Top 8 Places To Visit In Thiruvananthapuram

Put a bit of nature, a bit of history, and a bit of culture together, and you get Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala.

With serene beaches, majestic temples, and wildlife sanctuaries, this city on the southwestern shores of India offers something for everyone. No matter what kind of person you are—an adventure buff, a history buff, or just interested in spirituality—Thiruvananthapuram has something for you. 

Are you contemplating a trip to this place? You’ve come to the right place. Here, I have discussed some of the top places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram. Take a look at this list and plan your trip accordingly. 

List of the Top 8 Must Visit Places In Thiruvananthapuram

1. Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary

The Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect spot for nature lovers. Amidst the greenery and rolling hills, the tourist feels as if he’s in nature’s lap. In this park, you’ll find a wide range of flora and fauna. 

Travelers can take a boat ride on the Neyyar River, admire the magnificent views, see the crocodile farm and the deer park inside the sanctuary, or take a lion safari to satisfy their adventurous spirit. 

The varied flora and fauna are not the only reasons to visit. It’s also close to Agasthyakoodam Peak, which is included among India’s World Biodiversity Centers.

Adventure enthusiasts may want to hike the trails at Agasthyakoodam Peak and spot exotic birds and animals.

Whether you are a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or wildlife enthusiast, this Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary deserves a spot on your list of the best places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram.

• How to Reach: It is easily accessible by road from Thiruvananthapuram. You can take Taxis, auto-rickshaws, or public buses to reach the sanctuary. 
• Time To Explore: Approx 3 to 4 hours
• Entry Fee: There is no entrance fee, but certain activities have charges, such as lion safari: ₹250 for adults, ₹125 for children 5-12, and ₹300 for foreigners.
• Distance From Thiruvananthapuram: 29.9 Km

2. Napier Museum

If you love history, you should visit the Napier Museum, which showcases Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. The Napier Museum was established in 1855 and is named after Lord Napier. It features a great collection of artifacts, including ancient bronze sculptures. The architecture of the building, which combines Mughal, Chinese, and Italian influences, is equally energizing.

Visitors can spend days exploring the more than 500 exhibits that depict India’s glorious past. For history lovers, this museum is the best place to visit in Thiruvananthapuram.

In addition to the museum, there is the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which houses Raja Ravi Varma’s craftsmanship. The gardens surrounding the museum provide an ideal place to unwind and take pictures.

• How to Reach: It is the closest museum to the city center, so you can easily get there by taxi or cab. If you are looking for a budget way to get to the museum, you can take the city bus.
• Time To Explore: Approx 2 to 3 hours
• Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children
• Distance From Thiruvananthapuram: 3.3 Km

3. Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is both an architectural wonder and a religious shrine, attracting pilgrims and travelers worldwide. It boasts beautiful sculptures and an impressive Dravidian architecture. The site is known for its countless treasures, many of which remain unaccounted for.

Upon entering the temple complex, pilgrims can participate in daily rituals and prayers. There are shrines dedicated to other gods within the complex. During the festival seasons, such as Alpasi or Panguni Utsavam, you will witness glittering festivities with traditional art forms such as Kathakali.

• How to Reach: The main bus station at Thampanoor is about one kilometer away from the temple. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available throughout Trivandrum to take you to the temple. 
• Time To Explore: Approx 2 to 3 hours
• Entry Fee: Free
• Distance From Thiruvananthapuram: 5.7 Km

4. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Next on our list of the best places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram is another temple. This temple, also known as the “Sabarimala of Women,” is dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy and is located on the banks of the Killi River. It is a must-see for those visiting the famous Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

If you are an architecture lover, you should visit this place, which combines Kerala and Tamil styles. Its exterior walls depict various deities and mythological stories, including Lord Vishnu’s Dasavatara (ten manifestations) and Dakshayaga. There are also beautiful carvings of Goddess Kali, Mahishasuramardhini, Parvati, Rajarajeswari, and Lord Shiva.

