Trivandrum Tourist Destinations
Thiruvananthapuram aka Trivandrum is the southernmost district in Kerala, which is the capital of the state. The word Thiruvananthapuram is derived from Tiru, Anantha, Puram which means -“ The Town Of Lord Anantha“. Thiruvananthapuram was the capital and heart of Travancore’s princely state. Thiruvananthapuram is famous among tourists for its historical monuments, exotic beaches, religious sites, and picturesque landscapes.
Religious Places
Thiruvananthapuram is famous for its Dravida-Kerala-style temple architecture. The spiritual vibe and the architecture of the temples are major tourist attractions. The most famous temples that shout out historical and architectural relevance are Padmanabhaswamy temple, Attukal Bhagawati temple, Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, Karikkakom Temple, Kunnumpara Temple & Suchindram Temple.
Padmanabhaswamy temple is the most famous best known for its Dravidian architecture. Recently many secret vaults were discovered filled with priceless treasure making the temple is the richest temple in the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Ananda Shayana (The Lord In Eternal Yogic Sleep on the serpent Lord Adisheshan). The temple is approximately 5000 years old built at the beginning of Kali Yuga. The grandeur & mystery of the temple leaves you awestruck by its magnanimous beauty. You have a soul-cleansing experience when you stand in the temple that echoes tranquillity.
Another famous temple in Thiruvananthapuram known as the “Sabarimala of women” is Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. The major attraction of the temple is its “Pongala” festival where millions of people attend.
Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple is 600 years old temple famous for the deity Chamundi worshipped in three forms- Maha Chamundi, Bala Chamundi, and Raktha Chamundi.
Kunnumpara temple is located 3-4 km from Kovalam. The temple is situated on top of the hills giving you the picturesque view of Kovalam beach and the sea. The pristine surroundings of the temple are ideal for meditating.
Suchindram temple located in the Kanyakumari district is famous for 22 feet tall Hanuman statue carved out of a single granite block. Also, the temple is famous for representing three deities in a single image. The stone carvings and the temple architecture are worth a visit.
Blissful Beaches
The beaches in Thiruvananthapuram attract tourists from all over the world. Kovalam, Varkala, Shanghumukham, Veli, etc are some of the famous beaches.
Kovalam beach is located 16 km away from Thiruvananthapuram. The beach is famous for its long shorelines and calm waters. Kovalam beach is the ideal spot to view enchanting sunset. The Vizhinjam Lighthouse is famous for its mesmerizing views.
Shanghumukham beach located in Thiruvananthapuram is famous for its Raja Ravi Varma sculpture known as Jalakanyaka(Mermaid).
Veli tourist village is a famous picnic destination in Thiruvananthapuram. A large garden decorates the southern bank of the Veli lagoon. You can visit the Veli beach connected by the floating bridge. You can enjoy boat rides in Veli lake, a swimming pool, horse riding, a long walkway along the Akkulam lake, etc. The gardens are decorated with garden landscapes.
Varkala beach is famous for the long winding stretch of the cliffs along the Arabian sea. A walk on the paved footpath running along the full length of the cliff-bordered by coconut palms, quaint shops, hotels, guesthouses, etc gives you the mind-blowing view of the sea trying to fade into the horizon. A step from the top of the beach leads you to the sparkling beaches below.
Enlightening Museums
Thiruvananthapuram is famous for museums that reflect tradition, culture & heritage. Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kuthiramalika Palace, Napier Museum, Koyikkal Palace, Kanakakunnu Palace, etc are famous museums in Thiruvananthapuram. The traditional Kerala architecture can be enjoyed in these museums. The craftsmanship is unique and commendable.
Padmanabhapuram Palace lies 64 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It is located en route to Kanyakumari. The wooden palace is the epitome of Kerala architecture. It is famous for mural paintings, wooden floral carvings, and granite flooring. The palace shouts out the pride and valor of the Travancore dynasty.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum is also known as Puthenmalika located near Padmanabhaswamy temple built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma. The museum is the epitome of Kerala-style architecture made of rosewood, teakwood, etc. The attractions of the museum are traditional furniture, collections of the royal family, and traditional furniture. The palace derives its name from the two wooden horses.
Napier museum is the right museum to experience the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Napier museum is constructed in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. The museum holds unseen & rare collections of archaeological artifacts, idols, ivory carvings, and ancient ornaments.
The Koyikkal Palace is located in Nedumangad. The two-story palace houses two museums- Numismatic museum and folklore museum. The palace is constructed in Kerala-style architecture. It houses ancient coins, weapons, tools used by carpenters, masonry, and other household items.
Kanakakunnu Palace is located near the Napier museum. The palace architecture is famous for the red facade, traditional Kerala architecture & roof patterns. The palace grounds are famous for its gardens which attract both local and international tourists. Many cultural events especially dance shows are held here.
Waterfalls & Dams
Thiruvananthapuram is famous for its picturesque nature, gushing waterfalls, and brimming dams. Meenmutty Falls, Vazhvanthol Falls, Aruvikkara Dam, and Neyyar Dam.
A 45 km drive from Thiruvananthapuram takes you to magnificent Meenmutty Falls located near the Neyyar Reservoir area. A trek through the lush green dense forest takes you to the picturesque falls.
Vazhvanthol Waterfall is an ideal choice for adventurous trekking spots near Thiruvananthapuram city. Take a trip through the jade forest and refresh your mind.
The Neyyar Dam lies 32 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It is a picturesque picnic spot for families, solo travelers, and friends. The Neyyar Dam boasts a crocodile rehabilitation & research center, a lion safari park, a deer park, and a beautiful watch park. You may also visit Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to rare flora and fauna.
Aruvikkara Dam is a good place to spend a day out. You may enjoy boat riding, go for a picnic at the small park with an artificial waterfall.
Hill Stations And Wildlife Sanctuaries
Thiruvananthapuram is bestowed with natural beauty which brings to you a magical tryst with nature. The hill station like Ponmudi hills & Agasthyakoodam holds a charm that enchants your soul. The hill stations are home to rare flora, fauna, and wildlife.
Agasthya Koodam lies 1800 mt above sea level. The hill station is a paradise for bird watchers. The peak was named after the sage Agasthya and is a popular pilgrimage site. The mountain is believed to have medicinal herbs that cure the mind, body, and soul. The air is considered to have medicinal value.
Trekking is a famous activity here restricted to a few people. You need a government pass to visit the mountain peak.
Ponmundi hill is known as the golden hill of Kerala. The Ponmudi hills are 61 km from the capital city. The hills are covered with a lush green rainforest that clads the mountains. The hills are home to rare flora, fauna, and wildlife.
Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most visited places in Kerala holiday packages for its rich cultural heritage, traditional architecture, historical relevance, and picturesque landscapes. Funday Holidays offers you the best package tours in Kerala.
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