Trivandrum, the vibrant capital city of Kerala, beckons travelers with its rich cultural heritage, lush landscapes, and pristine beaches. With just two days to explore, you’ll want to make the most of your visit. In this blog, we’ll unveil the best places to visit in Trivandrum in 2 days to ensure an unforgettable getaway.
Tourist Places to Visit in Trivandrum
Trivandrum, the enchanting capital of Kerala, offers a tapestry of cultural treasures and natural beauty. Join us as we explore the top tourist places to visit in Trivandrum.
- Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Sacred Dravidian marvel in Trivandrum.
- Kanakakunnu Palace: Artistic elegance amid lush gardens.
- Poovar Island: Backwaters and tranquility converge.
- Trivandrum Astronomical Observatory: Celestial wonders unfold here.
- Agasthyarkoodam: Trek to Kerala’s heights.
- Shanghumukham Beach: Serenity by the sea.
- Trivandrum Zoological Park: Biodiversity in green oasis.
- Napier Museum: Cultural treasures reside within.
- Priyadarshini Planetarium: Explore galaxies, and expand knowledge.
- Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: Divine aura, festive fervor.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
This ancient marvel, with its intricate Dravidian architecture, houses the sacred deity Lord Padmanabha. It’s a spiritual haven and showcases the opulent heritage of Trivandrum. It is one of the best places to visit in Trivandrum in one day
Location: East Fort, Trivandrum, Kerala.
Famous For: Housing the deity Lord Padmanabha, its stunning Dravidian architecture, and is one of the richest temples in the world.
Timings: Generally open from 3:30 AM to 7:20 AM and 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and then from 5:30 PM to 7:20 PM.
Required Time: Plan for about 1-2 hours for a visit.
Entry Fee: Free for darshan, but there are charges for special pujas and rituals.
Also Read: Top 10 Must Try Foods on Your Next Kerala Trip
Kanakakunnu Palace
A blend of Indo-Saracenic and Kerala styles, this palace is a cultural gem. Its lush gardens host cultural events, making it a delightful retreat for art and history enthusiasts. It is one of the best places to visit near Trivandrum for 2 days.
Location: Kanakakunnu, Trivandrum, Kerala.
Famous For: Its Indo-Saracenic architecture, lush gardens, and hosting cultural events.
Timings: The palace gardens are usually open during daytime hours.
Required Time: A visit may take around 1-2 hours.
Entry Fee: Entry to the gardens is often free, but events may have separate charges.
Poovar Island
Nestled at the convergence of the Arabian Sea, Neyyar River, and Poovar Lake, this pristine island is a serene getaway. Its backwater cruises and golden beaches offer unparalleled tranquility. This island is one of the famous places to visit in Trivandrum.
Location: Poovar, near Trivandrum, Kerala.
Famous For: Pristine beaches, backwater cruises, and a tranquil natural setting.
Timings: Open throughout the day.
Required Time: A day trip is ideal to explore Poovar Island.
Entry Fee: This may vary depending on the activities you choose.
Trivandrum Astronomical Observatory
This historic observatory, dating back to the 19th century, fuels scientific curiosity. It showcases impressive astronomical instruments and offers insight into celestial wonders.
Location: Observatory Hills, Trivandrum, Kerala.
Famous For: Historical astronomical instruments and promoting scientific knowledge.
Timings: Generally open during daylight hours.
Required Time: About 1-2 hours for a comprehensive visit.
Entry Fee: Often free or with nominal charges.
Agasthyarkoodam
Trekking enthusiasts flock here to conquer Kerala’s second-highest peak. The biodiversity-rich forests surrounding it add an adventurous charm to this challenging climb. It is one of the best nature places to visit in Trivandrum.
Location: Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Trivandrum, Kerala.
Famous For: Challenging trekking trails and rich biodiversity.
Timings: Treks are typically organized during the trekking season, which varies.
Required Time: Trekking to the peak can take 2-3 days.
Entry Fee: Trekking permits are required, and fees may vary.
Shanghumukham Beach
A tranquil beach with a giant sculpture of a mermaid, it’s perfect for sunset strolls. It also hosts the annual Arattu festival, drawing crowds for its vibrant celebrations.
Location: Shanghumukham, Trivandrum, Kerala.
Famous For: Serene beachscape, mermaid sculpture, and the annual Arattu festival.
