Thiruvananthapuram Sightseeing Places

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is a beautiful blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and modern amenities. This guide explores the top sightseeing places in Thiruvananthapuram, offering a comprehensive and SEO-optimized overview to help you plan your visit. Let’s dive into the top attractions that make Thiruvananthapuram a must-visit destination in Kerala.

1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a significant religious landmark in Thiruvananthapuram. This temple, with its intricate Dravidian architecture and immense historical importance, attracts devotees and tourists alike. The temple’s golden exterior and the idol of Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent Anantha are truly mesmerizing.

Timings: 3:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 7:20 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Dress Code: Strict dress code (men need to wear dhoti, women should wear saree)

2. Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach, known for its crescent-shaped coastline, is a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. It consists of three main beaches: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach. The 35-meter high lighthouse at the Lighthouse Beach offers stunning views of the coastline.

Best Time to Visit: September to March
Activities: Surfing, motorboat ride, Ayurvedic massage, catamaran cruising

3. Napier Museum

The Napier Museum, named after Lord Napier, houses a vast collection of archaeological and historical artifacts, including bronze idols, ancient ornaments, and a temple chariot. The museum’s architecture is a blend of Indian, Chinese, Kerala, and Mughal styles and features a natural air conditioning system.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 4:45 PM (Closed on Mondays and Wednesday forenoons)
Entry Fee: INR 10 for adults, INR 4 for children

4. Kanakakkunnu Palace

Kanakakkunnu Palace, built during the reign of Travancore King Sree Moolam Thirunal, is known for its architectural beauty. The palace grounds host various cultural events and festivals, including the All India Dance Festival.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

5. Shankumugham Beach

Located close to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Shankumugham Beach is famous for its white sandy beach, vast shoreline, and stunning sunset views. The beach also features the giant statue of a mermaid, known as ‘Sagarakanyaka.’

Best Time to Visit: Evening
Activities: Picnics, local eateries, sculpture viewing

6. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

One of the oldest zoos in India, the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is part of a well-maintained botanical garden and houses a variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. The spacious enclosures mimic the natural habitats of the animals.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: INR 20 for adults, INR 5 for children

7. Veli Tourist Village

Veli Tourist Village is a beautiful waterfront park where Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea. The park offers boating facilities, a children’s park, and a floating restaurant. The sculptures by Kanayi Kunhiraman add an artistic touch to the park.

Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 for adults, INR 5 for children
Activities: Pedal boating, swimming, horse riding

8. Ponmudi Hill Station

Located about 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi Hill Station offers stunning views, lush green landscapes, and a pleasant climate. It is a great place for trekking and hiking, with a variety of flora and fauna.

Best Time to Visit: November to March
Activities: Trekking, nature walks, sightseeing

9. Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary

Neyyar Dam, situated about 32 km from the city, is a popular picnic spot surrounded by lush greenery and serene water bodies. The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including a crocodile farm and a lion safari park.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 for adults, INR 5 for children
Activities: Boating, wildlife tours, picnicking

10. Agasthyakoodam

Agasthyakoodam, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, is located within the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Named after the sage Agastya, it is a popular trekking destination offering breathtaking views and rich biodiversity.

Best Time to Visit: December to April
Activities: Trekking, bird watching, nature exploration

11. Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, also known as Puthen Malika Palace, was built by Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the king of Travancore. The museum houses various artifacts, including royal family portraits, weapons, and musical instruments.

Timings: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: INR 20 for adults, INR 10 for children

12. Magic Planet

Magic Planet, a unique theme park dedicated to magic and illusions, is located in the KINFRA Film and Video Park. The park offers a variety of magic shows, illusion exhibits, and interactive activities, making it an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 490 for adults, INR 290 for children

13. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, is famous for the Attukal Pongala festival, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of women for a religious activity. The festival attracts millions of devotees from all over the world.

Timings: 4:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free

14. Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace, located about 60 km from Thiruvananthapuram, is a stunning example of traditional Kerala architecture. The palace complex includes several buildings, courtyards, and gardens. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including antique furniture, murals, and weapons.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: INR 10 for adults, INR 5 for children

15. Poovar Island and Shikara Cruise

Poovar Island, located about 27 km from Thiruvananthapuram, is a beautiful coastal village known for its serene backwaters and golden sand beaches. A Shikara cruise on the backwaters of Poovar offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to explore the lush greenery and tranquil waters.

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Activities: Shikara cruise, beach visits, backwater exploration

16. Kottur Elephant Rehabilitation Centre

Kottur Elephant Rehabilitation Centre is a unique sanctuary dedicated to the rehabilitation of elephants. Visitors can watch the elephants being bathed and fed, and even take part in feeding them. The center also offers an opportunity to learn about elephant conservation efforts.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 for adults, INR 5 for children

17. Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach, is a popular tourist destination located about 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The beach is famous for its cliffs, natural springs, and stunning sunsets. It is also a significant pilgrimage site, with the Janardhana Swamy Temple located nearby.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, Ayurvedic treatments, visiting the temple

18. Priyadarshini Planetarium

Priyadarshini Planetarium, located in the Kerala Science and Technology Museum, is one of the most sophisticated planetariums in India. It offers an immersive experience with its sky theater shows, providing a glimpse into the mysteries of the universe.

Timings: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: INR 40 for adults, INR 20 for children

19. Kerala Arts and Crafts Village

Kerala Arts and Crafts Village is an initiative to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Located near Kovalam, this village offers a platform for artisans to showcase their crafts, including pottery, weaving, and woodwork. Visitors can witness live demonstrations and purchase unique handmade products.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 50 for adults, INR 30 for children
Activities: Craft workshops, shopping, cultural performances

20. Shanghumugham Beach

Shanghumugham Beach, located near the city center, is a popular spot for locals and tourists. Known for its serene atmosphere and stunning sunsets, the beach is also home to the giant sculpture of a mermaid, ‘Sagarakanyaka,’ created by the famous artist Kanayi Kunjiraman.

Best Time to Visit: Evening
Activities: Beach walks, picnics, enjoying local snacks

21. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, situated on the Western Ghats, is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. The sanctuary is home to various species of animals, birds, and reptiles, and offers opportunities for trekking and bird watching.

Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 25 for adults, INR 5 for children
Activities: Wildlife spotting, trekking, nature photography

22. Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium

Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, located near Kovalam Beach, houses a variety of marine life, including rare species of fish, invertebrates, and corals. The aquarium’s main attraction is the Image Pearl Production technique, where visitors can watch the creation of pearls.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 20 for adults, INR 10 for children

23. Varkala Cliff

Varkala Cliff, located along the coast of Varkala Beach, offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. The cliff is lined with cafes, shops, and guesthouses, making it a popular spot for tourists. The natural springs at the base of the cliff are believed to have medicinal properties.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Activities: Sightseeing, dining, shopping

24. Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple

Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, located about 20 km from Thiruvananthapuram, is a historic temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and the famous ‘Ammachi Plavu,’ a jackfruit tree with a legend associated with it.

Timings: 4:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

Conclusion

Thiruvananthapuram, with its diverse range of attractions, offers a rich cultural and natural experience for visitors. From ancient temples and royal palaces to serene beaches and lush green hill stations, there is something for everyone in this charming city. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or someone looking to relax, Thiruvananthapuram has something to offer. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the stunning sights and sounds of this beautiful city.

Plan your trip to Thiruvananthapuram and create memories that will last a lifetime!

By following this detailed guide, you can ensure that your trip to Thiruvananthapuram is both enjoyable and memorable. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures and immerse yourself in the local culture for a truly enriching experience.