There are a lot of fantastic places to visit near Trivandrum. The surrounding areas of Kerala’s capital, Trivandrum, blends natural beauty with cultural history. The location harbours beaches and hill stations, making it a perfect destination. Discover historic structures, relax on fine beaches, or enjoy the beauty of the surrounding environment. Waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and cultural attractions are all within a short drive. With these nearby attractions, Trivandrum is a fantastic base for day trips and weekend getaways.
10 Best Places To Visit Near Trivandrum
These places to visit near Trivandrum offer everything from tranquil beaches to close experiences with wildlife.
1. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Olin Photography / Wikimedia Commons
The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit near Trivandrum for nature lovers. It is positioned on the boundary between the Western Ghats and the plains. Established in 1958, it is an exciting place to watch lions, elephants rehabilitation centre, crocodile farm, deer, leopard, etc. This place is also very famous because it is the meeting point of the three rivers: the Neyyar River, the Kallar River, and the Mullayar River.
Distance From Trivandrum: 35 km
Suggested Read: Beaches Near Trivandrum
2. Kovalam
Photo: Georgeumartin / Wikimedia Commons
Kovalam, described as the Paradise of the South, is an excellent place for beach tourism in Kerala. The most popular Beach, Light House Beach, overlooks the Vizhinjam Mosque. Lighthouse Beach is named after the historic Vizhinjam Lighthouse on Kurumkal Hill. Sitting on the northern side of Samudra Beach is a good place to relax because it has few visitors. Furthermore, Eve’s Beach, in the centre, was popular with European tourists. Eve’s Beach is beautiful for an idyllic evening.
Distance From Trivandrum: 20.3 km
3. Padmanabhaswamy Temple
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The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams, is one of the most sacred places to visit near Trivandrum. The gold-plated temple is only open to Hindus. Among the main sites of Vaishnava devotion in the dharma of Vaishnavism, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. The temple’s architecture combines Kerala and Dravidian (Kovil) styles, which are present in many nearby temples. The temple has a stone slab garbhagriha.
Distance From Trivandrum: 5.7 km
Suggested Read: Theme Parks In Trivandrum
4. Poovar
Photo: Hans A. Rosbach / Wikimedia Commons
Poovar, a beach village in southern Kerala, India, is known for its beautiful landscape and peaceful environment. In Poovar, ayurveda flourishes as a key component of the region’s wellness legacy. The town is also known for its magnificent beaches, which include Poovar Beach and the neighbouring Golden Sand Beach. Apart from this, houseboats in Poovar provide a distinct and captivating approach to take in the calm backwaters’ beauty.
Distance From Trivandrum: 34.9 km
5. Alleppey
Photo: Divyacskn1289 / Wikimedia Commons
Alleppey is often nicknamed the Venice of the East. It is famous for its premier tourist spots, serving as the primary hub for Kerala’s vast network of backwaters and more than a thousand houseboats. Modern houseboats come equipped with facilities akin to those in upscale hotel rooms, such as air conditioning, contemporary bathrooms, cosy living spaces, a fully stocked kitchen, and even a fishing-friendly balcony. A houseboat provides an uninterrupted view of the backwaters, surrounded by swaying coconut palms.
Distance From Trivandrum: 46 km
Suggested Read: Water Parks In Trivandrum
6. Zoological Park
Photo: Sree 2015 / Wikimedia Commons
Trivandrum’s Zoological Park, stands as one of India’s oldest and well-preserved zoos. It ranks among the top attractions for wildlife enthusiasts near Trivandrum, providing an enchanting opportunity to view the region’s unique wildlife. It is home to a diverse collection of both native and foreign animals, such as lions, tigers, elephants, and reptiles. Visitors get the opportunity to go on a riveting expedition through well-selected enclosures.
Distance From Trivandrum: 3.4 km
7. Kanakakunnu Palace
Photo: Jkurkure / Wikimedia Commons
Kanakakunnu Palace is designed in the colonial Indo-Saracenic style. Located in the scenic backdrop of Trivandrum, Kerala. This ancient palace, built during the rule of the Travancore King, has a distinctive combination of native Kerala and colonial architectural designs. Though it is named a palace, Kanakakunnu Palace was initially built as a guesthouse for the royal family’s use only. Over time, it evolved into a popular cultural venue used to host various social events.
Distance From Trivandrum: 3.7 km
Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Trivandrum
8. Napier Museum
Photo: Augustus Binu / Wikimedia Commons
The most important cultural museum in Trivandrum is the Napier Museum, established in the centre of the town, which gives a clear view of the southern state’s cultural wealth. It was built in the 19th century, and it stores numerous pieces of historical artefacts, such as ornaments, bronze sculptures, ivory carvings, paintings, and more. It is a museum of architecture, which has rather unique elements of Indo-Saracenic style in unison. The Napier Museum is currently under the Department of Museums and Zoos, which houses various archaeological and historical collections.
Distance From Trivandrum: 3.4 km
9. Kallar
Photo: AniVar / Wikimedia Commons
Kallar is one of the most beautiful areas, with beautiful and comparatively less polluted villages situated on the way from Ponmudi Hills Station to Trivandrum district in the State of Kerala. Kallar, which is 15 kilometres from Ponmudi, offers a perfect place for one to take a weekend break between the natural beauty. It is located along the Vamanapuram River, which is one of the significant branches of the Neyyar River.
Distance From Trivandrum: 42.4 km
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Trivandrum
10. Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple
Photo: Jithindop / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in Trivandrum, the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple is one of the most revered temples of Lord Ganesh, and it is famous among the residents and devotees of the southern region. At Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, a 56-day Murajapam is held every six years to worship Lord Ganesh. Many priests conduct Vedic chants at a yagna throughout the day and night during the event.
Distance From Trivandrum: 6 km
The places to visit near Trivandrum offer a rich tapestry of experiences, from wildlife encounters to serene beaches and historic sites. Every location exhibits the natural splendour and cultural legacy of Kerala. These surrounding sites provide ideal opportunities for day outings or weekend vacations, catering to travellers of all kinds. Ready to explore these hidden gems? Book with TripXL to strategically plan your next expedition and uncover the marvels that surround the capital of Kerala.
Cover Photo: Arunpnair787 / Wikimedia Commons