Top Trivandrum Day Trips

The coastal town of Mahabalipuram makes an ideal day trip from bustling Chennai, but organizing admission fees and transportation to explore independently takes up valuable sightseeing time. On this tour, reach Mahabalipuram in comfort by private vehicle—with entry fees and round-trip transportation from your Chennai hotel included. Explore the cave temples and rock sculptures with your guide to lead the way, and gain insight into Mahabalipuram’s fascinating 7th-century history.

Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram are located an easy drive from Chennai, but sights are spread out and public transportation options are limited, so it’s hard to get around without your own vehicle. Ideal for time-pressed travelers looking to avoid an overnight stay, this private full-day tour ticks off highlights such as the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and French Quarter, utopian Auroville, and Krishna’s Butterball, and whisks you back to Chennai by dinnertime.

Travel to the southernmost point of mainland India, Kanyakumari, without worrying about catching buses or trains on a private full-day trip from Trivandrum. Explore cultural and natural highlights, from Vivekananda Rock Memorial to Kanyakumari Beach, and see the meeting of three seas. This customizable tour offers private transportation, hotel transfers, bottled water, and a chance to shop at local markets.

Thiruvananthapuram’s sights are spread out, making them challenging for independent travelers to cover on their own. Ideal for anyone with limited sightseeing time to spare, this full-day tour gives you a private car and driver at your disposal, allowing you to tick off highlights like Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Puthen Malika Palace Museum, and Kovalam Beach with ease. A tasty Keralan lunch is included, plus hotel or airport transfers.

Visit India's southernmost tip and one of the country's most spectacular palaces in one day, without the hassle of figuring out transportation, with this private day trip from Trivandrum. Start at Padmanabhapuram Palace, said to be the largest wooden palace in Asia, where you'll have plenty of time to explore. Then head to Kanyakumari on the southernmost tip of India, where you can watch the sunset before returning to your hotel.

If you are running short on time or just come down to explore tourist destinations in and around city, full day city tour is the best option. We have picked up all the spilled pieces together and created a beautiful garland of it in our Trails of Trivandrum tour, an unmatched heritage experience with awesome stories to understand a city's existence, culture and lifestyle.

Morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Chennai.Spend your day exploring Marina Beach,Chennai's cultural hub of Mylapore Kapaleeshwar Temple,St.George fort and the San Thome Basilica, followed by a traditional South Indian lunch in a local restaurant. Then visit Mahaballipuram is about an hour's drive from Chennai on the East Coast Road. It was the second capital and seaport of the Pallava Kings who ruled in the 5th century.you can see the famous Shore Temple, the only surviving temple out of the original seven (the rest have sunk under the sea). The Shore Temple is among the oldest temples of South India and represents the final flowering of Pallava art. Arjuna's Penance, one of the world's biggest bas-reliefs depicts the story of the descent of the River Ganges from Heaven to Earth.

Experience a bit of France in the heart of coastal Tamil Nadu with this day tour to the seaside city of Pondicherry. You'll visit popular attractions such as the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the seaside Promenade, with time left over to pay a visit to Auroville, an international intentional community best known for its gold-hued Matrimandir meditation dome.

Witness the meeting of three oceans at the southernmost point of the Indian continent on this easy private day trip from Kovalam to Kanyakumari. Traveling in a private air-conditioned car from Kerala, you’ll visit landmarks including the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Bhagavathi Amman Temple, and the Gandhi Memorial. End a beautiful day watching the sun set over the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean.

Explore Pondicherry, a picturesque seaside town that beautifully blends Franco-Tamil culture. Stroll through its charming streets, admire the unique architecture, and savor the delicious local cuisine. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze and embrace the relaxed pace of life that this enchanting destination offers.

Devote a day to visiting two of the most important ancient sites near Chennai with this private tour. Visit the temple town of Kanchipuram and the sea-facing Mahabalipuram, both celebrated for their ancient temples and monuments hewn from stone, with a local guide to explain their history. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Kanchipuram's oldest temple is its most impressive, not for its size but for its weight of historical presence and the intricacy of its stonework. As much monument as living temple, Kailasanatha is quieter than other temples in town, and has been heavily restored. Dedicated to Shiva, it was built in the 8th century by Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha), who also created Mamallapuram's Shore Temple.

Forget hailing cabs and get to know Trivandrum in comfort on a full-day private tour with a personal guide and private chauffeured car. Benefit from your guide’s commentary—historical and cultural insights alongside local tips and recommendations you’d miss if alone—and view sights such as the Kanakakunna Palace, Veli Lake, and wave-lashed Kovalam lighthouse. Finish by wandering through old Chalai Bazaar, a one-street market synonymous with the city that’s stacked with gold, clothes, and food stalls.

