Pickup Kochi Guruvayur - Kochi Local - Munnar - Local - Local - Thekkady - Local - Alleppey - Varkala Via Jatayu - Kovalam - Local - Flyback frm Trivandrum

Morning: Departure from Kochi

Start your day by checking out from your hotel in Kochi. Ensure you visit any remaining key sights in the city before departure, such as the iconic Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant street art, or the historic Jewish Synagogue and the nearby spice markets.

Travel from Kochi to Guruvayur

The journey from Kochi to Guruvayur covers approximately 85 km and takes about 2.5 hours by road. This scenic drive offers a glimpse into Kerala’s lush countryside.

Upon arrival in Guruvayur, check into your accommodation and prepare to explore this renowned temple town.

Key sights in Guruvayur:

• Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple: A famous Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Krishna, celebrated for its stunning architecture and spiritual ambiance.
• Mammiyur Shiva Temple: Located near the main temple, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers a peaceful atmosphere for visitors.
• Pushpagiri Park: A well-maintained garden ideal for a relaxing stroll and enjoying local flora.

Evening: Cultural Experience and Leisure

Spend your evening attending the traditional evening pooja ceremony at the Guruvayur Temple, a deeply moving cultural experience. Afterwards, explore local shops offering devotional items and souvenirs. Enjoy a quiet dinner in town savoring Kerala’s authentic vegetarian cuisine.

Begin your day by completing any remaining sightseeing in Guruvayur. The town is famous for the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Krishna, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual ambiance. If time permits, visit the Guruvayur Elephant Sanctuary, where you can observe and sometimes interact with the temple elephants.

After your visit, check out from your hotel and prepare for the journey to Kochi.

Travel: Guruvayur to Kochi

The distance between Guruvayur and Kochi is approximately 90 km, typically taking around 2.5 hours by road. The route is straightforward, passing through charming Kerala countryside. There are no major sightseeing stops en route, so you can enjoy a comfortable, scenic drive.

Afternoon & Evening: Kochi Sightseeing

Upon arrival in Kochi, start exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. Key attractions include:

• Fort Kochi: A historic area with colonial architecture, quaint streets, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets.
• Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Known for its beautiful murals and artifacts portraying Kerala’s royal history.
• Jewish Synagogue: The oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, located in the Jew Town area, surrounded by spice markets.
• St. Francis Church: One of the oldest European churches in India, where Vasco da Gama was initially buried.
• Marine Drive: A scenic promenade perfect for a relaxing walk with views of the backwaters and sunset.

End your day with a leisurely dinner at one of Kochi’s waterfront restaurants, enjoying fresh seafood and local Kerala cuisine.

Check out from your hotel in Kochi head to Munnar — a charming hill station known for its tea plantations, misty hills, and lush valleys.

After sightseeing, begin your drive to Munnar. Munnar is approximately 130 km from Kochi, and it would take around 4 hours by road.

En route, visit the following attractions:

• Valara Waterfalls – A picturesque waterfall surrounded by dense greenery.
• Cheyyappara Waterfalls – A multi-tiered cascade offering excellent photo opportunities.

Upon arrival in Munnar, check in to your hotel and relax. The rest of the day is free for leisure — you may explore the nearby markets or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

For dinner, you can try Saravana Bhavan @ Main Market, a well-known pure vegetarian restaurant serving authentic South Indian cuisine.

After breakfast at Munnar hotel, we would start the sights of Munnar.

Munnar Sightseeing (You can spread these sights over your stay depending available time. No sights will be visited twice):

• Tea Plantations – Explore the sprawling tea estates and learn about tea processing.
• Mattupetty Dam – Popular for boating and panoramic views of the hills.
• Echo Point – Famous for natural echo phenomenon and picturesque surroundings.
• Attukal Waterfalls – Serene waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
• Kundala Lake & Dam – Pedal boating and tranquil scenery.
• Pothamedu Viewpoint – Scenic viewpoints ideal for photography and short walks.
• Tea Museum – Learn about tea processing (optional).
• Kathakali / Punarjani Traditional Village – Cultural performance showcasing Kerala traditions (optional).
• Rose Garden – Stroll among vibrant flowers and take photos.
• Spice Garden – Explore Kerala’s aromatic spices and plantations.

