Best Travel Guide Trivandrum | ArrivalGuides.com

TrivandrumGuide was updated: 2024-08-08

Kerala’s first city, with its knotty official name of Thiruvananthapuram (often substituted by the shorter, more manageable Trivandrum), is a rich introduction to southern India's urban and cultural life. Trivandrum tends to be unjustly overlooked en route to the state's beachside settlements but easily warrants a few days of its own.

Do & See

There is plenty to warrant a stay in Kerala's capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, where visitors can experience the essence of Keralan urban life. If the city's museums and palaces prove insufficient, you can easily explore tranquil beaches nearby, including Kovalam, which is renowned as one of the world's finest. Further sights are only a short drive away.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Although entry into the shrine is allowed to Hindus alone, visitors of any religious denomination can marvel at the 30-metre-high golden gate (gopura) towering right next to the Fort. The sizeable structure is among the world's richest in terms of valuable metals and precious stones used in its interior decor. Its early origins remain steeped in mystery.

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Napier Museum

The Napier Museum collection is dedicated to Indian deities, historical artefacts, and items related to Keralan rulers and their achievements. The museum building itself is equally impressive for its architectural design. It is an eclectic mix of 19th-century styles, including elements of Indian, Chinese, and Gothic architecture, making it a unique and interesting example of that era’s architecture.

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Thiruvananthapuram Zoological Park

Established in 1857, the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is one of Asia's oldest zoological parks. It is reported that the zoo inspired some elements of the animals depicted in the internationally acclaimed film 'Life of Pi'. Expect to see a variety of animals, including hippos, leopards, deer, and reptiles, among others. The zoo is quite large, so wearing comfortable walking shoes is advisable for visitors planning to explore the entire area.

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Keralam - Museum of History and Heritage

The Museum of History and Heritage offers a fascinating journey through centuries of Keralan history, showcasing a diverse collection of artefacts that highlight the region's rich cultural heritage. One of the highlights is model displays of traditional Keralan interiors.

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Kovalam Beach

One of India's - and, indeed, the entire world's - finest beaches traces the Keralan coast roughly 15km away from central Thiruvananthapuram. The beach is a travellers' darling and a popular evening hangout spot for Thiruvananthapuram locals. The Lighthouse Beach at Kovalam's southern end has an elevated viewing platform and is especially scenic.

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Puthe Maliga Palace Museum

Once the residence of Travancore royals, the roughly 200-year-old Puthe Maliga Palace (also known as the Kuthira Malika) has been converted into a fascinating museum containing historical artefacts pertaining to the Travancore dynasty. A guided tour of the palace is included in the ticket price; admission to palace grounds is free.

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Population:	Metro area: 2.9 million (2024)
Currency:	Indian rupee (INR)
Emergency Numbers:	Police: 100 Fire brigade: 101 Ambulance: 102
Newspapers:	Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam): www.mathrubhumi.com The Times of India (in English): https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com The Hindu (in English): www.thehindu.com
Tourist Information:	Kerala Tourism Information Centre Park View, opp. Museum, University of Kerala Senate House Campus, Thiruvananthapuram +91 471 232 1132 Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun closed