Thiruvananthapuram, the capital and administrative headquarters of Kerala, is also known for its tourism. Many tourists, including foreigners, visit Thiruvananthapuram and its surroundings. Thiruvananthapuram is a world-renowned destination for medical tourism and traditional tourism.
There are more than 50 accredited Ayurveda centres inside and outside the city of Thiruvananthapuram. This is due to the prestige of Ayurveda in foreign countries. Besides, there are renowned government hospitals such as Sree Chitra and RCC, as well as renowned private and modern treatment centres within the city of Thiruvananthapuram such as KIMS, SUT, Cosmo, GG and Ananthapuri. Medical tourism also contributes to wellness clinics that are affiliated with beach resorts and hill stations. This article is going to introduce you to some of the places that are 100% useful for those planning a tour to Thiruvananthapuram.
Kovalam
Kovalam is a coastal town located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, at a distance of 14 km from the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala’s own Kovalam has a special place on the world tourism map. Many local and foreign tourists visit this place. Kovalam Lighthouse and Halsian Palace are some of the other famous places in Kovalam. Kovalam is now also part of the world Diving map after the introduction of Scuba diving a few years back. With the introduction of activities like parasailing, snorkelling, game fishing, etc, Kovalam is now a favourite destination for adventure enthusiasts too. These activities introduced by flykovalam is gaining vast acceptance. I have also written a detailed article on top activities to do in Kovalam. Please read it here.
There is a newly opened art & crafts village in Vellar near Kovalam, which is gaining attractions off late.
Poovar
Poovar village is at the eastern end of Thiruvananthapuram district and the adjoining Pozhiyoor village is the last in Kerala. The village has a beautiful beach that attracts tourists. Poovar village is located close to the natural harbour of Vizhinjam. Poovar has an estuary that connects to the sea during high tide. The 56 km long Neyyar River flows through Neyyattinkara Taluk and joins the Arabian Sea near Poovar. Its natural beauty makes it a popular tourist destination. The mangrove boat ride is a famous activity enjoyed by tourists. Poovar can be visited throughout the year.
Shankhumukham Beach
Shankhumugham is a beach located near the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 8 km from the city of Thiruvananthapuram. The main attractions are the Mermaid (Jalakanyaka), built by the famous sculpturer Kaanayi Kunjiraman. the star-shaped restaurant and the children’s traffic park. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this place has a serene beach and white sand dunes and is a major tourist attraction.
Azhimala Siva Temple
The Siva Statue at the azhimala Siva Temple is gaining a lot of attractions since it was unveiled late. The country’s tallest sculpture of Lord Shiva has circulated around the web — both ashore and via online media. Etched by 29-year-old P S Devadathan more than six long years, the solid sculpture, mounted on a stone at a height of 20 ft from the ocean, summons a wonderful magnificence and a feeling of holiness. The temple is located in Mulloor on Kovalam-Vizhinjam road.
Varkala
Varkala is a small coastal town. Varkala is located 40 km north of Thiruvananthapuram city. As the tomb of Sree Narayana Guru, it is also a place of pilgrimage today. Varkala is one of the fascinating destinations on the map of the tourist of Kerala. The Papanasam beach in Varkala, also known as “Dakshina Kashi”, is home to several well-established resorts and affiliated ayurvedic medical facilities. Paragliding from the cliff of Varkala Beach attracts many adventure seekers. Varkala is favoured by many foreign tourists as its budget-friendly. There are many homestays and affordable accommodations available in and around the cliff.
Veli
Situated on the banks of Veli Lake, this place is famous as a tourist destination. Veli Tourist Village is located here. Pozzi, which joins the sea and the lake, is part of a tourist village. A small sand dune separates the lake and the sea. Veli-Akkulam Lake is also located here. Shankhumukham beach is close by.
Veli tourist village is considered an ideal picnic spot for families to spend their weekends. There is a children’s park, water and sports, an amusement park, a floating restaurant, a floating bridge and a beautiful garden. Boating facilities are also available at the park. The park houses several huge sculptures made by the famous sculptor Kanai Kunjiraman. Visiting hours of Veli Tourist Village is from 10 am to 6 pm.
Akkulam
Akkulam is a tourist village in Thiruvananthapuram district and it’s considered a suburb of the city. Akkulam is located at a distance of about 10 km from the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Akkulam Lake is a part of the Veli Lake. Veli Lake merges with the sea through Akkulam Lake. It’s another well-known picnic spot and weekend getaway for the family. Akkulam is the headquarters of the Southern Air Command of India.
