Top 10 Most Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Trivandrum

Trivandrum also known as Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala, India. The city is a popular vacation spot because of its calm beaches, picturesque backwaters, and rich cultural heritage.

The city has distinctive architecture from the British colonial era and maintains a high standard of cleanliness and calmness.

Famous research and development centres such as the Electronics Research and Development Centre India (ER&DCI), the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, and an important branch of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), are located in Trivandrum.

Trivandrum is full of exciting experiences just waiting to be discovered. Prepare to be amazed by the city’s beauty as you discover its many attractions both during the day and under the stunning night sky.

As we go forward check out the list of,

Top 10 Most Famous Tourist Places to Visit in Trivandrum

• Kovalam Beach
• Shankhumugam Beach
• Napier Museum
• Agasthyakoodam
• Poovar Island
• Ponmudi Hill Station
• Varkala Beach
• Magic Planet
• Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
• Neyyar Dam

Let's dive into its details,

1. Kovalam Beach

Kerala's capital city, Trivandrum, offers a wide range of attractions including the most famous Kovalam Beach.

Kovalam Beach is a popular tourist destination, it is located about 10 km from the international airport and 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. It has a picturesque lighthouse and a long stretch of shoreline dotted with palm trees. The Kovalam beach is divided into three sections namely the Light House Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach.

The Light House Beach is located on top of Kurumkal hillock and is prominently known for its iconic 118-ft lighthouse that shines brightly at night. Hawah Beach is a calm location featuring a rocky peninsula and blue waters. Samudra Beach is less crowded with tourists as it is mainly a fishing area. Sunbathing, herbal massages, cultural celebrations, and catamaran rides are available to visitors.

Beach activities generally start in the evening and last till night because of the intense tropical sun.

2. Shankhumugam Beach

Shanghumukham Beach is one of the most famous beaches, situated about 7 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station and close to the Trivandrum International Airport.

The beach is noted for its pristine waters, captivating sunsets, and peaceful atmosphere. It is a main tourist attraction in Trivandrum and offers a peaceful retreat from city life.

Notable features on this beach include a massive sculpture of a Nymph-Jalakanyaka which was created by the famous sculptor Sri Kanai Kunjuraman, and a unique restaurant shaped like a starfish. The Shanghumukham Beach is important because it is regarded as the Arattukadavu of Sri Ananthapadmanabhan the city's patron deity. A ceremonial bath at the seashore follows processions bringing the pictures of Lord Padmanabhaswamy and other deities during the Arattu festival.

The beach gets crowded on weekends and local holidays, but it remains the best spot for sunset viewing. Shanghumukham Beach is a must-visit destination due to its peace, natural beauty, and historical significance.

3. Napier Museum

The Napier Museum is situated inside the Trivandrum Zoo, the oldest zoo in India, which was established in 1857 and spans over 55 acres. Kerala's Department of Museums and Zoos is in charge of running the museum.

Also, the museum houses the Sree Chitra Art Gallery which was established in 1935. The Napier Museum is named after Lord Napier, the former Governor-General of Madras and it is known for its unique architecture with a special roof and minarets that provide natural cooling.

A wide range of historical and archaeological items are kept there, such as realistic Kathakali figures, fabrics, wood and ivory carvings, stone and bronze sculptures, and traditional musical instruments. This museum is a must-visit spot for any individual who is curious about the history, architecture, and cultures of various regions and therefore it is one of the top Trivandrum tourist places to visit.

4. Agasthyakoodam

Agasthyakoodam, also known as Agastya Mala is derived from a highly respected sage in Hindu mythology who is believed to reside at the top of the mountain. The mountaintop is one of the famous tourist places in Trivandrum.

This peak is a significant pilgrimage site and is open to visitors from January to mid-March. Agasthyakoodam is the 2nd highest peak in Kerala and is well known for its abundant biodiversity, which includes rare medicinal herbs and a wide range of animals like tigers, leopards, elephants, and Indian Gaurs.

It is also the source of major rivers like Thamirabarani and Karaman, which provide the area with essential water. The hill station offers magnificent views and a serene sanctuary and is one of the top tourist attractions in Trivandrum.