Well-structured 12-hour day trip from Chennai, beginning at 7:00 AM with a drive to Pondicherry, a journey of around 3 hours. Start your exploration at the peaceful Sri Aurobindo Ashram, followed by a visit to the charming French Quarter and the revered Manakula Vinayagar Temple. Then, unwind with a pleasant walk along the scenic Promenade Beach. Continue to Auroville to admire its unique architecture and the iconic Matrimandir. After a satisfying lunch, head to Mahabalipuram to discover the Shore Temple, the Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, and Krishna’s Butterball. Wrap up your enriching day by driving back to Chennai, arriving by 7:00 PM.

Varkala's stunning cliffs offer an idyllic escape for relaxation and exploration. Stroll along the scenic cliffs while soaking in breathtaking coastal views. Visit the serene Papanasam Beach, enjoy delicious bites at cliff-top cafés, and shop for unique local crafts. As the day winds down, prepare for a mesmerizing sunset that paints the sky in vibrant hues—an unforgettable way to conclude your day in Kerala. - Discover the beauty of Varkala Cliff with panoramic ocean views - Visit the tranquil Papanasam Beach for a refreshing dip - Enjoy local cuisine and beverages at charming cliff-top cafés - Shop for souvenirs and crafts while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere

Escape Trivandrum for a private day trip into the Western Ghats and discover the scenic hill station of Ponmudi. Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle through Kerala's countryside and along the winding mountain roads towards Ponmudi. Stop at the scenic Kallar area and Golden Valley before continuing uphill through lush forests and tea-growing landscapes. Spend time exploring Ponmudi Hill Station, enjoying the cooler mountain atmosphere, scenic viewpoints and beautiful natural surroundings. With private transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off included, you can enjoy the day at a relaxed pace without travelling with a large group. Highlights Private day trip from Trivandrum Scenic drive through the Western Ghats Explore Ponmudi Hill Station Visit the Kallar and Golden Valley area Enjoy mountain and forest scenery Hotel pickup and drop-off included

Discover the tranquil beauty of Kerala's Alleppey backwaters on a private day trip from Trivandrum. Glide through picturesque canals, surrounded by lush coconut groves and traditional villages, immersing yourself in the local culture. Opt for a houseboat or shikara ride for a unique perspective of this serene landscape. Savor authentic Kerala cuisine as you connect with the rhythms of village life, perfect for photography enthusiasts looking to capture stunning vistas. - Enjoy a private cruise through the scenic Alleppey backwaters - Experience local village life and culture along the canals - Optional houseboat or shikara ride for an immersive experience - Indulge in delicious Kerala cuisine during your trip

Begin your adventure in Kanchipuram, renowned for its ancient temples and vibrant silk weaving tradition. Visit the Kailasanathar Temple, celebrated for its exquisite stone carvings and stunning architectural design, and the Ekambareswarar Temple.While in Kanchipuram, don’t miss the opportunity to shop for the city’s iconic handwoven silk sarees, a testament to its rich textile heritage. After immersing yourself in Kanchipuram's cultural wonders, head to Mahabalipuram, a short drive away along the scenic coastal road. Here, marvel at the Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate carvings and breathtaking views of the sea. Explore the Pancha Rathas, five monolithic rock-cut temples designed in the shape of chariots, each showcasing unique architectural styles. Also, be sure to see Arjuna's Penance, one of the largest bas-reliefs in the world, depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology.

Explore the stunning southern tip of India at Kanyakumari, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean converge. Visit the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue, both rich in history and culture. Don’t miss the Gandhi Memorial, dedicated to the great leader, and take some time to relax at Kanyakumari Beach. Finally, indulge in the local shopping scene for unique souvenirs and handcrafted items. - Discover the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial with its spiritual significance - Marvel at the impressive Thiruvalluvar Statue standing tall by the sea - Visit the Gandhi Memorial and learn about India’s history - Enjoy shopping at local markets for authentic souvenirs

A treasure trove of art and architectural masterpieces and home to many rock-cut sculptures and majestic temples, Mahabalipuram is a beautiful heritage site located in the heart of Southern India. A Chennai to Mahabalipuram tour package will make sure that you enjoy and explore a wide variety of attractions, that too in a single day. Get picked up from your stay in Chennai, followed by a transfer to Mahabalipuram. The sightseeing will start by visiting the Mahabalipuram Seashore Temple. This is one of the oldest granite stone temples in Southern Asia and exhibits the ancient finesse of art.