Trivandrum

Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The 100ft tall Gopuram of Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple soars over the skyline of Trivandrum. The temple is home to Lord Padmanabhaswamy, the presiding deity of the city & a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is home to an idol of Lord Vishnu reclining on the seven-hooded serpent. A unique blend of Dravidian & Kerala architecture, this spectacular temple is a glorious sight of Trivandrum.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum / Horse Museum

Check out the 122 horses, carved into the wooden wall brackets of Kuthiramalika, smile upon you as you enter this beautiful palace-turned-museum in Trivandrum. This Travancore family palace, built-in typical Kerala architecture, showcases a stunning collection of Belgian & Italian mirrors, crystal chandeliers, paintings, musical instruments, traditional furniture, Greek statues, and life-sized figurines of fully-costumed Kathakali dancers.  

Napier Museum

Located in a heritage building, Napier Museum offers you a glimpse into the bygone days of the Travancore dynasty. The museum houses various sculptures in bronze, wood & stone, coins, musical instruments, and a fascinating model of Guruvayur Temple.

Chitra Art Gallery

Located near the Napier Museum, Chitra Art Gallery displays a rare collection of paintings from both Indian and international artists. Its amazing collection of paintings by acclaimed artists like Ravi Raja Varma and Nicholas Roerich; bejeweled Tanjore paintings; Mughal & Rajput art; and artworks from oriental countries are a treat for the eyes.

Shanghumugham Beach

A quick 8kms drive from Trivandrum takes you to the beautiful Shanghumugham Beach. Sandy shores, shimmering waters, and a massive statue of a mermaid in repose are the highlights of this beach. Dotted with restaurants, food stalls, and some rides for the kids, this beach is a great picnic spot.

Backwaters of Trivandrum

A smattering of crystal lakes, inlets & lagoons in various locations around Trivandrum forms its gorgeous backwaters. Sail these emerald waters on a traditional boat for a true-blue Kerala experience. Veli, Akkulam, Thiruvallam, and Kappil are some of the favored backwaters destinations near Trivandrum.

Other Attractions of Trivandrum

• Museum of History and Heritage- A peek into the rich heritage of Trivandrum
• Zoological Park- the city zoo
• Kanakakkunnu Palace- A Travancore Dynasty palace
• Veli Tourist Village- An ideal picnic spot by the lakeside.

Nearby Excursions

• Kovalam- (16kms) - A gorgeous beach & Ayurveda resort town.
• Varkala (33kms) – A beautiful town known for its sandy beaches

Fairs and Festivals in Thiruvananthapuram

• Onam- Homecoming of King Mahabali, Snake Boat Race
• Aarattu Festival- Padmanabhaswamy Temple festival celebrated in Oct-Nov with a fascinating parade of elephants, and masked dancers.
• Nishagandhi Dance Festival- Annually held in January to celebrate the classical dance forms of India
• Malabari Food festival- Dig in the delicious Kerala cuisine

Shopping in Trivandrum

The elegant white & gold Kerala sari, miniature snake boat, coconut shell & coir products, intricately carved wooden boxes, colorful Kathakali masks, and aromatic spices of Kerala are some of the souvenirs you may pick for your family and friends back home.

Food in Trivandrum

Trivandrum gives you a taste of typical Kerala cuisine. Delicious puttu & kadala curry, appam & stew, Kerala fish curry, mouthwatering beef fry, Kerala prawns curry, and flaky Malabar parotta make a great meal.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Trivandrum would be in winter months from October to February.

How to Reach

By Air- Thiruvananthapuram International Airport connects the city with major cities across the globe. 

By Rail – The two railheads of the city, Trivandrum Central Railway Station and Kochuveli
Railway Station are well-linked with major Indian cities. 

By Road- A well-developed network of roads & highways connects Thiruvananthapuram to the cities in the region.