Although Trivandrum itself is not one of India’s most visited cities, it lies at the heart of the Backwaters region of Kerala and thus is near to some amazing palaces, temples, museums and natural attractions. The city itself has a handful of interesting museums and the old fort district which lie at opposite ends of MG road, but most visitors will want to get out and explore the surrounding countryside, where some real treasures await.
Kanakakunnu Palace
This testament to the legacy of colonialism in Kerala aptly portrays the opulence of the final kings of Travancore. The palace is a lovely piece of architecture, with expansive grounds open to the public. In the evenings, hundreds of locals come to exercise, stroll around or just relax, making this one of the best sites in Trivandrum to see local life at ease. The palace is located on Museum road. Phone: +91 471 231 4615.
Napier Museum
Not only is the Indo-Saracenic building a work of architectural art but inside is Trivandrum’s finest collection of 12th century Chola bronzes, ancient carvings, intricate musical instruments and a number of other unique and priceless treasures from Kerala’s past. It is located on Museum-Vellaymbalam road. Phone: +91 471 231 6275.
Numismatics Museum
Even if you don’t like coins, you’ll find this museum’s collection simply amazing. Ancient coins dating back to the time of Christ, when Trivandrum began its trading career, are followed by rare specimens from every other era up to the present, with a particularly large display of Roman coins. The museum is located on Museum road.
Observatory
At 60 metres above sea level, this observatory is one of the oldest in India. Thanks to its architectural beauty, it’s considered one of Trivandrum’s main landmarks. Its gardens are pleasant to wander and the views from the hill are simply amazing. You’ll find the Observatory near the Napier Museum.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
One of the few wooden palaces in Kerala dates to the 16th century, and is actually a complex of 16 buildings. The main palace is a perfect example of Keralan architecture, and the onsite Heritage Museum aptly displays the fine woodwork and paintings from this era. The complex is located in the Kanyakumari district, 60kms from Trivandrum.
Puthenmalika Palace Museum
This exquisite example of Keralan architecture has 16 rooms each with a different design pattern, and all with some of the finest carvings in India. A section of the palace has been turned into a museum where furnishings, ornaments and paintings from the royal family are displayed. The museum is located in the East Fort district. Phone: +91 471 247 3952.
Shri Padmanabhaswami Temple
Even though Kerala’s oldest temple is off-limits to non-Hindus, visitors can get a close look at the amazing structure right in the centre of Trivandrum. There are some excellent photo opportunities of the seven-story entrance tower and the huge water tank where devotees take ritual dips. The temple is located in the Fort district. Phone: +91 471 245 0233.
Sri Chitra Art Gallery
If you are a fan of the fine arts, you’ll want to check out this stunning collection of miniatures dating back to the Rajput and Tanjore schools. One of India’s greatest artists, Raja Ravi Varma, is well represented; and rounding out the gallery are dozens of exotic works from around Asia. The gallery is located in Palayam district.
Check out Kerala’s exotic creatures at Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. This rich natural park is just an hour from Trivandrum. Bordering the foothills of the beautiful Western Ghats, the large nature preserve is the perfect place to get in some hiking and search for native elephants, leopards and hundreds of species of birds and butterflies.
Cruise the Backwaters of Kerala aboard a traditional kettuvallom houseboat. One of the top tourist activities in Trivandrum is cruising along one of the many waterways that crisscross Kerala. The houseboat industry has become a major attraction in Kerala, so visitors can choose from a wide range of boating excursions. Many of the boats are equipped with multiple rooms, baths and kitchens, allowing for multi-day adventures deep into the heart of the Backwaters. However, if you just want a taste of Kerala’s riverside life, you can always take a day cruise.
Get your body and mind centred with Ayurveda, India’s traditional form of healing and massage. Kerala is known throughout the country for its Ayurvedic centres, whose art is among the oldest forms of healthcare in the world. This unique form of massage and oils will cure whatever ails you, and although a traditional treatment lasts several days, you can indulge in a shorter version for the experience.
Hit the sand at Kovalam Beach. This is a renowned seaside resort destination just minutes from Trivandrum. Actually three beaches in all, the crystal-clear waters, rocky promontories and comprehensive selection of water sport activities makes Kovalam one of the hottest beaches in India. Incredible seafood restaurants, Ayurvedic massage centres and craft shops round off the experience.
Meet the natives at the Trivandrum Zoo. This is one of the oldest and best-kept zoos in India. Located within the lush Botanical Gardens right in the heart of the city, this impressive little zoo showcases more than 75 species of wildlife from India, including such stars as the Indian rhino and royal Bengal tiger. The newly-opened snake house is one of the best in the world, rounding out the collections including the aviary and reptile house. A stroll through the expansive Botanical Gardens will teach you about the native flora in Kerala.
Pilgrimage to the Red Cliffs of Varkala. This is a popular seaside resort destination for Hindu devotees. It’s the sacred waters of the 2,000-year-old Sri Janardhanaswami Temple that attracts the pilgrims; however, you can come to gawk at the mineral springs that gush from the stunning red laterite cliffs that overlook one of Kerala’s nicest and least crowded beaches.
Unwind at the Veil Tourist Village. You’ll find this location to be a tranquil oasis just minutes from the heart of Trivandrum. The nicely developed picnic and recreation spot is located where Veil Lake turns into the Arabian Sea. The large, exquisite gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls, and the lake provides ample opportunities for boating, swimming and other water sports. A waterfront park is the highlight, with a floating restaurant and floating bridge connecting the village to the beach.
We liked the hotel very much. At the beginning tere were some things that were not quite what we are used to but they did not matter so much after a while. Biggest problem was the lack of hot water. ...
