If you are planning to explore the enchanting city of Thiruvananthapuram, this guide is going to come in handy. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and a dash of spiritual serenity, this capital city invites travelers to embark on a journey of discovery. Feel the gentle breeze caress your face as you wander through the beautiful streets adorned with majestic palaces, ornate temples, and bustling markets.
Lose yourself in the tranquility of pristine beaches, where turquoise waters meet golden sands. Indulge your taste buds with the tantalizing flavors of authentic Kerala cuisine. Thiruvananthapuram promises an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul. Join us as we unveil the hidden treasures and must-visit places in this city, where every moment feels like a cherished memory.
Must-Visit Places in Thiruvananthapuram
1. Kovalam Beach
Begin your Thiruvananthapuram vacation by visiting the famous Kovalam Beach. This popular destination has the ideal combination of sun, sand, and surf, making it one of the best places to visit in Trivandrum. Spend the day soaking in the sun’s rays, cooling off in crystal-clear waters, or participating in thrilling water activities like surfing or parasailing. As the sun sets, the beach transforms into a bustling hub with beachside eateries.
How to reach: To go to Kovalam, take a taxi, cab, or vehicle from Trivandrum. Everything, from shared cabs to automobile rentals, is accessible from Trivandrum. Kovalam is also accessible by direct and regular bus services from Thiruvananthapuram.
2. Napier Museum and Zoo
Visit the Napier Museum and Zoo for a day of exploration and adventure. This historic Napier museum, located in the center of Thiruvananthapuram, provides a look into Kerala’s rich cultural past. Admire the magnificent collection of artifacts, which includes antique sculptures, bronze idols, and breathtaking paintings.
After taking in the cultural spectacle, head to the nearby zoo, home to a broad range of creatures such as lions, tigers, elephants, and more. In this unique blend of history and environment, stroll through the beautiful green surrounds, spot wildlife, and capture fun-filled moments with your friends.
Entry tickets for Napier Museum:
- INR 10 for people above 12 years
- INR 5 for people below 12 years & above 5 years
- INR 25 for Family ticket which includes father, mother, and two children
- INR 100 for Group which includes 35 students and two teachers
Timings: The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays.
Entry tickets for Napier Zoo:
- INR 20 for people above 12 years
- INR 5 for people below 12 years & above 5 years
- INR 40 for a Family ticket which includes father, mother, and two children
- INR 200 for Group which includes 35 students and two teachers
Timings: The zoo is open from 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays.
How to reach: You can take a bus to Trivandrum Bus Station, the nearest bus station, around 4 km from the museum and the zoo. You can easily take an auto, cab, or cycle rickshaw to travel further.
3. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Take an exciting wildlife trip to the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary while visiting Thiruvananthapuram. This large reserve provides a magnificent location for nature lovers and adventurers. You can explore the deep forests, lush valleys, and tranquil rivers while witnessing elephants, tigers, leopards, and rare bird species.
You can also participate in adventure activities such as boating, trekking, or wildlife safaris. Immerse yourself in nature’s serenity, take beautiful pictures, and make lasting memories in the untamed splendor of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Entry tickets:
- INR 250 for Adults
- INR 125 for Children (5 to 12 years)
- INR 5 for Children (Below 5 years)
- INR 300 for Foreign Tourists
Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays. How to reach: You can take a bus to Neyyar Dam bus station, the nearest bus station, around 1.4 km from Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. You can easily take an auto, cab, or cycle rickshaw to travel further.
4. Sri Chitra Art Gallery
Sri Chitra Art Gallery will most certainly bring out your lost interest in art and paintings. The Sri Chitra Art Gallery houses the works of many notable painters from all over the world including Rajput, Mughal, and Tanjore school paintings and pieces from China, Japan, Tibet, and Bali.
The art gallery also displays some intriguing modern Indian paintings. The gallery is also known for the works of Ravi Varma, Svetoslav, and Nicholas Roerich.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except Wednesday, when it is open from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The gallery is closed on Mondays.
