Bordering the Arabian Sea, Trivandrum spreads across seven low-rising hills with golden beaches that offer water sports. First-class art galleries, historical monuments, museums and wildlife sanctuaries also highlight this fascinating city on the outskirts of Tamil Nadu.

Things to do

Kovalam Beach is filled with travellers sunbathing and swimming in rocky coves and calm waters. You can get herbal body-toning massages at Ayurveda health and yoga centres nearby. Head to the Academy for Mountaineering and Adventure Sports to enjoy a full day of parasailing, water zorbing, water skiing, kayaking or rock climbing.

Travelling with little ones? They’ll love running and playing at Trivandrum Zoo, a vast complex with lakes, woodlands and animals, including a royal Bengal tiger, lion-tailed macaque and several anacondas. To experience a lion safari and crocodile breeding centre, drive about 32 kilometres to Nevvar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The architecture of Napier Museum reflects Kerala, Italian, Mughal and Chinese culture. Peruse ivory carvings and bronze idols and see the leather Japanese shadow play figures. The spectacular Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a sacred Vishnu temple where you can view the revered sanctum sanctorum from three directions.

South Indian Kerala cuisine is the highlight of dining in Trivandrum, with signature dishes, such as Kerala-style biryani and dosas, as well as other Indian specialties on offer. You can pick up food from a street stall and have a picnic at Veli Lake, which offers paddleboat rides and shopping at nearby Veli Tourist Village.

Getting around

You can rent a car at Trivandrum International Airport, 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre. Auto rickshaws and taxis are convenient for getting around, but you can also use city buses along MG Road.