Aryankavu Ayyappan Temple 2-Day Pilgrimage Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Temple Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Aryankavu via Trivandrum or Kollam airport and check into a local guesthouse. After a light breakfast, take a short walk to the sacred Aryankavu Ayyappan Temple, nestled amidst the Western Ghats.

Afternoon: Participate in the temple’s midday puja and explore the surrounding forest trails that lead to the serene Kallada River. Enjoy a traditional Kerala thali at a nearby eatery.

Evening: Attend the enchanting evening aarti at the temple, followed by a peaceful stroll along the riverbank to watch the sunset.

Day 2: Nature & Cultural Highlights

Morning: After breakfast, drive 30 km to the spectacular Palaruvi Waterfalls, where you can soak in the mist and capture photos.

Afternoon: Head to the eco‑adventure hub of Thenmala, exploring the lush wildlife sanctuary, trekking to Thenmala Dam, and optionally taking a short boat ride.

Evening: Return to Aryankavu, visit the historic Kottukal Rock‑Cut Temple, and enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Kerala’s seafood specialties.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Aryankavu Ayyappan Temple – 2 hours – ₹0 (free entry, donation optional)
• Kallada River walk – 1 hour – ₹100 (boat ride)
• Traditional Kerala lunch – 1 hour – ₹300 per person
• Palaruvi Waterfalls – 2 hours – ₹50 entry
• Thenmala Wildlife Sanctuary – 3 hours – ₹150 entry
• Thenmala Dam boat ride – 1 hour – ₹120
• Kottukal Rock‑Cut Temple – 1 hour – ₹30 entry
• Accommodation (1 night) – 1 night – ₹1,200 per room
• Local transport (taxi/auto) – 2 days – ₹800
• Meals (breakfast, dinner) – 2 days – ₹500
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹3,200 per person (approx.)

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding an overnight stay in Thenmala to explore the canopy walk and trekking routes in depth. To shorten the trip, skip the boat ride at Thenmala Dam and combine the waterfall and temple visits into a single day, focusing on the main pilgrimage experience.