Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, is the capital and largest city in Kerala, India. Trivandrum is famous for its beautiful green landscapes and hills. Situated by the Arabian Sea coast, the city offers stunning views and is rich in history. It was once the capital of the Travancore kingdom.
One of the city’s main attractions is the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a large complex dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Trivandrum is also a major IT hub, home to Technopark, one of India’s largest IT parks. This combination of ancient beauty and modern development makes Trivandrum an appealing location. It serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Kerala’s various attractions, such as backwaters, hill stations, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Best Time to Visit Trivandrum
The best time to visit Trivandrum is between October and February, during the peak tourist season. The weather is pleasant, making it an ideal time for sightseeing. The months from March to May have higher temperatures but offer a more relaxed atmosphere for visitors. The monsoon season lasts from June to September, bringing rain and humidity to the region.
Major Attractions of Trivandrum
Trivandrum attracts visitors with its blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural diversity, providing a fascinating study of Kerala’s treasures.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Timings: 06.30 AM to 12.00 PM & 04.30 PM to 07.15 PM (The temple timings might vary during festivals and special occasions)
Entrance fees: No
Dress Code: Devotees to the temple must adhere to a strict dress code. Men are required to wear dhoti (a long white garment) and angavastram (upper cloth), while women should wear sarees or long skirts with kurtas. Nowadays temple authorities allow wearing of dhotis over pants or churidhar to avoid inconvenience to the devotees. Electronic Gadgets are not allowed inside the temple.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, is located in Trivandrum. It is one of the 108 holy abodes of Vishnu in Sri Vaishnavism and is considered one of the most important Vaishnava pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is famous for its beautiful architecture, long history and mythological treasures. It is a classic example of Kerala-Dravidian architecture, with high walls, a 16th-century gateway and intricate sculptures. The main deity of the temple is Padmanabhaswamy, a reclining form of Vishnu reclining on Ananta, the cosmic serpent. The idol, made of black granite, is believed to represent eternal rest and peace. The temple is believed to be hundreds, if not thousands, of years old, with significant modifications made in the 16th and 18th centuries. The Travancore royal family has managed the temple for decades. The temple is considered one of the richest temples in the world, with several underground chambers containing huge amounts of gold, jewels and relics. Due to security concerns and ongoing legal battles, only a few of these chambers have been opened.
The Kuthiramalika Palace
Timings: 09.00 AM to 12.30 PM & from 02.00 PM to 04.45 PM (break time: 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM)
Entrance fee: Foreigners – Rs.200 / Indian – Rs.75
Camera fee: Rs.50 (permits outside only)
Video Camera fee: Rs.250 (permits outside only)
Mobile Camera Allowed inside the palace but need to take a ticket. A ticket would cost Rs.500 / per mobile camera.
Holidays: Monday, Wednesday forenoon & All Public holidays.
The Kuthiramalika Palace, located near the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, is a historic building built in the 1840s by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma. The palace reflects the traditional Kerala architectural style, with overhanging roofs, sloping ceilings, pillared verandas, and enclosed courtyards. It is famous for its woodwork, distinctive carvings, and unique room designs, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the time. Constructed from materials such as teak wood, rosewood, marble, and granite, the palace is known as the “Mansion of Horses” due to the 122 intricately carved wooden horses that adorn the wall brackets. Today, the palace has been converted into a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of the Travancore royal family. The museum houses magnificent wood carvings, paintings depicting historical and mythological scenes, as well as royal artifacts. Additionally, the palace hosts an annual courtyard music festival to celebrate the rich musical traditions of Kerala.
The Napier Museum
Timings: 10.00 AM to 04.30 PM & Wednesday timing is from 01.00 PM to 04.30 PM
Entrance fee: Foreigners – Rs.200 & Indians – Rs.30 & Child – Rs.10
Camera fee: Rs.50
Holidays: Monday, Wednesday Forenoon and Public Holidays
The Napier Museum is located in the heart of Trivandrum, just 5 km from the Trivandrum airport and 16 km from Kovalam. It was designed by Robert Fellowes Chisholm and has a unique blend of architectural styles. The museum was built in 1880 and is named after Lord Napier, the then governor of Madras. It houses a vast collection of artefacts from art, natural history, archaeology, bronze statues, sculpture, paintings, religious icons, ancient coins, historical documents, decorative objects, temple chariots, ivory carvings and a coin collection of 5000 pieces. The museum also has a natural history section with skeletons of birds and animals, as well as a taxidermy gallery. It is part of the Napier Museum complex, which also includes the Trivandrum Zoo and the Sri Chitra Art Gallery. The art gallery displays a famous collection of paintings by Kerala’s famous artist Raja Ravi Varma, while the archaeology section has fascinating objects from the Indus Valley Civilization and the Chola period. Additionally, the museum highlights the traditional lifestyle in Kerala through exhibitions of costumes, jewelry, and household items used by the local people.
