6 Famous Places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, formerly called Trivandrum, is one of the must-visit places in Kerala. Known for its rich heritage and colonial charm, the capital city of Kerala is visited by tens of thousands of people every year. The many attractions of this beautiful city in the ‘God’s Own Country’ include palm-lined beaches, tranquil backwaters, scenic islands, lush forests, ancient temples, historical palaces, dams, museums, and more. This city will not disappoint anyone, whatever your travel interests. So, why not travel to this place for your next vacation? Plan your trip soon and grab those flight tickets to Thiruvananthapuram from the USA. Here are some of the most famous places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram during your holiday.
Kovalam Beach
Beaches are some of the popular tourist hotspots in Kerala, and Kovalam Beach is no different. As a famous beach in Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam Beach is thronged by travelers in large numbers. This beach is lined with lush palm and coconut trees and is well-known for its ancient lighthouse (with red and white stripes) on the shore. The beach is a great place to spend some relaxing time by the sea. And if you are a water sports lover, you can enjoy many activities such as parasailing, paragliding, surfing, diving, swimming, etc. After an exciting day, head to the beachside restaurant for a fulfilling meal. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating Kerala-special massage at the Ayurvedic resorts near the beach.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Known to be the richest temple in India, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram. Located in the heart of the city, this ancient temple is dedicated to Padmanabhaswamy (an avatar of Lord Vishnu). Being one of the 108 Divya Desams presents on Earth, this temple attracts many religious and spiritually inclined travelers. The beautiful Padmanabhaswamy Temple was built in the Dravidian style of architecture and features a towering gopuram, which is 100 ft tall. It enshrines a rare idol of Lord Vishnu who can be seen reclining on Anantha, the Serpent God with 8 heads. book cheap flights from SFO to TRV through Indian Eagle
Napier Museum
Napier Museum is another popular tourist attraction in Kerala. This museum, named after Lord Napier (the Governor-General of Madras), was built in the 19th century. It is known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture with gothic roofs and minarets besides the vast collection of objects housed here. You can find many interesting artifacts including ancient sculptures, bronze idols, ivory carvings, chariots, musical instruments, stone and wood handicrafts, etc. Other attractions located on the museum premises include the Sree Chithra Art Gallery and Trivandrum Zoo, one of the oldest zoological parks in the country.
Poovar Island
One of the best places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram for a respite from the hurried life in the city is Poovar Island. This beautiful hamlet boasts of pristine beaches, tranquil shores, and serene backwaters. Poovar Island is equipped with resorts and hotels so tourists can enjoy a memorable holiday amidst lovely environs. This is the kind of place we all love to escape to when the exhausting daily routine gets on our nerves, isn’t it? So, why don’t you plan your trip and travel to this natural paradise?
Varkala Beach
Also known as Papanasam Beach, Varkala Beach is famous for its beautiful sedimentary rock formations that lie alongside the Arabian Coast. These cliffs, named by geologists as Varkala Formations, are said to belong to the Cenozoic Age. This beach is quite popular with travelers both for its natural beauty and the holiness of the waters. A dip in these waters is believed to wash one’s sins away, which explains its other name, Papanasam Beach. Located at a distance of nearly 40-50 km from Thiruvananthapuram, this place is also home to several other attractions such as ancient temples (of whom the most popular is Janardhana Swamy Temple, which is 2000 years old), ayurvedic centers, wellness resorts, mineral springs, etc.
Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary
Neyyar Dam and the nearby wildlife sanctuary are among the most-visited tourist attractions in Thiruvananthapuram. Built at the confluence of the Neyyar, Kallar, and Mullayar Rivers, this dam is surrounded by lush greenery. Different species of flora and fauna including medicinal plants flourish in the green surroundings. The reservoir offers boating opportunities and the wildlife sanctuary in the vicinity of the dam has many attractions such as a crocodile farm, deer park, lion safari park, and elephant rehabilitation center. Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular picnic spot for families.
Other beautiful places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram include Kanakakunnu Palace, Agasthyamalai Peak, Sree Chamundi Devi Temple, Shanghumukham Beach, Akkulam Lake, Vellayani Lake, Veli Tourist Village, Magic Planet, and Priyadarshini Planetarium. So, when are you planning your trip to Thiruvananthapuram?
