Thiruvananthapuram

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam, a world-famous beach destination, is cherished for its three crescent-shaped beaches and tranquil waters, perfect for sea bathing. The iconic lighthouse stands as a landmark and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The beach is divided into three main sections: Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach. Lighthouse Beach is the most popular and offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea.

You can relax on the beach, take a swim, or enjoy water sports like surfing and parasailing. The beach is lined with shacks and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine.

The rocky headland here creates a serene bay, making it an enchanting spot for tourists. From sunbathing and swimming to rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages and thrilling catamaran rides, there's something for everyone. With its tropical sun, Kovalam guarantees a golden tan in minutes. As the day winds down, the beach comes alive, with nightlife continuing well into the early hours. The area features a variety of accommodations, including budget cottages, Ayurvedic resorts, yoga centers, swimming pools, and shopping zones.

Shanghumukham Beach

Popular beach with a giant sculpture of a mermaid. You can watch amazing sunsets from here. The beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. There are many shacks and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine and fresh seafood. The beach is also a popular spot for picnics and family outings.

One of the beach's most iconic features is the Matsya Kanyaka (Mermaid) sculpture, a 35-meter-long mermaid structure that stands as a unique and impressive landmark in the state.

Vizhinjam Lighthouse

Historic lighthouse with panoramic views. Please note that the entry timings are from 3pm to 6pm every day. There is a nominal entry fee of 25 Rs.

The lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction in Thiruvananthapuram, offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views and take memorable photographs. The area around the lighthouse is also a great place for a leisurely walk along the beach and to enjoy the sea breeze. It's an ideal spot for couples and families looking to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Vizhinjam lighthouse is next to Kovalam beach, so you can easily visit both places in the same trip. The lighthouse is a great place to watch the sunset, with the sun dipping into the Arabian Sea creating a breathtaking view. There are many shacks and restaurants along the beach where you can enjoy local cuisine and fresh seafood while taking in the stunning views.

Poovar

The Poovar Beach, with its golden sands, is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful retreat for travelers. Visitors can enjoy mesmerizing views of the sunrise and sunset while taking a stroll along the golden sands.

In Poovar, you also get a chance to experience the confluence of the Poovar Lake, Neyyar River, Arabian Sea, and the Gold sand beach. Nearby attractions include the Azhimala Siva Temple, Vizhinjam Harbour, and the famous Kovalam Beach.

Boating trips through the Poovar backwaters offer a unique perspective of the area's natural beauty and can be arranged at nominal rates. The rustic houseboats, the shimmering waters, and the lush greenery create a postcard-perfect scene that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

You can Relax on the beach, take a swim, or enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore. You can kayak through the scenic backwaters and canals or take a small ferry or traditional houseboat ride. There are many resorts in Poovar island where you can stay or get a day pass to enjoy the amenities.

Varkala Beach

Varkala in Kerala is renowned for the majestic Varkala Cliff. The cliff is a geological formation, a national geological monument with panoramic Arabian Sea views. The vibrant town offers water sports, cultural experiences, and stunning sunset vistas for a memorable visit.

While in Varkkala, you may want to visit Papanasam Beach, Janardana Swami Temple, Sivagiri Mutt, and Varkala Beach. The cliff is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a lively spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

There are many ayurvedic spas and resorts in Varkala where you can get rejuvenating treatments. The cliff is also a great place to watch the sunset, with the sun dipping into the Arabian Sea creating a breathtaking view. Shops and restaurants along the cliff offer a variety of local and international cuisine, as well as souvenirs and handicrafts.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

⚠️ You are not allowed inside the temple premises if you are not a Hindu.

This iconic Vishnu temple is famous for its intricate carvings, stunning architecture, and the immense wealth stored in its vaults. Built in a blend of Kerala and Dravidian architectural style, a visit to this temple ranks high on visitors itineraries

Along with exquisite and intricate works on stone and bronze, the interior of the temple is bedecked with beautiful murals. These include life-size images of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture, Narasimha Swamy (the half-lion, half-man incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Lord Ganapathy and Gaja Lakshmi (Goddess Lakshmi with elephants).

There is a dress-code for visitors: Men should wear a dhoti and women should wear a saree or a long skirt with a blouse. Men should remove their shirt as well. If you are not carrying a dhoti, don't worry, you can rent one at the temple entrance. If women are wearing a skirt or pants, you can wrap a dhoti around the short skirt or pants.

The temple is open from 3:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It is advisable to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the serene atmosphere.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Famous temple known for the Attukal Pongala festival, which attracts millions of women devotees annually. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy and is a significant religious site in Kerala.

Beemappally Mosque

Historic mosque with unique architecture. It is also known as Beemapally Dargah Shareef and is home to the tomb of Syedunnisa Beema Beevi, a Muslim woman with divine powers, and her son Syedushuhadamaheen Abubacker

Madre de Deus Church

Madre de Deus Church is a historic church with Portuguese influence. The church was first built in 15th Century. The church is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. The church also hosts regular services and events, providing an opportunity for visitors to experience the local culture and traditions. It's an ideal spot for those interested in history, architecture, and spirituality.

