7 Must-Visit tourist places in Trivandrum for one-day trip

Trivandrum, formerly known as Thiruvananthapuram, is the most populous city and capital of God’s Own Country Kerala. Also known as “the abode of Lord Ananta”, there are innumerable places Tourist places in Trivandrum for one day trip, From religious places to places of historical importance, beautiful locations to white sand beaches, this place does not disappoint the travelers.

Considered one of the cleanest cities in India, Trivandrum is surrounded by Tamil Nadu in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west. Like all cities in Kerala, Trivandrum has carved a niche for itself for its tourist attractions. So what are you waiting for? Plan a trip, pack your bags and head to Trivandrum.

7 Best Tourist Places In Thiruvananthapuram For A One Day Trip

There are a lot of incredible tourist places that one can visit while visiting Trivandrum. Here is a well-arranged list of the best tourist places in Thiruvananthapuram for a one-day trip:

1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple

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Dedicated to Lord Anantha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a blend of Dravidian and Kerala style architecture. The deity of the temple, Shri Padmanabha is 18 feet tall, he is in a reclining position on the serpent Adi Shesha, with his hood in the form of an umbrella over his head. The sanctum sanctorum has three doors: the first door provides a glimpse at the face and upper body of the deity, the second door provides a glimpse of Lord Brahma emerging from the navel of the deity on a lotus flower, and the third door provides a glimpse of Is at the feet of Lord Padmanabha.

Dress code will have to be followed during darshan in the temple. For men and boys, the upper half of the body can be left open or covered with a shawl, while the lower half of the body should be wrapped in a dhoti. For women and girls, saree/dhoti with blouse or t-shirt with long skirt/lehenga or dhoti draped over jeans/salwar suit.

Place: W Nada, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695023, India
Time: 3:15 am to 12 noon and 5 pm to 7:20 pm
ticket price: Rs 150 per person for special darshan, Rs 180 per person for special darshan with prasad
Distance from Trivandrum: 6.8 km

Must read: 5 temples in Thiruvananthapuram that you should not miss on your next trip to Kerala

2. Neyyar Dam

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Located at the foot of the Western Ghats, the Neyyar Dam was built in 1958 on the Neyyar River for irrigation purposes. It also supplies drinking water to the surrounding areas. There is a lake in the dam which adds to its beauty. It is an ideal place for peace seekers amidst nature and for photographers who can capture breath-taking views through their lenses.

The dam has a research centre, a crocodile rehabilitation centre, a watchtower, a deer park, a garden, an aquarium and the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram. One can enjoy elephant riding and boating (safari or high-speed boats). Presently, it is considered as one of the best picnic spots in Trivandrum, where people come to spend time with their loved ones, click pictures and enjoy the breathtaking views of the environment.

Place: Thiruvananthapuram Neyyar Dam Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695572
Time: 9 am to 6 pm
ticket price: Rs 10 per person
Distance from Trivandrum: 37.7 km

3. Napier Museum

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The Napier Museum is a major attraction that displays the history of Kerala with respect to different rulers during different times. Established in 1857, the museum displays a collection of artefacts such as armour, sculptures, handicrafts, jewellery, statues, carvings, musical instruments, coins and chariots. There is a Japanese shadow-drama leather which depicts the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. The museum has an information room for history lovers, researchers and students.

Named after the then Governor General of Madras, the museum displays Indo-Saracenic architecture, inspired by Indian, Chinese, Mughal and Kerala schools of architecture, with Gothic roofs and minarets. The complex has a garden with a variety of flowers and the oldest living rubber tree in Kerala.

Place: LMS Vellayambalam Road, Opposite PWD Building, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033
Time: 10am to 4:45pm, closed at noon on Mondays and Wednesdays
ticket price: Rs 20 per person
Distance from Trivandrum: 4.6 km

Read suggestions: 7 Amazing Guest Houses in Thiruvananthapuram to Stay Amidst Peace and Tranquility

4. Shangumukham Beach

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Located on the western side of Trivandrum, Shangumukham Beach is a white sand beach away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The beach is famous for the 35 meter huge mermaid-like structure, also known as Sagarkanyaka (जलकन्याका), built by renowned sculptor Sri Kanai Kunjuraman, Aratu Mandapam and a starfish-shaped restaurant.

The beach is a perfect place to witness the breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset. Local people also come here to have picnics and spend quality time with family and friends. There is an indoor recreation center and children’s park in the complex for the entertainment of the people. The pristine waters, serene environment and mesmerizing views make Shangumukham Beach a must-see in the list of one day trip places in Thiruvananthapuram.

Place: Beach Road, Trivandrum, Kerala 695008
Time: 24/7
ticket price: No
Distance from Trivandrum: 10.3 km

5. Kanakkunnu Palace

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Situated on a small hill, Kanakakunnu Palace was built in the 19th century during the time of Travancore Sri Moolam Thirunal. It is located near the Napier Museum. Built to host private functions of the royal family and parties on special occasions. Currently, the red-brick palace hosts many cultural events, seminars and other events.

Every year from October to March, the tourism department organizes an All India Dance Festival, where people from far and wide gather here to witness some incredible performances. There are plans to build a museum on the campus that will cover the history, culture, politics and art forms of the region. The palace has been declared a heritage monument by The Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

Place: Kanaka Kunnu Palace Road, Nanthankodu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695033
Time: 10 am to 5 pm, closed on Monday
ticket price: no entry fee
Distance from Trivandrum: 2.5 km

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6. Chalai Bazaar

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Located in the heart of Trivandrum, Chalai Bazaar is the oldest market, extending for 2 km from the East Gate to Killipalam. The market has a wide range of shoes, groceries, home appliances, jewellery, furnishings, utensils and much more. In short, from fruits to flowers, handloom to textiles, you name it and it is present in the chalai market.

There are many Tamil style temples on each street of the market and also one of the oldest mosques, Karuppattikkada Juma Masjid. One can enjoy delicious cuisine with a variety of food options to choose from. There is always a crowd of people on the road, in the sense that there is movement all the time.

Place: TC 38/1781, Chalai, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695036
Time: Closed on Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm
ticket price: No
Distance from Trivandrum: 7.2 km

7. Sree Chitra Art Gallery

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Sree Chitra Art Gallery, also known as Sree Chitralayam, was rebuilt from two existing bungalows in the museum gardens. It was opened for public viewing in September 1935. The gallery displays rare collections of paintings by Rajputs, Mughals, art schools of Rajasthan, Bengal and Tanjore, Tibetan Thangkas as well as paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Rabindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, Svetoslav. Roerich and Nicholas Roerich, and other talented artists.

Unique miniature paintings, manuscripts and wall paintings can be seen in the gallery. Many of the paintings in the gallery have been gifted by the Kilimanoor royal family and the royal house of Travancore. Art lovers and history buffs who are searching for the best one day trip places in Trivandrum should definitely visit Sree Chitra Art Gallery.

Place: Suryakanti Road, Trivandrum, Kerala 695033
Time: 10am to 4:45pm, closed at noon on Mondays and Wednesdays
ticket price: Rs 4 per person for 5-12 years, Rs 10 per person above 12 years
Distance from Trivandrum: 0.8 km

read ahead: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Trivandrum for an Exciting Vacation

Now that you have seen the list of tourist places in Thiruvananthapuram for a one day trip, plan your day accordingly. Book Trivandrum tour packages from TourTravelHotels for your next trip. These packages can be customized as per your convenience. Be sure to let our executive know your requirements at the time of booking.

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