Budget Thiruvananthapuram & Varkala Explorer

Begin in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram visiting grand temples and museums before browsing historic markets and ending at Kovalam Beach.

1. 08:00|09:00
   

   Food

   Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

   08:00 – 09:00

   Start the day with traditional South Indian breakfast items and coffee in a historic setting.

2. 09:15|10:30
   

   Sightseeing

   Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple

   09:15 – 10:30

   Observe the striking Dravidian architecture and sacred surroundings of this iconic temple complex.

   • entryFree
3. 10:45|12:15
   

   Sightseeing

   Explore Napier Museum

   10:45 – 12:15

   Walk through the Indo-Saracenic museum building holding historic bronzes, temple carts, and ivory carvings.

   • entryFree
4. 12:30|13:30
   

   Food

   Lunch at Maveli Cafe

   12:30 – 13:30

   Enjoy an affordable traditional Kerala rice meal served on a banana leaf.

5. 13:45|15:30
   

   Shopping

   Shopping at Chalai Bazaar

   13:45 – 15:30

   Navigate the narrow lanes of this traditional market to find spices, textiles, and everyday goods.

6. 15:45|17:30
   

   Outdoor

   Visit Kovalam Beach

   15:45 – 17:30

   Relax along the sandy shore and take in the seaside views as late afternoon sets in.

7. 17:45|19:15
   

   Outdoor

   Trekking in Agasthyakoodam

   17:45 – 19:15

   Explore forested trail routes near the foothills of the Western Ghats.

8. 19:30|20:30
   

   Food

   Dinner at Zam Zam Restaurant

   19:30 – 20:30

   Sample popular local meat and bread specialties for dinner.

Take a guided excursion to Varkala and balance the afternoon with local beach stops, shopping, and museum visits.

1. 08:00|09:00
   

   Food

   Breakfast at Hotel Gurubhavan

   08:00 – 09:00

   Fuel up with steaming appams and vegetable stew.

2. 09:15|12:15
   

   Sightseeing

   Day Trip to Varkala (Guided Full Day City Tour)

   09:15 – 12:15

   Discover Varkala's famous coastal cliffs, beaches, and historic sites on a guided tour.

   • entryINR 7820
3. 12:30|13:30
   

   Food

   Lunch at Clafouti Restaurant

   12:30 – 13:30

   Dine on fresh seafood and local Kerala dishes along the Varkala cliffside.

4. 13:45|15:15
   

   Outdoor

   Visit Kovalam Beach

   13:45 – 15:15

   Spend time watching the waves and strolling along the coastline.

5. 15:30|17:00
   

   Shopping

   Shopping at Chalai Bazaar

   15:30 – 17:00

   Browse local handicrafts and souvenirs at reasonable prices.

6. 17:15|18:15
   

   Sightseeing

   Explore Napier Museum

   17:15 – 18:15

   Revisit the grounds and art gallery sections of the historic museum park.

   • entryFree
7. 18:30|19:25
   

   Sightseeing

   Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple

   18:30 – 19:25

   View the illuminated temple exterior during evening hours.

   • entryFree
8. 19:30|20:30
   

   Food

   Dinner at Darjeeling Cafe

   19:30 – 20:30

   Enjoy a laid-back meal with budget options near the beach.

Paddle through serene backwater mangroves, join a traditional cooking class, and explore local city spots.

1. 08:00|09:00
   

   Food

   Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

   08:00 – 09:00

   Order classic vegetarian dosas and vada with chutney.

2. 09:15|10:45
   

   Outdoor

   Kayaking in Mangrove Forest of Paravur Backwaters near Varkala and Kollam

   09:15 – 10:45

   Navigate peaceful water channels surrounded by lush mangrove ecosystems.

3. 11:00|12:15
   

   Food

   Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala

   11:00 – 12:15

   Learn the techniques and spice combinations behind traditional Kerala recipes.

4. 12:30|13:30
   

   Food

   Lunch at Cafe Mojo

   12:30 – 13:30

   Stop for a relaxed lunch with local snacks and light bites.

5. 13:45|15:15
   

   Outdoor

   Visit Kovalam Beach

   13:45 – 15:15

   Walk along Light House Beach and enjoy coastal breezes.

6. 15:30|17:00
   

   Shopping

   Shopping at Chalai Bazaar

   15:30 – 17:00

   Shop for regional spices, tea, and dried fruit specialties.

7. 17:15|18:45
   

   Sightseeing

   Explore Napier Museum

   17:15 – 18:45

   Take a casual walk around the lush gardens surrounding the museum grounds.

   • entryFree
8. 19:30|20:30
   

   Food

   Dinner at Villa Maya

   19:30 – 20:30

   Dine in a restored 18th-century courtyard offering classic regional flavors.

9. —
   

   Outdoor

   Trekking in Agasthyakoodam

Kayaking to a secluded lake island combined with foothill trekking and afternoon sightseeing.

1. 08:00|09:00
   

   Food

   Breakfast at Cafe De Kourt

   08:00 – 09:00

   Enjoy fresh coffee and light breakfast options.

2. 09:15|11:00
   

   Outdoor

   Kayaking to the Black Devil Snail Sandbar Island in Paravur Lake near Varkala

   09:15 – 11:00

   Paddle across open lake waters to explore a unique sandbar island.

3. 11:15|12:20
   

   Outdoor

   Trekking in Agasthyakoodam

   11:15 – 12:20

   Walk forested mountain trails rich in biodiversity.

