Places Near Trivandrum: Hidden Escapes, Day Trips & Weekend Wonders
What if we told you that there are places near Trivandrum, full of mysteries and unexplored local gems? Kerala’s cultural capital isn’t just a spiritual abode. There are relaxing beaches, serene hills, and magical waterfalls, all within a 1-3 hour drive. These offbeat escapes aren’t just beautiful, but also budget-friendly. Let us learn about each of them in detail.
Why Explore Beyond Trivandrum?
Beyond the temples and cultural festivals lies a world of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Travellers can easily reach these places near Trivandrum by private car, bus, or even by bike.
- An escape from city life without travelling too far.
- Waterfalls, beaches, and relaxing viewpoints that are every traveller’s paradise.
- Less crowded, cheaper, and so much more peaceful.
- Perfect for honeymooners, solo adventurers and short family trips.
Top Places Near Trivandrum You Must Visit
From beaches and clean shores to fun activities, tourist places near Trivandrum have something for every traveller. Read below to learn which areas you’d love to explore, depending on your preferred activities and budget.
1. Varkala– Cliffs, Cafés & Clean Shores
This coastal town is home to the most amazing cafés, sea-facing cliffs and yoga hubs. The Janardanaswamy Temple and Papanasam beach are some of the must-visit attractions here.
Distance from Trivandrum -1 hour 25 minutes (41.5km)
Why go – Less crowded, more peaceful
What to do – Cliff shopping, beach visit, water sports and an ayurvedic massage
Best time to visit – October to March (pleasant weather with clear skies)
Insider/local tip – Go early for a peaceful sunrise from the cliff.
Nearby places to visit: Anjengo Fort, Kappil Beach, Edava Beach
2. Ponmudi Hills– Misty Escapes Above the Clouds
Travellers who love peace, calm, and space for self-reflection must visit Ponmudi Hills. With its winding roads, cloud-kissed views and tea estates, it makes for every solo traveller’s dream destination. Honeymooners will also love this misty escape.
Distance from Trivandrum – 1 hour 50 minutes (55.9 km)
Why go – Peaceful and every nature lover’s favourite spot
What to do – Trekking, birdwatching, Golden Valley.
Best time to visit – November to March (cool and misty)
Insider/local tip: Best during early morning or during monsoon mist.
Nearby places to visit: Golden Valley, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Poovar Island– Where River Meets the Sea
Travellers visit Poovar Island to witness the beautiful waterbodies. This is why this island is perfect for backwater boating, canoe rides and many other water sports.
Distance from Trivandrum – 1 hour 2 minutes (31.8 km)
Why go – Romantic viewpoints and peaceful boat rides with unique stays
What to do – Local village tour, stay in floating resorts and visit the golden sand beach.
Best time to visit – August to March (pleasant weather)
Insider/local tip – Book a sunset boat ride through the estuary.
Nearby places to visit: Thirparappu Waterfalls, Vizhinjam Harbour
4. Kanyakumari– The Southernmost Tip
Known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views, Kanyakumari is the place to be if you want to witness the magical confluence of three oceans. The forts, relaxing beaches, and delicious food like Banana Chips and Appam with Stew make this location a mass favourite.
Distance from Trivandrum – 2 hours 42 minutes (93.5 km)
Why go – For its historical landmarks and serene viewpoints
What to do – Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar statue.
Best time to visit – October to March (peak winter season)
Insider/local tip: Ideal for a day trip or an overnight stay.
Nearby places to visit: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Suchindram Temple
5. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary– Jungle Trails & Crocodiles
A kid’s favourite visit, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is home to 176 bird species, 39 mammal species, 30 reptile species, and so much more. The Nilgiri langurs and bonnet macaques can be found here.
Distance from Trivandrum – 1 hour 14 minutes (34.7 km)
Why go – It is an exciting world of its own, with an Elephant rehabilitation centre, a Lion safari park, and a trekking trail.
What to do – Spot crocodiles, butterflies, and rare birds.
Best time to visit – October to March (pleasant climate)
Insider/local tip: The boat ride to the Lion Safari is a hit with kids.
Nearby places to visit: Neyyar Dam, Lion Safari Park
6. Meenmutty & Kombaikani Waterfalls – Hidden Treks
These are both famous for their scenic views and trekking adventures. These natural beauties are very close to Trivandrum, offering travellers the perfect place to unwind.
