Thiruvananthapuram Observatory
The observatory is located at the highest point in the city (60mt above sea level), near the museum complex. Built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal in 1837, this is one of the oldest observatories in India. There is a well laid out garden in front of the hill with a beautiful rose collection. From here, one can have a bird's eye view of the city. It is now under the Department of Physics, Kerala University.

The Zoological Park
Located near PMG junction, 400m east of Indian Airlines, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, the second oldest zoo in India is spread over 55 acres of land set amidst lakes, lawns and woodlands. The park is part of a well-planned botanical garden. It was established in 1857 AD as an annexe to the Museum by the Maharaja of Travancore. Huge trees like Frangipani and Jacaranda dotting the sprawling lawns and wild Fowls swimming in the lake,  make it a small jungle in the heart of the city. The park has a large collection of animal species from India and abroad. The Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion and the Royal Bengal Tiger are the most prominent among the endangered species. A reptile house with different species of snakes is also located in the premises. 

Open 10.00 am - 5.00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Adults: Rs. 5, Children: Rs. 3, Camera permit: Rs. 15 
Phone : 0471- 2316275

Veli Tourist Village
Located very near to Trivandrum international Airport and the famous Sankhumukham Beach, Veli village is 10km from the city. Bordered by the Veli lagoon and the Arabian sea, this is a famous picturesque waterfront park where the lake merges with the sea. Its gardens have been landscaped by lively sculptures of Kanai Kunjiraman, one of the outstanding sculptors of Kerala. A floating bridge connects the village to the beach. A wading pool for kids, pony rides, an open-air theatre, and a floating restaurant add to the overall excitement. Kerala tourism Department have arranged facilities for boating in the lake.  
Open from 8:00am - 6:00pm. 
Phone: 0471-2500785

Boat rentals (1000 - 1730 hrs): Safari boat: Rs. 15 per head, Speedboat: Rs. 150, Pedal boat: 4 seats - Rs. 50 for half an hour; 2 seats - Rs. 40 for half an hour.

Aruvikkara Dam
Situated on the banks of the Karamana River, this picturesque picnic spot lies 16km north of Thiruvananthapuram. On the banks of the river, an ancient temple is situated which is dedicated to Durga.

Vizhinjam
Vizhinjam, 17km from Thiruvananthapuram is a fishing village famous for Ayurvedic treatments and its beach resorts. It is a charming sight to see hundreds of fishing boats crowding the Vizhinjam fishing harbour. Another attraction in Vizhinjam is the Rock Cut Cave, a historic spot which was left unnoticed for a long time. The granite cave here encloses a one celled shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple.  A half complete relief of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati are there outside the cave. Closed on Mondays. 

There is also Marine Aquarium in Vizinjam which houses colourful and attractive fishes like Clownfish, moon wrasse, squirrelfish, lionfish, butterfly fish, giant turtles, triggerfish etc and aggressive ones like surgeonfish, deadly piranhas, sharks etc. The aquarium has also a unique display of pearl images of Christ, Virgin Mary, Hindu Gods and Goddesses and other images.
Open 0900 - 2000 hrs. 
Fees adult 6/- and children 4/- 
Phone: 0471-2480224