Top Tourist Attractions in Trivandrum

Best Things To Do in Trivandrum, India

Are you looking for what to do in Trivandrum?

THINGS TO SEE

There are manytourist places to see in Kerala and Trivandrum is no exception.

  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple: One of the most famous and rich temples in India, there are many theories as to its actual consecration eventhough it is mentioned in Bhagwad Gita.
  • Napier Museum: Opened in 1880, the Napier Museum is a natural history and art museum showcasing rare archaeological artefacts.
  • Thiruvananthapuram Zoo: The zoo is the oldest zoo in Asia and is spread across 55 acres. The original zoo was opened in 1857.
  • Kovalam Beach: One of the most popular beaches in Kerala, Kovalam beach offers a tranquil yet refreshing ambience of the sand, the sea, and the sun.

THINGS TO DO

  • Ayurvedic Massage: There are many budget friendly as well as luxurious Ayurvedic centers here which offer holistic healing.
  • Explore Backwaters of Kerala: Poovar is a small village on the southern tip of Trivandrum and is popular for its Backwater tours of Kerala.
  • Watch a Kalari Duel: Kalaripayattu, the ancient form of traditional martial arts is still kept alive in some schools in the city.

Nightlife

  • Nightlife in Trivandrum has a different definition than clubs and pubs. The nightlife includes long walks by the beaches, or catching a movie at a theatre or simply exploring the flavors of the city at its restaurants.

Shopping

There are many small shops around the city where you can explore the local markets. Brand outlets and Malls are common on M.G road and the urban city center.

  • Chalai Bazaar: The Old Town Bazaar is perfect for buying traditional saris and small ethnic trinkets.
  • Sarwaa: If you want to buys handicrafts, head to Sarwaa to buy small handmade gifts.
  • Silk Saris: You can buy Silk Saris at Kalyan Silk near East Fort or Karalkada.

Below we have a list of things to do in Trivandrum and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Trivandrum getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Trivandrum with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Trivandrum

Here is the list of things to do in Trivandrum and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple

    4.7 (4237 Votes)
    Padmanabhaswamy Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Architecture

    One of the most popular and richest temples in India, the Pandmanabhaswamy Temple is known for its number of devotees and its massive treasure unearthed in 2011. Perhaps the most mysterious of Indian temples, the Padmanabhaswamy temple still has vaults which are unknown to anyone but the royal family of Travancore and its controversies change with every story. On a spiritual note, the Temple is...Read more

  2. Poovar Island Resort

    4.3 (1175 Votes)
    Poovar Island Resort

    Bar, Food And Drinks, Dine In, Leisure

    If you want to experience Kerala in a nutshell, then head to the Poovar Island Resort. Located along the backwaters, the Poovar Island Resort offers accommodation with scenic views, lip-smacking food, and special Ayurvedic treatment packages- all under one roof! Stay in the rustic cottages overlooking the pristine backwaters, head for a rejuvenating massage to later dine at Tiffins (in house re...Read more

  3. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

    4.5 (2499 Votes)
    Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

    Zoo, Bird Watching

    Spread across 55 acres, the Thiruvananthapuram zoo built in the 19th century is the oldest zoo in Asia and is home to more than 80 species of animals! Interact with the well-loved animals and admire their beauty as you walk through the greens or simply carry a camera to capture the animals in their regal best! From birds like Ostrich’s, Pelicans, Vultures to animals like White tiger,&nbs...Read more

  4. Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple

    4.7 (1279 Votes)
    Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    The Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple is known for its unique Ganesh Idol who has his right knee folded and is in the seated position. The black colored building of the temple with accents of gold stand out amidst the hustle bustle of the street and is known for being crowded during the auspicious days in India. Do carry a husked coconut here and break it near the idol- a loved ritual here. This si...Read more

  5. Napier Museum

    4.4 (1819 Votes)
    Napier Museum

    Art Museum, History Museum, Landmark, Exhibition

    The Napier Museum building is just as interesting as the exhibits showcased inside. The beautiful 19th century architecture of the building with gothic elements and natural air-conditioning technique makes it a famous landmark in Trivandrum. The exhibits showcase a rare collection of archaeological artifacts including ancient bronze idols, ornaments, carved Ivory art pieces and a temple chariot...Read more

