Top 5 Places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and colonial legacy. This metropolitan city in ‘God’s Own Country’ has its share of serene spaces such as beaches, backwaters, islands, forests, temples, lakes, lagoons, etc. Some of its palaces, dams, temples, and museums are widely recognized for their stunning architecture and historical importance. Are you planning a trip to this city? Below are the top 5 places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram that you must add to your itinerary.
Kovalam Beach:
A top Thiruvananthapuram attraction, Kovalam beach is a place for relaxation and recreation. With swaying palms and coconuts dotting the beach and a beautiful lighthouse on the shore, Kovalam beach is a delight for all beach lovers. One can also indulge in a range of water sports such as parasailing, paragliding, surfing, diving, swimming, etc., at the beach. What more? The beachside restaurants tempt you with delicious Malabar food and Ayurvedic resorts call out to you for a relaxing massage.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple:
Thiruvananthapuram is home to the richest temple in India, located right in the heart of the city. The temple, dedicated to Padmanabhaswamy (a form of Lord Vishnu), is one of 108 Divya Desams. Thus, it is among the most sacred places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram. Padmanabhaswamy Temple is well-known for its Dravidian style of architecture and the reclining posture of Padmanabhaswamy’s idol enshrined here.
Napier Museum:
Set in a peaceful location, Napier Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Thiruvananthapuram. The beautiful museum built in Indo-Saracenic architecture features gothic roofs and minarets and houses a stunning collection of bronze idols, stone, and wooden sculptures, ivory carvings, ornaments, chariots, musical instruments, coins, etc. So, you need to visit this museum to understand Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
Poovar Island:
A nature lover’s paradise, Poovar island is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram. This coastal village attracts tourists with its golden sand beaches, tranquil backwaters, and pristine surroundings. If you are looking for a refreshing holiday amid nature, then this is the place for you. The resorts and hotels here offer you a memorable stay. So, what’s the wait for? Book the cheapest flights to Thiruvananthapuram from Philadelphia or any other US city with Indian Eagle now!
Varkala Beach:
Situated around 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala beach is famous for the unique cliff formations extending alongside the Arabian coast (this is the only beach in Kerala featuring cliffs). This beautiful beach is a favorite among locals, for it is home to several other attractions like ancient temples, mineral springs, ayurvedic centers, wellness resorts, restaurants, cafes, etc. A dip in the waters of its natural spring is believed to cleanse your sins besides curing various ailments, and hence, this beach is also known as Papanasam beach.