Start with idli, dosa or a local South Indian breakfast (try a filter coffee) at a popular local café to fuel a temple morning; casual eateries open from 6:00am. Good for tasting authentic southern breakfast before sightseeing.
One of India’s major Shiva temples with impressive corridors and sacred wells — visit early to avoid crowds; temple normally has morning hours 4:00am–1:00pm and 4:00pm–9:00pm (confirm local timings on the day).
Walk along Agni Theertham (sea-side ghat) for waves and views, then drive to view the historic Pamban (Annai Indira Gandhi) Bridge; both are scenic and best visited in the morning.
Arrive and check into hotel; freshen up before evening temple visit. Typical check-in 2:00pm–3:00pm but many hotels let you in earlier if rooms available.
The illuminated gopurams and evening rituals are unforgettable; temple hours generally include 5:00pm–9:00pm for the evening aarti — ideal time for photography and darshan.
Enjoy idli/dosa or a traditional South Indian breakfast and try a local Jigarthanda (cold dessert-drink) popular in Madurai; breakfast outlets open from 7:00am.
Small museum housing Mahatma Gandhi’s blood-stained footwear and exhibits on the independence movement; hours typically 9:30am–5:00pm so morning is a good slot.
Drive or train to Kovalam/Thiruvananthapuram — expect about 5–7 hours by road depending on stops; evening arrival in Kovalam is typical. If taking the train, check schedules (several overnight options exist).
Stroll along Kovalam’s Lighthouse Beach and adjacent Hawa Beach — beaches are open all day and are calm in the morning, great for photos and light swimming (no formal entrance fee).
Book a 60–90 minute traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage at an established center (typical hours 9:00am–6:00pm); excellent for relaxation before more travel.
Visit the famous (and sensitive) Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the city; the temple generally has morning and evening poojas (roughly 3:00am–11:00am and 4:00pm–7:00pm) — dress code enforced, verify exact hours and access rules in advance.
Most houseboats check-in around 12:00–2:00pm; your overnight houseboat will cruise the backwaters — typical check-in and cruise window is 2:00pm–9:00am next day. Confirm exact check-in time with operator.
Enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala-style dinner onboard — many houseboats serve fish specialties and local vegetarian dishes; dining included in most packages.
Enjoy early morning backwater views, breakfast on board and disembark around 8:30–9:00am depending on your operator; many boats return to Alleppey jetty by 9:00am.
Visit St. Francis Church (one of India’s oldest European churches) and the nearby Santa Cruz Basilica — churches typically open in daytime hours (approx 9:00am–5:00pm).
Lunch at a popular Fort Kochi café that serves continental and Kerala dishes or choose a seafood restaurant near the beach; lunch services commonly 12:00pm–3:00pm.
Explore the Dutch Palace (open roughly 9:00am–5:00pm) and the nearby Paradesi Synagogue (usually 10:00am–5:00pm; check for afternoon closing days); these sites showcase Kochi’s multicultural history.
Head to Ernakulam/Marine Drive for a quick waterfront walk, last-minute shopping or take the ferry to Ernakulam Town/Ernakulam Junction depending on your train station; ferries and shops operate through the afternoon.
Have an early dinner near the station—choose from Kerala thali or quick South Indian options; aim to be at the station at least 60–90 minutes before train departure.
Be at Ernakulam Junction or Ernakulam Town station (confirm which) at least 60–90 minutes prior to departure to handle luggage and boarding; this is your journey end point per plan.