Thiruvananthapuram Places to Visit: A Complete Travel Guide

Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and stunning architectural wonders. The city’s rich cultural and religious heritage adds depth to its charm. When you explore Thiruvananthapuram, you not only catch mesmerizing views but also the city's fascinating cultural beauty.

As the capital of Kerala and one of its largest cities, Thiruvananthapuram attracts tourists with its enchanting beaches and graceful British architectural influences that add charm to its streets. The city exudes a captivating atmosphere which makes it a must-visit destination for tourists. While every corner of this city has its own appeal, there are certain places in Thiruvananthapuram that will undoubtedly leave you amazed.

Best Places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram

Take a look at these top places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram that leave you yearning for more visits to the beautiful state of Kerala.

• Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
• Veli Tourist Village
• Ponmudi Hill Station
• Magic Planet
• Kanakakkunnu Palace

Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo holds the reputation of being one of India's oldest zoological parks with its origins tracing back to 1857 under the patronage of the Maharaja of Travancore. In a major modernization work in 1995, the zoo underwent a transformation which replaced its old enclosures with more spacious and naturalistic habitats. Today, the zoo boasts a diverse collection of approximately 82 animal species. Among its residents are the lion-tailed macaque, Indian rhinoceros, Nilgiri langur, Asiatic lion, white tiger, royal Bengal tiger, leopard, hippos, Asian elephants, zebras, giraffes, and Cape buffalos. Additionally, the facility houses a snake farm and reptile house which showcase both venomous and non-venomous snakes like seven anacondas.

For the most enjoyable visit to the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, consider planning your trip during the winter months when the weather is pleasantly cool and ideal for spending time outdoors without the scorching sun.

Veli Tourist Village

Veli, as the name suggests, is a tourist village well-known as a popular picnic spot as well as one of the best places to visit in the Thiruvananthapuram district. This place boasts a spacious garden located on the southern shores of Veli Lagoon and there's a floating bridge that connects this garden to Veli Beach. It's the perfect spot for a family picnic because it offers a wide range of attractions. You'll find play areas for children, the opportunity for boat rides on the Veli Lake, the option to go horse riding, and even a floating restaurant.

In addition to these attractions, there's a long walkway that connects to Aakulam Lake which can attract your attention. The garden is adorned with striking stone and grass sculptures made by Kanayi Kunhiraman that add beauty to the overall landscape. You can also admire the bird collection here which includes pigeons and swans, as well as a few small ponds with fish and tortoises swimming in them.

Ponmudi Hill Station

Nestled in the picturesque region of Kerala, Ponmudi hill station is a captivating destination for nature lovers. Its name, which translates to "Golden Peak," perfectly captures the beauty of this Western Ghats gem. With its lush green hills, winding roads, and charming cottages, Ponmudi Hills offers a serene escape from the bustling city life. Whether you're an avid trekker seeking adventure or simply yearning for peaceful walks in stunning landscapes, this place has something for everyone. The hill station is a tapestry of beautiful valleys, picturesque waterfalls, soothing streams, and vibrant tea plantations that make Ponmudi a paradise for those who love to be around nature. It's a chance to immerse yourself in mountain life and carry back cherished memories of the rolling hills of the Western Ghats.

Popular attractions like Meenmutty Falls, Golden Valley, and Agasthyakoodam await exploration to create lasting memories with loved ones. Ponmudi promises an unforgettable vacation in the heart of nature. So, if you are yearning for a relaxing place in nature during your trip to Thiruvananthapuram, then Ponmudi Hill Station must be on your bucket list.

Magic Planet

Many people consider it to be the world's very first magical mansion. Magic Planet is a captivating theme park situated within the Kinfra Film and Video Park, close to Kazhakkoottam, Thiruvananthapuram. It's a fantastic spot for family outings and it's particularly enjoyed by children who have the opportunity to discover the enchanting world of magic, with a special focus on India's street magic. The park boasts seven unique venues where a variety of shows and activities take place. Additionally, there are eight different walk-in areas where you can explore fascinating exhibitions showcasing various forms of magic. If you have kids, they’ll surely love this place and take a bunch of memories with them during the vacation.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

The Attukal Temple, situated in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram in Attukal, is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, also known as Kannaki. In Hindu mythology, Bhadrakali is highly regarded as the Goddess of prosperity and salvation. This temple is particularly famous for its Pongala festival, a unique event where all the rituals are conducted exclusively by women to seek the blessings of the Goddess. This festival has even earned a place in The Guinness Book of World Records for hosting the largest gathering of women at a single location. The architectural style of the temple reflects a blend of traditional Tamil and Kerala designs. Also, you can admire intricately carved figures of Sree Parvathy, Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva, and the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu within the temple premises which adds to its overall beauty and appeal.

Kanakakkunnu Palace

This place is absolutely amazing and designed in the traditional architectural style of Kerala. It's one of the top places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram. Located very close to the Thiruvananthapuram zoo and Napier Museum, this stunning palace is quite well-kept and clean. The surroundings around the palace are simply enchanting and filled with lush greenery. The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and tranquil. It's a fantastic spot for a leisurely stroll and there's even a café within the palace grounds where you can enjoy a decent cup of tea or coffee. On weekends, you'll often find people bringing their own musical instruments and having unplanned jam sessions here. Also, there are several stalls in the palace where you can purchase locally-made souvenirs and handicrafts.

Thiruvananthapuram is a must-visit city for travellers seeking natural beauty, cultural significance, or simply a good time. The attractions listed in this blog are sure to create lasting memories during your time in Thiruvananthapuram. So, make sure to explore the Thiruvananthapuram tour packages and book your vacation in advance to enjoy this beautiful city!