Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, officially known as Thiruvananthapuram, is the capital city of Kerala, India. Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and serene backwaters, Thiruvananthapuram offers a plethora of experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, here are some of the best things to do in Thiruvananthapuram.
Also Read: Detailed Guide to Kerala Trip Plan for 5 Days in 2024
Best Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram
- Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Explore this ancient temple known for its intricate Dravidian architecture and historical significance.
- Relax at Kovalam Beach: Spend a day sunbathing, swimming, or trying out water sports at this popular beach destination.
- Explore Napier Museum: Discover a rich collection of artifacts, including bronze idols, ancient ornaments, and traditional Kerala art forms.
- Experience the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum: Admire the erstwhile Travancore royal family’s exquisite architecture and unique collections.
- Enjoy a boat ride on the Thiruvallam Backwaters: Experience the tranquil beauty of Kerala’s backwaters and enjoy the scenic views.
- Discover the beauty of Ponmudi: Trek through lush greenery, waterfalls, and misty mountains in this picturesque hill station near Thiruvananthapuram.
Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram in 2 Days
- Day 1: Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple, explore Napier Museum, and relax at Kovalam Beach.
- Day 2: Explore Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, take a boat ride on the Thiruvallam Backwaters, and visit the beautiful Ponmudi.
Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram in 3 Days
Spending three days in Thiruvananthapuram allows you to immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of this vibrant city. Here’s a suggested itinerary for things to do in Thiruvananthapuram in 3 days:
Day 1: Explore the Heritage
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the most famous temples in Kerala known for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance.
- Midday: Explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at a local restaurant and then visit the nearby Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, known for its unique architecture and collection of royal artifacts.
- Evening: Relax at Kovalam Beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset. You can also indulge in some water sports or beach activities.
Day 2: Nature and Wildlife
- Morning: Visit the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of the oldest and most well-maintained zoos in India, home to a variety of animal species.
- Midday: Have lunch and then head to the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can enjoy a boat ride and spot wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and deer.
- Afternoon: Explore the Neyyar Dam and its surroundings, including the picturesque lake and lush greenery.
- Evening: Return to the city and spend some time shopping at local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Day 3: Cultural and Spiritual Experience
- Morning: Visit the Kanakakunnu Palace, known for its architectural beauty and scenic surroundings. You can also explore the nearby gardens.
- Midday: Have lunch and then visit the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, known for its annual Pongala festival, which is attended by millions of women.
- Afternoon: Explore the Priyadarshini Planetarium and Science Park, where you can learn about astronomy and science through interactive exhibits.
- Evening: Attend a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance form of Kerala, to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.
This itinerary allows you to experience the best of Thiruvananthapuram in three days, from its historic temples and palaces to its natural beauty and cultural traditions.
List of Top 10 Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram
- Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- Relax at Kovalam Beach
- Explore Napier Museum
- Experience Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
- Enjoy a boat ride on the Thiruvallam Backwaters
- Discover the beauty of Ponmudi
- Visit the Zoological Park
- Stroll through the gardens of Kanakakunnu Palace
- Shop for souvenirs at local markets
- Experience the local cuisine at traditional restaurants
Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram at Night
- Attend a Kathakali Performance: Experience the vibrant traditional dance form of Kerala.
- Dine at a Beachside Restaurant: Enjoy fresh seafood and stunning views of the ocean at one of the beachside restaurants in Kovalam.
- Explore the Nightlife: Visit popular bars and clubs in the city for a lively nightlife experience.
Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram for Couples
- Romantic Beach Picnic: Pack a picnic basket and spend a romantic evening at one of Thiruvananthapuram’s beautiful beaches.
- Couples Spa Day: Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at one of the city’s luxury spas.
- Sunset Cruise: Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise on the backwaters of Thiruvananthapuram.
Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram Early Morning
- Morning Yoga at Kovalam Beach: Join a yoga session on the beach to start your day refreshed and energized.
- Visit the Flower Market: Experience the bustling atmosphere of the local flower market as vendors set up for the day.
- Bird Watching at Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore the sanctuary early in the morning to spot various bird species.
Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram with Family
- Visit Magic Planet: Enjoy a day of fun and adventure at this amusement park with rides and attractions for all ages.
- Explore the Science and Technology Museum: Engage in interactive exhibits and learn about science and technology in a fun way.
- Picnic at Veli Tourist Village: Spend a relaxing day by the lake with facilities for boating and children’s play areas.
Unique Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram
- Attend a Theyyam Performance: Witness this unique ritualistic art form that is an integral part of Kerala’s culture.
- Visit the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: Explore this temple known for hosting the Attukal Pongala, a festival where millions of women gather to cook a traditional offering.
- Take a Day Trip to Poovar Island: Experience the beauty of this serene island with golden sand beaches and backwater cruises.
Thiruvananthapuram offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Kerala. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Thiruvananthapuram has something to offer for everyone.
How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, is well-connected to the rest of India by air, rail, and road. Here’s how you can reach Thiruvananthapuram:
By Air
- Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is located about 6 kilometers from the city center and is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad.
- Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara operate regular flights to Thiruvananthapuram from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai.
By Train
- Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the main railway station in the city and is well-connected to major cities in India.
- Trains like the Rajdhani Express, Kerala Express, and Thiruvananthapuram Mail connect Thiruvananthapuram to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai.
By Road
- Thiruvananthapuram is well-connected to neighboring cities and states by a network of national highways and state highways.
- Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (Kerala RTC) operates regular bus services to Thiruvananthapuram from cities within Kerala and neighboring states. Private buses and taxis are also available for travel to Thiruvananthapuram.
Some of the most travelled top routes to Thiruvananthapuram
- Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram Bus
- Bangalore to Thiruvananthapuram Bus
- Ernakulam to Thiruvananthapuram Bus
Local Transport
- Once you reach Thiruvananthapuram, you can use local transport options like buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis to get around the city.
- Hiring a car or bike is also a convenient option for exploring Thiruvananthapuram and its surrounding areas.
Travel Tip
- It’s advisable to book your travel tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid any last-minute hassles.
- Keep some cash handy for local transport and small purchases, as not all places accept cards.
Thiruvananthapuram’s well-connected transportation system makes it easily accessible for travelers from all parts of India. Whether you prefer to travel by air, rail, or road, reaching Thiruvananthapuram is convenient and hassle-free.
