See Why You Need to Visit the Beautiful Trivandrum in 2025

The beautiful city of Thiruvananthapuram, or simply Trivandrum, is set in the southern Indian state of Kerala. With beautiful British colonial architecture, gorgeous beach settings, and a lush landscape for days, Trivandrum is a gem of a destination for travellers who are on the lookout for a unique travel experience in 2025.

But why should you visit the most populous city of Kerala? Let’s take you on a digital journey to help you fall in love with Trivandrum as we did.

Bask in the traditional and modern cultures of Trivandrum

Photo by KACVKovalam

Well known for its cultural heritage, Trivandrum offers a vacation experience that enriches the soul. One such attraction is the Kerala Arts & Craft Village that is located in Vellar. Set in a large 8.5-acre space, the Kerala Arts & Craft Village houses over 100 highly skilled artisans who each bring their unique touch to the creation of the best crafts you can find in Kerala.

Having multiple studios within the village allows each artist the space to ideate and create to their heart’s content, and there’s nothing more magical than to see them at work at the Kerela Arts & Craft Village. From traditional to folk and even ethnic crafts and artefacts, everything can be seen and experienced within a single space.

Beyond workspaces, you’ll find an amphitheatre, museums, and an art gallery where you can experience the rich heritage of Kerala’s arts and crafts hands-on. Game zones, reading rooms, food courts, and rest areas are also available for guests to relax after a long day of experiencing art. As the space is rather big, we’d recommend keeping at least 4 hours from your itinerary to slowly admire the craftsmanship shown at the Kerala Arts & Craft Village.

Photo by Kerala Tourism

As you head back into the main areas of Trivandrum, you’ll come across the grand Kuthiramalika Palace dating back to the 1840s. Also known as the Puthenmalika Palace to some, the name “Kuthira Malika” translates to “The Palace of Horses”.

Though this may sound odd at first, you’ll quickly discover the background of the palace’s name upon arrival. You see, over at the southern part of the wooden roof of this historic palace is where you’ll find 122 hand-carved wooden horses attached to the wall brackets. Upon closer inspection, the wooden horses will appear to be smiling as they support the ageing bracket that upholds the roof.

But the state-of-the-art handwork of the craftsmen from the past doesn’t end there. Inside the palace, you’ll find intricate carvings covering the wooden ceiling in every room. While only 20 of the 80 rooms within the palace are accessible to visitors, eagle-eyed guests will quickly notice that every room boasts carvings that are different from each other. The intelligent use of egg whites, charcoal, and limestone for the palace floors also ensures the ground stays cold and smooth even on warm days – a necessity for a hot city like Trivandrum in India.

In recent years, the Kuthiramalika Palace has been recognized as a museum and cultural centre. A grand example of this is how an annual concert is held to celebrate the birthday of Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the Maharaja who ordered the construction of the Kuthiramalika Palace. A small entrance fee will be collected to sustain the upkeep of the attraction, with prices varying for adults and children who visit.

Come shop till you drop at Trivandrum’s iconic malls and street bazaars

Photo by LuLu Mall

Now that you’ve done plenty of sightseeing at Trivandrum, your next stop should be to pop into the city’s largest mall – the LuLu Mall Thiruvananthapuram. In fact, it may just be one of the biggest shopping malls in India, covering over 2,000,000 sq. ft. of retail space. From big brands to a multiplex for entertainment, LuLu Mall Thiruvananthapuram aims to be the one-stop solution to all the shopping needs of locals and visitors of the city.

To ensure every guest feels welcome, LuLu Mall Thiruvananthapuram is also home to the biggest entertainment zone in the country, Funtura. Featuring a 1,000-foot-long roller glider that zips through the food court, Funtura brands itself as a spot for kids and adults of all ages. Additionally, you’ll find attractions like a rope course, wall climbing area, 6-lane bowling alley, a trampoline park, as well as video and VR gaming areas, and many more within Funtura itself.

Photo by Kerala Tourism

However, if you’d prefer to shop by the streets for some local goods, you’ll want to make your way to the Chalai Bazaar. Located close to the Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the Chalai Bazaar is a bustling market where you’ll find exclusive Kerala goods like cooking spices, handicrafts, antiques, and even fresh fruits and vegetables. Operating from 9 AM till 8 PM from Mondays to Saturdays, the market stretches through a narrow 2-kilometre road between Killipalam and East Fort.

Want to buy some of the finest sarees you can find in Trivandrum? Then the RamachandraN Shopping Emporium along the Attakulangara – Enchakkal Road is the place to be. While the mall is famed for its collection of textile choices, you’ll also find plenty of shoes, toys, and household goods for sale.

Traditional Kerala sarees or Kasavu are a speciality at this mall, with the key to finding authentic pieces being how you can see the recognizable gold and silver threads being used to create intricate details and borders on these sarees.

Tired of the city life? Kickback and relax at Trivandrum’s neighbouring beaches

Photo by Shibupavizha George on Unsplash

While Trivandrum is known to be a largely busy metropolis, the pockets of relaxation just outside the city are what attract many visitors who want the best of both worlds. The Poovar Island nestled just an hour out of Trivandrum is a crowd favourite for visitors as the stunning views and golden sandy beach welcome those seeking quieter vacation moments.

Accessible only via a 10-minute boat ride, Poovar Island offers views of the Poovar Lake, Neyyar River, and Arabian Sea coming together. This intersecting sight is a rare find even in other destinations around the world, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Trivandrum.