4. 12:30|13:30
   

   Food

   Lunch at Hotel Rahmaniya

   12:30 – 13:30

   Taste local Kethel's chicken curry served with parottas.

5. 13:45|15:15
   

   Sightseeing

   Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple

   13:45 – 15:15

   Admire the intricate stone carvings around the temple tank.

   • entryFree
6. 15:30|17:00
   

   Shopping

   Shopping at Chalai Bazaar

   15:30 – 17:00

   Explore the vibrant produce and flower markets inside the bazaar.

7. 17:15|19:00
   

   Outdoor

   Visit Kovalam Beach

   17:15 – 19:00

   Watch local fishermen and relax along Hawa Beach.

8. 19:30|20:30
   

   Food

   Dinner at Open House Restaurant

   19:30 – 20:30

   Sample Chinese-Indian fusion dishes and local snacks.

Combine morning trail walking with cultural museums, lively market streets, and beach relaxation.

1. 08:00|09:00
   

   Food

   Breakfast at Old Rajdhani Hotel

   08:00 – 09:00

   Enjoy traditional Kerala breakfast items like idiyappam and curry.

2. 09:15|11:00
   

   Outdoor

   Trekking in Agasthyakoodam

   09:15 – 11:00

   Trek scenic nature paths surrounded by dense foliage.

3. 11:15|12:20
   

   Sightseeing

   Explore Napier Museum

   11:15 – 12:20

   Discover historic artifacts, traditional weapons, and bronze statues.

   • entryFree
4. 12:30|13:30
   

   Food

   Lunch at Ariya Nivaas

   12:30 – 13:30

   Eat a hearty vegetarian thali featuring varied local curries.

5. 13:45|15:15
   

   Shopping

   Shopping at Chalai Bazaar

   13:45 – 15:15

   Find bargains on local brassware and wooden artifacts.

6. 15:30|17:00
   

   Outdoor

   Visit Kovalam Beach

   15:30 – 17:00

   Unwind near the water and watch the evening sea sky.

7. 17:15|18:45
   

   Sightseeing

   Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple

   17:15 – 18:45

   Experience the calm atmosphere around East Fort and the temple area.

   • entryFree
8. 19:30|20:30
   

   Food

   Dinner at Mothers Veg Plaza

   19:30 – 20:30

   Indulge in an authentic Kerala Sadhya vegetarian spread.

Spend the morning kayaking in backwaters, followed by temple visits, museum strolls, and coastlines.

1. 08:00|09:00
   

   Food

   Breakfast at BTH Hotel

   08:00 – 09:00

   Savor hot idlis and crisp vada with steaming filter coffee.

2. 09:15|11:00
   

   Outdoor

   Kayaking in Mangrove Forest of Paravur Backwaters near Varkala and Kollam

   09:15 – 11:00

   Glide through calm water passages flanked by thick mangrove growth.

3. 11:15|12:20
   

   Sightseeing

   Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple

   11:15 – 12:20

   Take in the grandeur of the temple gopuram from the outer pathways.

   • entryFree
4. 12:30|13:30
   

   Food

   Lunch at Azad Restaurant

   12:30 – 13:30

   Try Malabar biryani and regional chicken dishes.

5. 13:45|15:15
   

   Sightseeing

   Explore Napier Museum

   13:45 – 15:15

   Browse the museum gallery featuring traditional Kerala woodwork.

   • entryFree
6. 15:30|17:00
   

   Shopping

   Shopping at Chalai Bazaar

   15:30 – 17:00

   Pick up souvenirs, tea powders, and local spices.

7. 17:15|18:45
   

   Outdoor

   Visit Kovalam Beach

   17:15 – 18:45

   Enjoy a tranquil late afternoon walk on the sand.

8. 19:30|20:30
   

   Food

   Dinner at Paragon Restaurant

   19:30 – 20:30

   Sample Malabar seafood specials and coastal Kerala curries.

Conclude the week with hands-on cooking, island kayaking, trekking, and final market shopping.

1. 08:00|09:00
   

   Food

   Breakfast at Sukanya Hotel

   08:00 – 09:00

   Enjoy hot poori bhaji and local tea.

2. 09:15|11:00
   

   Food

   Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala

   09:15 – 11:00

   Master local curries and coconut-based dishes in an interactive class.

3. 11:15|12:20
   

   Outdoor

   Kayaking to the Black Devil Snail Sandbar Island in Paravur Lake near Varkala

   11:15 – 12:20

   Paddle around the serene waters of Paravur Lake.

4. 12:30|13:30
   

   Food

   Lunch at Supreme Upper Crust

   12:30 – 13:30

   Grab a quick budget lunch of fresh baked items and sandwiches.

5. 13:45|15:15
   

   Outdoor

   Trekking in Agasthyakoodam

   13:45 – 15:15

   Take a final trek along scenic forest pathways.

6. 15:30|17:00
   

   Shopping

   Shopping at Chalai Bazaar

   15:30 – 17:00

   Complete last-minute shopping for local gifts and snacks.

7. 17:15|18:45
   

   Sightseeing

   Explore Napier Museum

   17:15 – 18:45

   Enjoy a peaceful final stroll through the museum park.

   • entryFree
8. 19:30|20:30
   

   Food

   Dinner at Curry Chatty

   19:30 – 20:30

   Celebrate the end of the trip with traditional clay pot curries.

9. —
   

   Outdoor

   Visit Kovalam Beach