Time for Trivandrum: Heal your mind, body and soul in this beautiful city
Soothed by the rolling waves, the gentle touches of your masseuse, and the warmth of the herbal oils, an Ayurvedic massage session in Trivandrum, India is one that will have all your worries melting away.
Rejuvenated and refreshed, you will be ready to explore more of what the charming coastal city – with its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage – has to offer.
Of course, first, you'll need to set foot in Trivandrum, or its official name Thiruvananthapuram, in order to experience all its wonders.
Heal in India
As the capital city of Kerala, a state famous for its Ayurvedic heritage, Trivandrum itself makes for a good destination for folks wanting to know more about Ayurveda.
If you're into wellness, chances are you're already familiar with this term. Simply put, Ayurveda, which translates to the 'science of life' in Sanskrit, is a holistic system of medicine that originated from India roughly 5,000 years ago.
It emphasises maintaining the balance of body, mind and consciousness, as per the description by The Ayurvedic Institute in the United States.
Based on the five elements – space, air, fire, water, earth – Ayurveda identifies three basic energies in the physical body: 'Vata', 'Pitta' and 'Kapha'. These energies, or doshas , must remain balanced, as any imbalance will lead to poor health.
As it encompasses the whole body, Ayurvedic treatments often incorporate massage, meditation, yoga, special diets and herbal medicine to ensure the proper balance of the doshas.
Ayurveda is arguably the most widely used traditional systems of medicine in India. Not just among locals but also foreigners who seek alternative means of healing and improving their general health.
Lighthouse Beach is popular with locals and tourists. — Malaysia Airlines
So popular is the act of visiting India for Ayurveda – along with other forms of wellness and traditional treatments prevalent in the country – that the Indian government in 2023 introduced a visa specifically for tourists visiting for such purposes.
The Ayush visa 'allows visitors to come to India for holistic healing under the expert guidance of certified Ayush practitioners', according to the Ministry Of Ayush. It is part of the government's 'Heal In India' initiative, which aims to promote the country as a medical tourism destination. The accessibility provided by the visa has no doubt played a part in the medical tourism boom the country experienced in 2024.
The Indian medical tourism market was valued at US$7.69bil (RM33.66bil) last year, as mentioned in the Healthcare Industry Analysis by India Brand Equity Foundation.
In Trivandrum, there are plenty of places that offer Ayurvedic treatment, ranging from resorts to wellness centres and hospitals.
Beach & Lake Ayurvedic, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort and Palmleaves Ayurvedic Retreat are just some of the resorts that offer holiday packages featuring Ayurvedic treatments and therapies.
Meanwhile, Pankajakasthuri Life Ayurvedic Therapy Centre, Kimshealth Ayurveda and Veda Hospital are some of the wellness centres and hospitals that offer Ayurvedic healthcare.
But, of course, the healing doesn't just stop at the city's Ayurvedic treatment and wellness centres. The environment plays a role too, and with the picturesque beauty that Trivandrum offers, it won't be hard to find peace and relaxation.
Try Ayurvedic treatments for a rejuvenating experience. — Pixabay
Closer to nature
Located between the vast Arabian Sea and lush Western Ghats, Trivandrum is also a city where nature and tradition meet. Truly a land of beauty, it has everything from stunning beaches to thriving forests and more.
Among its coastal attractions, Kovalam Beach stands out the most. Known for its crescent-shaped shoreline, golden sands and cerulean waters, it is a favourite spot among beachgoers.
Here you can partake in activities that range from snorkelling and parasailing to ATV rides and speed boat safari. Or you can simply lounge on the beach, enjoying the scenic views and gentle breeze.
Interestingly, the beach is only one of the three crescent-shaped beaches that can be found in the coastal town of Kovalam.
The other two are Hawa Beach, known for its characteristic blackish-grey sands, and Lighthouse Beach. The latter takes its name from the 36m-tall Vizhinjam Lighthouse that juts out proudly on its palm-covered Kurumkal Hill – guiding ships for over five decades.
You can climb the 150 steps to the top of the lighthouse and be rewarded with sweeping views of the endless blue horizon.
About 60km away lies Varkala Beach. Among its postcard- worthy attractions is the Varkala Formation, a rare sedimentary rock cliff that's one of its kind along Kerala's coast.
The towering cliff – recognised as a geological monument by the Geological Survey Of India – provides a beautiful backdrop for photos.
Adding to the beach's charm are natural hot springs, thanks to the seawater that's enriched with minerals.
If you're looking for a peaceful day out, head to Veli Lake. Where it meets the Arabian Sea, you will find the Veli Tourist Village. Here you can wind down with a leisurely paddle boat ride.
Another relaxing place for boating is Vellayani Lake, Kerala's second largest freshwater lake. You can also head to Munroe Island, where a network of canals, lagoons and water channels criss-cross the island.
With traditional Kerala houses, padi fields and coconut trees lining the place, Munroe Island gives off a wonderfully nostalgic kampung vibe.
Birdwatching is also a popular activity in Trivandrum, but if you forget to bring your binoculars, don't worry as you can check out its famous giant 'bird' instead.