Veli Lake and Tourist Village
Timings: 08.00 AM to 06.00 PM
Entrance fee: Rs.5 for both Indians & Foreigners
Camera fee: Not allowed
Veli Lake and Tourist Village is a popular destination near Trivandrum, about 8 km from the airport and 19 km from Kovalam. It is famous for its beautiful lagoon, natural surroundings, beaches, recreational activities, and relaxing atmosphere. The freshwater Veli Lake is separated from the Arabian Sea by a thin strip of land and is a great place for boating. You can choose from paddle boats, row boats, and speedboats to explore the tranquil backwaters and spot local plants and animals. The greenery around the lake offers a peaceful escape and is perfect for bird watching. The village also has paddle boats, row boats, and speedboats available for rent, as well as a park with various play equipment for children. You can enjoy Kerala cuisine and drinks at the floating cafe while enjoying beautiful views of the lake. Additionally, the village has notable statues and offers horse riding along the beach. Other amenities include well-maintained walkways, comfortable seating areas, food stalls, and plenty of parking space. Relax on the grass, enjoy the sunshine and experience the tranquil atmosphere, which is especially beautiful at sunset, when the water changes colour.
Marine Aquarium Museum Vizhinjam
Timings: 09.00 AM to 05.00 PM
Entrance fee: Rs.20 for adults & Rs.10 for child
Camera fee: Rs.20
Mobile Camera fee: Rs.10
Video Camera: Not allowed
Holidays: National Holidays
The Maritime Aquarium Museum Vizhinjam, also known as the Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium, is located in Vizhinjam, about 22 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport and 2 kilometers from Kovalam. It’s a great place to see the sea life of the Arabian Sea. Although not big, it has a variety of fish, turtles, and other marine life native to the area. The aquarium has a wide range of marine species, including angelfish, clownfish, seahorses, boxfish, cowfish, butterflyfish, eels, and wrasses. There’s also a tank with colorful corals. A special feature is the exhibition showing how pearls are made using a mold in oysters. The aquarium is small but well-kept, making it perfect for a quick visit, which usually takes about two to three hours.
Sree Chitra Art Gallery
Timings: 10.00 AM to 04.45 PM
Entrance fee: For Foreigners – Rs.200 & Indians – Rs.30
Camera is allowed, but no DSLR
Holidays: Monday, Wednesday Forenoon & National Holidays
The Sree Chitra Art Gallery in Trivandrum is a popular spot for art enthusiasts. It is situated about 4 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport and 16 kilometers from Kovalam. The gallery was established in 1935 by the Maharaja of Travancore, Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. It is known for its vast collection of over 1100 paintings, including works by renowned Indian artists such as Raja Ravi Varma, Nicholas Roerich, Svetoslav Roerich, Jamini Roy, Rabindranath Tagore, V. S. Valiathan, C. Raja Raja Varma, and K. C. S. Paniker. The collection features diverse Indian styles such as Mughal, Rajput, Tanjore, and Bengal. The gallery also displays sculptures and antiques from Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Special exhibitions showcasing modern art and work by visiting artists are held regularly. The Asian collection includes Chinese, Japanese, and Balinese paintings, Tibetan Thangka paintings, prehistoric Indian mural paintings, miniatures from around the world, and mural replicas from Ajanta, Bagh, Sigiriya, and Sittannavasal. Manuscripts with archival interest are also housed in the gallery. The Kerala government is currently working on a new wing to exhibit the works of Raja Ravi Varma, his brother C. Raja Raja Varma, his sister Mangalabai Thampurathy, and other artists. International artworks, including paintings by Russian artists Nicholas and Svetoslav Roerich, are also part of the collection. The Sree Chitra Art Gallery provides an enriching experience for art lovers, offering insights into India’s cultural legacy and more.
Sree Chitra Enclaves
Timings: 10.00 AM to 04.45 PM
Entrance fee: Foreigners – Rs.200 & Indians – Rs.30
Camera fee: Rs.50
Holidays: Monday, Wednesday forenoon and Public Holidays
Sree Chitra Enclaves
The Sree Chitra Enclave is a museum located 5 miles from Trivandrum Airport and 16 km from Kovalam. The museum honors the memory of Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma (1912-1991), the last king of the former Travancore kingdom. It is housed within the Napier Museum Complex in Trivandrum. Inaugurated in 1993 and open to the public in 2007, the museum displays personal items and antiques from the Travancore Royal Family, showcasing their history and lifestyle. The artifacts include furniture, jewelry, clothes, and even the Maharaja’s chariot, providing insight into royal life. Historical papers, deeds, and ancient newspaper articles shed light on the Travancore dynasty’s past events. Additionally, the museum features paintings by renowned artists that depict the socio-cultural and geographical evolution of the Travancore kingdom, including fourteen murals in total.
