Short Tours from Thiruvananthapuram City
Kovalam Beach (16 km - 1/2 hour): 
This internationally renowned beach has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.
Thiruvallam (10 km):
This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. For details contact: Tour India, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 2331507 Karuvayal Tours Ph: 2380974 Soma Houseboats Ph: 2268101
Parasurama Temple, Thiruvallam (7 km):
This 2000 year old temple on the bank of river Karamana, is the only one in Kerala dedicated to Sree Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala. This temple is a venue for ancestor worship. As part of the Bali ritual, devotees make offerings to the souls of the dear departed, after taking a dip in the holy water.
Aruvikkara Dam (16 km - 1/2 hour):
This picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.
The Great Kovalam Poets:
Ancient Kovalam Poets Ayyippilla Assan and Ayyanappilla Assan were the authors of the Great Epics, Janakeeya Maha Kaviangal Ramakatha Pattu and Bharathampattu respectively. They lived in Kovalam, near the Light House Beach, Avaduthura in 1400 A.D. The monument is protected by the Kerala Govt. Archaeological Department.
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple (17 km - 1/2 hour):
There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half complete reliefs of the Hindu God Shiva with Goddess Parvathi.
Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium (Open 0900 - 2000 hrs):
Fees adult 6/- and children 4/- Ph: 2480224
Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad (18 km - 1/2 hour):
Located on the way to the Ponmudi Hill Station and the Courtallam waterfalls, this ancient palace dates back to the 15th century. Here you can see a double storeyed traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archaeology.
The Folklore Museum:
Set up in 1992, it is a treasure house of quaint musical instruments, occupational implements, household utensils, models of folk arts etc. Displayed in the Koyikkal Palace, they focus attention on the cultural background of the State.
The Numismatics Museum houses rare and historically valuable coins denoting the trade relations of the State.
Sree Mahadeva Temple:
Situated in Kazhakuttom, this ancient temple is believed to date back to the 14th century. Another old temple in the district is the Mitranandapuram Temple on the outskirts of the city.
Neyyar Dam (32 km - 1 hour):
A popular picnic spot, Neyyar Dam has a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.
Varkala (40 km - 1 1/2 hours): 
Varkala is a seaside resort and spa. It is also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. The final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, is near Varkala, atop a hill called Sivagiri. High cliffs with mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. According to a myth, sage Narada was approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned. Narada threw his valkkalam (cloth made of the bark of a tree) into the air, and the place where it landed was subsequently named Varkala. The mendicants were directed by Narada to offer their prayers in the newly created place by the seashore. The place where they prayed for redemption, came to be known as the Papanasham Beach (Papanasham means redemption from sins). The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Cure Centre are the two main attractions here. A century old tunnel is another attraction.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary (50 km from Thiruvananthapuram):
This sanctuary spread over 53 sq. km on the Western Ghats, is accessible from Vithurai, which is on the way to Ponmudi. With its rich flora and fauna, Peppara, dotted with hillocks, forests and eucalyptus plantations, is emerging as a great attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.
Ponmudi (61 km - 2 1/2 hours):
An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 915 metres above sea level. Along with a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and the deer park nearby, this hill station also has excellent trekking trails. Food: KTDC restaurant Accommodation: Govt. Guesthouse: Cottages and rooms Rs. 250 - 600 Dormitory: Rs. 800 For reservations contact: The Secretary, General Admn. Dept. (Political), Govt. Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram. Other attractions: Trekking, tree house view tower and bathing in the river at Kallar. Trekking to the waterfall at Meenmutty.
Padmanabhapuram Palace (52 km - 2 1/2 hours. Closed on Mondays):
The seat of the erstwhile rulers of Travancore, this splendid palace is situated at Thuckalai, on the way to Kanyakumari. This is a well preserved wooden palace, a glorious testimony to the traditional Kerala school of architecture. The extraordinary murals, exquisite floral carvings and the black glossy granite floor have withstood the test of time.
Agasthyakoodam:
Part of the Sahyadri range of mountains, Agasthyakoodam is the second highest peak in Kerala, at a height of 1890 metres above sea level. Teeming with wildlife, the forests of Agasthyakoodam abound in rare medicinal herbs and plants and brilliantly hued orchids.
A bird watcher's paradise, this legendary mountain is accessible by foot from Kotoor, near Neyyar Dam, as also from Bonacaud. The season from December to April is advocated for trekking, for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Department, PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.
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