Things to do: Admire and learn about all types of animals and reptiles
Vellayani Lake
This massive lake situated in the district of Trivandrum is truly a slice of heaven. The serene and calm waters of this lake reflect the golden sky during sunset. During this time, the view is mesmerizing making it a must-visit for tourists. The interesting fact about Vellayani Lake is that it is the largest freshwater lake in the district. It is also locally known as Vellayani Kayal. Taking the boat ride from Vellayani Lake to Kovalam Beach, or vice versa is highly recommended. During this boat trip, you can explore the beauty of the Vellayani Lake up, close, and personal.
Such is the beauty of the Vellayani Lake that it is also referred to as the mini Kovalam by locals. A boat race taking place here during the Malayalee festival of Onam is a popular cultural and sporting event for the locals. For those looking to seek solace amidst nature away from the madness of the city, Vellayani Lake is one of the best places to visit in Trivandrum.
- Best Time to Visit Vellayani Lake: Throughout the year
- Major Attractions: Boat ride
- Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 to 2 Hours
- Things to do: Take in the beauty of nature
Ponmudi
This panoramic hill station in Trivandrum is a true nature’s wonder. The many hiking trails here offer the perfect setting for admiring nature from a close distance. The more you explore the trails at Ponmudi, the more nature unveils itself, and the more you will be. The cool and pleasant climate at Ponmudi makes it a popular weekend getaway. There are numerous hotels and resorts dotted across Ponmudi. If you are thinking of spending a night at Ponmudi, you won’t have trouble finding accommodation of your choice. Known as the Kashmir of Kerala, Ponmudi is one of the top tourist places to visit in Trivandrum.
Situated in the Peringamala Gram Panchayat, Ponmudi is relatively cool throughout the year. The average temperature here is between 18 to 25 degrees Celcius. Varayadumotta is the tallest peak of Ponmudi. In your itinerary, Ponmudi must be one of the top places to see in Trivandrum during your visit.
- Best Time to Visit Ponmud: October to March
- Major Attractions: Beautiful trails and lush greenery
- Idea Duration to Explore: 4 to 5 Hours
- Things to do: Explore the trails and take in the view from the hilltop
Varkala
This seaside town is a global tourist attraction. From beautiful cliffs and pristine beaches to adventure and water sports, this quaint town in Trivandrum offers something for everyone. While at Varkala, you can catch the waves using a surfboard or watch the sunset from one of the many beaches here. Varkala is without doubt one of the most beautiful places in Trivandrum.
Varkala is also home to Sree Narayana Guru Mutt where believers from across the country visit in large numbers. Exploring numerous popular restaurants and cafes serving local delicacies, seafood and international delights is a must while in Varkala. You can also indulge in various fun activities like Kayaking at the Kappil Lake or explore the mangroves on a country boat.
- Best Time to Visit Varkala: October to March
- Major Attractions: Cliff, beaches and cafes
- Ideal Duration to Explore: 6-8 Hours
- Things to do: Surfing, kayaking, boating, beach walking
Veli Tourist Village
Veli Tourist Village boasts a beautiful lake and a clean beach where you can relax and watch the sunset. The Veli Tourist Village also boasts a children’s park, a floating cafe, and larger-than-life sculptures. Families and couples can be seen enjoying a nice picnic on a sunny day during your visit to the Veli Tourist Village. Thus, making this a popular picnic spot as well as a tourist attraction.
You can rent different types of boats like pedal boats, paddle boats, or even speed boats at reasonable rates during your visit here. Truly one of the best places to visit in Trivandrum, Veli Tourist Village lies where the lake meets the Arabian Sea.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:00 AM to 06:30 PM
- Major Attractions: Lake, floating cafe, and children’s pak
- Ideal Duration to Explore: 3 to 4 Hours
- Things to do: Boating
Beemapally Dargah Shareef, situated in the Beemapally neighborhood, is one of the most important religious destinations in Trivandrum. The tomb of Beema Beevi, who is believed to be from Prophet Mohammed’s family, is situated at this mosque. Although an Islamic religious site, people from all religions and beliefs visit Beemapally Dargah Shareef in large numbers.
The annual festival of Beemapally called urus is a huge cultural and religious festival. This festival marks the death anniversary of Beema Beevi and lasts for as many as 10 days. Devotees and believers from across the country visit this mosque in large numbers during urus. One of the interesting facts about Beemapally Dargah Shareef is that the architect behind the marvelous design is a Hindu. His name is G Gopalakrishnan and he has designed numerous mosques across Kerala. Beemappally is one of the must-visit places in Trivandrum.
- Best Time to Visit Beemapally: Throughout the year
- Major Attractions: Tomb of Beema Beevi. The wonderful architecture.
- Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Pryadarsini Planetarium
For exploring the beauty beyond our world, paying a visit to the iconic Priyadarsini Planetarium is highly recommended. While here, you can enjoy a show at the planetarium’s world-class auditorium without having to burn a hole in your pocket. The shows are held in both Malayalam and English language. Apart from this, you can also watch a 4-D show at a smaller auditorium for an extra fee. Priyadarsini Planetarium is one of the most interesting places to visit in Trivandrum.
Priyadarsini Planetarium boasts a GM-11 star field projector which is one of the best in the world. The projection of the skies made using the GM-11 is high definition. Take a ride of the universe at Priyadarsini Planetarium while at Trivandrum. Whether a solo traveler, traveling with family, or your better half, you can enjoy watching a show and Priyadarsini Planetarium and get enlightened.
- Opening Hour: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday from 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM
- Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
- Things to do: Watch the show explaining the origins of our universe
Trivandrum is one of the best places to be in Kerala. Everything from the city life to the tourist attractions here is worth exploring. The capital city of Kerala has a charm of its own that will leave you impressed. Once you visit Trivandrum, you will want to keep coming back again and again to this wonderful city.
FAQ
Which is the best time to visit Trivandrum?
The best time to visit Trivandrum is between October to March.
Why is Trivandrum famous?
Trivandrum is famous for its stunning beaches, temples, palaces and mosques. Trivandrum is also famous for being the capital of Kerala.
How can I spend my day in Trivandrum?
You can spend a day in Trivandrum relishing local food, shopping, and exploring the beaches and tourist attractions.