Optional: Local markets in Munnar town for spices, tea, and handicrafts.

After breakfast at the hotel, head out for sightseeing in and around Munnar. Complete any remaining sights from the previous day before starting new activities.

Munnar Extended Sightseeing:

• Eravikulam National Park – Famous for Nilgiri Tahr and scenic landscapes, ideal for photography.
• Spice Garden – Explore local spices and plantations.
• Rajamalai (Eravikulam Hills) – Panoramic views and trekking opportunities.

Return to the hotel in the evening for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Munnar. Complete any remaining sightseeing if not already done. Depart for Thekkady. Munnar is approximately 90 km away from Thekkady, and it would take around 3–4 hours by road.

En route, visit the following attractions (optional stops depending on time):

• Spice plantations – Explore Kerala’s aromatic spice gardens and learn about cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and more.

Upon arrival in Thekkady, check in to your hotel and rest briefly. Later, enjoy the following sightseeing and activities in Thekkady:

Thekkady Sightseeing & Activities:

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary / Periyar National Park – Jungle safari or boat cruise on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, bison, and other wildlife.
• Periyar Lake Boat Cruise – Scenic boat ride inside the sanctuary, spotting animals and birds along the lake. You can book the boat from Here. https://www.periyartigerreserve.org/program/boating
• Spice Garden Tour – Explore local spice gardens to see cultivation and processing.
• Elephant Rides – Optional elephant-back ride through forest trails.
• Kumily Market – Explore local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs.
• Cultural Shows – Attend Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performances in the evening (ticketed).

Note: Evening can be spent enjoying a leisurely walk around the hotel or local market.

After breakfast, set out to explore the scenic beauty and wildlife of Thekkady, one of Kerala’s most captivating destinations known for its dense forests, spice plantations, and adventurous experiences.

You can enjoy the following sightseeing points and activities during your stay in Thekkady:

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & Lake Boating – Enjoy a serene boat ride on Periyar Lake and spot elephants, deer, and other wildlife along the banks. Use this link to book your boat https://www.periyartigerreserve.org/program/boating
• Spice Plantation Visit – Learn about the cultivation of Kerala’s famous spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.
• Elephant Junction – Interact with elephants, enjoy elephant rides, feeding, or bathing experiences (optional).
• Kadathanadan Kalari & Kathakali Centre – Watch traditional Kerala martial arts (Kalaripayattu) and classical dance performances (tickets extra).
• Chellarkovil Viewpoint – Offers breathtaking views of plains and cascading waterfalls on clear days.
• Ayurvedic Massage & Shopping – Visit one of the local centers for authentic Kerala Ayurvedic therapies or shop for handmade chocolates and spices.

Note: If any sightseeing or activities are not possible due to time constraints or weather conditions, they can be covered the next day before checkout.

After breakfast, complete any remaining sightseeing in Thekkady such as a spice garden visit, elephant ride, or boating at Periyar Lake (if not done earlier). Later, check out from the hotel and head towards Alleppey for a memorable houseboat experience. Alleppey is approximately 140 km from Thekkady, and it would take around 4 to 5 hours by road to reach. The drive offers scenic views of Kerala’s countryside, with spice plantations, rubber estates, and lush green paddy fields along the way.

Upon arrival in Alleppey, check in to your private houseboat by 2:00 PM and begin your tranquil cruise through the enchanting backwaters. Glide through narrow canals, lakes, and tiny hamlets while witnessing the calm village life of Kerala.

Your houseboat experience includes:

• Cruise through Vembanad Lake and scenic backwater canals
• Traditional Kerala meals freshly prepared on board (lunch, tea/snacks, and dinner)
• Sunset view from the open deck
• Comfortable stay with a private bedroom and attached washroom

Important Points to Remember:

• The boat remains anchored from 5:30 PM to 8:00 AM as per government rules.
• Deluxe Houseboat: AC runs 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM in the bedroom only.
• Premium/Luxury Houseboat: AC runs 24×7 (only one unit active at a time).
• The crew includes a chef, oarsman, and cabin assistant to make your stay comfortable.

