Top Tourist Places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram

  1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple
  2. Kovalam Beach
  3. Napier Museum
  4. Sri Chitra Art Gallery
  5. Kanakakkunnu Palace
  6. The Zoological Park
  7. Sreechithira Art Gallery
  8. Veli Tourist Village
  9. East Fort
  10. Science & Technology Museum

Popular places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is the capital city of the Indian state of Kerala. Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram:

Padmanabhaswamy Temple –

A revered Hindu temple with rich history and stunning architecture.

Kovalam Beach –

A popular beach destination is known for its scenic beauty and watersports activities.

Napier Museum –

A historic museum displaying a vast collection of South Indian art, archeology, and natural history.

Sri Chitra Art Gallery –

An art gallery showcasing works of Indian and European painters, including the famous artist Raja Ravi Varma.

Kanakakkunnu Palace –

A beautiful palace located on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city.

The Zoological Park –

A well-maintained zoo home to a variety of animals including elephants, tigers, and leopards.

Sreechithira Art Gallery –

A gallery displaying the works of the renowned painter Sree Chithira Tirunal Balarama Varma.

Veli Tourist Village –

A scenic park with a man-made lagoon, perfect for picnicking, boating, and relaxing.

East Fort –

A historic fort featuring a temple, shopping areas, and restaurants.

Science & Technology Museum –

A modern museum displaying interactive exhibits related to science and technology.

5 days itinerary for Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) Trip

Here is a suggested 5-day itinerary for a trip to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum):

Day 1:

  • Visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple
  • Explore the Napier Museum and the Sri Chitra Art Gallery
  • Take a stroll at the Shankumugham Beach

Day 2:

  • Visit the Akshardham Temple
  • Explore the Zoo and Museum Complex
  • Take a boat ride on the Veli Lagoon

Day 3:

  • Visit the Sree Parasurama Temple and the Kovalam Beach
  • Explore the Poovar Island
  • Visit the Vellayani Lake

Day 4:

  • Visit the Varkala Beach
  • Explore the Janardhana Swamy Temple
  • Visit the Anjengo Fort

Day 5:

  • Visit the Agasthyakoodam Peak
  • Explore the Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathy Temple
  • Visit the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

3 days itinerary for Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) Trip

Here is a suggested 3-day itinerary for your trip to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum):

Day 1:

  • Visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple and learn about its rich cultural and historical significance.
  • Explore the Zoological Park and observe various species of animals and birds.
  • Visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery to see a collection of antiques, bronze sculptures, and ancient murals.

Day 2:

  • Take a tour of Kovalam Beach, known for its clear waters and serene surroundings.
  • Visit the Kuthira Malika Palace Museum, which showcases the rich heritage of the Travancore dynasty.
  • Visit Shanghumukham Beach for a beautiful sunset view.

Day 3:

  • Take a trip to Vellayani Lake, which is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular picnic spot.
  • Visit the Sri Chitra Art Gallery to see the collection of paintings and works of art by famous artists.
  • Visit the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, a temple dedicated to the goddess Attukal Bhagavathy and considered one of the largest gatherings of women in the world.

Popular Historical places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Here are some popular historical places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala:

Padmanabhaswamy Temple:

One of the oldest and wealthiest Hindu temples in the world.
Sree Chitra Art Gallery:
A museum showcasing traditional and modern Indian art.

Kuthira Malika Palace:

An 18th-century palace that showcases traditional Kerala architecture.

Napier Museum:

A museum with a collection of antique sculptures, metalware, and textiles.

Sri Parasurama Temple:

A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Lord Parasurama.

Shri Krishna Temple:

A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Rukmini.
Sree Moolam Thirunal Palace:
A palace that served as the residence of the Maharaja of Travancore.

Kanakakkunnu Palace:

A palace used for cultural events and functions.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy College:

A college established in the 19th century is now a museum.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral:

A 19th-century Catholic church located in the heart of the city.

Top Temples to visit in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Here is a list of the top temples to visit in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala:

  • Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
  • Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
  • Sreekanteswaram Temple
  • Sree Chitra Art Gallery and Padmanabhapuram Palace
  • Sree Krishnaswamy Temple
  • Vellayani Devi Temple
  • Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple
  • Sri Mahavishnu Temple
  • Sri Bhagavathi Temple
  • Sri Mahadeva Temple

Best street foods corner in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Some popular street food corners in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) are:

Sreekandeswaram:

Known for its delicious seafood and traditional dishes like Puttu and Kadala Curry.

Chakka Kada:

Famous for its jackfruit dishes like Chakka Varatti, Chakka Puzhukku, and Chakka Erissery.

Jagathy:

Known for its traditional South Indian streets food like Masala Dosa, Idli, and Vada.

