Thiruvananthapuram
The revered capital city of Kerala famous for the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Thiruvananthapuram Photos & Images
About Thiruvananthapuram
Attractions
Temples, Zoo
Best Season
All Season Destination
Ideal Duration
2 days
Languages
Malayalam, Tamil
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.
Popular Questions About Thiruvananthapuram
Best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram
Plan your trip during best season to experience the best of this stunning destination
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Thiruvananthapuram is the best of all worlds, with beach glamour, cultural and historical landmarks, and bountiful nature in and around the city. It is an all-season destination, whether you want to sightsee, lounge at the beach, or engage in outdoor adventures.
Owing to its iconic location in the Arabian Sea, Thiruvananthapuram weather is constant almost throughout the year. Choose your trip duration based on the type of holiday you’re after, and enjoy this beautiful city!
The monsoon season spans from June through to October. Torrential rain and widespread flooding make this an imprudent time to undertake outdoor adventure activities, but it’s the perfect period to take advantage of off-season prices and explore the cultural delights of Thiruvananthapuram. The humidity brought by the rains breaks up the dry heat of summer.
September, at the tail end of the monsoon season, is the ideal time to visit. Prices are still low in this off-season, but the mountains, forests, and waterfalls are at the peak of their luscious green beauty.
The period of August/September is marked by the Onam Harvest Festival with Snake Boat Races where villagers compete against each other in beautifully handcrafted boats.
The weather is cooler and drier between October and February. November onward, Thiruvananthapuram temperature dips to 18°C or below. While this is the perfect time to visit beaches, beware of the peak season prices from December to January, as well as larger crowds.
Between March and May, Kerala’s summer hits its peak, with sweltering, dry heat conditions that aren't ideal for doing anything. Touring around Thiruvananthapuram and visiting the many attractions will be a little uncomfortable. The average Thiruvananthapuram temperature during summer is 35°C. However, a few pre-monsoon showers in April and May usually break up the heat and prices dip.
The best time to visit the capital state of Kerala is from October to March as Thiruvananthapuram weather remains pleasant during this time.
How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram is home to Kerala's first international airport and is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad through a complex network of flights.
With its own train station, Trivandrum receives regular rail traffic from different corners of the country, especially cities and towns like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore, among others.
Taxis and cabs on hire are also available throughout the city including the airport and the train station for easy and comfortable commute. KSRTC-operated buses run in great numbers across the metropolitan while also connecting it to other cities around Kerala. Travelers mostly opt to commute by local transport to explore Thiruvananthapuram tourism at economical rates.
By Flight
Thiruvananthapuram has its own airport, the Trivandrum International Airport, which is connected via direct flights to the Middle East, Singapore, Maldives, Sri Lanka as well as seasonal charter flights to Europe. Established in 1932, Thiruvananthapuram Airport was the first airport in the beautiful state of Kerala. It’s also well-connected to major cities within India by regular domestic flights. Spread over an area of 700 acres, Thiruvananthapuram Airport is situated about 3.7 km from the city center. The nearest bus stop is quite a long walk away, so pre-booked taxis and cabs are your best options for reaching your accommodation in Trivandrum after landing here.
By Bus
Thiruvananthapuram also has its own train station, which is actually the third largest railway station in South India. Built during the reign of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, the Maharani of Travancore, Trivandrum Central is the largest Thiruvananthapuram railway station. It’s a major transport hub, so most trains along the west coast bound for Kerala halt here once. It’s very well-connected to all the major cities in the country. The Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station is also known for the range of amenities available within the premises. Trains are one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to travel around Kerala, and India in general. Buy your tickets online or at the train station, sit back, and enjoy the scenic trip through the breathtaking landscapes of Kerala.
By Train
There is also a long-distance bus station next to the train station. Buses connect Thiruvananthapuram to local towns and villages as well as larger cities like Kochi, Bangalore, Kozhikode, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, and Chennai. You can also opt for state-owned KSRTC buses or private coaches as they're a much more economical option as compared to cabs. However, do keep in mind that buses are likely to be overcrowded and uncomfortable if you are traveling with a lot of luggage.
Thiruvananthapuram Tourist Attractions
1
Kuthiramalika Palace
2
Neyyar Dam
3
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
4
Napier Museum (Arts & Crafts Museum)
5
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
6
Trivandrum Zoo
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Thiruvananthapuram Tourist Attractions
1
Kuthiramalika Palace
2
Neyyar Dam
3
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
4
Napier Museum (Arts & Crafts Museum)
5
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
6
Trivandrum Zoo
Thiruvananthapuram Travel Guide
What You Need To Pack For Kerala: The Essential Guide
New Year 2025 Celebrations in Kerala
Nearest Airport To Kanyakumari
Onam Festival 2024-Celebrations and the Legend of Mahabali
Veli Tourist Village Trivandrum- Entry Fee, Timings and Boating Details
North India or South India- Which is better to visit?
Trivandrum To Kanyakumari: A Scenic Journey To Land’s End!
📍Top 15 Places To Visit In Kerala In 2024 (With Map)
🎋 10 Most Famous Festivals In Kerala To Attend This Year
Thiruvananthapuram Tour Packages
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