Relax in the serenity of the backwaters and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay in the houseboat.

The total distance from Alleppey to Varkala is approximately 90 km, with an estimated travel time of around 2.5 hours. Today, you will travel via the fascinating Jatayu Earth Center, which lies roughly halfway.

En route, visit the following at Jatayu Earth Center:

• Jatayu Sculpture Park – Home to the world’s largest bird sculpture, representing the mythical bird Jatayu from the Ramayana.
• Adventure Activities – Try rock climbing, rappelling, and ziplining amidst scenic hills.

After exploring Jatayu Earth Center, continue your journey to Varkala, a coastal town famed for its dramatic cliffs and pristine beach.

Upon arrival in Varkala, explore these key attractions:

• Varkala Beach – Known for its stunning cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, perfect for sunset views and beach walks.
• Janardanaswamy Temple – An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, showcasing traditional Kerala architecture.
• Cliffside Cafés and Shops – Relax at vibrant cafés perched on the cliffs and browse local handicrafts.

Conclude your day by checking into your hotel in Varkala and enjoying the serene beach atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after your journey.

Today's journey takes you from Varkala to Kovalam. The distance is approximately 55 km, with an estimated travel time of around 1.5 to 2 hours.

En route, consider these stops:

• Anchuthengu Fort – a historic fort with panoramic sea views.
• Kollam Beach – a serene beach perfect for a brief respite.

Upon arrival in Kovalam, check into your hotel. The rest of your day is dedicated to exploring the beautiful coastal town.

Explore Kovalam's attractions:

• Lighthouse Beach – the most popular beach, known for its iconic lighthouse offering stunning sunset views.
• Hawa Beach (Eve's Beach) – a bustling beach adjacent to Lighthouse Beach, ideal for watching fishermen at work.

After breakfast at 9:00 AM, begin your full-day sightseeing tour of Thiruvananthapuram, a city known for its temples, palaces, museums, and rich cultural heritage.

Thiruvananthapuram Local Sightseeing

• Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of India’s most sacred Vishnu temples. Only Hindus are allowed to enter, and the dress code here is strictly enforced. Men must wear a mundu/dhoti without shirts or pants, while women must wear a saree, half-saree, or long skirt with blouse; salwar suits are accepted only if a mundu is tied over them. The temple typically remains open from 3:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, though timings may vary on festival days. Phones, cameras, handbags, and electronic items are not permitted inside and must be deposited at the counters.
• Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, known for its exquisite carved wooden horses and royal exhibits. The entry fee here is ₹40, and it remains open from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, with Monday as a holiday.
• Napier Museum, famous for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and impressive collection of artifacts, open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, also closed on Mondays. 
• Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which houses precious works including Raja Ravi Varma paintings, Tanjore art, Mughal art, and Kerala mural pieces. The entry fee is ₹400, and it remains open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with Monday as a holiday.
• Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, popularly known as the “Women’s Sabarimala.” This temple is open throughout the day, offers free entry, and observes short breaks during pooja timings.

Please note that all the sights will be covered only once even if they are mentioned multiple times in the itinerary.

Begin your day by checking out from your hotel in Kovalam. Before leaving, take the opportunity to visit any remaining sights in Kovalam such as the famous Hawa Beach, known for its gentle waves and beautiful sunsets, and the Lighthouse Beach, featuring a historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.

Travel from Kovalam to Trivandrum

The distance between Kovalam and Trivandrum is approximately 16 km, and the journey typically takes around 30 minutes by car. The route is straightforward, allowing you to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Upon arrival in Trivandrum, explore the city's top attractions:

• Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple – A magnificent Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, renowned for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance.
• Kuthiramalika Palace Museum – A royal palace showcasing traditional Kerala architecture and a collection of artifacts from the Travancore dynasty.
• Napier Museum – An art and natural history museum housing rare collections of archaeological and historical importance.
• Shanghumugham Beach – A serene beach perfect for an evening stroll and enjoying the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Later drop at the Airport for your return Journey.