Thiruvananthapuram city is located in the South of Kerala and is the capital of Kerala - God's Own Country. Thiruvananthapuram translates into the "abode of Lord Anantha" in Malayalam. Proudly retaining its age-old charm, Thiruvananthapuram is an evergreen city spread over seven hills.

Sitting proudly at the southern tip of the Indian mainland, Thiruvananthapuram, sometimes known under its colonial name of Trivandrum, is the energetic capital of the state of Kerala. Nestled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, the city is spread across undulating coastal hills and crisscrossed with busy commercial alleys.

The ‘Evergreen City of India’ boasts intense green landscapes and public parks still carrying the captivating influences of British Colonial architecture. A combination of Keralite architectural traditions with British and Dravidian influences creates an eclectic and enticing ambiance.

This historical city has, in fact, been a trading post for spices, sandalwood, and ivory since the early centuries AD, and displays cultural influences from the Middle East, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands amongst others! Good food and Ayurveda complement this environment to perfection.

The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, sitting in the heart of the city, is devoted to the deity Lord Anantha. Exploring what Thiruvananthapuram tourism offers is a must for any visitor coming to South India.

ALSO SEE - Famous Temples In Kerala

There are several tourist places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram. Some of the major ones include Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, Akkulam Lake, Anchuthengu, Meenmutti Waterfall, Neyyar Dam, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Ponmudi, Poovar Island, Varkala, the famous Kovalam Beach.

Tourist Places in Thiruvananthapuram

Blessed with beautiful beaches, historical structures, and a palm-fringed coastline, Thiruvananthapuram has several tourist places that you can explore.

-> Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Built by Maharaja Marthanda Varma, this is one of the top tourist places in Thiruvananthapuram renowned for beauty and grandeur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Thiruvananthapuram Temple is an architectural marvel with some of the most stunning artwork ever seen. Embellished in gold-plated covering, Thiruvananthapuram temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams.

-> Thiruvananthapuram Zoo: Established in 1857 by Maharaja of Travancore, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in India home to about 82 species of animals which makes it one of the must-visit places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram.

-> Agasthyakoodam: Rested on the lap of Western Ghats, Agasthyakoodam is the second highest peak in Kerala that houses more than 2000 species of flora and fauna. Home to exotic birds and rare medicinal herbs, Agasthyakoodam is one of the unmissable Thiruvananthapuram tourist places for ornithologists.

-> Magic Planet: The Magic Planet claims to be the world’s first magic themed park and is one of the emerging Thiruvananthapuram tourist places. This enchanting place has a multitude of fascinating activities that char visitors.

-> Vellayani Lake: Located about 7 km from Kovalam, set amidst abundant flora and fauna, Vellayani Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Thiruvananthapuram. Known for its unique ecosystem, Vellayani Lake is one of the finest places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram.

-> Napier Museum: Built in the 19th century, Napier Museum is one of the tourist places in Thiruvananthapuram that symbolises Kerala’s rich cultural heritage containing a host of historical artifacts. 

-> Sri Chitra Art Gallery: Established in 1935, the main attraction of Sri Chitra Art Gallery is the famous work of Raja Ravi Verma depicting Indian lives in his western style of painting. This art gallery tops the list of Thiruvananthapuram tourist places for art lovers.

-> Shanghumukham Beach: Owing to close proximity with the airport and beautiful mermaid structure called Sagara Kanya, Shanghumukham Beach is one of the best places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram to spend a calm day amidst charming Take-A-Break restaurant and classic Old Coffee House.

-> Mall of Travancore: Developed by Malabar Developers, Mall of Travancore is the first shopping mall in Trivandrum. Covering an area of 700000 square feet, this shopping mall is one of the finest tourist places in Thiruvananthapuram to experience shopping, dining and entertainment under one roof. 

When in Trivandrum, you can engage in several relaxing and fun activities. Some of these include:

• Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Embark on a thrilling jungle safari amid undisturbed wilderness
• Neyyar Dam - Go fishing and boating in a scenic lake
• Paravur backwaters - Row kayaks through dense mangroves
• Chalai Market - Go on a shopping spree for local handicrafts
• Ayushmanbhava Ayurvedic Centre - Relax with a Spa session
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse - Gaze at the panoramic cityscapes of Trivandrum
• Valiyathura Pier - Take a relaxing walk
• Kanakakunnu Palace - Step back in history and see how the royalty lived!
• Samudra Beach - Chill on the warm sand and watch gorgeous sunsets
• Margi Theatre - Watch dazzling Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances
• Meenmutty Waterfalls - Trek to a paradisiacal cascade hidden in lush foliage
• Kanyakumari - Take a scenic road trip to the southernmost tip of India via the East Coast road
• Academy of Mountaineering & Adventure Sports (AMAS) - Enjoy skydiving over the charming landscapes of Trivandrum

ALSO SEE - Best Beaches Near Trivandrum

Thiruvananthapuram is also an ideal location for medical tourism. There are hundreds of recognized Ayurvedic centers in and around the city offering a range of Ayurvedic treatments, Spa therapies, and wellness programs for holistic healing. The best time to visit Trivandrum for Ayurvedic treatments is the monsoon season.