Simple, quick Kerala-style breakfast (idli/dosa/tea) to fuel a morning of sightseeing; Indian Coffee House on MG Road is an easy, budget-friendly option and opens early.
Historic and richly ornamented temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu; a must-see for culture and architecture. Note the strict dress code and security checks.
Small palace-museum complex near the temple — good if you want a short cultural stop before heading to the coast. Check local opening hours (usually morning to early afternoon).
Classic crescent beach with lighthouse views; the lighthouse is normally open daytime (often ~9:00am–5:00pm) and offers a viewpoint. Ideal for sunbathing and a gentle swim.
Adventure + cultural attraction built around the world’s largest bird sculpture — walkways, cable car, rock trails and viewpoints; excellent for photography and moderate walking. Park typically open ~9:00am–6:00pm; cable car may have separate timings.
Short ~50–70 minute drive to Varkala; enjoy lunch at a cliff-side cafe offering seafood and healthy bowls — Varkala has many relaxed eateries with sea views.
Famous cliff with cafes and shops and a long beach below perfect for swimming and cliff strolls; the public beach is open all day and is great for sunset.
Embark on a backwater cruise through canals, paddy fields and villages — day cruises typically run in the afternoon (roughly 2–6pm) while overnight cruises depart around midday. Check boat operator times and include lunch/dinner if overnight.
If on an overnight houseboat, dinner is served on board (fresh, home-cooked style). If ashore, try a beachside place in Mararikulam for calm seaside dining.
Early breakfast and check-out; drive inland to Thekkady/Periyar area (~3.5–4.5 hours depending on start point) through scenic countryside and spice plantations.
Arrive in Thekkady and try a spice-influenced Kerala meal, often with generous use of cardamom, pepper and coconut; good prelude to a spice-plantation walk.
Guided spice-plantation tour (pepper, cardamom, cinnamon) and short nature walks give context to Kerala’s spice economy and are easy on the legs; most plantations host visitors between ~9:00am–5:00pm.
Thekkady hosts cultural performances in the evening (times vary, usually around 5:00–7:00pm) — Kalaripayattu (martial art) or traditional dance are excellent cultural experiences.
Best chance to spot elephants, deer and birds on the protected Periyar lake; boat safaris usually operate early morning (~7:00–9:00) and late afternoon — book in advance and arrive early for the best sightings.
Return to your hotel for breakfast and checkout; fuel up for the drive back toward Thiruvananthapuram (approximately 4.5–5.5 hours depending on traffic and exact route).
Scenic drive back — plan for a lunch stop en route in Kottayam or Changanassery for a faster journey. If you need to catch a flight, consider going to Kochi airport instead (timing differs).
If you want an extra hill-station experience, depart early for Munnar (approx 3–4 hours from Thekkady); mornings and late afternoons are most pleasant in the hills.
Iconic park near Munnar famous for the Nilgiri tahr and rolling shola grasslands; park hours typically around 7:30am–3:30pm but confirm in advance and book entry slots if needed.