5. Poovar Island

Poovar is a charming village at the southern tip of Trivandrum which was once a trading port for spices, timber, sandalwood, and ivory. Poovar Island is surrounded by peaceful backwaters and the sea and is only accessible by boat. The Island is located about 30 km from Trivandrum, and it is a 45-minute drive away.

The island's breathtaking scenery is formed by the convergence of the river, lake, and Arabian Sea. The attraction to tourists is increased by this unique convergence, as well as by the rich local vegetation, and a variety of flowers, banana, and coconut groves.

Poovar Beach consists of golden sand and is a peaceful retreat, but it lacks beach activities or water sports due to strong currents and fishing activities.

6. Ponmudi Hill Station

Ponmudi Hill Station is the most famous tourist destination and a picturesque hill station located 55 km from Trivandrum. The drive from Trivandrum to Ponmudi offers stunning views of mountains, tea plantations, and rare flora and fauna.

The adventure becomes more challenging in the last 18 km by the 22 sharp hairpin bends. Along the route, visitors can enjoy sights like the Meenmutty Waterfalls and the Kallar River.

In addition to beautiful trekking routes and lush forests, Ponmudi is home to Golden Valley, Deer Park, and Ponmudi Falls. Moreover, tourists may discover charming stone and wood cabins. This hill station offers a refreshing retreat into the natural world.

7. Varkala Beach

Varkala, a coastal town in Trivandrum is a popular destination with several key attractions. Notable locations in this region include Varkala Beach (also called Papanasam Beach), ancient Janardana Swami Temple, and Sivagiri Mutt which honours the reformer Sree Narayan Guru.

Varkala Beach is situated 10 km from the town and is unique for its structure- a muddy, Cenozoic cliff that has been recognized as a geological monument. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and watching the sunset. Thorium oxide is the reason behind the beach's dark sand.

Additionally, a natural spring with medicinal properties is believed to exist there. Locals and tourists can enjoy beach houses and small shops along the cliffs.

8. Magic Planet

Magic Planet is located at the Kinfra Film and Video Park in Kazhakuttam and is a captivating destination in Trivandrum. The Magic Planet was inaugurated by former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on October 31, 2014.

Stretching across 1.5 acres, it transforms magic from a mysterious art form into a captivating investigation of science and math. The park features educational workshops, fascinating performances, and interactive exhibits that showcase magic as a fusion of creativity and practical science.

Magic Planet, is open from 4 pm to 9 pm and it provides a unique and interactive experience for guests of all ages which makes it a popular destination for groups of friends and family seeking an enjoyable and educational day out.

9. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary a popular destination in Kerala is situated 32 km from Ponmudi and 40 km from Trivandrum. Peppara Dam was constructed to supply Trivandrum with water and it is the inspiration behind the sanctuary's name which was given to it in 1983.

The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is 75 sq. km in size, and it features diverse landscapes such as myristica wetlands and tropical moist evergreen forests and is a top tourist attraction in Trivandrum. The sanctuary houses 233 bird species, 46 reptile species, 13 amphibian species, 27 fish species, and 43 mammal species. Tigers, leopards, elephants, and a variety of birds are among the important wildlife.

Trekking is available at the sanctuary which includes a hike to Vazhvanthol Falls and is open throughout the year. The best time to visit the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March.

10. Neyyar Dam

Neyyar Dam, located 30 km from Trivandrum and nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, is the most famous picnic spot known for its scenic beauty. The dam is set across the Neyyar River and is a part of the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to diverse wildlife.

Popular attractions here include a yoga centre, a crocodile park, a lion safari park, a deer park, a watch tower, and boating facilities. Tourists can enjoy paid boat rides offering views of Agasthyakoodam (Agastya Mala), Western Ghats, and surrounding wildlife.

The Neyyar Dam is open morning from 6 am to evening 7 pm. Activities and the dam area are subjected to entry fees. The dam is accessible by bus or taxi and it is a delightful spot for nature lovers.

Conclusion

Trivandrum a beautiful city in Kerala is surrounded by beautiful landscapes that include peaceful lakes and sandy beaches high peaks and lush greenery. Do visit the top 10 most famous tourist places in Trivandrum mentioned above and it will surely make your visit unforgettable.

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