The Zoological Park
Timings: 09.00 AM to 04.45 PM
Entrance fee: Foreigners – Rs.200 & Indians – Rs.30
Camera fee: Rs.50
Video Camera: Not allowed
Holidays: Monday, Wednesday Forenoon and National Holidays
The Trivandrum Zoo, also known as the Trivandrum Zoological Park, is one of India’s oldest zoos. It is located 5 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport and 16 kilometers from Kovalam. Established in 1857, the zoo covers 55 acres of land, offering a peaceful retreat within the city with its trees, lakes, and lawns. The zoo is home to over 80 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, showcasing India’s diverse wildlife. It houses approximately 82 species of animals and has two lakes that attract around 60 different species of birds, both resident and migratory. The zoo also runs educational programs and initiatives for wildlife conservation and protection. It is a great place for families to spend time outdoors and learn about wildlife in a family-friendly environment. Visitors can observe a variety of animals including lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, monkeys, deer, snakes, crocodiles, pelicans, hornbills, and parrots.
Kerala Museum of History and Heritage
Timings: 10.00 AM to 04.45 PM & Wednesday – from 01.00 PM to 04.45 PM
Entrance fee: Foreigners – Rs.200 & Indians – Rs.30
Camera fee: Rs.25
Video Camera: Not allowed
Holidays: Monday, Wednesday Forenoon and National Holidays
The Kerala Museum of History and Heritage, located in Trivandrum, celebrates Kerala’s rich history spanning over 3,000 years. Established in 2011 through a collaboration between the Kerala Tourism Department and the Kerala State Department of Archaeology, the museum is housed at the Park View Home near the renowned Napier Museum and Trivandrum Zoo. Exhibits include Iron-age grave goods, Roman coinage showcasing maritime trade between the Roman Empire and Kerala’s Chera Empire, palm-leaf writings, 17th-century murals from the Pundareekapuram temple, neolithic stone tools, and sculptures from the 14th and 16th centuries. The museum offers multimedia presentations and interactive exhibits, providing an excellent resource for learning about Kerala’s intriguing past.
Kerala State Science and Technology Museum Complex
Timings: 10.00 AM to 05.00 PM
Entrance fee: Rs.25
Camera fee: Not allowed
Holidays: Monday, Wednesday Forenoon and National Holidays
The Kerala State Science and Technology Museum Complex is a popular institution in Trivandrum. It was established in 1984 and aims to promote interest in science, especially among young people. The museum has ten galleries with over 300 exhibits covering various scientific fields such as engineering, mathematics, space science, computer science, solar energy, and popular science. The galleries have interactive exhibits for hands-on learning. The planetarium in the Complex features engaging sky displays, using a modern digital projection system to create a realistic representation of the night sky. Additionally, the Complex has an outdoor Children’s Park with play equipment built on scientific concepts, providing an interactive environment for learning. Furthermore, the complex has a fully air-conditioned conference hall for seminars, workshops, and other science and technology-related activities.
Neyyar Dam
Timings: 10.00 AM to 04.00 PM
Entrance fee: No
Camera fee: No & it is allowed
Holidays: Monday
The Neyyar Dam, located about 37 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport, is a popular spot for picnics and a source of irrigation. The dam, built in 1958, is 56 meters tall and 295 meters long. It creates a beautiful 106.2 million cubic meter reservoir, offering activities such as boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The nearby Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, deer, and leopard. Visitors can also explore a lion safari park and a crocodile farm. The area is perfect for nature enthusiasts, offering boat rentals, a crocodile farm with various crocodile species, an aquarium with freshwater fish, and scenic picnic spots with a watchtower providing panoramic views of the reservoir and surroundings.
Akkulam Tourist Village
Timings: 08.00 AM to 08.00 PM
Entrance fee: Rs.30
Camera fee: Not Allowed
Akkulam Tourist Village is a popular spot in Trivandrum, situated on the banks of Akkulam Lake, about 6 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport and 20 kilometers from Kovalam. The village offers various areas for relaxation and recreation. Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat ride on the lake using pedal boats or rowboats. The lake is home to diverse fish and migrating birds. There’s also a swimming pool to cool off during the hot summer months. Children can have fun at the well-equipped park with slides, swings, and rides. For those seeking adventure, the park offers activities like rope climbing and zip-lining. Additionally, there is a light and sound show that presents Kerala’s history and culture. The beautiful gardens around the lake make for a perfect picnic spot. Overall, Akkulam Tourist Village offers a wide range of activities suitable for people of all ages and interests, making it an excellent destination for a relaxed day with family and friends.
The Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple
Timings: 09.00 AM to 05.30 PM
The Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Vizhinjam, near Trivandrum. It is thought to have been built in the eighth century during the Pallava dynasty’s reign. The temple is made of a large granite cave and houses a one-celled shrine with a sculpture of Vinadhara Dakshinamurti, a representation of the Hindu god Shiva as a teacher. On the outer wall of the cave, there are unfinished reliefs of Shiva in various incarnations, including “Tripurantakara” on the left and “Nataraja” with Parvati on the right. The gateway also features unfinished sculptures of guardians (dvarapalakas), which are typical of Pallava art. This temple is the earliest rock-cut cave in Kerala and is protected as a monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Azhimala Shiva Temple
Timings: 06.00 AM to 10.30 AM & from 05.00 PM to 07.30 PM
The Azhimala Shiva Temple is a Hindu temple located on the Arabian Sea coast near Vizhinjam. It is about 28 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport and 8 kilometers from Kovalam. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and is known for its 18-meter (58-foot) tall Gangadhareshwara sculpture, which is the tallest Shiva sculpture in Kerala. The temple is believed to have been built in the 8th century AD during the Pandya kingdom. It is also a significant center of Shaivism, a Hindu sect that worships Lord Shiva as the supreme god. The notable Gangadhareshwara statue, designed by local artist P.S. Devadathan, will be installed in 2021. This large concrete sculpture depicts Lord Shiva as Gangadhareswara, holding the river goddess Ganga in his matted hair, creating a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight. The temple’s architecture is similar to the Dravidian style temples in Tamil Nadu. The exterior wall and gateway tower are adorned with colorful sculptures of Hindu deities including Ganesha, Ayyappan, Vishnu, Kartikeya, and Hanuman. Inside, the shrines to the main deity and other deities are also colorful, with carvings, murals, and decorations. Sitting atop a rock overlooking the Arabian Sea, the temple offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and greenery, creating a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for spiritual seekers. The temple holds various festivals throughout the year, including the annual festival (Utsavam) in the Malayalam month of Makaram (January-February) and Maha Shivaratri (February and March).
Attukal Bhagavathi Temple
Timings: 06.00 AM to 12.30 PM & from 05.00 PM to 08.30 PM
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Trivandrum is devoted to the goddess Bhadrakali and is a popular pilgrimage destination, especially for women. The temple is known for the annual Pongala celebration, which holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest gathering of women for a religious activity. During this festival, only women are allowed into the temple complex, and millions of women gather to prepare a sweet rice dish as an offering to the goddess Bhadrakali.
Thiruvallam Parasurama Swamy Temple
The Thiruvallam Parasurama Swamy Temple is an ancient pilgrimage site in Kerala. It is dedicated to Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu. The temple is located in Thiruvallam, a beach village about 15 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport and 6 kilometers from Kovalam. It is among the first temples built in South India and is the only one in Kerala dedicated to Lord Parasurama. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. Special ancestral rituals take place at the temple on Karkidaka Vavu, an important day in the Malayalam calendar. Additionally, the temple is a protected monument under the Department of Archaeology in Kerala.
Kanakakkunnu Palace
Kanakakkunnu Palace is a historic site in Trivandrum, near the Napier Museum. It was built in the nineteenth century for visiting dignitaries. The palace showcases Kerala’s traditional architecture and cultural significance. It was later renovated by another ruler and used as a summer resort with tennis courts. Today, the palace hosts cultural gatherings, events, and a popular dance festival featuring various classical Indian dance forms from October to March. The palace has an open-air auditorium for concerts, plays, and conferences. The well-kept lawns and gardens surrounding the palace provide leisure opportunities and picnicking. There are also food kiosks serving local delicacies and refreshments.
How to Reach Trivandrum
Trivandrum is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it accessible from various parts of India and the world.
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is the primary gateway to the city. The airport is located about 6 kilometers from the city center and serves both domestic and international flights.
- Domestic Flights: Major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad are connected to Trivandrum through regular flights operated by airlines like Air India, Indigo, SpiceJet, and Vistara.
- International Flights: Trivandrum International Airport connects the city to several international destinations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and SriLankan Airlines operate regular flights to and from Trivandrum.
By Train: Trivandrum Central Railway Station (TVC) is the main railway station in the city, located close to the city center. It’s well-linked to major cities across India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata with frequent train services. Several express and superfast trains operate on these routes.
By Road: Trivandrum is well-connected by a network of national and state highways, making it easily accessible by road. NH 66 (previously NH 47) runs through Trivandrum, connecting it to cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, and Mangalore to the north, and Kanyakumari to the south.
Conclusion
Trivandrum seamlessly blends the charm of its historical roots with the vibrancy of modern development. From the serene beauty of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple to the cutting-edge innovation at Technopark, the city offers a unique experience that caters to both the spiritual and the contemporary. As the gateway to Kerala’s diverse attractions, Trivandrum invites visitors to explore its rich cultural heritage while enjoying the natural beauty that defines this captivating region.