Distance from Trivandrum – 1 hour 23 minutes (43.2 km)
Why go – Great for peace and self-reflection
What to do – Offbeat forest trails from Bonacaud
Best time to visit – During/after monsoon (pleasant weather)
Insider/local tip: Requires trekking—ideal for adventure lovers.
Nearby places to visit: Ponmudi Hill Station, Peppara Dam, Bonacaud Estate
7. Padmanabhapuram Palace– A Wooden Wonder
The Former Travancore capital, Padmanabhapuram Palace, is made of traditional Kerala architecture. The palace’s unique murals and antiques make it even more popular among tourists from around the world. It is also known for being the finest wooden palace in India.
Distance from Trivandrum – 1 hour 53 minutes (60.6 km)
Why go – Intricate woodwork, unique architecture
What to do: Learn about the palace’s history and explore its murals and architecture.
Best time to visit – October to March (cool weather)
Insider/local tip – Wear comfortable clothes and shoes so that you can explore the palace conveniently
Nearby places to visit: Thuckalay Fort, Mathur Aqueduct, Kanyakumari Beach
8. Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium– Small but Fascinating
If you love marine life, this aquarium is among the best places near Trivandrum. It is a small tourist attraction but highly educational for kids. Here, travellers learn a great deal about marine biodiversity and observe unique species.
Distance from Trivandrum – 48 minutes (18.4 km)
Why go – Marine biodiversity, educational for kids.
What to do – Take photos, learn about marine life and enjoy with your kids.
Best time to visit – 10 AM to 5 PM
Insider/local tip – Combine with a visit to nearby Kovalam.
Nearby places to visit: Kovalam Lighthouse Beach, Halcyon Castle, Samudra Beach
9. Kovalam– Classic Beach Escape
This famous beach destination is perfect for families, couples and friends alike. It is very vibrant and offers the most delicious food at the nearby seafood cafes.
Distance from Trivandrum – 43 minutes (16.4 km)
Why go – Exciting, lively and lots of things to do
What to do – Lighthouse beach, surfing, seafood cafés.
Best time to visit – November to February (pleasant weather)
Insider/local tip – Do visit the Samudra beach for a more peaceful experience
Nearby places to visit: Hawah Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Vellayani Lake
10. Agasthyakoodam– The Sacred Peak
With its rich biodiversity and challenging trek trails, Agasthyakoodam is one of the most serene places near Trivandrum to visit. It is also one of the highest peaks in all of Kerala, with seasonal access only.
Distance from Trivandrum – 61 km
Why go – Beautiful scenery and a spectacular spiritual experience
What to do – Go trekking, birdwatching and enjoy the pilgrimage.
Best time to visit – January to March (Trail opens for trekking)
Insider/local tip – Sacred to sages, it requires forest department permission to trek.
Nearby places to visit: Bonacaud, Neyyar Dam, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Offbeat & Hidden Places Near Trivandrum
Travellers who want to visit less-visited tourist places near Trivandrum, Kerala, can add the following areas to their itinerary. They are less crowded, nominal, and offer a more peaceful experience than others.
1. Aranmula (117 km | 3 hrs) – Heritage, Snake Boats & Mirror Craft
Known for its temple rituals and riverfront beauty, Aranmula is one of the most unique places to visit in Kerala near Trivandrum. The snake boats and mirror craft here are famous worldwide. That’s why thousands of tourists come to witness its grand festivals during the peak festive season.
Distance from Trivandrum – 3 hours 20 minutes (110 km)
Why go – To explore its cultural side, boat rides and heritage.
What to do: visit the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple and the Aranmula boat race.
Best time to visit – October to February (pleasant weather) and July to October (festive season)
Insider/local tip – Best during the temple festival season.
2. Veli Tourist Village (12 km | 20 min) – Family Picnic Spot
Where the Veli Lake and the Arabian Sea meet, this beautiful village comes to life. This is one of the most popular picnic spots among all other Kerala tourist places near Trivandrum.
Distance from Trivandrum – 25 minutes (7.2 km)
Why go – For family outings and complete relaxation
What to do – Boating, sculpture garden, play areas, lakeside cafés.
Best time to visit – October to March (winter season)
Insider/local tip – The boat rides here are unmissable
3. Thirparappu Waterfalls & Temple (55 km | 1.5 hrs)
The natural-looking waterfall here is the most well-known. You can also visit the nearby ancient Shiva temple, which attracts many pilgrims each year. Enjoy the scenic beauty and family-friendly activities too.
