10-Day Itinerary for Varkala, Thiruvanthapuram, and Kochi

1. Day 1: Varkala Beach
   1 hour (25 km) from Trivandrum International Airport

   Take a dip in the sea at the popular Varkala Beach.

2. Day 2: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
   45 minutes (15 km) from Varkala Beach

   Visit the ancient temple, one of the wealthiest shrines in India.

3. Day 3: Kovalam Beach
   25 minutes (14 km) from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

   Experience the stunning beauty of this crescent-shaped beach and indulge in water sports.

4. Day 4: Poovar Island
   30 minutes (16 km) from Kovalam Beach

   Enjoy the serene beauty of this uninhabited island surrounded by backwaters, palm trees, and golden sand.

5. Day 5: Kanyakumari
   2 hours (87 km) from Poovar Island

   Witness the unique spectacle of the convergence of three seas and marvel at the Thiruvalluvar Statue and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

6. Day 6: Padmanabhapuram Palace
   1 hour 30 mins (58 km) from Kanyakumari

   Marvel at the intricate wooden carvings and ancient architecture of this historic palace, once the seat of the Travancore rulers.

7. Day 7: Napier Museum
   2 hours (66 km) from Padmanabhapuram Palace

   Explore the rich collection of ancient artifacts and art pieces and learn about the history and culture of Kerala.

8. Day 8: Fort Kochi
   5 hours (214 km) from Napier Museum

   Explore the picturesque seaside town and visit the famous Chinese Fishing Nets and Santa Cruz Basilica.

9. Day 9: Mattancherry Palace
   15 minutes (2 km) from Fort Kochi

   Admire the classic Kerala style architecture and beautiful murals that adorn this historic palace.

10. Day 10: Marine Drive
    30 minutes (11 km) from Mattancherry Palace and nearest to Kochi International Airport

    Take a relaxing stroll along the scenic promenade and bask in the beauty of the backwaters.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Varkala Beach (4 hours, Free)
• Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Kovalam Beach (4 hours, Free)
• Poovar Island (6 hours, ₹300-500)
• Kanyakumari (8 hours, ₹500-1000)
• Padmanabhapuram Palace (3 hours, ₹50-100)
• Napier Museum (3 hours, ₹20-50)
• Fort Kochi (8 hours, Free)
• Mattancherry Palace (2 hours, ₹5-10)
• Marine Drive (4 hours, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: ₹875-1665

Useful Tips

If you have more time, try visiting the nearby hill stations or the wildlife sanctuaries. Aqua tourism is also popular in the backwaters of Kerala. For those with less time, one can skip Napier Museum and Padmanabhapuram Palace.