Timings: Open throughout the day.
Required Time: A few hours for a leisurely visit.
Entry Fee: Generally free.
Also Read: Onam Festival in Kerala
Trivandrum Zoological Park
Home to a wide array of exotic animals, this park is a family-friendly destination. The lush greenery and conservation efforts make it an educational and enjoyable visit. It is one of the places to visit near Trivandrum within 100 km.
Location: Palayam, Trivandrum, Kerala.
Famous For: A diverse collection of animals and conservation efforts.
Timings: Usual visiting hours are from morning to evening.
Required Time: Plan for 2-3 hours to explore the zoo.
Entry Fee: Admission fees apply, with discounts for children and students.
Napier Museum
An architectural masterpiece, this museum houses a splendid collection of artifacts, sculptures, and historic items. It’s a window into Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Also, visiting the museum is one of the best things to do in Trivandrum.
Location: Museum Junction, Trivandrum, Kerala.
Famous For: Architectural beauty and an impressive collection of artifacts.
Timings: Open during standard museum hours.
Required Time: 1-2 hours for a visit.
Entry Fee: Nominal entry fee, with concessions for students and children.
Priyadarshini Planetarium
Explore the cosmos in this state-of-the-art facility. Its captivating shows and interactive exhibits make it an ideal place for budding astronomers and curious minds. This is the best places to visit in Trivandrum at night for star gazing.
Location: Kumarapuram, Trivandrum, Kerala.
Famous For: Interactive astronomy exhibits and captivating planetarium shows.
Timings: Shows are scheduled at specific times; check ahead.
Required Time: About 2-3 hours for a complete experience.
Entry Fee: Tickets are usually priced per show.
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
Known for the annual Attukal Pongala festival, this temple is a significant religious center. It attracts devotees from far and wide with its grandeur and spiritual aura.
Location: Attukal, Trivandrum, Kerala.
Famous For: The annual Attukal Pongala festival and spiritual significance.
Timings: The temple is open during specific hours for darshan.
Required Time: A visit may take 1-2 hours.
Entry Fee: Typically, there is no entry fee for darshan.
How to Reach Trivandrum
Reaching Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala in southern India, is relatively easy, thanks to its well-connected transportation network. Here are the primary modes of reaching Trivandrum:
By Air:
- Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram Airport) is the city’s primary airport and one of the busiest in southern India. It offers domestic and international flights.
- You can book a flight to Trivandrum from major Indian cities and international destinations.
- The airport is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) from the city center, making it convenient for travelers.
By Train:
- Trivandrum Central Railway Station, also known as Thiruvananthapuram Central, is a major railway hub in South India.
- It is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata, through regular express and superfast trains.
- The railway station is located in the heart of the city, making it accessible to various parts of Trivandrum.
By Road:
- Trivandrum has a well-developed road network and is connected to other cities in Kerala and neighboring states through a system of national and state highways.
- You can travel by bus, both government-operated and private, to travel to Trivandrum from nearby cities and towns.
- If you prefer a more comfortable and private journey, you can also hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services.
By Bus:
- Trivandrum has a central bus station known as Thampanoor Bus Station, which serves as a major transit point for buses traveling within Kerala and from neighboring states.
- State-run KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) buses and private operators provide various options for bus travel to Trivandrum. You can also easily book bus tickets on AbhiBus for a hassle-free travel experience.
Some of the frequently travelled bus routes by people to reach Trivandrum are as follows:
- Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram
- Bangalore to Thiruvananthapuram
- Thiruvarur to Thiruvananthapuram
- Kurnool to Thiruvananthapuram
By Sea:
Trivandrum has a seaport, Vizhinjam International Seaport, which is under development. However, currently, it is not a major passenger port, and sea travel to Trivandrum is limited.
Once you arrive in Trivandrum, you can easily access various modes of local transportation, including taxis, auto-rickshaws, and city buses, to reach your specific destination within the city. Trivandrum’s transportation system is well-organized, making it convenient for travelers to explore the city and its attractions.
In just two days, you can explore the enchanting tapestry of Trivandrum’s culture, nature, and spirituality. This city will leave an indelible mark on your heart. The memories of a short but captivating journey will linger, and they’ll undoubtedly beckon you back for more. Remember, Trivandrum’s treasures are boundless, and there’s always more to discover on your next visit.
