Things to do in Trivandrum

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala and offers a blend of culture, heritage, nature, and contemporary attractions. Tourists visit Trivandrum for beaches, temples, museums, palaces, and local bazaars. Trivandrum sits on the southwest Indian coast and offers easy access to other points of tourist interest in Kerala. When in Trivandrum, you can experience a mix of history, religion, recreation, and nature. For comfortable and convenient stays, consider booking service apartments in Trivandrum. Here are ten things to do in Trivandrum, along with information, travel tips, and helpful visitor details.

Top Things to do in Trivandrum

1. Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

   

   Padmanabhaswamy temple in Trivandrum

   Padmanabhaswamy Temple remains the most popular landmark of Trivandrum. The temple, a tribute to Lord Vishnu, follows the Dravidian style of architecture and features tall gopurams and detailed carvings. The devotees enter to have a glimpse of the reclining idol of Lord Vishnu upon Anantha, the serpent. The temple attracts tourists year-round and holds significant religious and cultural significance.

   Travel Tips:

   Only Hindus can visit the temple, and you must strictly regulate dress. Men wear a Mundu or dhoti without shirts, and women wear sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts. You should go either in the early morning or evening for fewer crowds. You do not permit phones and cameras inside.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   The temple opens between 3:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Entry remains free. You can spend a couple of hours here.

   Ideal Time to Visit:

   The weather from October to March makes visiting the temple and the surrounding areas comfortable enough.

2. Relax at Kovalam Beach

   

   Kovalam Beach in Trivandrum

   Kovalam Beach sits approximately 16 kilometres away from Trivandrum city and remains favoured for its crescent-shaped beach. The beach itself divides itself into three segments: Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach. You can stroll along the beach, swim, participate in water sports, or relax at cafes facing the sea. A lighthouse at the southern tip gives you panoramic views.

   Travel Tips:

   You need to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing for beach outings. Lifeguards still demarcate swimming areas, and you need to heed their instructions. You experience sunset and cooler weather best in the evening outings.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   The beach stays open all day. Entry is free, but water sports activities like surfing or parasailing charge independently from ₹500 onward.

   November to February provides nice weather, but June to September brings the rainy season and strong waves.

3. Visit the Napier Museum and Zoo

   

   Napier Museum and Zoo in Trivandrum

   Napier Museum, which people constructed during the 19th century, contains a collection of bronze idols, ornaments, musical instruments, and antiquities. Indo-Saracenic architecture itself draws visitors. Adjacent to the museum sits the Trivandrum Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in India, covering 55 acres with shaded walks and animal cages. The museum and zoo, combined, make for a popular half-day outing for families.

   Travel Tips:

   You must wear comfortable shoes since you will need to walk in the zoo. Photography guidelines differ, so check prior to taking photos within the museum. Morning visiting makes the walk less hot.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   The museum and zoo open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (they close on Mondays). Entry fees remain about ₹20 for adults and ₹5 for children for the museum, while zoo entry costs around ₹30 for adults and ₹10 for children. Camera charges apply separately.

   Best Time to Visit:

   October to March provides suitable weather for outdoor walks inside the zoo.

4. Visit Shangumugham Beach

   

   Shangumugham Beach in Trivandrum

   Shangumugham Beach sits near Trivandrum city and remains a favourite among locals. The long sandy beach offers an ideal place for walking in the evenings, kite flying, and sunset viewing. The beach features a huge mermaid sculpture named Sagarakanyaka by renowned artist Kanayi Kunhiraman.

   Travel Tips:

   You should carry drinking water and avoid swimming here, as the currents remain strong. The beach attracts crowds in the evening, so early morning visits give a quieter experience. Small food stalls near the beach serve snacks.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   The beach stays open throughout the day and has no entry fee. Parking authorities may apply charges.

   Best Time to Visit:

   November to February provides nice weather, while evenings year-round provide cooler weather.

5. Visit Kuthiramalika Palace

   

   Kuthiramalika Palace in Trivandrum

   Kuthiramalika Palace or Puthenmalika Palace sits close to Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Maharaja Swathi Thirunal constructed the palace; it represents traditional Kerala architecture with sloping roofs, wooden decorations, and open galleries. The palace houses a museum that holds paintings, weapons, idols, and artefacts of the Travancore royal family.

   Travel Tips:

   Shoes cannot go inside, so you must park them outside at the entrance. Authorities still prohibit photography in most parts. A guided tour benefits you in comprehending the exhibits.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   The palace opens from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, except on Mondays. Entry charges remain at about ₹20 for Indians and ₹50 for foreigners.

   Best Time to Visit:

   Morning visits provide more light for investigating carvings and courtyards.

