Things to do in Trivandrum for a Perfect Vacation

Known For : Poovar Beach Thirparappu Falls Vizhinjam

The most beguiling Poovar Island, located just 30 km away from Trivandrum, Kerala or the God's own country, is the abode of natural beauty. Known for its pristine charm, the island is flocked by peace-lovers. Also known as the fishing village, the tranquil island lies between the Arabian Sea and the Neyyar River. The point where the sea, river and the land meets is a rare find in Kerala and a natural wonder. Poovar Island is truly a window into paradise. A visit to this heaven makes one feel that the clock has stopped ticking. This is also one of the best things to do in Trivandrum. The sheer beauty of this place goes well with the crashing sound of waves and chirping of birds.

Best Time: August to March

9 Poovar Attractions

Famous for its Lion and Deer Safari, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a treat for nature enthusiasts. The park houses a crocodile farm and elephant rehabilitation centre. Ask for a guided tour of the sanctuary which is quite informative. This is also one of the topmost things to do in Trivandrum. The park boasts of a verdant green cover and rare sighting of exotic animals and avifauna including tiger, leopard, sloth bear, elephant, sambar, barking deer, bonnet macaque, Nilgiri langur and Nilgiri tahr etc.

Situated on a hill at an elevation of about 60 metres above sea level (the highest point in the city), this astronomical observatory offers exquisite views of the surroundings and the city as a whole. Beautiful roses can be found in the garden in front. It was built in 1837 and is part of the Department of Physics, University of Kerala today. It is fast developing as one of India's most important astronomical centres with modern facilities like an 11-inch telescope, CCD camera, sun workstations, image processing facility and partnership with national programs. Visiting here is one of the topmost things to do in Trivandrum.

Perched at an altitude of 1,868 meters within the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Agastya Mala Peak is also called Agastyarkoodam. The peak features a life sized statue of Lord Agastya - a Hindu Sage. Trekking is the best way to scale the heights, and the end result is absolutely exhilarating. Offering gorgeous views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, visiting the mountain peak is one of the most thrilling things to do in Trivandrum. Be sure to include it in your bucket list.

Hailed as the oldest zoo in India, this The Zoological Park is famous for its various bird species brought from Ethiopia & Australia. Visitors can also take a boat ride in the lake while exploring the nature''s beauty. The zoo is also home to varied varities and different species of exotic animals. Especially famous among the kids and nature lovers, this is one of the most visited places in the city. Be sure to include this in your list of top things to do in Trivandrum.

Renowned for its fine collection of sculptures, paintings and musical instruments, the Napier Museum serves as a prime attraction of the city. Located right in the heart of the city, it is also an architectural marvel which was established around 150 years ago. In the best possible words, the Napier Museum is a delight for adults and children alike. The museum itself, based on the Indo-Saracenic styles of architecture is one of the most visited art and natural history museums in India. Visiting here is one of the topmost things to do in Trivandrum.

Chalai Bazaar is a typical old Indian market spread on a small stretch of 2 km connecting Killippalam and East Fort. It is famous for its collections of fruits and vegetables to gold and silver jewellery, electronics, furniture, paint and, hardware etc. Market browsing is one of the prime activities and things to do in Trivandrum. You can also shop souvenirs, trinkets and knick-knacks, from here to take back home for your kith and kin.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple stands tall in the capital of Kerala in its decadent gold-plated glory. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the principal centres of worship in the dharma of Vaishnavism. Divya Desams are the holy abodes of the great Lord Vishnu, and the temple worships Lord Padmanabha- a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. This divine temple is one of the very few temples in India where entrance is only granted to people that practice the Hindu faith. The mystery and grandeur of the temple fill the air and leaves you awestruck in its magnanimous beauty.

Known for its tech on display, the Science and Technology Museum was founded in 1984. The museum draws a huge number of visitors into its chambers, especially the science enthusiasts. It also has a study cum research centre and was started with the initiative to inculcate enquiry and a scientific temperament in the minds of the young. If you are a science buff, visiting here is one the best things to do in Trivandrum.

Close to the Napier Museum, the Kanakakunnu Palace was built under the rule of Travancore King. Today, the palace is host to plethora of cultural programs that are held on its premises. Built in the traditional colonial era architectural style, the palace attracts a large tourist influx all year round. It has two auditoriums which host cultural event and programmes on a regular basis.

A perfect place for art lovers, Sri Chitra Art Gallery houses some of the famous work of Raja Ravi Verma. His western form and style of paintings depicting Indian lives are an attraction here. Other art objects belonging to the Mughals, Rajputs and Tanjore art schools can also be seen. If you an art connoisseur, you should definitely include visiting this place in your bucket list of top things to do in Trivandrum.

