Tourist Places to visit in Trivandrum : capital of Kerala State in southern India is Trivandrum. It attracts Indian and foreign tourists with its tranquil beaches backwaters hill stations & rich culture. It is one of India’s cleanest and quietest cities.The top 10 Trivandrum tourist destinations are:
Kovalam Beach
It is 16 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station and 10 km from airport. Trivandrum’s biggest tourist appeal is its lengthy beachfront with palms lighthouse & clear waters.
The 17 kilometer coastline has Light House Beach Hawah Beach & Samudra Beach separated by rocky projections. These three beaches combined constitute famed semi circular Kovalam Beach.
Light House Beach is located on top of Kurumkal mountain. It is built with stones and is 118 ft in height and gives elegance to beach with its repeated light beams during night. Hawah Beach is peaceful bay with blue sea and steep rock peninsula and is one of top tourist spots in Trivandrum.
It is fairly busy beach with activity of fisherman setting out for sea. Samudra Beach is bustling beach with local fisherman conducting their trade; thus it is not thronged by tourists.
Sunbathing herbal body toning & massage cultural activities catamaran cruising etc. are vacation possibilities. blazing tropical sun tans skin in minutes. beach activities begin late in evening and last late @ night.
The beach complex has budget hotel Ayurvedic health resort swimming pool commercial zone & Yoga & Ayurvedic centers.
Check out latest blog on Kollam Tourist Places Master Guide 2024
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
One of Trivandrum’s top tourist attractions is Padmanabhaswamy Temple sacred Hindu temple in city center. Marthanda Varma ruler of Travancore rebuilt 8th century temple in 1750.
Founded in 1566 gopuram. There is 100 foot 7 tier gopuram on tank.
365 1/4 granite stone pillars with sculptures line temple corridor. On hood of five headed serpent Lord Vishnu sleeps eternally. intricate temple architecture combines Chera and Dravidian traditions.
Men must wear dhoti and no shirt inside temple while women must wear saree.
Dharshana has set hours.
Shankumugham Beach
This beach is 7 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station and short drive from International Airport. One of Trivandrum’s top tourist spots. People visit in evening to see sunset Giant Mermaid statue & picnicking spots.Some take daytime breaks to enjoy breeze or beach view. children’s park and indoor recreation center are available.
Napier Zoo/Museum
The oldest zoological garden in India Trivandrum Zoo opened in 1857 on 55 acres and houses Napier Museum. It also contains Sree Chitra Art Gallery built in 1935 and is one of major tourist destinations in Trivandrum. entire complex is handled by Department of Museum and Zoos of Kerala. art and history museum is named after Lord Napier former Governor General of Madras. Madras Government consulting architect designed museum. Unique architecture and decoration include miraculous roof minarets & natural air conditioning.
Its historical and archaeological artifacts are exceptional. This collection comprises sculptures of bronze and stone wood and ivory carvings lamp textiles life size Kathakali characters handicraft items traditional musical instruments & other collections of several dynasties of South India.
Agasthyakoodam
One of Trivandrum’s biggest tourist attractions Agasthyakoodam or Agastya Mala is named after one of Sapta Rishis of Hindu Puranas who is said to still live on mountain. His devotees pilgrimage there to see his full size statue.
From January to mid March pilgrims can climb top. Agasthyakoodam popular hill station has uncommon medicinal herbs diversified flora and fauna & many wild animals like elephants Indian Gaurs Leopards Tigers Sloth Bears Sambar Deer & others.
Second highest hill station in Kerala and origin is Agasthyakoodam. Main rivers Thamirabarani and Karaman originate here. water of Karaman river serves demands of city.
It attracts birdwatchers and visitors can see about fifty reptiles and over 100 butterflies.
Poovar Island
The picturesque fishing village of Poovar is on Trivandrum’s southern tip. Historically it traded spice lumber sandal & ivory. Poovar Island is only accessible by sea. It is an unexplored island with tranquil backwaters and sea.
Poovar Island is where river and lake meet Arabian Sea. River lake & ocean merge @ this spectacular spot. Its backwaters and land make it beautiful and popular with tourists.
Well preserved local flora interesting flowers birds banana and coconut groves are abundant.
Poovar beach with golden sand and is liked by people who look for tranquil moments. Beach activities and water sports have not developed here because of fishing community and their activities beach is not used for sunbathing locations or swimming as currents are rather strong.
Poovar is 30 km from Trivandrum and takes 45 minutes to drive.
Ponmudi
Ponmudi is another Trivandrum hill station. This hill station is 55 miles from Trivandrum and popular tourist destination.
On last 18 km of drive from Trivandrum to it mountains tea garden slopes unusual vegetation & fauna are visible.
This stretch is thrilling because driver must make 22 sharp hairpin turns. Kallar River flows parallel to road in opposite way with Meenmutty waterfalls ahead en route to Ponmudi.
Eco point offers views of rich tropical woods in between. hill station has excellent trekking tracks. Golden valley Dear Park Ponmudi falls wood and stone cottages are also nearby.
Varkala Beach
Varkala is beach town situated @ distance of 40 kilometers from Trivandrum. Varkala Beach or Papanasam Beach 2000 year old Janardana Swami Temple India’s oldest vaishnavite shrine & Sivagiri Mutt honoring reformer Sree Narayan Guru are towns principal attractions. This is one of best tourist places in Trivandrum.
The only beach in South Kerala with Cenozoic muddy cliff formations adjacent to Arabian Sea Varkala Beach or Papanasam Beach is 10 km from Varkala town and named geological monument by Geological Survey of India.
