Trivandrum – short for Thiruvananthapuram – is the capital city of the state of Kerala. It has some of the most famous tourist spots in India. It is also the most literate and well-developed city in the country and the largest city in its state. Trivandrum is located in the coastal region of western India, along the Arabian Sea. You can consider visiting the city.
If you ever visit southern India, you should try some of these popular one day trip places in Trivandrum.
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
One of the oldest zoos in India, it was established in the year 1857 by the then Maharaja of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma. 138 years later, in 1995, this zoo underwent the process of modernization. During this, its old enclosures were closed and these were replaced by spacious, absolutely natural-looking enclosures.
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo has, since its inception, been housing a wide variety of plant and animal species. Today, the number of animal species is roughly about 82. This includes the lion-tailed macabre, the Nilgiri langur, the Indian rhinoceros, the Asiatic lion, the white tiger, the royal Bengal tiger, the leopard, the Asian elephant, the giraffe, the hippo, the Cape buffalo, and the zebra. This is one of the best tourist places in Trivandrum for one day trip with friends. You will also find on its premises a snake farm and reptile house. Along with that, you are also going to witness exhibits of both poisonous as well as non-poisonous snakes including seven anacondas.
Also Read: One-of-a-Kind Places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram
Priyadarshini Planetarium
Priyadarshini Planetarium in Thiruvananthapuram was opened to the public in the year 1994. Its top-notch technology, the main GM-11 star field projector, can project almost all the elements of the universe as we know it. Ah, some useful tech, eh? You can also see the projection of a starry night sky of any place in the world, of any day up to 12,500 years in the past or the future. If you’re a Science or Astronomy buff, this place should be at the top of your list of places to see in India.
Priyadarshini Planetarium introduces and lets you explore the mysteries of the universe that are yet to be unraveled in a way that you cannot find anywhere else! This place has been imparting a sense of scientific temperament to the people who visit it.
Shanmugham Beach
The vast stretch of sand, the whiteness of the sand, the serene atmosphere… this is how Shanmugham Beach distinguishes itself from a lot of the others in India. It is located in a convenient spot that is decidedly away from the city and designed for some relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of professional life. It makes for a great one day trip in Trivandrum.
This area has several food stands, like the Star Fish Restaurant, outdoor theaters, the Old Coffee House for delicious South Indian food, and an amazing sunset view. Locals know Shanmugham Beach as the presiding city of the deity, Sri Ananthapadmanabhan. People celebrate Bali Tharpanam and Ganesh Nimarjan here.
These are some of the most popular one day trip places in Trivandrum that you can tour and understand better the culture of the city.
Neyyar Dam
The proximity of the Neyyar Dam to the wildlife sanctuary adds to its allure as a haven for nature lovers. This place lies amidst the greenery of the Western Ghat. Birds and animals filled the surroundings with their sounds, creating an atmosphere of peace and solace. The best time to visit the Neyyar Dam is between September and May. The Neyyar Dam covers a vast area from Thiruvananthapuram’s Neyyattinkara district to Tamil Nadu’s Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
The major tourist attraction near the Neyyar Dam is the Neyyar Dam Wildlife Sanctuary. It has interesting sites like Crocodile Park, Lion Safari Park, Deer Park, and Watch Tower.
Kuthiramalika Palace
The Kuthiramalika Palace is two-storeyed and built by the ruler of Travancore, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma. It is now a museum and an important heritage attraction in the city of Thiruvananthapuram. The site got its name from the fact that 122 horses are carved into its wooden wall brackets which support the southern roof.
This palace also has a unique Navarathri Mandapam in the front, where many events and concerts are held today. Its architecture is very different, with wood carvings – typical Travancore style. The palace has a museum now that displays paintings and various special collections of the royal family.
These are some of the most popular one day trip places in Trivandrum that you can tour and understand better the culture of the city. So, if you are someone flying from Seattle then catch flights from Seattle to Thiruvananthapuram with India Eagle as they offer the best deals on international flights.