Entry ticket:
- INR 20 for a person above 12 years
- INR 5 for a person below 12 years and above 5 years
- INR 40 for a family ticket (Father, Mother, and Two Children)
- INR 150 for Group (35 students and 2 teachers)
How to reach: You can take a bus to Thampanoor bus station, the nearest bus station, around 3 km from the Sri Chitra Art Gallery. You can easily take an auto, cab, or cycle rickshaw to travel further.
5. Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Visit the beautiful Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the most peaceful places to visit in Trivandrum. This temple is a testimony to the city’s religious tradition, with its complex construction, high gopuram (temple tower), and spiritual air. Explore the temple complex’s grandeur, which is embellished with magnificent sculptures and murals illustrating Hindu mythology.
You can witness the heavenly ceremonies and seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings here. The temple’s quiet environment and spiritual importance give a tranquil sanctuary for meditation and bonding with your companions on a meaningful trip.
Visiting hours: All days from 3:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
How to reach: You can take a bus to Thampanoor bus station, the nearest bus station, around 1 km from the temple. You can easily take an auto, cab, or cycle rickshaw to the temple from there.
6. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
The Attukal Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is an amazing place to visit with your family. It is known as the “Sabarimala of Women,” and it holds the Guinness World Record for the greatest yearly assembly of women for the Pongala celebration.
This is a beautiful temple devoted to the Goddess Bhadrakali, one of the many manifestations of Goddess Mahakali. The tranquil environment, elaborate architecture, and colorful festivals of the temple make it an enthralling location. Attukal Temple, with its rich cultural legacy and deep religious importance, provides a remarkable experience for the entire family to appreciate.
Visiting hours: The temples is open all days from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
How to reach: The nearest bus station is the Attukal Bus stop, 650 m from the temple. You can then easily take an auto, cab, or cycle rickshaw to the temple.
7. Shankumugham Beach
Shangumugham Beach in Thiruvananthapuram is ideal for a romantic getaway. Stroll along the golden dunes with your partner as the soft waves crash on your feet. As the sun sets, locate a comfortable position to watch the sky turn into a kaleidoscope of colors. You can enjoy a peaceful picnic or a beach meal while savoring the fresh seafood specialties.
Don’t forget to capture romantic moments with your partner against the backdrop of the famed Jalakanyaka (mermaid) sculpture on Shangumugham Beach.
How to reach: The nearest bus station is the central bus station, Thiruvananthapuram, which is around 7 km away from the beach. You can then easily take an auto, cab, or cycle rickshaw to the island.
8. Poovar Island
Escape to Poovar Island, a quiet haven where you and your partner may immerse in tranquility and natural beauty. You can stay in either floating or land cottages at the lovely Kerala Ayurvedic Resort and take a boat trip through the palm-fringed shores of the enchanting backwaters. Poovar Island is a hidden treasure that offers solitude, tranquillity, and the ideal setting for a romantic holiday.
Poovar also boasts a fishing town, the Thirparappu Falls, local shopping in the markets, and boat trips through the backwaters. If you want to witness the beauty of the Arabian Sea, this is one of the best places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram for that.
How to reach: The nearest bus station is the Poovar Station which is around 190 m away from the island. You can then take a walk, an auto, cab, or cycle rickshaw to the island.
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s lively capital city, provides varied experiences for all types of travelers. Thiruvananthapuram offers something unique, whether you’re exploring with friends, spending quality time with family, or looking for a romantic retreat with your partner. This city never fails to capture and inspire, from the sun-kissed beaches of Kovalam and Shankumugham to the rich cultural legacy of the Napier Museum or Padmanabhaswamy Temple. So pack your bags, travel on a memorable adventure, book your flights, buses and trains with Paytm. Get wonderful deals and discounts, and let Thiruvananthapuram work its magic!
