What are the Best Places to Visit in Trivandrum?
Top Attractions, Hidden Gems, and Local Favorites
What are the top tourist attractions in Trivandrum?
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Padmanabhapuram Palace
A 16th-century wooden palace that once served as the royal residence of the Travancore Kingdom. Renowned for its exquisite Kerala-style architecture, intricately carved wooden interiors, traditional murals, and elegant courtyards, the palace offers a glimpse into the region’s royal heritage. Located near the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, it is one of the finest preserved wooden palaces in India.
Kovalam Beach
Puthen Malika Palace Museum
Puthen Malika Palace Museum, also known as Kuthiramalika Palace, is a historic royal residence built by the Travancore royal family, showcasing traditional Kerala architecture and ornate interiors. The museum displays royal artifacts, paintings, and cultural relics that reflect the heritage and lifestyle of the Travancore dynasty, making it a cultural landmark in Trivandrum.
Suggested day trips from Trivandrum
Discover Trivandrum's Hidden Gems beyond the popular tourist attractions
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest area in the Western Ghats near Trivandrum, known for its rich biodiversity, dense evergreen forests, and scenic reservoir formed by the Karamana River dam. It is home to elephants, lion-tailed macaques, deer, and numerous bird species, making it a peaceful destination for trekking, wildlife spotting, and nature exploration away from the city.
Poovar Island
Top local favourites in Trivandrum
Ponmudi Hill station
Ponmudi is a scenic hill station located in the Western Ghats near Trivandrum, known for its winding roads, mist-covered peaks, tea plantations, and rich biodiversity. It offers a cool climate, panoramic valley views, and trekking trails through lush forests, making it a popular weekend escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers, especially during monsoon season visits.
Chalai Market
Chalai Market is one of the oldest and busiest wholesale markets in Trivandrum, known for its narrow streets filled with shops selling spices, textiles, fresh produce, and household goods. It offers a vibrant glimpse of local trade and daily life, where early morning hustle, bargaining sounds, and traditional Kerala flavors create an authentic cultural shopping experience in the heart of the city.






