8-Day Itinerary for Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala, and Kovalam

1. Day 1: Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
   20 minutes (9.3 km) from Trivandrum International Airport

   Explore the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo's exotic wildlife, including lions, tigers, and giraffes.

2. Day 2: Hawa Beach, Kovalam
   34 minutes (16.8 km) from Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

   Relax on the white sandy beaches, take a dip in the clear water, and enjoy the local cuisine at nearby restaurants.

3. Day 3: Vizhinjam Lighthouse
   10 minutes (3.4 km) from Hawa Beach, Kovalam

   Get a stunning view of the Arabian Sea from the top of the lighthouse and learn about its history.

4. Day 4: Padmanabhaswamy Temple
   25 minutes (11.2 km) from Vizhinjam Lighthouse

   Experience the beauty of Hindu architecture and mythology at this ancient and grand temple.

5. Day 5: Elephant Rehabilitation center
   47 minutes (23.7 km) from Padmanabhaswamy Temple

   Observe and learn about the welfare and conservation efforts of elephants.

6. Day 6: Varkala Beach
   46 minutes (17.6 km) from Elephant Rehabilitation center

   Take a refreshing dip in the water and enjoy the view of the red cliffs, unique to Varkala beach.

7. Day 7: Kappil Beach
   19 minutes (8.4 km) from Varkala Beach

   Visit a picturesque and relatively unexplored beach, great for relaxation and water sports.

8. Day 8: Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
   49 minutes (24.6 km) from Kappil Beach

   Embark on an adventurous nature trail, enjoy the view of the dam and visit the lion and deer safari parks here.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Thiruvananthapuram Zoo (2-3 hours, Rs. 30 for adults, Rs 10 for children)
• Hawa Beach, Kovalam (4-5 hours, Rs. 2000 for two including food and drink)
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (2-3 hours, free entry but Rs. 15 for darshan)
• Elephant Rehabilitation center (2-3 hours, Rs. 450 for adults, Rs. 225 for children)
• Varkala Beach (4-5 hours, Rs. 800 for two including food and drink)
• Kappil Beach (2-3 hours, Rs. 1500 for two including food and drink)
• Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary (4-5 hours, Rs. 30 per person, Rs. 100 for vehicle parking)
• Total Estimated Costs (per person for entry fee, food and drink): Rs. 3595

Useful Tips

Any of these destinations can be made into a half-day trip or extended to a two-day stay based on personal preferences. If time permits, adding the Poovar Backwaters or the Kovalam Lighthouse will enhance the beauty of this itinerary. If fewer days are available, it is suggested to skip one or two destinations and spend more time at the remaining attractions.