7‑Day Pune & Kerala Coastal Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration in Pune

Morning: Arrive at Pune International Airport and check into your hotel. Stroll to the historic Shaniwar Wada to admire its impressive architecture and learn about Maratha history.

Afternoon: Enjoy a delicious Maharashtrian thali for lunch, then visit the bustling Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple, a vibrant place of worship.

Evening: Relax at Shivaji Park while watching locals play cricket, and dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city skyline.

Day 2: Pilgrimage to Pandharpur

Morning: Depart early by train for Pandharpur (≈3 hours). Upon arrival, head straight to the revered Vitthal Temple for a peaceful darshan.

Afternoon: Explore the surrounding market lanes, sample regional sweets like *puran poli*, and visit the modest Hegadi Shrine for panoramic views of the countryside.

Evening: Return to Pune, enjoying a leisurely dinner at a local eatery and reflecting on the spiritual experience.

Day 3: Journey to Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Morning: Fly from Pune to Kochi (≈1.5 hours) and transfer by road to the backwater town of Alleppey (≈1 hour).

Afternoon: Check into a traditional houseboat and set sail on the famed Alleppey Backwaters, gliding past lush paddy fields and coconut groves.

Evening: Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood dinner on the deck, watch a sunset over the water, and spend the night aboard the serene houseboat.

Day 4: Exploring Thengady & Local Villages

Morning: Disembark and head to the tranquil Thengady Beach, perfect for a leisurely walk along golden sands and a dip in the clear sea.

Afternoon: Visit a nearby village to experience authentic Kerala life, watching traditional coir‑making and savoring a coconut‑based lunch.

Evening: Return to Alleppey for a sunset cruise, followed by dinner at a beachfront café featuring Kerala spice‑infused dishes.

Day 5: Kovalam Coastline Experience

Morning: Travel south to the iconic Kovalam Lighthouse and climb to the top for sweeping views of the Arabian Sea.

Afternoon: Relax on the famous Shannon Beach (Lighthouse Beach), try your hand at surfing, or indulge in a soothing Ayurvedic massage at a nearby spa.

Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant, sampling Kerala's famed fish curry, and enjoy a moonlit stroll along the promenade.

Day 6: Return to Pune

Morning: Depart Kovalam for Kochi International Airport and catch a flight back to Pune.

Afternoon: Arrive in Pune and check into a comfortable hotel for a short rest.

Evening: Celebrate the trip’s highlights with a farewell dinner at a popular Pune fusion restaurant.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Shaniwar Wada – 2 hrs – $5
• Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple – 1 hr – $0 (free entry)
• Vitthal Temple (Pandharpur) – 2 hrs – $3
• Alleppey Backwaters Houseboat Cruise – 5 hrs – $120
• Thengady Beach – 3 hrs – $10 (transport)
• Kovalam Lighthouse – 1 hr – $2
• Shannon (Lighthouse) Beach – 3 hrs – $15 (activities)
• Ayurvedic Spa in Kovalam – 2 hrs – $40
• Flights (Pune‑Kochi round‑trip) – 2 hrs total flight time – $250
• Train Pune‑Pandharpur (round‑trip) – 6 hrs total – $30
• Accommodation (6 nights) – – $360

Total Estimated Cost: $845

Tips

If you have limited time, skip the Thengady beach day and allocate those hours to exploring more of Pune’s cultural sites or extending your stay in Kerala’s backwaters. Conversely, add an extra day in Kovalam for a full‑day surf lesson or a day‑trip to nearby Varkala cliffs for a more relaxed coastal experience.