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If you are planning a short escape or a refreshing day trip, there are plenty of scenic and historic places to visit near Attingal that are perfect for a quick getaway. From the serene coastline of Varkala to the misty trails of Ponmudi, this region offers a mix of nature, culture, and heritage. Whether you’re in the mood for beach walks, hill drives, or exploring forts, you’ll find great options within an hour or two of the town. Each place has something unique to see, explore, and experience without travelling too far.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Attingal
From calm beaches to forested hills, these are the best places to visit near Attingal for a relaxing outing or day-long trip with plenty to explore.
1. Varkala Beach
Photo: maximaxi65 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Varkala Beach is a stunning coastal spot near Attingal, perfect for a quick seaside escape. Nestled below a high cliff, the beach features a long walkway lined with cafes, souvenir stalls, and shops. The cliff offers wide, clear views of the rolling waves, with several stairways providing easy access to the sandy shore. The southern area, called Papanasam, is known for religious ceremonies, often visited by families and priests in the early morning. Nearby, the historic Janardanaswamy Temple attracts both pilgrims and locals, adding cultural richness to the visit.
Distance From Attingal: 18 km
Nearby Attractions: Janardanaswamy Temple, Varkala Cliff, Odayam Beach
2. Anchuthengu Fort
Photo: Athulvis / Wikimedia Commons
Anchuthengu Fort is one of the notable places to visit near Attingal, showcasing early British influence. Built in the 17th century during the East India Company’s expansion, the fort features long storage rooms, lookout points within thick walls, and a flag post that once flew the Union Jack. Inside, the contrast between the sturdy outer stone walls and the spacious courtyard is striking. Well-preserved, the fort still displays old cannons mounted at its corners. From the top walls, visitors can enjoy views of the sea on one side and inland waterways on the other.
Distance From Attingal: 10.9 km
Nearby Attractions: Anjengo Lighthouse, Mangrove backwaters, Muthalapozhi Harbour
3. Kappil Lake And Beach
Photo: Ikroos / Wikimedia Commons
Kappil is one of the most scenic places to see near Attingal, where backwaters meet the sea away from crowded spots. The lake runs parallel to the coast, separated by a narrow strip of sand. You can walk across the bridge to see calm backwaters on one side and the open sea on the other. Early mornings are peaceful, with fishing boats drifting through the channel. A small jetty offers boat rides past coconut trees and floating grass patches. The nearby beach remains quiet, perfect for a peaceful stroll or relaxing by the rocks.
Distance From Attingal: 24.1 km
Nearby Attractions: Kappil Boat Club, Edava Narayana Swamy Temple, Vettakada Beach
4. Ponmudi Hills
Photo: Shishirdasika / Wikimedia Commons
Ponmudi is a scenic highland destination, ideal for those who enjoy long drives through forested roads. The route twists sharply with nearly two dozen hairpin curves, gradually climbing above the tree line. Along the way, the weather changes with cooler air, light mist, and dense patches of bamboo and wild growth on both sides. The top area has a flat spot where vehicles often stop, with scattered boulders and open grass nearby. On clear days, the view extends to the edge of the Western Ghats, offering a quiet and breezy retreat away from the city.
Distance From Attingal: 65.2 km
Nearby Attractions: Meenmutty Waterfalls, Golden Valley, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Shankhumugham Beach
Photo: Nakkeeran Raveendran / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Shankhumugham Beach is a coastal spot near Thiruvananthapuram, located beside the airport boundary. Flights often fly low overhead, visible from the shore. The beach features a wide sandy stretch and a rougher sea, making it less ideal for swimming but perfect for walking and enjoying open views. One end hosts the large Sagarakanyaka (Mermaid) sculpture by local artist Kanayi Kunhiraman. The area is lightly commercialized with a few evening food stalls. Open stone benches near the parking area provide great spots to watch the sunset over the water.
Distance From Attingal: 32.5 km
Nearby Attractions: Veli Tourist Village, Trivandrum International Airport, Mermaid Sculpture
6. Agasthyakoodam
Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons
Agasthyakoodam is an offbeat, ecologically rich area known for high-altitude trekking through dense forest reserves. The base at Bonacaud is accessible without restrictions, surrounded by tea-covered slopes and quiet forest roads. Beyond Bonacaud, the trail enters a protected forest with native herbs, orchids, and unique bird species. Trekking is allowed only during specific months with strict daily visitor limits. Even without trekking, you can explore the lower trails near Bonacaud and enjoy the small river crossing, a popular spot for photography.
Distance From Attingal: 61 km
Nearby Attractions: Karamana River, Bonacaud Estate, Peppara Dam
7. Neyyar Dam And Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Shishirdasika / Wikimedia Commons
Neyyar features a dam, a lake, and a wildlife sanctuary in one area near Attingal. The dam has a walkway with views of water and forested hills. Visitors often enjoy the garden and viewing tower. The reservoir feeds the sanctuary, which includes a lion safari, deer park, and crocodile rehabilitation center. Entry to each zone requires a separate ticket. Boating is available on the lake with short shared rides. The area is well maintained, and the roads up to the gate are smooth. It’s a popular spot for weekend visits.
Distance From Attingal: 50.1 km
Nearby Attractions: Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre, Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Lion Safari Park
8. Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
Photo: moollyem / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium is a small but interesting place near the fishing harbour. It is housed in a single-storey building with glass tanks displaying marine species from the nearby sea. You can see clownfish, lionfish, seahorses, and various ornamental fish common to the Kerala coast. Some tanks also contain live coral, highlighted by special lighting to showcase their colors and movement. Feeding times draw attention from visitors of all ages. The aquarium is compact, well-maintained, and generally quiet, making it a nice quick stop before or after visiting Kovalam.
Distance From Attingal: 42.3 km
Nearby Attractions: Kovalam Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Halcyon Castle
9. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo And Museum Complex
Photo: designerpoint / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
This zoo offers a peaceful experience with shaded grounds, wide walkways, and open enclosures that give animals more space. Some quieter areas require a map or careful attention to signs. You can see Indian gaur, leopards, sloth bears, and rare monkeys native to the Western Ghats. Nearby, the Napier Museum features Kerala’s traditional metalwork, wooden carvings, and religious artifacts. The Sree Chitra Art Gallery, in the same compound, showcases works by Raja Ravi Varma and other Asian artists. The whole area is easily explored on foot.
Distance From Attingal: 33.2 km
Nearby Attractions: Napier Museum, Sree Chitra Art Gallery, Kanakakkunnu Palace
10. Aruvikkara Dam And Temple
Photo: Shishirdasika / Wikimedia Commons
Aruvikkara offers a quiet riverside setting where you can spend time without crowds. The dam across the Karamana River holds back a gentle stream that flows steadily over the spillway. A narrow bridge crosses the dam, and midway across, you can stop to look down at the water. On one side, rocks slope down to the river where people sometimes sit or wade in. A short walk uphill leads to a small stone temple surrounded by trees. The area is simple, clean, and open, making it easy to visit at any time.
Distance From Attingal: 35.2 km
Nearby Attractions: Durga Devi Temple, Reservoir Viewpoint, Karamana River
Beaches, hills, rivers, and forts—places to visit near Attingal offer a mix of outings that suit any mood. From quiet temples to scenic drives, you’ll find something close by that fits your day. Most are easily accessible and open throughout the year, making weekend plans simple and satisfying. Based near Attingal? Discover more of Kerala with TripXL and find your next short escape just around the corner.
Cover Photo: weareaway / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