Sunbathing swimming & sunsets are popular with tourists. It is also nicknamed black beach because of black sand which is related to presence of Thorium oxide in sand. Several beach cottages and tiny shops line lengthy bluff. It is believed to have natural spring and its water having medicinal properties.
Tourist Village Veli
Veli tourism village is situated @ meeting place of Veli lake or Akkulam lake and Arabian Sea and distance of 10 km from Trivandrum.
It is highly famous site for family picnics with wide selection of attractions such as children’s play area boat ride in Veli Lake horse riding long boardwalk linking Veli Lake & floating restaurant serving traditional Kerala cuisine.
Some stone sculptures by first sculptor Kanai Kunjiraman pigeons and swans & ponds with fish and tortoises are there. Visitors pay small fee based on age.
Neyyar Dam
Neyyar Dam is 30 km from Trivandrum in Western Ghat foothills over Neyyar River. dam is famous picnic spot providing beautiful view of slopes meadows flora & fauna. It is part of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is habitat for various species of wild animals.
Yoga Centre Crocodile Park for study and rehabilitation Lion Safari Park Dear Park Watch Tower & Boating are Neyyar Dam attractions.
Paid Boat rides are provided in Neyyar Dam in speed boats alongside lush green forests one can watch Agasthyakoodam Western Ghats Kottampura Kanimala Kurisumala & even some wild animals during ride.
A nominal fee is charged for entry into dam area as well as for taking part in other activities. One can reach this site by road on bus or Taxi. Visiting time is from 6.00 AM to 7.00 PM.
Which Tourist Places to visit in Trivandrum are must sees?
Keralas capital Trivandrum merges natural beauty cultural history & historical significance. Trivandrum attracts travelers with its beautiful beaches verdant landscapes & old temples.
- The Hindu Padmanabhaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is one of Trivandrum’s most famous landmarks. temple is Dravidian marvel with complex architecture and tremendous wealth. temples sanctum sanctorum holds deity’s golden idol with diamonds and accessories. Onam temples yearly festival features festive processions and cultural events.
- Sree Padmanabhaswamy Museum: Explore temples history and artifacts @ museum. museum has many gold jewelry & historical artifacts from temple complex. Discover temples history rulers & customs.
- Napier Museum: British era Napier Museum displays Kerala and other relics. Explore museums sculpture painting artifact & historical exhibits. Explore regions history culture & traditions through displays.
- Kerala Science and Technology Museum: Fun and educative. This interactive museum has several scientific technology & nature exhibits. Hands on activities interactive exhibits & interesting science lessons are available.
- Ponmudi Hills: Escape city to peaceful Ponmudi Hills. hill station has stunning vistas rich flora & tranquil ambiance. Trek through woodlands view waterfalls or just relax and enjoy peace. Ponmudi is perfect for nature lovers and calm getaways.
Which Trivandrum activities are best?
Keralas capital Trivandrum is mesmerizing mix of old traditions stunning natural beauty & dynamic culture. city’s temples markets & scenery are worth exploring.
Temple Treks: Spiritual Journey
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple Hindu shrine to Lord Vishnu is famous in Trivandrum. This stunning temple complex is known for its beautiful architecture ancient antiquities & legendary wealth. Visitors can observe daily rites tour temple grounds & relax. small island in river houses Sree Chitrapuzha Temple another important temple. tranquil place to connect with nature and spirituality.
Museums: Historical Look
Trivandrum has many interesting museums for history and culture buffs. In stunning Indo Saracenic edifice Napier Museum displays ancient sculptures paintings & historical documents. Kerala Science and Technology Museums interactive exhibits address scientific themes and are popular with families.
Natures Wonderland: Ponmudi Hills
Ponmudi Hills 60 km from Trivandrum offer refreshing getaway. This scenic hill resort has lush forests gushing waterfalls & stunning views. Trekking birdwatching & picnics are available in tranquility. Kallar River in Ponmudi is excellent for boating and fishing.
Beach Joy: Kovalam
Beachgoers prefer Kovalam south of Trivandrum. Lighthouse Beach Samudra Beach & Hawah Beach are main beaches in this renowned beach resort. Soft sands clear waters & laid back vibe distinguish each beach. Visitors can swim sunbathe surf and eat seafood @ seaside eateries.
Festival of Keralite Arts
Keralite art traditions flourish in Trivandrum where visitors can see enthralling performances. You must see Kathakali classical dance drama with elaborate makeup and costumes. Kalaripayattu an ancient fighting technique displays athletes power and agility. Woman performed mohiniyattam is notable for its delicate gestures and rhythmic rhythms.
Beyond Highlights
Other than these popular attractions Trivandrum provides many other experiences. Visit lively markets like Chalai Market for local goods souvenirs & spices. Visit Kerala Zoological Park to witness many animals and birds. Experience Kerala’s tranquility on backwater boat ride.
Trivandrum has something for everyone. This lovely place offers spirituality culture & nature. Trivandrum will wow visitors with its warm friendliness rich past & magnificent surroundings.
Which is ideal time to visit Trivandrum?
Trivandrum is best visited from November to March when weather is nice and crowds are low. Trivandrum is gorgeous year round & each season has its own charm.
How to reach Trivandrum?
India’s major cities are accessible from Trivandrum. nearest major airport is Trivandrum International Airport while nearest railway station is Trivandrum Central. Trivandrum is accessible via bus taxi or private car.
Accommodation alternatives in Trivandrum?
Hotel, resort, homestay & guest house alternatives in Trivandrum fit varied budgets and interests. Ponmudi has fewer accommodations than Kovalam and Trivandrum.
Check out govt official website https://trivandrum.nic.in/en/tourist-places/
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