Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled along the southern coast of India, this enchanting city offers a plethora of attractions that cater to every traveler's wanderlust. From magnificent palaces and ancient temples to serene beaches and lush green landscapes, Thiruvananthapuram is a treasure trove of must-visit places that leave visitors awe-inspired.
In this article, we will embark on a journey to explore eight of the most captivating and essential destinations that make Thiruvananthapuram a must-visit destination for every traveler. From the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple to the tranquil Kovalam Beach, these attractions offer an opportunity to delve into the rich history and natural splendor of Kerala. Whether you seek spiritual solace, cultural immersion, or a rejuvenating beach retreat, Thiruvananthapuram has it all.
Join us as we unravel the charm of this coastal gem and discover the hidden gems that make Thiruvananthapuram a captivating destination for explorers seeking an authentic taste of Kerala's beauty and culture. Let the magic of Thiruvananthapuram enchant your senses and leave you with cherished memories of a lifetime.
# Napier Museum
I am instantly drawn to famous museums almost like it is a cosmic connection. I wanted to visit the Napier Museum as the first stop on my local sightseeing trip of Trivandrum. The museum is set inside a wooden building that dates back to the year 1880.
It is a marvellous display of Buddhist sculptures, ivory carvings, temple carts, and so on. What specifically caught my interest was the model of Guruvayur temple (a popular temple of Kerala) that is carved out of wood and looks spectacular!
Another great aspect of the museum is its architecture. I could not take my eyes of the architectural style that was an interesting infusion of Kerala and neo-Gothic elements. The carnival-esque interiors of the place intrigued me a whole lot. In my opinion, the Napier Museum is one of the most fascinating sightseeing places in Trivandrum.
# Shri Padmanabhaswamy TempleAt the spiritual core of Trivandrum is the radiant Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a beautiful amalgamation of both Dravidian and Kerala architecture. I decided to head to this temple after the museum as a part of my sightseeing tour in Trivandrum. I entered the temple through the 30-metre tall getaway tower or eastern gopuram (a seven-tier tower). Upon exploring the inner sanctum, I got to see Lord Vishnu’s manifestation or Padmanabha. In all, this makes for a great spiritual experience visiting the temple thanks to its aura.
# Neyyar Wildlife SanctuaryNature lovers are drawn the most to the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary during their Trivandrum sightseeing tour. The scenery of this place will beguile you to the extent that you’d want to extend your trip here. As I am a nature enthusiast myself, I decided to visit the wildlife sanctuary as a part of my sightseeing trip to Trivandrum. I was particularly excited to know more about the elephant rehabilitation centre and the crocodile farm here. I also got to capture scenic views as I walked and witnessed nature in its full glory.
# St Joseph’s CathedralBeing a neo-gothic creation, St Joseph’s Cathedral was my next pit stop on my Trivandrum sightseeing tour; its architecture fascinated me to no bounds. It is a major church in Tiruvandrum and belongs to the year 1873. I found it to be one of the best sightseeing places in Trivandrum.
# CSI Christ ChurchBelieved to be the very first church to be built in Trivandrum, the CSI Christ Church was the next place I visited as a part of my tour. I fully explored the beautiful church and checked off another great place from my list of the must-visit sightseeing places in Trivandrum.
Do stop at this church as a part of your Thiruvananthapuram sightseeing tour to explore another iconic gem that the city houses.
# AgasthyakoodamBeing one of the highest peaks in Kerala, Agasthyakoodam or Agastya Mala Peak is a 1868-metre high peak. Travellers can spot it in the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary itself. When I saw the peak, I was mesmerized by its natural charm and beguiling beauty and gawked at it in wonderment. The peak could be seen laden with lovely purple colours of orchids. The spot is a magnet for birdwatchers and is one of the best sightseeing places in Thiruvananthapuram. The peak is also a significant Hindu pilgrimage site for the devotees of the Agastya, a Hindu sage.
# Chalai BazaarChalai Bazaar is another local sightseeing place in Trivandrum that I visited. Spread over a stretch of 2 kilometres, the Bazaar is an old market that connects East Fort and Killippalam. I found an enormous collection of silver and gold jewellery, furniture, electronics, paint and even hardware over here. Plus, the local fresh produce of vegetables and fruits are also sold here. I make it a point to visit the local markets of every city or town I travel to, that is why I had to pay a visit to the vibrant Chalai Bazaar to know more about the local life of the people of Trivandrum and also buy some souvenirs that I could take back from the city.
# Science and Technology Museum
I decided to make a stop at the Science and Technology Museum as a part of my Thiruvananthapuram sightseeing. Popular for its tech on display, the museum was founded way back in the year 1984. Science enthusiasts particularly love this place as the museum is home to galleries on electronics, electricity, mechanics, power & motion, solar energy, mathematics, and so on. I spent a great amount of time at this interesting museum, exploring almost everything it had to offer.