Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum has many facets. The commercial nerve centre, a research and educational hub and a cultural hotspot from the times of the Travancore Kingdom. The city has an enviable location by the sea which once attracted European sea-farers and made it a prominent trading post for spices and ivory. I visited Trivandrum when I was chasing the Atukkal Pongala festival some time back. Here’s my mini-guide to explore this beautiful coastal city in 24 hours plus three weekend getaway ideas.
Must-see in Trivandrum
The iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple is Trivandrum’s biggest attraction and one of the richest religious institutions in South India. The 1840 Kuthiramallika Palace Museum of the royal family of Travancore displays rare antiques like the bohemian crystal throne from Belgium with the Travancore emblem. You should also stop by at the adjoining art gallery that displays over 1100 paintings from the Travancore dynasty. The 1855 Napier Museum has a collection of artefacts related to the kings and queens of Travancore as well as some fine Raja Ravi paintings.
Must-eat in Trivandrum
India Coffee House near the central railway station is one of the oldest coffee houses in Trivandrum and a landmark in itself for its unique ‘spiral’ architecture. Sip Karikku (tender coconut) and Sambharam (spiced buttermilk) from street side vendors to beat the tropical heat of the city. For a royal dining experience, visit Villa Maya – an 18th century Dutch manor now converted into a heritage restaurant. Try fusions like seafood rasam and sundried bashed beef in a betel leaf. Non-experimentalists can stick to classics like vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali.
Must-shop in Trivandrum
Trivandrum is dotted with gold shops aplenty, so a gold souvenir for those who can indulge is a nice memoir. Soak in the pulse of the city at Chalai market. It is Kerala’s busiest street bazaar where you can find great bargains on any and everything like fresh fruits, dates, sandalwood, handicrafts, quirky accessories and textile.
Where to stay in Trivandrum
I stayed at the Classic Sarovar Portico for a night during my travel. The property has spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, an in-house restaurant serving great local food.
Three Trivandrum weekend getaway ideas
Trivandrum is an excellent base for a getaway to some of the most vibrant beaches and tranquil backwaters in God’s own country. For a taste of Indian tropics, you can go on a coastal road right up to the southern tip of India in Tamil Nadu, of course making beautiful pit-stops along the way.
Trivandrum to Kovalam weekend getaway
20 km from Trivandrum, Kovalam has evolved from a tiny fishing hamlet into a global beach destination. Think clear waters, white sands and a cobbled beach promenade dotted with shops and shacks. Kovalam’s warm waters, low tides and perfect surf breaks make it an ideal spot for surfing and swimming. For those in the mood to simply unwind, there’s always a sun-bed.
The Vizhinjam lighthouse, in red and white, perched on a rock at the edge of the sea adds a nice touch to the blue of the ocean, giving you postcard like photographs. Make sure to climb the 142 steps to the lighthouse (closed on Mondays) to grab a spectacular view of the beach town. When you come back, treat yourself to some roasted mussels, cashew prawns and beef chilly fry at a seaside café while downing beers. The German Bakery is worth a visit too, not only for its menu but a brilliant terrace view of the sea.
Later, stroll by the many shops along the shore and pick up quirky souvenirs like sea-shell accessories and pen stands in the shape of a monkey handmade from a single coconut shell.
Where to stay in Kovalam?
If you plan to spend a night or two in Kovalam, check out Unwind Hotels and Resorts as a budget stay option. For a more luxurious stay, check out Vivanta by Taj-Green Cove, Kovalam.
Trivandrum to Poovar weekend getaway
Drive 35 km from Trivandrum to Poovar Island for a destination completely off mainstream tourist radar. A former ruler of Travancore, Marthanda Varma was so enthralled by this small island in Southern Kerala, that he named the place Poovar – meaning a string of flowers. This tiny fishing village has a very unique setting, sandwiched between the backwaters of Kerala, Neyyar River and the Arabian Sea.
Poovar is a world in itself, away from the hectic lives we lead back in the city. Take a boat-cruise through the backwaters spotting exotic birdlife. And pamper yourself with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage after a leisurely stroll on the beach devoid of people. Poovar is a plush break to gift oneself.
Where to stay in Poovar?
Definitely recommend staying at Sarovar Estuary Portico overlooking a canal separated from the sea by a thin sandbar. Guests can even take a pick up and drop to the mainland through the backwaters by their speed boat.
Trivandrum to Kanyakumari weekend getaway
90 kilometers from Trivandrum after crossing the border you reach Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India in Tamil Nadu. Kanyakumari’s location is a matter of envy with the confluence of three water bodies – Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean at Triveni Sangam.
In the morning, walk to the water’s edge at Kanyakumari beach to catch one of the most beautiful sunrises. Later, take a ferry to the twin structures of Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue. It is said that Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment at the Rock Memorial before his famed visit to Chicago for the Parliament of the World Religions in 1893. Its neighbour, the 40m Thiruvalluvar Statue is an icon of Kanyakumari. The structure is named after a Tamil poet and philosopher from the 4th century BCE. Drop by at the Gandhi Memorial Mandapam that housed the urn of Mahatma’s ashes before immersing them in the Triveni Sangam. At dusk, head to the sunset point for an incredibly beautiful view of the sun setting into the horizon.
Where to stay in Kanyakumari?
All the best hotels are by the sea adjoining a local fishing village. I stayed at Hotel Sea View where my room opened to the vast expanse of the ocean with a view of the Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial. They have a multi-cuisine restaurant with a permit room and space for car park.
Armchair travel: Book recommendation
The Ivory Throne: Chronicles of the house of Travancore by Manu S. Pillai | Buy here
More stories from Kerala
- A corporate slave’s itinerary from Kerala to Kanyakumari
- 5 day itinerary to explore Wayanad
- At this church in Kochi, sweep the floor when your wish is fulfilled
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Thank you for giving this more information about Trivandrum , I really liked it , I want visit Trivandrum and its places as soon as possible, Thank you.