Best 5 Places to Visit in Trivandrum on Your Vacation

Trivandrum is one of the cleanest and most beautiful cities in India. No wonder then that innumerable tourists look up the best places to visit in Trivandrum across online and offline platforms. There are tons of places to visit in between Trivandrum and Kanyakumari as well along with places to visit in Trivandrum at night, You can also hire a car rental in Trivandrum for visiting the famous places in the city.

On that note, here’s taking a look at the 5 top places to visit in Trivandrum:

• Sri Padmanabha Temple
• Padmanabhapuram Palace
• Zoological Garden
• Poovar Island
• Veli Tourist Village
• Indian Coffee House

1. Sri Padmanabha Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram Kerala. This is located amongst one out of the 7 Parasurama Kshetras and is also taken as one of the 108 Divya Deshams or holy sites of Lord Vishnu. An interesting thing to note is the idol or deity which is witnessed in a reclining position or Anananthasayanam which indicates eternal sleep or Yoga Nidra. The Dravidian architectural style will delight architecture lovers here along with the classic ornamentation which characterizes the inner walls in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple via murals and frescoes. Some even call the temple the wealthiest shrine across the world!

• Timing – 8.30 AM- 7.30 PM
• Entry – Free

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2. Padmanabhapuram Palace

One of the rare places to visit in Trivandrum, the Padmanabhapuram Palace is situated within the Padmanabhapuram Fort in the Padmanabhapuram Village at Thuckalay. The palace is one of the world’s best-made palaces and is located a little off Trivandrum itself. The palace was once the former seat of the Travancore rulers and is situated in the Veli foothills which extend from the Western Ghats. The palace will awe you with its traditional Kerala architectural style and was constructed back in the year 1601 with a novel mixture of jaggery, egg whites, charcoal, river sand, burnt coconuts and lime. The imperious mahogany ceilings are intricately carved and there are mica windows that are also colored. There are secret passages running underground along with inner courtyards, dance halls crafted from granite and a museum among other attractions.

• Timing – 9 AM-5 PM
• Entry – Paid

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3. Zoological Garden

One of the top places to visit near Trivandrum Kerala, this zoological park will truly give you an amazing experience. Located near Napier Museum, the Zoological Gardens were founded in 1857 by the Maharaja of Travancore. This is one of the oldest such zoos in the country and houses 75+ varied species including the Indian and Asiatic Rhino, Royal Bengal Tiger, Nilgiri Langur, Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Asiatic Lion, Hippo, Giraffe, Cape Buffalo and more. There are various species in the reptile house as well and the park covers a whopping 55 acres in all. 

• Timing – 10 AM-5 PM
• Entry – Paid

4. Poovar Island

Poovar Island is one of the most romantic places to visit in Trivandrum for couples. Poovar Island is a coveted seaside tourist hotspot on the Arabian Sea coastline. This island is located in close proximity to Viahinjam, the natural harbor and this has the beaches, backwaters, sea and rivers all in a single zone. The golden sands on the beach create a spectacular picture although water sports and swimming are not allowed here. The coconut trees and mangroves enable bird watching at particular times of the year.

The Pozhikkara Beach is a kilometer away from here and draws migratory birds throughout the year. There are several resorts and hotels on this island which is a great place to relax and unwind with your better half in tow. Ayurvedic massage parlors and floating restaurants are two key attractions that you should try along with a boat ride along the backwaters. A 45 minute drive will take you to Poovar Island from Trivandrum. You can also ride a boat from the city via the backwaters to reach in 15 minutes. The Kovalam Beach is just 12 kilometres away and is a major draw as well.

• Entry – Free

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5. Veli Tourist Village

Veli Tourist Village is one of the most popular hotspots for tourists and is situated strategically along the outskirts of Trivandrum, approximately 8 kilometres away from it. The tourist village is located at a spectacular point where a sand bar is what only separates the Arabian Sea from the Veli Lake. The lovely Veli Lagoon and its clear waters not only provide ample scope for water sports but also create a lovely ambience for visitors.

Timing – 8 AM-6 PM

• Entry – Paid

6. Indian Coffee House

While talking of the top places to visit in Trivandrum, there has to be one activity that you simply cannot miss! Yes, we’re talking about the famous Indian Coffee House. This marvel has 14 branches in the city and you should enjoy the amazing filter coffee here along with the old-world ambience with calm interiors, the red brick-themed design and the ethnic uniforms of the waiters. The hospitality is top notch and the prices are quite reasonable to say the least.

• Timing – 8 AM-9 PM
• Must-Have – Filter Coffee/ Kesari Halwa

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These are some of the best places that you must visit in Trivandrum during your trip. They are sure to give you some of the best memories for a lifetime with your loved ones in tow!