See the world's biggest bird sculpture at Jatayu Earth's Centre. — Handout
We're talking about the world's largest bird sculpture at the Jatayu Earth's Centre, also known as Jatayu Nature Park. Sculpted by artist and filmmaker Rajiv Anchal, the sculpture is 61m long, 46m wide and 21m high!
There's lots to do at the centre, including rock climbing and ziplining, as well as a space within a cave for visitors to rest.
Float on a houseboat
A unique and memorable way to experience Trivandrum's natural charm is aboard a Kettuvallam – Kerala's traditional houseboat.
Originally used to transport rice and spices, these vessels have now been converted into 'floating homes', made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo and wood.
As you cruise through the calm waterways, you are treated not only to tranquil beauty but also glimpses of rural life, where the traditions of fishing and farming are still part of daily life.
Admire Trivandrum's natural beauty via a traditional houseboat, or Kettuvallam. — Pexels
The journey gets even more delightful onboard – you get to enjoy authentic local fare, including aromatic curries and freshly prepared seafood.
A tour typically lasts a few hours, making the cruise great for a quick, relaxing escape. But if you're looking for a more immersive experience, opt for an overnight stay.
A Kettuvallam cruise is good for exploring nature and culture while taking a break from the ordinary.
Of coffee and culture
As you embark on your cultural and spiritual journey, why not include sipping on a cup or two of the city's aromatic filter coffee in your itinerary?
Enjoying it while taking in the lively atmosphere of everyday chatter and buzzing traffic offers you a taste of Indian culture.
Although tea reigns supreme in the country, coffee has also long been part of Indian lifestyle. Filter coffee, in particular, traces its roots to South India, making it a must-try when you are in Trivandrum.
A great place to sample this is the Indian Coffee House. With over 10 locations across the city, it's easily accessible and known for its budget-friendly menu. You will see servers in traditional 'uniforms' brewing coffee – an experience as nostalgic as it is authentic.
Reinvigorated by the coffee, you're now ready for some shopping. Right in the heart of Trivandrum is Chalai Bazaar, the oldest marketplace in Kerala. Believed to have been established in the late 18th century by Raja Kesavadas, the bazaar is an essential part of the city's heritage.
The narrow, bustling streets are lined with vendors and traders selling all kinds of goods, from fresh spices to local produce and textiles.
With the aroma of spices lingering in the air and colourful sarees on display, wandering through Chalai feels like stepping into a 'living museum' of Kerala's traditional market scene.
Just a stone's throw away is Connemara Market, the second of the two main markets in the city. Offering an array of handicrafts and food, it is a convenient spot to get souvenirs.
Besides markets, Trivandrum's spiritual side invites you to explore its centuries-old temples. These sacred spaces aren't just for worship, they are cultural landmarks filled with history, rituals, and architectural beauty.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the city's must-visit attractions. — Unsplash
At the top of your list should be the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to the eponymous reincarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Tucked within the East Fort area, it is considered one of wealthiest temples in the world, following the discovery of vast treasures in its complex. But what really draws visitors to it is its intricate architecture, showcasing stone carvings and gopurams that reflect beautiful artistic workmanship.
Other temples that enrich the city's spiritual landscape are Karikkakom Sri Chamundi Temple, which is over 600 years old; Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, which holds the Attukal Pongala festival recognised by Guinness World Record as the largest annual gathering of women for a religious festival; and Sasthamangalam Mahadevar Temple, whose 10-day annual festival closes with the Aarattu ceremony.
To understand more of Trivandrum's history, you can visit the Napier Museum, which has roughly 550 exhibits on history and archaeology.
It is located within the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo and Museums Complex, where you can spend an entire day checking out the animals and other attractions, such as the Chitra Art Gallery and Natural History Museum.
Intrigued by Trivandrum yet? The first step to embarking on your Trivandrum journey is, of course, booking your plane ticket so head over to the Malaysia Airlines website to check out the best deals. Malaysia Airlines currently operates four weekly flights to Trivandrum. Effective June 6, the airline will operate up to five flights weekly.
Trivandrum was one of the three new routes to India announced by the airline in September 2023; The other two were Amritsar and Ahmedabad.
Including Trivandrum, Malaysia Airlines provides connectivity to 10 destinations in India from KL. The airline also connects to six additional destinations through its codeshare partnership with Indian airline, IndiGo.
Travelling to India is further made easier by the 'Gratis e-Tourist Visa' for Malaysian nationals. With this e-visa, Malaysian travellers are granted a 30-day visit with double entry; there are also no visa fees.
Passengers can look forward to Malaysia Airlines' signature Malaysian Hospitality, along with curated offerings such as the Best of Asia and Chef-on-Call menus, complimentary checked-in baggage of up to 35kg and thoughtfully designed in-flight experiences.
Enjoy added perks when you book via the official Malaysia Airlines website or mobile app, including free refunds for cancellations, unlimited complimentary rebooking, child discounts, and savings of up to 15% on your next trip.
Book now at malaysiaairlines.com or via the Malaysia Airlines mobile app. Terms and conditions apply.
Time to plan your holidays to Trivandrum with Malaysia Airlines. — Malaysia Airlines
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