Trivandrum (or Thiruvananthapuram) is known for its riveting coastal charm. This enchanting city is the capital of Kerala, and it offers an appealing blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and colonial legacy. Trivandrum is one of the few cities in India that functions as a capital city, a heritage city, a maritime city, an information technology city, as well as a tourism city.
Spread gracefully across seven hills, Thiruvananthapuram city is centred around the ancient Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It’s an expansive metropolis with quaint urban charm and plenty of cultural and religious tourist places to visit. Kissed by the blue Arabian Sea, Trivandrum is home to abundant tourist places, including serene backwaters, pristine beaches, and lush wildlife sanctuaries. It’s popular for elegant British architectural structures as well.
Whether you're visiting Trivandrum as a family or a solo traveller, the city welcomes you with the legendary Kerala hospitality. Trivandrum Tourism offers a glimpse into the city's diverse and vibrant culture. Here, morning mist rolls over coconut groves and temple bells echo through tree-lined avenues. The city is also the gateway to the nearby beach towns of Kovalam and Varkala.
To experience the magic of Trivandrum to its fullest, explore the all-inclusive tour packages by Trivandrum Tourism. We take care of everything from accommodation and transportation to guided tours and local insights. We also have a list of top car rental companies in Trivandrum, making it easy to see the top tourist places here. Please fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch.
History of Trivandrum
Thiruvananthapuram is a relatively modern region with trading traditions dating back to 1000 BCE. The name means “The City of Lord Anantha” in Malayalam, referring to the presiding deity of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The city is also referred to as Ananthapuri in popular literature.
The city was a trading post for spices, sandalwood, and ivory. And it flourished as the capital of the Kingdom of Travancore. It’s said that the Travancore rulers, particularly Maharaja Swathi Thirunal and Maharaja Chithira Thirunal, transformed Thiruvananthapuram into a centre of art and culture.
Trivandrum is the anglicised name of the city, which it was officially referred to as until 1991. Then, the government reinstated the original name Thiruvananthapuram. Today, this city has experienced a remarkable transformation, evolving into a centre of innovation and entrepreneurship. Trivandrum Tourism showcases a beautiful blend of its royal heritage and modern development.
Places to Visit in Trivandrum
The list of tourist places in Trivandrum offers a variety of experiences, including spirituality, nature and coastal beauty. Whether you want to explore royal palaces or need an adventurous beach escape, tourist places in and around Trivandrum can fulfil all your desires. This variety is the charm of tourism in Trivandrum, Kerala.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Trivandrum. With its magnificent Dravidian architecture, it’s counted among the wealthiest and most elegant temples in the world. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is another of the top tourist places to see in Trivandrum. Other sacred sites include Palayam Juma Masjid and St. Joseph's Cathedral, highlighting the city's religious harmony.
Then, the Kuthiramalika Palace (also known as Puthenmalika Palace) is an architectural masterpiece built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal in the 1840s. And Kowdiar Palace, built in 1934, served as the royal residence of the Travancore family. Kanakakkunnu Palace, India's first digital garden hosting cultural events, is another among the best tourist places in Trivandrum.
Napier Museum, built in the 19th century, houses ancient artefacts, including bronze idols, ivory carvings and traditional jewellery. The building itself is a work of art, blending Mughal, Italian and Chinese architecture with Kerala style. Sri Chitra Art Gallery nearby features famous works by Raja Ravi Varma and paintings from other art schools.
Apart from those, the Science & Technology Museum and Planetarium offers interactive learning experiences for children. The Natural History Museum also showcases ethnographic collections. And the Trivandrum Zoo stands as one of the oldest and most well-maintained zoos in India.
Trivandrum Tour packages also include various scenic tourist places in and around the city. For example, Akkulam Tourist Village is a picturesque backwater destination with boating facilities, and Veli Tourist Village is popular because of its unique floating bridge. Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave, an 8th-century shrine, is also one of the most famous tourist places in Trivandrum.
Nature lovers can also unwind at Shangumugham Beach during sunset or enjoy a serene boat ride on the backwaters in Poovar. Varkala Beach is another of the best tourist places near Trivandrum. It’s known for its dramatic cliff formations overlooking the Arabian Sea.
For beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, Kovalam Beach is Kerala’s most popular coastal destination. Adventure seekers can enjoy surfing, parasailing or catamaran rides.
Other Activities and Experiences
Apart from places of tourist interest in Trivandrum, the region offers a variety of other activities. The city is renowned for authentic Ayurvedic treatments and wellness experiences. Different centres offer traditional therapies, yoga and meditation aimed at holistic rejuvenation. Then, for a glimpse of Kerala performing arts, you can catch Kathakali, Koodiyattam or Kalaripayattu shows.
Along with Trivandrum city tourism, day trips are also available. Nature lovers can head to Ponmudi Hills (55 km), a cool, misty hill station ideal for trekking and scenic drives through tea gardens. Alternatively, Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary (34 km) and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary (40 km) offer an enriching one-day getaway from Trivandrum.
History enthusiasts might enjoy Padmanabhapuram Palace (60 km), an exquisite wooden palace. For eco-tourism in Trivandrum, Green Tsavorite Farm (48 km) and Attingal Farm Tourism (32 km) are good options. Samanvaya Farms (22 km) also offers eco farm tourism in Trivandrum.
During your trip, you can check local markets as well. Handloom fabrics, such as classic gold zari border kasavu sarees, are a local favourite. Wooden statues, coir products and various traditional handcrafted items can be found in the local markets. Then, street food stalls and local restaurants serve authentic Kerala cuisine with fresh seafood and aromatic spices.
How to Reach Trivandrum
Here are the different ways to reach Trivandrum and explore popular tourist places around:
By Air: Trivandrum has its own airport, about 7 km from the city centre. Several airlines operate regular flights to Trivandrum from Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi and other major cities in India. At the airport, you can book a cab/taxi from the top car rental companies in Trivandrum to comfortably explore all the tourist places in the city and around.
By Train: Trivandrum has its own railway station as well, which receives regular rail traffic from different corners of the country. Trivandrum Central railway station offers excellent connectivity with cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Kanyakumari. Local transportation for Trivandrum Kerala tourism includes cycle/auto-rickshaws, city buses, and rental cabs/taxis.
By Road: Trivandrum enjoys superb road connectivity via National Highways. State-run buses and luxury private coaches, both AC and non-AC, run in great numbers to Trivandrum from many nearby towns and cities. You can also take a cab/taxi or self-drive to enjoy a scenic coastal trip. Kochi is 210 km away, Chennai is 770 km away, and Bangalore is 710 km away from Thiruvananthapuram.
With its warm tropical climate, tourist places in Trivandrum and nearby provide an enticing travel experience. From sacred temples to wildlife sanctuaries and pristine beaches, every corner has a story. Whether you're seeking spiritual peace, beach relaxation, or adventure thrills, Trivandrum Tour packages offer experiences suited to your preferences. We offer tailored trips to all the beautiful tourist places in Trivandrum. Fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch with our travel experts.