  6. Shangumugham Beach

    4.3 (1809 Votes)
    Shangumugham Beach

    Beach, Park, Statue, Coffee House

    A good way to spend a couple of hours in the city, the Shangumugham Beach is perhaps the most popular beach in Trivandrum after Kovalam beach. The iconic 35 feet mermaid statue is not easy to miss and the beautiful park adjacent to the beach is perfect for children to run around. Shangumughan Beach has loads to offer. During the Arattu Day, the idols form Padmanabhaswamy Temple are brought here...Read more

  7. Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple

    4.6 (994 Votes)
    Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    2000 years old, the Sree Janardhan Swamy Temple is a favorite tourist spot for its sheer history. The temple faces the Papanasam beach which adds to its spiritual ambience. The main Idol of the temple is of Vishnu’s avatar- Janardhana Swamy. Do notice the conical Copper dome and square shaped pavilion with exquisite wooden carvings of the Navgrahas (9 planets).An ancient inscription datin...Read more

  8. Attukal Temple

    4.7 (1138 Votes)
    Attukal Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    The Attukal Temple is a part of the Guinness book of World Records for the largest women gathering festival in the world and is popular for its annual ‘Pongal’ festival which is unique as the rituals are don’t only by women. Legends tell the story of the Goddess Bhagwathy appearing in front of an old man of a reputable family as a small girl. The man helped the small girl cros...Read more

  9. Ponmudi Hill Station

    4.6 (612 Votes)
    Ponmudi Hill Station

    Outdoors, View Point, Hill, Nature

    Located almost 55 kilometers away from Trivandrum city, Ponmudi Hill station is perfect for the nature-seeking traveler who truly loves the mountain air and the enthralling sights which come with it! Monsoon changes the Ponmudi Hills to its best- rivulets flowing through the electric green canvas of trees, beautiful birds all around and the cleanest air you can possibly breathe. The hills are f...Read more

  10. Shri Chitra Art Gallery

    4.3 (664 Votes)
    Shri Chitra Art Gallery

    Art And Culture, Art Museum, Art Gallery

    Opened in the 1930’s, Shri Chitra Art Gallery is more of an art museum. The place has some of the oldest and popular paintings from famous personalities in kerala. No matter what side of art you want to see- ancient murals or modern trending works of regional artists, the place offers the best of both worlds. Highlights include: Century old painting of Raja Ravi Varma. Four hundred year ...Read more

  11. Puthenmalika Palace

    4.5 (371 Votes)
    Puthenmalika Palace

    Historical Site, Palace, Architecture , Heritage Building

    Putenmalika, better known as Kuthiramalika and ‘Horse Palace’ is located in the royal area of Trivandrum near the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The name ‘Horse Palace’ is synonym with the place for its 122 horses carved in the building which embellish the southern roof of the palace. The Palace was constructed in a short 4 years by 5000 workers! Highlights include: Independen...Read more

  12. Sarwaa Specialty Shop

    4.4 (1481 Votes)
    Sarwaa Specialty Shop

    Book Shop, Specialty Shop

    An eclectic lifestyle shop at the heart of the city, Sarwaa is popular among tourists and locals alike for its traditional taste and modern designs. Whether you want to shops for jewelry, books and stationary, art pieces, lanterns, show pieces or simply want to shop for clothes, the place has it all! When in Trivandrum, do try their special organic products including beauty buys and food items....Read more

  13. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

    4.2 (543 Votes)
    Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

    Wildlife Sanctuary

    Located 21 kilometers from Trivandrum’s Central railway station, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is perfect if you want to interact with the wild side of Kerala. The sanctuary is home to 39 species of mammals, 176 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 17 species of amphibians and 40 species of fishes! The whole sanctuary maintains and grows some of the rarest natural herbs and its lush gree...Read more

  14. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram

    4.5 (465 Votes)
    Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram

    Yoga Centre

    Yoga is synonym to India and Sivanada Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram offers one of the most intense Yoga experiences ever! The ashram was built in1959 by Swami Vishnudevananda and covers an area of 12 acres of lush green land. The ashram is perfect if you want to take a holistic experience and truly synchronize your physical, mental, and emotional personalities. The courses are handles by well...Read more

  15. Veli Tourist Village

    4.1 (981 Votes)
    Veli Tourist Village

    Outdoors, Village, Entertainment, Boating

    The Veli tourist village center is located close to the airport and is an ideal place for having a small picnic, boating, and to enjoy a relaxing view of the Arabian Sea. Highlights include a floating café, children’s park, speedboat/boating in the Veli lake and a swimming pool. Tourists love coming to Veli because of its majestic scenic beauty and the various local markets that ar...Read more