Distance from Trivandrum – 1 hour 44 minutes (53.6 km)
Why go – Recreational activities, spiritual environment
What to do – Boating, bathing in waterfalls, taking photos, visiting the Shiva temple
Best time to visit – July to September (Monsoon season) and November to February (winters)
Insider/local tip – Combine it with the Padmanabhapuram trip
4. Anchuthengu Fort & Beach (36 km | 1 hr)
With its Dutch colonial history, beautiful scenic views and serene sunsets, the Anchuthengu fort & beach is every traveller’s paradise. Couples and solo travellers love to come here for some alone time and self-reflection.
Distance from Trivandrum – 59 minutes (28.5 km)
Why go – Serene and less crowded
What to do – Enjoy Dutch colonial history, offbeat beach views, quiet sunsets.
Best time to visit – October to February (pleasant weather)
Insider/local tip – Visit the lighthouse in the evening for remarkable views of the beach.
Best Day Trips From Trivandrum– Recommended Combos
- Culture + Nature: Padmanabhapuram Palace + Thirparappu Falls
- Beach Lovers: Varkala + Anchuthengu Fort
- Adventure Seekers: Ponmudi + Meenmutty Waterfalls
- Backwaters & Relaxation: Poovar + Veli Tourist Village
Best Time to Visit Places Around Trivandrum
| Season | What to Expect |
| October to March | Pleasant weather, perfect for beaches and hills |
| April to May | Hot but manageable for short trips |
| June to September | Lush greenery, ideal for waterfalls and forests |
Travel Tips For Exploring Around Trivandrum
- Leaving early in the morning for the trip is best if you don’t want to get drenched in humidity.
- Carry your own sunscreen and water bottle on day trips to stay hydrated and protect againstfor day trips to stay hydrated and prevent sun damage.
- Best to book a cab or get a local taxi using TravelTriangle’s packages.
- Always check for entry timings and closures (some places close early).
How TravelTriangle Helps You Explore More Around Trivandrum?
1. Personalised day trips and weekend getaways without any inconvenience.
2. Pre-booked transfers, guides, and local stays.
3. Curated local experiences that include toddy shops, heritage walks, and canoe rides.
4. 24/7 support and local insider tips.
Conclusion
Many beautiful places near Trivandrum are not only less crowded but also budget-friendly. Whether you are travelling with your friends, family or even partner, these hidden gems deserve to be explored before the year ends. If you’re ready for your next adventure, book your customised trip to these places near Trivandrum with TravelTriangle
and get affordable prices.
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Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons, Facebook, Pexels and Pixabay.
FAQs About Places Near Trivandrum
Are there any good day trips from Trivandrum?
Yes, of course. There are many places near Trivandrum that you can visit. From Varkala, Kanyakumari to Aranmula and Padmanabhapuram Palace, there are many places to visit.
Which hill station is closest to Trivandrum?
Ponmudi Hills is the closest to the places near Trivandrum located about 55kms away. It roughly takes 2 hours by road to reach.
What are the beautiful places near Trivandrum?
Places near Trivandrum range from stunning beaches and relaxing hill stations to ancient temple regions with grand festivals.
Which is the best beach near Trivandrum?
Kovalam beach is one of the best beaches near Trivandrum. It is both lively and relaxing.
Are there any offbeat places near Trivandrum?
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ponmudi hills, and Veli tourist village are among the best offbeat places near Trivandrum.
Can I do backwater boating near Trivandrum?
Yes. Many places near Trivandrum offer backwater boating. Poovar Island is one of the best places for this.
Is public transport readily available to these places?
Yes. Public transport is readily available in many places near Trivandrum. You can hire a cab or even book a bus to travel to and fro.
What is the hill city of Trivandrum?
Ponmudi Hills is the hill city of Trivandrum. The city is known for its cool climate and rolling tea gardens. It is one of the favourite weekend escapes for nature lovers.
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A graduate of Political Science, Gyana likes to explore by interacting with people and learning about their culture and traditions. He likes to eat, go places and talk about movies. A big fan of people and their pioneering spirit and an avid movie watcher, he is fascinated with world of imagination. He constantly seeks to grow and yearns to improvise with innovation that eventually provides solutions to problems.
