9+ Best Places to visit in Trivandrum

The capital city of Kerala – Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram, has many wonderful tourist places that will make your Kerala tour even more exciting.

It not only has some of the premier tourist attractions of Kerala but also some regal places located nearby.

Trivandrum in its heart is a quintessential South Indian city, that will show you the best of Kerala.

Here are the places you must visit on your Kerala tour in Trivandrum:

Napier Museum

The iconic museum in Trivandrum was named after the former Governor-General of Madras- Lord Napier. Located right in the heart of the city, this Kerala sightseeing site will show you the architectural wonders of the colonial era.

It is a famous landmark due to its red and pink tiles.If you can peel your eyes away from the wonders of the architecture, then walk inside and you will find exquisite artefacts. From traditional musical instruments, lamps, textiles, bronze and stone paintings, this museum is brimming with wonders.

Visiting Time: 10 am to 5 pm.

Kuthiramalika Palace

Next on your Kerala Tour in Trivandrum, you will witness the beauty of the Kuthiramalika Palace, which translates to ‘The Palace Of Horses’. As soon as you look at the palace, you will realise why it is called so. It has 122 wood-carved horses that adorn the palace complex. It is a sight to behold.

Located right next to the Padmanabhasway Temple, this palace is an exceptional wooden structure, brimming with cravings and etchings. The entire Kuthiramalika Palace is not open to the public. It has been converted into a museum.

The highlights of the Kuthiramalika Palace lies in its architecture. The mesmerising wood architecture, the huge roofs, the corridors with intricate carvings and the wooden pillars, all give it a gorgeous and royal feel. This type of architecture is famous in the Southern Part of India. Try and count all the 122 houses that adorn the Kuthiramalika Palace.

Inside the Kuthiramalika Palace, you will also find a museum which has a rich collection of ancient artefacts and vintage pieces, all belonging to the erstwhile rulers. You can opt for a guided tour which will take you through the different eras in this museum.

There are many wonderful artefacts like the Ivory Throne, swords, ceramic artefacts, paintings of the royal family, pottery and utensils, chandeliers and many such items that will introduce you the past

Visiting Time: 8:30 am to 1 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Kanakakkunnu Palace

Built during the rule of Sree Moolam Thirunal Maharaja, this gorgeous Kanakakkunnu Palace is your next stop on your Kerala Tour. This palace was initially meant to be a guest house, with lush green meadows and hills that surround this place. The architecture is so brilliant, that it has become a landmark for Kerala.

With red and white pillars and huge roofs, the Kanakakkunnu Palace will amaze you with its royalty. The Kanakakkunnu Palace houses several cultural events in the city as well. If you wish to witness some of them, then check the calendars or ask your tour guide.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

One of the top attractions on your Kerala trip will be the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Often called the Crown Jewel of Thiruvananthapuram, this stunning shrine is devoted to Mahavishnu or Adi Vishnu. Once you enter this regal shrine on your Trivandrum sightseeing you will find the image of Mahavishnu in black stone.

One of the many reasons that this temple is iconic is for its giant wealth hidden in the vaults of the temple. While you cannot see or even know the exact amount, but you can the wealth that adorns the walls. The murals of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is not only colourful but also depicts many tales of the past and the Indian epics.

This temple is part of one of the 108 temples in the world that are devoted to Vishnu.

The dress code for this temple is a Mundu, which is a white cloth when around the waist. However, women wearing sarees do not have to put this Mundu on.

East Fort

The East Fort only remains in ruins of the Eastern Gate. There is nothing much to it, but it is still worth witnessing and you can also imagine the kind of giant and regal fort that once stood here.

Sri Chitra Art Gallery

One of the most prolific and famous painters in India, Raja Ravi Verma is a huge icon in Kerala. You will find him frequently mentioned on your Kerala tour in Trivandrum. His journey started from Kerala, under the patronage of Maharaja of Baroda. If you wish to see his early works then Trivandrum is the best place.

Visit the Sri Chitra Gallery, which is an old colonial-style building. This gallery has a bustling collection of his paintings. You will also find the works of Tagore and Jamini Roy all under this one roof.

Spend some time here, especially if you are painting lover.

Kovalam Beach

If you visit Trivandrum and skip the beaches then are you even in Trivandrum. Kovalam Beach is one of the most surreal and tranquil beaches. It is brimming with coconut trees and little shacks that make it lively and joyful. Tourists and locals both come to this beach.

Walk towards the Vizhinjam lighthouse and you will find a more secluded part of the beach. If you come here early in the morning, then you can also be privy to the beautiful sight of the fishermen laying their nets.

Just sit on the cool sand and watch as the waves of the sea softly touch your feet and go on their way.

Shankumugham Beach

Another popular beach on your Trivandrum sightseeing, Shankumugham Beach. This beach is extremely important. The main deity of Sri Padmanabhaswamy comes here in a procession which is headed by the Travancore Royal Family.

Day Tours From Trivandrum

Kanyakumari

One of the most popular days trips from Trivandrum, Kanyakumari is a famous tourist spot. Known for the Vivekananda Rock memorial, this Kerala sightseeing site is historic and marvellous.

You can also choose to stay here for a night. You can witness the gorgeous sunset and sunrise over the confluence of Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. The confluence is so pronounced that you can see the three different colours going together as if it were a painting.

Ponmudi Hills

Located near Trivandrum you can easily come here for a half-day tour. Ponmudi Hill is exceptionally stunning. From the drive to the views, the Ponmudi Hills are mesmerising in every way and will make your Kerala Tour even more alluring. With each winding turn and the layers of hills that keep increasing, the Ponmudi hills will amaze you.

Trivandrum is the pride of Kerala and should feature on your Kerala tour. This capital city will not only show you its historic and cultural aspects but also make you fall for its beaches and hills. Come here for a memorable and scenic vacation.