One of the most popular beaches, Shanghumukham Beach is known for its pristine waters and soulful sunsets. It runs next to the Trivandrum airport and a must visit for those seeking tranquility. The beach also has a vantage point to enjoy the beautiful sunset views. And the several shacks and cafes on the beach make sure to tend to your hunger pangs with mouth watering finger food and shakes. Visiting the beach is one of the best things to do in Trivandrum.

Adding to the historical significance and cultural diversity of the little yet vibrant city of Karikkakom is the Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Devi Temple which is over 600 years old. This ancient temple is actually set in dense green environs with the tall lush palms enveloping it from all sides. The Karikkakom Devi is a Hindu temple that enshrines Goddess Chamundi. However, the distinctive peculiarity of this temple is that it worships all the three forms of Goddess Chamundi- Maha Chamundi, Rakhta Chamundi and Bala Chamundi. Making a visit to this temple is one of the top things to do in Trivandrum.

Regarded as one of the best planetariums in the whole of South India, the Priyadarshini Planetarium should definitely top your list of places to visit in Trivandrum. This is India's first titled domed planetarium and has been doing an impeccable job at not only educating the people in the diverse subject of astronomy but also keeping them acquainted with the latest evolutions in the field. The Priyadarshini Planetarium hosts show in Malayalam and English where the people are introduced to the magical world of outer space. Attending this show is one of the top things to do in Trivandrum, not just for the tourists but also for the locals.

Having added to the historical and architectural glory of Trivandrum for more than 19 decades, the CSI Christ Church is a beautiful gothic church that adorns the vibrant town of Palayam. Enveloped in the canopy of lush, dense trees, it is the oldest church in the entire city and was consecrated in the early days of 1859. If you are a history buff or a lover of architecture, visiting the CSI Christ Churchis one of the best things to do in Trivandrum. This architectural marvel was built over 150 years ago, but its charm has not worn off in the least; if anything, its majesty has glorified even more with time.

Puthenthope Beach is situated in Puthenthope, 15 kms away from Trivandrum. Graciously fringed with palm trees, the beach is popular for mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views. But it is comparatively less crowded than the other beaches of the city and is synonymous with peace and tranquility. Boasting with all around ataraxy, the beach is especially famous for its sunset views and watching one of them is one of the best things to do in Trivandrum.

Also known as Vellayani Kayal, Vellayani Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala, situated in the Trivandrum city. The water from the lake is mostly used for irrigation and drinking purposes and for harvesting lotus flowers. Surrounded with verdant green trees and beautiful aesthetics, the pavement is lined with benches for people to relax. People mostly come here with a basket of food and a sheet for day picnics. Be sure to include visiting here in your list of things to do in Trivandrum.

Built in the 1840s by the great Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, the Kuthira Malika Palace stands as an iconic monument that gives you a curious insight into the glorious history of Kerala. 'Kuthira Malika' literally translates to 'Mansion of horses', and it has been named so because of the 122 horses that adorn the many pillars that support the southern roof of this majestic structure. The main idea behind building this palace was to preserve and promote the many traditional art forms of India, mainly the south.

Renowned as the first magic park in the entire world, the Magic Planet is an absolute treat for the inquisitive child in us all. This mystical theme park aims at changing the perspective with which we look at magic- instead of looking at it as a mystery, the Magic Planet encourages us to put on our science glasses and look at the beautiful art of magic as a segment of pragmatic math and awe-inspiring science. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Trivandrum, not just for the tourists but for the locals alike.

Situated in Chackai, Eanchakkal in Trivandrum, Mall of Travancore is the first and the oldest mall in the city. It is also the first green mall mall of the country and boasts of three floors covering over 300 retail stores and outlets. It also has a gaming zone both for adults and kids and a huge food court where you can satiate your taste buds from all the lugging around. Visiting the mall is one of the top touristy things to do in Trivandrum.

Being one of the most popular Ganesh temples of the south, the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple holds a special place in the hearts of the locals and the ardent devotees of Lord Ganesh. The devotees who visit this temple are overcome with the tranquil calm and relentless peace of the magically pious atmosphere. They say that Lord Ganesh fulfils the deepest wishes and fixes the stubbornest problems of his devotees who visit him at the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple.

Akkulam Lake is situated in the Trivandrum of Kerala and is an extension of the Veli Lake. It merges with the sea in the end and makes for a popular picnic spot for the city folks. You can also find boating options here that you can undertake. Boasting of verdant greenery, the place stays especially crowded in the evening when people gather for a breath of fresh air and greenery.