For a unique excursion through Poovar Island, we also recommend getting onboard the Poovar Backwater Cruise. Lasting between 1 to 2 hours depending on your preference, this serene cruise gives you a glimpse into the island from the waters while getting up close and personal with the local flora and fauna. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter kingfishers, herons, or migratory birds like warblers during migration season.

Back on the ground and over at the Poovar Beach, you can expect a serene experience that melts away the stresses of your day-to-day life. The golden sight of the sun touching the horizon of the Arabian Sea from the beach is what makes this destination an ideal lookout for sunrise and sunset hunters. Due to its location, the Poovar Beach is often uncrowded, making it the perfect spot to rest and relax.

Photo by Sooraj Perambra on Unsplash

Another must-see destination to unwind in Trivandrum is Kovalam Beach. Located just 16 kilometres from the city centre, Kovalam Beach is unique for its three crescent-shaped beaches. The tranquil waters are a welcome to sea bathers and this destination is much easier to access in comparison to its neighbouring Poovar Beach. While this also means you’re likely to share the beach with more visitors, Kovalam Beach still exudes a charm of its own with catamaran rides, on-beach Ayurvedic massages, and live performances.

Don’t forget to indulge in a taste of Trivandrum

Photo by Rohith Murali on Unsplash

Of course, no trip to Trivandrum would be complete without indulging in the delicious Kerala flavours. Drawing inspiration from the city’s geography and culture, the food in Trivandrum is often cooked with a variety of bold spices across their restaurants and street food stalls fondly known as a tattukada.

Some of the iconic meals at Trivandrum that you shouldn’t miss include spiced biryani, seafood dishes, and an array of desserts. Vegetarian dishes are just as popular in the city, with orders such as the Erissery or pumpkin and lentil curry helming the menu of many eateries.

If you’re keen to dine like a local, you must give the staple breakfast of puttu and Kadala curry a go. Served warm, the combination of steamed rice cakes and delicious black chickpea curry is a hearty yet exciting way to start the day. It can be found across every street in Trivandrum, be it from street stalls or brick and mortar restaurants.

Photo by The Hindu

For anyone looking to feast like a king, we can’t rave enough about the Sadhya – a traditional vegetable feast served on a banana leaf. A Sadhya typically contains a blend of flavours that harmoniously come together, including a spicy Mango Pickle and a tangy mixed vegetable curry known as the Avial. To wash it all down is a creamy coconut milk and lentil dessert called the Parippu Payasam. This concoction can be served either hot or cold to your liking but always marks a delicious end to a comforting meal.

Now, if you’re feeling peckish but not on the market for a heavy meal, then you’ll want to grab a thattu dosa – a small and fluffy crepe-like pancake made of ground rice and black lentils – that’s often served with gracious amounts of sambar and chutney. Available by any street stalls, you’ll likely bump into locals ordering a few of these throughout the day.

More adventurous foodies may also enjoy a serving of kappa and fish curry from Trivandrum. This kappa or fermented tapioca snack is a frequent dish over breakfast but is just as popular for those midday snack cravings.

See Trivandrum come to life at night

Before calling it a night after an adventurous time in Trivandrum, it’s worth exploring what the city has come sundown. Interestingly, Trivandrum hasn’t been the most popular with nightlife excursions, yet the city still manages to surprise with a few hidden gems that are building up to a brand-new experience.

Photo by The Leela

A notable spot to celebrate an evening in Trivandrum is the Sky Bar at The Leela Raviz. With panoramic sights that overlook the Arabian Sea from over 118 ft above ground, the Sky Bar has become one of the popular nightlife venues in the city. For many, the best views always begin at sunset, as the golden hour glow carries a magical look to this cliff-top bar. You’ll then see the sky come alive thanks to the city lights – a stark contrast to how nature’s beauty comes hand in hand with modern touches.

Beyond the views, the Sky Bar is just as famous for their large assortment of drinks behind the counter. From quality wines to handcrafted cocktails, the bar is a top pick for guests who want to turn down for the evening with some light music that sways through the establishment. Come weekends, you’ll find this tranquillity being traded for a host of live music events and DJ evenings, welcoming locals and tourists for a fun night out.

As the Sky Bar is located just next to Kovalam Beach, many visitors have found the joy of strolling down the sandy grounds a fantastic experience after being in the “skies”. On certain days, you’ll even find street buskers serenading guests who may be catching a bite to eat by the restaurants that fringe the pavements of Kovalam Beach.

Photo by The New Indian Express

Over at a separate nightlife corridor called the Manaveeyam Veedhi, you’ll find plenty to see, listen to, and even dance to daily. Open from 7:30 PM all the way to 5 AM the next morning, this new project was introduced in a bid to stimulate the nightlife experiences within the city. From live performances to cultural events and art exhibitions, the Manaveeyam Veedhi is a surprising find for those who want to enjoy a slice of Trivandrum in the evening without the fuss.

FLY TO TRIVANDRUM WITH MALAYSIA AIRLINES

With increased flight frequencies from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport weekly, you can now make your way to Trivandrum easily with Malaysia Airlines in just under 4 hours of flying. What’s more, from now until the end of the year, you can benefit from the special round-trip Malaysia Airlines deals with Holiday Tours.

So, come discover the beautiful Trivandrum in 2025 and experience all the city has to offer – just reach out to Holiday Tours to plan your trip today.