• How to Reach: The temple is located about 7.6 km from the city center, making it easy to reach by various transportation methods. You can take a city bus to reach the temple, but keep in mind that the bus stop is approximately 1.5km from the temple. So, from there, you have to walk to the temple. 
• Time To Explore: Approx 1 to 2 hours
• Entry Fee: Free
• Distance From Thiruvananthapuram: 7.6 Km

5. Kanakakunnu Palace

The Kanakakunnu Palace is an important historic landmark in Thiruvananthapuram. During the rule of the Travancore kings, this place served as a royal palace. Nowadays, its gardens serve as a cultural center for many performances, exhibitions, and events. This palace combines royal grandeur with Kerala’s unique architectural style.

Tourists can stroll through the palace grounds, which are filled with greenery. Those who are passionate about photography will find plenty of opportunities to click pictures in this magnificent palace.

• How to Reach: The palace is close to two KSRTC bus stops, Museum Bus Stop and Vellayambalam Junction. You can hire taxis and auto-rickshaws from anywhere in the city to reach this palace.
• Time To Explore: Approx 2 to 3 hours
• Entry Fee: Free
• Distance From Thiruvananthapuram: 3.7 Km

6. Vizhinjam Lighthouse

Located on Kurumkal Hill, Vizhinjam Lighthouse, built in 1925, offers an incredible view of the Arabian Sea. 

The spiral stairs within the lighthouse provide visitors with spectacular views of Kerala’s coastal region. If you love photography, you will have a lot of opportunities to capture breathtaking sunrise and sunset shots. Hence, if you’d like to capture some amazing shots, include this lighthouse among your must-see places in Thiruvananthapuram.

There are pristine beaches, local seafood delicacies, and a peaceful ambiance that adds to the charm of the surroundings. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, or someone looking for peace, Vizhinjam Lighthouse promises a memorable experience.

• How to Reach: To reach Kovalam Beach, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus. After that, you’ll have to walk a short distance to reach the Vizhinjam Lighthouse. 
• Time To Explore: 1 to 2 hours
• Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children
• Distance From Thiruvananthapuram: 18.1 Km

7. Priyadarshini Space Planetarium

The Priyadarshini Space Planetarium is a great place for students to visit in Thiruvananthapuram.

The attraction offers real-life astronomy experiences and helps future generations to understand space science more easily. From 1994 to today, it has been one of India’s top planetariums, attracting students and science enthusiasts alike.

• How to Reach: The planetarium is only 2.9km from the city center. You can catch a bus, hire a taxi from anywhere in the city, or take an auto-rickshaw to the Space Planetarium. Cabs are also available for a hassle-free experience.
• Time To Explore: 2 to 3 hours
• Entry Fee: ₹60 for adults and ₹30 for children
• Distance From Thiruvananthapuram: 2.9 Km

8. Shanghumukham Beach

Shanghumukham Beach in Kerala offers golden sands and blue waters that provide people with a sense of peace. This beach is a must-see in Thiruvananthapuram for those planning a romantic vacation. The beach offers eye-catching sunsets and a colorful environment during local festivals.

You can relax on sandy beaches and eat local food. Additionally, you can indulge yourself in water sports if you want to try a little adventure.

How to Reach: It is located around 10 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram city. Several public buses and taxis regularly operate to the beach, making it easy to get here.

Time To Explore: 3 to 4 hours

Entry Fee: Free

Distance From Thiruvananthapuram: 10.6 Km

Conclusion

So, now that you know what Thiruvananthapuram has to offer, you can plan your trip. Whether it is the serene beauty of Neyyar Dam or the spiritual atmosphere of Padmanabhaswamy Temple, there is always something to discover in the city.

If these places are not enough, contact SuperbWorldTrip.com. Depending on your needs, they will recommend additional locations.

Moreover, they will provide a Thiruvananthapuram tour package, so you won’t have to fret about finding accommodation, meals, flights, or sightseeing. 

So book your package now and enjoy your vacation without any hassles.

Happy Journey!