{"id":6771,"date":"2018-02-25T15:26:31","date_gmt":"2018-02-25T15:26:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/?p=6771"},"modified":"2025-12-14T19:35:31","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T19:35:31","slug":"discover-kerala-india-1-day-guide-to-trivandrum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/discover-kerala-india-1-day-guide-to-trivandrum\/","title":{"rendered":"1 Day in Trivandrum Itinerary (Kerala’s Capital City)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Our 1-day guide to India’s southern city of Trivandrum<\/strong> (Thiruvananthapuram)<\/strong>, Kerala’s capital city.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow our footsteps or use my experience as inspiration to plan your day in Trivandrum. Discover the temples, beaches, and authentic local life in this easy itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"trivandrum-fishing-canoe-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india\"
Juan sitting on a fishing canoe, Valiyathura Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

We caught the night sleeper train from Goa to Kerala, right down to Trivandrum near the tip of Southern India\u2026 Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala, commonly shortened to Trivandrum as it was named when the colonials ruled the deep south. It\u2019s a busy city in true Indian style, a fusion of old and new, but not a lot for international visitors to see.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"trivandrum-city-vegetable-stalls-kerala-india\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Padmanabhaswamy Temple<\/strong> in Trivandrum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The legendary Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the most significant heritage site, a place of Hindu pilgrimage and ancestral rites\u2026 Set beside the Lotus Spring pool, the distinctive seven tier \u2018gopuram\u2019 tower was built in 1566, although the origins may go back to 500 BC or earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only Hindus in strict Keralan dress (ladies in traditional sari and men the typical dhoties) are allowed through this gold-plated gateway and into the inner sanctum which hides unknown treasures and wealth.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"trivandrum-padmanabhaswamy-temple-kerala-india\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Shanghumukham Beach (Trivandrum City Beach) <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I tried to get a local bus to the city beach but it was impossible to make myself understood as the drivers don\u2018t speak English and the bus signs are written in Indian.  I gave up and got an auto-rickshaw.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"trivandrum-candyfloss-seller-shanghumukham-beach-kerala-india\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Shanghumukham beach is wide, long and sandy, but unfortunately close to the airport runways. Popular with day tripping Indian families, there are stalls selling fruit or candy floss for the kids, food kiosks, a restaurant, coffee shop and not much more.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"trivandrum-catching-soap-bubbles-
Catching soap bubbles, Shanghumukham Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Valiyathura Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Juan and I walked southwards along the shore towards the old landmark pier in the distance. This is Valiyathura beach, a place where tourists don\u2019t usually go and one of the most authentic places we saw in India.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"trivandrum-fishing-boat-valiyathura-pier-kerala-india\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The local fishermen and their families live in shacks with full sea views, their simple wooden boats hauled up on the sands…<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"trivandrum-local-kids-by-their-homes-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

On a typical afternoon the men are carefully mending the fine fishing nets, grandmothers and young women holding babies chat on their doorsteps, old men play cards with their friends or proudly look after their small grandchildren, and youths play football with makeshift goalposts.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"trivandrum-football-team-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The girls smiled and practiced their English with us, and the little boys showed off by somersaulting in the waves!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"trivandrum-mother-and-daughter-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We were the only strangers about and these people were so friendly to us it was amazing.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"trivandrum-pushing-fishing-boat-out-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Valiyathura Pier<\/strong> & Fish Market<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Further on there are dozens of colourful fishing boats on the sands beside Valiyathura pier and you can watch women selling freshly caught fish at makeshift stalls in the evening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although you are not allowed to walk along the dangerous dilapidated pier, during the monsoons local fishermen still push their boats out into the rough sea and jump into them from the old wooden structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"trivandrum-fish-stall-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Saint Antony’s Cathedral<\/strong>, Trivandrum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Across the road the stained glass windows of Saint Antony’s Cathedral shone bright in the dusk. A man was outside lighting candles with his little girl so I stopped taking photos and listened while he enthused about the distinctive 16th century Franciscan church.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"trivandrum-st-antony-forane-church-valiathura-kerala-india\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

It\u2019s hard to believe that Valiyathura was the most important cargo port in Kerala until the industry was moved up coast to the huge dockyards at Kochi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are future plans to develop the area so let\u2019s hope this takes into consideration the local fishermen and their families who keep smiling despite the appalling poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Related Posts on Kerala<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Follow our Adventures in Kerala, \u2018God\u2019s Own Land\u2019<\/strong>, with our 2 week guide.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 day guide to Trivandrum (Kerala’s capital city)<\/a><\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Trivandrum<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