Killimanoor:

Famous for its sweet dishes like Paal Payasam and Ada Pradhaman.

Pattom:

A popular food street that offers a wide range of street food items like Samosas, Pazham Pori, and Jalebi.

Best beaches to visit in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Some of the popular beaches to visit in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) are:

  • Kovalam Beach
  • Shankumugham Beach
  • Varkala Beach
  • Poovar Beach
  • Veli Beach
  • Azhikkal Beach

Best street foods to have in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Some of the popular street foods to have in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) are:

  • Dosa – a popular South Indian dish made from fermented rice batter and served with chutney and sambar
  • Appam with Stew – a fermented rice flour-based crepe served with a flavorful stew made with vegetables or meat
  • Pazhampori – a popular snack made with ripe bananas that are sliced and coated with a batter of gram flour and spices
  • Kappa Puzhukku – boiled tapioca seasoned with spices and grated coconut
  • Puttu – a cylindrical-shaped steamed dish made from rice flour and served with coconut milk or curry

Famous market in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) for shopping

There are many popular markets in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) for shopping, some of them are:

  • Chalai Bazaar, a busy street market known for selling textiles, spices, and handicrafts
  • Broad Street, famous for electronic goods, textiles, and jewelry
  • Market at Trivandrum Medical College, a popular shopping destination for traditional and cultural items
  • Connemara Market offers a range of fresh produce, spices, and textiles
  • Palayam Market is famous for its variety of shops selling traditional and contemporary items.

Cheap and best shopping places in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Some of the cheap and best shopping places in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) are:

  • Connemara Market
  • Sreekanteswaram Handicrafts Emporium
  • Pothys
  • Geethanjali Handicraft Emporium
  • Spice Market
  • Kairali Handicraft Emporium
  • Maruthi Handicraft Emporium
  • GVK One Mall

Best Budget restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Some of the best budget restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) are:

  • Dakshin Restaurants
  • Ananda Bhavan
  • Sree Krishna Cafe
  • Anandapalli
  • Karavalli
  • Hotel Annapoorna
  • Hotel Suprabhatham
  • Sree Krishna Hotel
  • Hotel Sri Krishna
  • Sree Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma’s Vegetarian restaurant.

Best street food stalls in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is known for its street food stalls that offer a variety of local delicacies. Some popular street food stalls in Thiruvananthapuram include:

  • Sree Krishna Café is known for its traditional South Indian cuisine.
  • Venduruthy street food stall, famous for its spicy and tangy local snacks.
  • Thenga stall offers fresh coconut water and coconut-based food items.
  • Grand Sweets, is famous for its traditional sweets and savories.
  • Andar Market is a local street food market famous for its seafood and vegetarian snacks.

Cheap and best pubs and bars in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, has a number of cheap and best pubs and bars to offer to its visitors. Some popular options among tourists include:

  • Q Bar & Lounge
  • T2F
  • High Five
  • The Shack
  • Bakers Street
  • Buzz Lounge Bar
  • Kovalam Beach House

Cheap and best restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Here are some popular and affordable restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) that you can consider:

  • The Rock Restaurant
  • Ananda Bhavan
  • Sagar Ratna
  • Karavalli
  • Pankajakasthuri Herbals
  • Indian Coffee House
  • New Bharath Restaurant
  • Vasudev Adiga’s
  • Janahitha Vegetarian Restaurant
  • Kailas Vegetarian Restaurant

Cheap and best clothes shopping in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, has a number of shopping options for budget-conscious travelers. Some of the popular and affordable shopping places in the city include:

Chalai Bazaar:

This is one of the busiest shopping areas in Trivandrum and is known for its street vendors and small shops selling a variety of items, including clothing, textiles, and spices.

Convent Junction:

This area is known for its street stalls selling locally made handicrafts, textiles, and other souvenirs.

Sreekanteswaram Handicrafts Emporium:

This government-run store offers a wide range of locally made handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs at reasonable prices.

Janatha Handloom Co-operative Society:

This is another government-run store that sells locally-made textiles, including hand-woven cotton, silk, and other fabrics.

MG Road:

This is a popular shopping street in Trivandrum and is known for its shops selling clothing, accessories, and other items.

Supermarkets:

Trivandrum has a number of large supermarkets and department stores, including Spencer’s and Big Bazaar, which offer a wide range of products at affordable prices.

Adventurous things to do in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

There are several adventurous activities to do in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), such as:

Scuba Diving:

Explore the marine life and colorful corals of the Arabian Sea by scuba diving at various diving centers in the city.

Backwater Kayaking:

Rent a kayak and paddle through the tranquil backwaters of the city, exploring its mangroves, canals, and villages.

