4-Day Itinerary for Thiruvanandapuram

1. Day 1: Padmanabhaswamy Temple
   20 minutes (5.7 km) from Trivandrum Central Railway Station

   The ancient Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a stunning masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered to be one of the 108 Divya Desams or holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and mural paintings, and is a spiritual symbol of the city. Visitors must dress appropriately to enter the temple, with traditional clothing being available at the entrance for purchase or rent.

2. Day 2: Veli Tourist Village
   14 minutes (6.5 km) from Padmanabhaswamy Temple

   If you're looking for a relaxing day out, then the Veli Tourist Village is the perfect spot. It's located at the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Veli Lake and offers a tranquil natural setting. You can take paddle boat rides and enjoy water sports or just relax by the beach and indulge in some local street food. The park is open from 9am to 5 pm on all days.

3. Day 3: Koyikkal Palace
   1 hour 15 minutes (25 km) from Veli Tourist Village

   Koyikkal Palace is one of the oldest palaces in the city with its origin dating back to the 15th century. The palace, also known as Udaya Keralam, has a unique architecture that showcases the traditional style of Kerala. There are two museums within the palace, one dedicated to traditional musical instruments and the other to archaeology. Visitors can learn the distinct aspects of Kerala's culture and heritage here. The palace is open from 9:30am to 4:30pm except on Mondays and public holidays.

4. Day 4: Napier Museum
   27 minutes (9.5 km) from Koyikkal Palace

   The Napier museum is a grand building exhibiting Indo-Saracenic architecture. It is home to a brilliant collection of many ancient artifacts and exhibits like bronze and stone idols, ancient ornaments, ivory carvings, and murals. Don't forget to visit the Natural History Museum and the Sree Chitra Art Gallery located within the same campus. The museum is open from 10am-4:45 pm except on Mondays, Wednesdays, and public holidays.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (2 hours, free entry)
• Veli Tourist Village (3-4 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Koyikkal Palace (2-3 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Napier Museum (2-3 hours, INR 20 per person)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 170 per person

Useful Tips

- The Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Koyikkal Palace is closed on Mondays and public holidays
- The Napier Museum is closed on Mondays, Wednesdays and public holidays
- Dress modestly while visiting the temple
- Carry a hat/sunglasses to remain protected against the sun while visiting the Veli Tourist Village.
- If you are in the city for more than four days, you should visit other notable tourist spots like Kovalam and Ponmudi Hill Station.