1 day guide to discover Trivandrum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We caught the night sleeper train from Goa to Kerala, down to Thiruvananthapuram near the tip of Southern India\u2026
Read more\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Kerala Backwaters: Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Fampous<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Kovalam\u2019s Lighthouse Beach is one of the most photographed scenes in Kerala. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A crescent-shaped bay of white sands speckled by black mineral powder with the landmark red and white old lighthouse beaconing from the rocks\u2026
Read more\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kerala: Vizhinjam Fishing Village and the <\/strong><\/a>Kovalam Cyclone <\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Stormy<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

It started raining and the sea got rough, a cyclone was sweeping Kerala \u2013 the forecast was worse up and down the coast and the bad weather was set to stay for several days\u2026
Read more\u2026 <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Kerala Backwater Guide: 2 days in Munroe Island<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Vishnu<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

There\u2019s a secluded island hidden somewhere in the South Indian Kerala backwaters\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travellers talk about a perfect tropical inland island but no one knows the name or location. Intrigued by the legend, I investigated and went there myself\u2026
Read more\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

<\/strong><\/a>Kerala Backwaters<\/a><\/strong><\/strong>: 3-day Alleppey guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Traditional<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Alleppey is a canal town in the middle of the Kerala backwaters beside Vembanad lagoon one of the largest freshwater lakes in India. This is where the majority of the exclusive backwater cruises depart\u2026
Read more\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Kerala Backwaters: Alleppey, Kainakari & Marari Beach<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Alleppey<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

On the second day in Alleppey, I went out to Vembanad Lagoon on a public ferry to Kainakari, a small peaceful island which could only be reached by boat\u2026
Read more\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Kerala Backwaters Guide: 2 days in Kochi<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Me<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Continuing our travels through Kerala, Juan and I caught the morning train to Ernakulam south station. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From here it\u2019s a tuk-tuk ride away to Kochi or Fort Cochin, the colonial name of this historical island town\u2026
Read more\u2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

See All our Features on India World Trip Index #India<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Discover the World with <\/a><\/strong>\"\" the blog with a focus on independent travel.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

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\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Our 1-day guide to India’s southern city of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala’s capital city. Follow our footsteps or use my experience as inspiration to plan your day in Trivandrum. Discover the temples, beaches, and authentic local life in this easy itinerary. We caught the night sleeper train from Goa to Kerala, right\u2026<\/p>\n

Read more… \/ Leer m\u00e1s…<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6859,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[966,405,7628,2315],"tags":[8547,6738,6354,8090,8597,8613,8617],"class_list":["post-6771","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-asia-en","category-exotic-destinations-en","category-india-en","category-world-trip-en","tag-beach-en","tag-discover-en","tag-guide-en","tag-india-en","tag-kerala-en","tag-kovalam-en","tag-trivandrum-en"],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/trivandrum-fishing-canoe-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india.jpg",800,384,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/trivandrum-fishing-canoe-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india.jpg",128,61,false],"medium":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/trivandrum-fishing-canoe-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india.jpg",800,384,false],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/trivandrum-fishing-canoe-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india.jpg",800,384,false],"large":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/trivandrum-fishing-canoe-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india.jpg",800,384,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/trivandrum-fishing-canoe-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india.jpg",800,384,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/trivandrum-fishing-canoe-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india.jpg",800,384,false],"custom":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/trivandrum-fishing-canoe-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india.jpg",250,120,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/trivandrum-fishing-canoe-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india.jpg",150,72,false],"header":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/trivandrum-fishing-canoe-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india.jpg",313,150,false],"slider":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/trivandrum-fishing-canoe-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india.jpg",800,384,false],"columns":["https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/trivandrum-fishing-canoe-valiyathura-beach-kerala-india.jpg",333,160,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Kali","author_link":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/author\/karen\/"},"uagb_comment_info":1,"uagb_excerpt":"Our 1-day guide to India’s southern city of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala’s capital city. Follow our footsteps or use my experience as inspiration to plan your day in Trivandrum. Discover the temples, beaches, and authentic local life in this easy itinerary. We caught the night sleeper train from Goa to Kerala, right\u2026 Read more... \/ Leer m\u00e1s...","amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6771","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6771"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6771\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6771"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6771"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kalitravel.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6771"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}