The church is located near the sea side, in the fishing village of Vettukadu. Distance from city center is about 8.5 kilometers.

Puthen Malika Palace Museum (Kuthira Malika)

Former royal palace and a fine example of Kerala school of architecture.

Kuthira means Horse — 122 horse figures are carved on the south side of the palace. On display are paintings and royal artifacts.

Closed on Mondays.

Napier Museum

It exhibits a vast range of ivory carvings, royal collectibles, wooden sculptures and carvings, bronze images and sculptures, more than 5000 coins which were once in use in the past and much, much more.

The museum is built in Indo-Saracenic architecture and opened in 1880

Keralam Museum of Cultural History

The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala through a vast collection of artifacts, including traditional costumes, musical instruments, sculptures, and paintings. It provides insights into the history, art, and culture of Kerala.

The museum is housed in a traditional Kerala-style building and offers a glimpse into the state's diverse cultural traditions. It is a great place to learn about Kerala's history and culture.

Open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Except for Mondays). It is advisable to visit in the morning to avoid crowds and have a more immersive experience.

Sri Chitra Art Gallery

The gallery features a unique collection of traditional and contemporary paintings, including the works of Raja Ravi Varma, Nicholas Roerich, Svetoslav Roerich, Jamini Roy, Rabindranath Tagore, V. S. Valiathan, C. Raja Raja Varma, and K. C. S. Paniker.There are approximately 1100 paintings at the gallery.

Ravi Varma's masterpiece paintings Shakuntala and Damayanti Talking to a Swan are displayed at the gallery.

While you are visiting the Sri Chithra Art Gallery, do visit the Raja Ravivarma Art Gallery and KCS Panikker Gallery as well. All of these are galleries are located within the Napier Museum. You can also visit the nearby Napier Museum. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, royal memorabilia, and a unique collection of musical instruments. The combination of the art gallery and the museum provides a comprehensive cultural experience in Thiruvananthapuram.

Margi Theatre

Margi Theatre is a cultural center showcasing traditional Kerala art forms. Margi is an organization dedicated to the revival of Kathakali and Kutiyattom, two classical art forms of Kerala, the south-western state of India.

The theatre hosts regular performances, workshops, and classes, providing an opportunity for visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. It's an ideal spot for those interested in traditional art forms and cultural experiences.

Please check the News & Events section in the official website for the schedule of performances and workshops.

Chalai Market

The bustling market, where the vendors throng in the alleyways to sell anything from vegetables to gold, is an ideal destination for an enterprising shopper. The energy and vigor are infectious, making you to desire and discover more and more. Apart from the busy crowd, the streets are noisy with bikes and trucks honking at full volume, finding their way through the seamless alleys.

Connemara Market

Vibrant market with local produce and crafts in the heart of the city.

Connemara market is situated at Palayam junction. This is a a historic marketplace in Thiruvananthapuram known for its vibrant local life, traditional Kerala products, spices, fresh produce, and cultural charm.

Trivandrum Zoo

One of India's oldest zoological parks, home to elephants, tigers, lions, and various bird species. Great for families and animal lovers.

Kanakakkunnu Palace, Sri Chithra Art Gallery, Napier Museum, Natural History Museum, and Aquarium are all within walkable distance.

Open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Visit in the morning when animals are more active. Couple the zoo visit with Palace, Art Gallery, and Museum visits.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiverse sanctuary with trekking trails. The distance from Trivandrum city is about 50 kms.

he Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary offers one of the best trekking options in Thiruvananthapuram – the Trek to Vazhvanthol Falls. The trek starts from Kaanithara, near Vithura. The initial trek, through the eucalyptus plantations is a simple and easy trek, though eventually, it moves to be a rather challenging trek, the perfect choice of activity for those in love with the art of trekking. At the end of this 5 km trek is a rather scenic canopy of lush trees and the coolness of the waterfall is the reward to those who brave this trek.

Veli Tourist Village

Horse riding, pedal boating, a children's park, a floating restaurant, a swimming pool, aesthetically laid out walk ways and plenty of comfortable seating arrangements make this an ideal picnic spot

Visitors can go paddle-boating in the lake, enjoy a meal at the floating restaurant, or simply relax in the beautifully landscaped gardens. The village also hosts cultural events and festivals, providing visitors with a chance to experience traditional Kerala art forms and cuisine. It's a great place for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to unwind and enjoy nature.

Akkulam Tourist Village

Akkulam is spread over 8 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens that surround the Akkulam Lake

The village offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, a children's park, adventure park and a swimming pool. Visitors can enjoy pedal boating on the lake, take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, or relax in the picnic areas. The village also hosts cultural events and festivals, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience traditional Kerala art forms and cuisine. It's an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to unwind and enjoy nature.