Kanakakunnu Palace
Situated 800 meter North East of the Napier museum in the heart of the city, the palace belongs to the Kerala Government. The palace constructed during the reign of Sree Moolam Tirunal Raja stands on a small hill surrounded by well manicured lawns. Huge chandeliers and royal furniture adorn the interior of the palace. Its sprawling grounds including the Nishagandhi open-air Auditorium and Sooryakanthi Auditorium are the usual venues for various cultural meets and programmes. An all India Dance Festival (Nishagandhi Festival) is organised by the Department of Tourism every year in the Nisagandhi open-air auditorium. Indian Classical  Dance Performances of eminent artists are conducted every day during the festival. 

Open from 10 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance fee: Rs. 2/- for Adults and Re.1/- for Children
Phone : 0471-2314615

Padmanabhapuram Palace (63kms)
This majestic old palace is 63kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Situated at Thucklai, on the way to Kanyakumari, this was once the capital of the State of Travancore. Built in the Travancore architectural style, this is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals. Carved mahogany ceiling, colored mica windows, secret  underground passages, inner courtyards, durbal hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Belgian mirror, pictures of Lord Krishna, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors which make a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand makes this palace a must visit. It will be closed on Mondays. Read More

Koyikal Palace (18km)
This is a two storied palace at Nedumangad which is on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Courtallam Water falls. It is one of the ancient palaces belonging to the erstwhile Venad dynasty, built by 'Umayamma Rani' during the 15th century in the traditional Nalukettu style.  Today, this palace houses Asia's biggest Folklore Museum (1992) as well as a Numismatic (Coin Collection) (1990) Museum set up by the Department of Archaeology.

The Folklore museum said to be India's biggest folklore museum houses many ancient musical instruments and models of folk arts. 'Chandravalayam' (a rare percussion instrument) used in epics like Ramayana, 'Chilambu' (anklet) and 'Thaliyola' (old manuscripts) used by Umayamma Rani  are also on display here. The museum also has a number of household utensils made in brass and copper that were used in ancient times.

The Numismatics museum which is Kerala's first numismatic study center, has  a vast collection of coins from different eras. Coins used by various Indian rulers namely the Nizam of Hyderabad, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Gwalior royal family, and a collection of Roman coins over the period of AD14 to AD 180 are exhibited here. World's smallest coin, Rasi, an ancient coin belonging to the Venetian era ( this coin is believed to have been presented to Jesus Christ) are also on display here. 
Visiting hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days. Monday Holiday.

Kuthiramalika (Puthemalika) Palace Museum
Built by Maharaja Swathi Tirunal Balarama Varma, the King of Travancore, the palace is a fine example of the traditional Travancore style embellished with exquisite woodcarvings. It is situated on the South East side of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple. The palace got its name because of the shape of horses’ heads carvings on the exterior walls. The palace museum displays various painting collections of the royal family.  An annual classical music festival (Swati Sangeetotsavam )also held here between 27th January and 3rd February.
Open from 8:30-12:30 hrs and 3:30-5:30hrs. Closed on Mondays. It will be closed on Monday.
Entrance fee: Rs. 5/- for Adults, Rs. 3/- for Children, Rs. 20/- for Foreigners and Rs. 25/- for Camera.
Ph: 0471- 2473952 

Napier Museum
It is spectacular wooden building situated north of the city, at Museum road and 400m east of Indian airlines.  One of the oldest museums of India, and named after Lord Charles Napier, the governor of Madras, this museum was established by Maharaja of Travancore 1855. 

It displays an eclectic assortment of historical and contemporary ornaments, temple carts, ivory carvings and life-size figures of kathakali dances in full costume. It has also famous collection of 8th-18th century south Indian bronze, rules for sculpting deities of Siva, Vishnu, Parvathi and Lakshmi in 'Silpa Sastras'

The visiting time  is from 10am to 6pm, closed on Monday and forenoon of Wednesday, January 26th, August 15th, Thiruvonam and Mahanavami.
Entry fee: For museum and art gallery - adult Rs 5, Children Rs 2.  Photography with prior permission.

Natural History Museum
It is situated to the east of Napier museum. It housed in a modern large double storeyed building at an elevated Ticket covers entry to all museum and galleries in the complex. 

The museum houses a collection of ethnographic pieces, animal skeletons and stuffed animals and birds as well as an interesting replica of a Nayar wooden house built in the Kerala style. 
Timings: 0800-1800 hrs. Entry free. Closed on Mondays and holidays. Photography with permission.

Sri Chitra Art Gallery
It is situated to the North of Napier museum and has an excellent collection of Indian art with examples from early to modern schools. Paintings by Raja Ravi Varma , Svetoslav, Nicholas Roerich, copies of paintings of Ajanata and works from Mughal and Rajput miniature paintings,  Tanjore paintings embellished with semi- precious stones and miniatures from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali are displayed. There is a Zoo and Aquarium nearby. 

Timings: 0800-1800 hrs. Wednesdays 1300 hrs; Closed on Mondays and a few holidays. Entry after 1300 hrs free.
Entrance fee to the Museum and Art Gallery: Rs. 5/- for Adults and Rs. 2/- for Children

Museum of Science and Technology
Serve as a Study cum Recreation centre, Museum of Science and Technology is one of the famous tourist spot in Thiruvananathapuram. It is situated near the mascot hotel. The exhibits at the museum are related to science, technology and electronics. 
Open from 10am to 5pm, closed on Monday.   
Contact Address :
The Director
Kerala State Science and Technology Museum
Vikasbhavan P.O.
Thiruvananthapuram-695033
Phone : 0471-2306976, 2306024, 2304286
Fax: 0471-2304286

Chacha Nehru Children's Museum
A major attraction for children is the Chacha Nehru Children's Museum which established in 1980. Situated 1 km north of City Central Bus Station, this is named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who is remembered for his great love towards children. The museum displays a vast range of objects like traditional and proclaim 2000 featuring figures in Indian costume, American presidents, health education displays, a mini aquarium and the first issue of children's literature in Malayalam. 
It will be open from 10am-5pm. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Photography not allowed.
Contact : Thycaud, Trivandrum
Timings: 1000-1800 hrs.