Rock Climbing:

Climb the rocky cliffs of Bonacaud, one of the best rock climbing destinations in the city, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Surfing:

Catch the waves at Kovalam beach and try your hand at surfing, with lessons and equipment available for rent.

Trekking:

Go on a trek in the Western Ghats, where you can hike through lush forests, cross streams, and spot wildlife such as elephants and tigers.

Paragliding:

Soar over the city and enjoy breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, the Western Ghats, and the cityscape, by going on a paragliding trip.

Adventurous places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Here are some adventurous places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum):

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary:

It is a popular tourist destination in Trivandrum, known for its wide variety of flora and fauna and adventurous activities such as trekking, hiking, and camping.

Kovalam Beach:

This beach is a famous tourist spot for water sports activities such as swimming, surfing, and parasailing.

Varkala Beach:

It is known for its adventure activities such as cliff-jumping, sunbathing, and Ayurvedic spa treatments.

Vellayani Lake:

It is a beautiful lake that offers an opportunity for kayaking and boating.

Kallara Botanical Garden:

It is a perfect place for trekking and exploring the lush greenery and diverse species of plants.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling:

Trivandrum is also known for its rock climbing and rappelling opportunities, especially at the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.

Scuba Diving:

The nearby areas of Trivandrum are renowned for their scuba diving sites, including Tarkarli Beach and Netrani Island.

Popular restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Here are some popular restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) that you can visit:

  • Kerala Kitchen
  • Travancore Heritage
  • Olive Garden
  • Costa Coffee
  • Tharavadu
  • Sreekrishna Vilas
  • Ananda Bhavan
  • Darbar
  • Hotel Saravana Bhavan
  • Royal Dine Family Restaurant.

Best Tips for Budget trip to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Here are some tips for a budget trip to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum):

Accommodation:

Look for budget hotels or homestays, which offer good value for money.

Food:

Try local street food stalls, which are cheap and delicious. You can also look for budget restaurants, which offer traditional Kerala cuisine.

Transportation:

Use public transportation such as buses, which are cheap and convenient. Avoid hiring taxis for sightseeing as it can be expensive.

Attractions:

Prioritize visiting free or low-cost attractions such as beaches, temples, and parks.

Shopping:

Shop at local markets, which offer traditional handicrafts and souvenirs at reasonable prices.

Plan ahead:

Do your research and plan your trip ahead to avoid overspending and make the most of your budget.

Avoid peak season:

Try to avoid visiting Thiruvananthapuram during peak tourist season as prices tend to be higher.

Popular malls must visit in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Trivandrum has several malls that are popular among locals and tourists, some of the most visited malls are:

  • Sreekanteswaram Central Mall
  • Focus Mall
  • Kairali Handicrafts & Spices
  • Trivandrum Central Mall
  • Ocean’s Sixteen Mall
  • Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple Complex
  • Chithranjali Theatre Complex
  • Ayurveda Medical College
  • RP Mall
  • Aksharam Mall.

Popular street to visit in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

One of the most popular streets to visit in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is the MG Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road). It is a bustling commercial street with shops, restaurants, and street vendors. Other popular streets include Palayam, Pattom, and Overbridge, each offering its own unique shopping and dining experiences.

A famous holy place in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

One of the most famous holy places in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is considered to be one of the 108 holy shrines of Lord Vishnu and is one of the richest temples in the world. Another famous holy place in Thiruvananthapuram is the Sreekanteswaram Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and is considered to be one of the most ancient temples in India.

Best nightclubs in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is a culturally rich city with vibrant nightlife. Some of the best nightclubs in the city include:

The Gold Coin:

It is one of the most popular nightclubs in the city, known for its lively atmosphere, great music, and delicious drinks.

Q Bar:

This chic nightclub is located in the heart of the city and offers a great variety of music and drinks.

High on Karaoke:

This is a karaoke-themed nightclub where visitors can enjoy singing, dancing, and good food.

10 Downing Street:

This is a trendy nightclub that offers a great mix of music, drinks, and food.

Best authentic Karnataka restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is known for its diverse cuisine, including traditional Karnataka food. Some of the best authentic Karnataka restaurants in the city include:

Hotel Udupi Sri Krishna Bhavan:

This restaurant serves authentic Udupi cuisine and is known for its dosas and other South Indian dishes.

Adyar Ananda Bhavan:

This popular chain of restaurants serves a variety of South Indian dishes, including authentic Karnataka cuisine.

Aahaaram:

This restaurant specializes in traditional South Indian food and is known for its mouth-watering Karnataka dishes.

Dakshin:

This upscale restaurant offers a mix of South Indian and Karnataka dishes, including traditional delicacies like Mysore masala dosa and Mangalorean crab curry.

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