Zoo and Museum
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is considered to be one of the finest zoos in India. The uniqueness of this place is that the birds and animals are protected in their natural environment. The large palace near the zoo houses a museum where the government exhibits rare antiquities and artefacts. The zoo and Museum are located in the heart of the city near the Kanakakunnu palace in 35acres of land. The zoo operates from 9 Am to 5:15 PM every day. It’s closed on Mondays.
Sreepadmanabhaswamy Temple
Thiruvananthapuram Sreepadmanabhaswamy Temple is a historical temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu / Adinarayana, the Parabrahman who lies on the serpent Ananthan. The temple is world-famous for its architectural beauty and the sheer grandness of the temple is beyond words. The city of Thiruvananthapuram (City of Lord Anantha) got its name from this temple. The main tower of the temple is located on the east side of the fort wall facing the gate of the fort. This important tower of the temple is one of the landmarks of the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Sri Padmanabhaswamy is the family deity of the Travancore dynasty. The temple is also world-famous for the invaluable treasures it possesses. The estimated value so far is considered to be $22 Billion.
Kilimanoor Palace
Kilimanoor Palace is one of the oldest royal palaces in Travancore. The palace is located in the village of Kilimanoor in the Thiruvananthapuram district. Kilimanoor Palace is popularly known as the birthplace of the famous painter Raja Ravi Varma. This palace is about four hundred years old. It is about 36 km from the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Kilimanoor is located in the north part.
KSRTC buses are available from the East Fort bus stand. M.G. You can reach Shankhumukham via Pallimukku, Petta and Chakka by the road leading to the camp and in front of Kerala University. Shankhumukham can be reached from East Fort via Perunthanni-Vallakkadavu-Valiyathura Airport.
Neyyar Dam, Wildlife Sanctuary
The Neyyar Dam is a dam built on the Neyyar River at Kallikad in Kattakada Grama Panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram district. Constructed in the year 1958, the dam is also a major tourist attraction in the district. The area associated with the dam is known as the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Agasthyakoodam, the highest peak in the Western Ghats after Anamudi, is located in this forest area.
Major Attractions – Lion Safari Park, Boat Ride, Deer Garden, Steve Irwin Memorial Crocodile Breeding Center (Crocodiles open without cage), Small Wildlife Sanctuary, Lake Garden, Swimming Pool, Viewpoint, Children’s Park, Kerala’s first open prison (no prison) ), Kaipara Temple (2000 ft., 1 km, suitable for mountaineering), Shivananda Ashram (Yoga Study Center).
Ponmudi
Ponmudi is a hill station located in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Ponmudi is located 61 km northeast of Thiruvananthapuram city at an elevation of 1100 m above sea level. The climate of Ponmudi, part of the Western Ghats parallel to the Arabian Sea, is cold and snowy almost all the time of the year. Ponmudi is a starting point for adventurous climbing.
The Golden Valley is also an attraction near Ponmudi where there are many streams and waterfalls in the forest. Ponmudi is also the gateway to the Kallar River. The river with its cobblestones, greenery, cool waters, a nice waterfall and fish attracts a lot of tourists. Another attraction of the place is the 2000 feet high Agasthyakood. Meenamutty Falls is another major attraction nearby. Nearby popular places are Braimoor and Bonakad.
Kawdiar & Kanakakkunnu Palaces
Utradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma and his family live in the Kawadiar Palace, which would have become the ruler of Travancore today if the monarchy had survived. Other members of the Travancore royal family were Ashwati Thirunal Gauri Lakshmibai, Puyam Thirunal Gauri Parvatibai and Aditya Varma. Public entry is not allowed in Kawdiar Palace.
The Kanakakkunnu Palace, built by Sreemoolam Thirunal, was used to entertain foreigners. Tennis courts were built on the palace grounds during the Chithira festival. The palace was taken over by the Tourism Department after the end of the monarchy. The Nishagandhi Auditorium is located in the Kanakakunnu Palace area. Nishagandhi is an important venue for dance, music and film festivals in Thiruvananthapuram. The flower fair and Onam week celebrations are also organized in the park near the Kanakakunnu Palace.
Priyadarshini Planetarium
Located at PMG Junction in the heart of the city, the Priyadarshini Planetarium hosts space science exhibitions. This institution is a silver crown of Thiruvananthapuram, which provides entertainment as well as knowledge to the scientists, students and travellers. The associated Museum of Science and Technology is also a sight to behold.
Aruvikkara Dam
16 km from the city. Aruvikkaradam is located on the north side. There is a beautiful waterfall here. There are an old temple and a fish pond next to it. The water required for the city of Thiruvananthapuram is treated and pumped from here. There is also a famous Devi temple here.
Apart from these, there are many other attractions in Thiruvananthapuram. Only the important ones are included, as this article will go on and on.
Please write to me on travellertechy@gmail.com if you need more information on this.