Built over seven forested hills, Trivendrum (City of the Sacred Serpent) is small relaxed compared with other Indian State Capitals.

Sri Padmabnabhasamy temple: Trivendrum's most interesting temple is open to Hindus only and even they must wear a dothi or sari, Still is worth visiting even if you just passing through town see the temples seven storey carved gopuram reflected in the nearby sacred tank. Constructed in the Dravidian style by a Maharaja of Travancore in 1733, the temple is dedicated to Vishnu, who reclines on the sacred serpent, Ananda, which gives Thiruvananthapuram its name.

Napier Museum: Displays an eclectic assortment of bronzes, historical and contemporary ornaments, temple carts, ivory carvings and life size figures of Kathakali dancers in full costume.
Zoological Gardens: One among the best designed in Asia - set among woodland, lakes, and well maintained lawns - but some of the animals enclosures.

Padmanabhapuram Palace : The palace is superbly constructed of local teak and granite, and stands within massive stone town walls. The architecture is exquisite, with rosewood ceilings carved in floral patterns, windows laid with jewel floral patterns, windows laid with jewel coloured mica, and floors finished to a high polish with a special compound of crushed shells, coconuts egg white an the juices of local plants.