Begin your cultural immersion journey by visiting the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This centuries-old temple is renowned for its remarkable architecture, intricate carvings, and intricate murals. The temple is open for darshan from morning till evening, so make sure to be there early to avoid the queues. Witness the daily rituals and puja ceremonies at the temple and experience a divine spiritual vibe. After exploring the temple, take some time to shop for traditional Kerala sarees, handicrafts, and spices in and around the temple complex.
On your second day, visit the Kuthira Malika Palace Museum which is located near the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma in the 1840s. The museum offers a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle of the Maharajas of Travancore. You can see a vast collection of royal artifacts, ivory carvings, musical instruments, and more. The palace is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM on all days except Mondays and public holidays.
Your final day in Trivandrum should be spent at the Napier Museum, which is one of the oldest museums in India. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, pottery, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, and temple chariots. The museum is named after Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras from 1866 to 1872. The museum also has a beautiful garden with a serene lake, which is perfect for an evening stroll. The museum is open from 10 AM to 4:45 PM on all days except Mondays and public holidays.
If you have more time, you can visit other nearby places like Kovalam Beach, Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour, and Poovar Island. However, if you have less time, you can skip the Kuthira Malika Palace Museum or the Napier Museum. Make sure to dress appropriately while visiting the Padmanabhaswamy Temple as it is a religious place. Also, do not forget to taste the local delicacies like appam, puttu, and sambar while in Trivandrum.