6. Visit Veli Tourist Village

   

   Veli Tourist Village in Pondicherry

   Veli Tourist Village sits approximately 10 kilometres from Trivandrum and provides a picnic area where the Veli Lake joins the Arabian Sea. You can enjoy pedal boating, row boating, and horse riding. The landscaped gardens, floating bridge, and playing areas make it a destination for family outings with children. The site also provides canteens for snacks.

   Travel Tips:

   You may want to bring a hat and a water bottle since walking around the grounds takes time. Boating still runs late in the evening, so plan your day accordingly. Weekends still see crowds, so weekdays provide a peaceful visit.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   The park opens between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM every day. Entry charges remain around ₹10 per adult and ₹5 per child. Boating rates begin from ₹50 per ride.

   Best Time to Visit:

   December to March provides good weather for outdoor activities.

7. Kerala Science and Technology Museum

   

   Kerala Science and Technology Museum in Trivandrum

   Kerala Science and Technology Museum is an educational tourist spot in Trivandrum. The museum features galleries related to electronics, mechanics, space science, and biotechnology. It also contains a planetarium where astronomy and space exploration shows happen. Students and families alike visit it for learning and enjoyment.

   Travel Tips:

   You should check the planetarium show timings in advance, as they run at fixed intervals. Carry notebooks if you visit with children for educational purposes. Plan at least three hours to cover the museum and planetarium.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   The museum opens from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closes on Mondays. The entry charges cost approximately ₹25 for an adult and ₹10 for kids. The tickets for a planetarium show cost approximately ₹60 per head.

   Best Time to Visit:

   The museum offers a good indoor activity for any time of the year, including the monsoon.

8. Trek to Agasthyakoodam

   

   Agasthyakoodam in Pondicherry

   Agasthyakoodam, which ranks among Kerala’s highest mountains, sits within Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, some 60 kilometres from Trivandrum. The summit enjoys fame for its biodiversity, and people also consider it sacred as the residence of Sage Agastya. You are allowed to trek here only with permission from the Forest Department, and the trek goes through hills and forests.

   Travel Tips:

   You should apply for permission well in advance, as authorities grant only a limited trekkers’ entry. Carry trekking shoes, water, packed food, and rain protection. The trek requires fitness, so prepare accordingly.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   The trekking season usually runs from January to March. Entry fees vary depending on forest permits, generally around ₹500–₹1000.

   Best Time to Visit:

   The official trekking season from January to March provides safe weather conditions.

9. Explore Poovar Island

   

   Poovar Island in Trivandrum

   Poovar Island sits around 27 kilometres from Trivandrum and provides a confluence point of backwaters, rivers, and the ocean. You can enjoy boating through mangroves, spotting birdlife, and arriving at the golden sand beach you access primarily by boat. Resorts surrounding the island also attract tourists.

   Travel Tips:

   You can reserve boat rides from approved operators to be safe. Bring hats, sunglasses, and cameras for the ride. Morning or evening rides provide a better view and cooler temperatures.

   Timings and Entry Fees:

   Boat rides run from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The fares differ according to duration and boat type, ranging from about ₹1500 for an hour-long ride.

   Best Time to Visit:

   November to March provides the best weather for backwater excursions.

10. Travel to Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

    

    Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Trivandrum

    Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which sits some 30 kilometres from Trivandrum, covers an area of 12,000 hectares and provides trekking, boating, and wildlife spotting. It has a lion safari park, crocodile rehabilitation centre, and deer park. One can go for boat rides on the reservoir or trek to watchtowers nearby.

    Travel Tips:

    You must put on walking shoes and take water and light refreshments. Binoculars prove useful for spotting birds and animals. Set aside a whole day for visiting the sanctuary.

    Timings and Entry Fee:

    The sanctuary opens from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The entry fees cost approximately ₹20 per head. Authorities make extra charges for the lion safari, crocodile park, and boating between ₹100 and ₹250.

    Best Time to Visit:

    December to March provides cooler climatic conditions and greater opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Conclusion

Activities and things to do in Trivandrum offers a full gamut of experiences that include temples, palaces, museums, beaches, wildlife, and educational institutions. One can start with Padmanabhaswamy Temple for cultural significance and then proceed to Kovalam Beach and Shangumugham Beach for relaxation. Families may enjoy the Napier Museum, the zoo, Veli Tourist Village, and the Science Museum. Adventure enthusiasts can go trekking at Agasthyakoodam or head to Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Poovar Island offers a special backwater experience, and Kuthiramalika Palace provides you with details of royal heritage. With clear-cut timings, entry information, and travel hints, you can organise your trip to balance religious trips, natural excursions, and cultural tours. Trivandrum provides you with ten demarcated activities that together form an entire travel experience.