Begin your trip along the coast at Marina Beach. Known for being the longest beach in India, this spot is perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset. Take a walk along the promenade and observe the locals enjoying various activities like horse riding, beach soccer, and cricket. The lighthouse at the southern end is also worth a visit to get a bird's eye view of the area.
The Poovar Island is home to a beautiful estuary where the sea meets the river. Surrounded by swaying palms and migratory birds, this peaceful spot offers some great photo opportunities. Visitors can take a boat ride to explore the area, along with the nearby backwaters and fishing village. For the adventurous, water sports like kayaking, swimming and fishing are also available.
Spend a relaxing day at Varkala Beach, a popular spot among tourists and locals. Nicknamed as the "Papanasam Beach" due to its belief to wash away sins, this secluded beach is lined with cafes and shacks serving seafood and cold drinks. Take a dip in the sea or stroll along the beach, and don't forget to catch a glimpse of the sunset from the impressive clifftop.
To end the trip on a peaceful note, visit Kappil Lake, located only 6km away from Varkala. This lesser-known attraction is a serene water body surrounded by lush green hills and coconut trees. Visitors can take a boat ride across the lake to explore its surroundings and spot various bird species stopping by. From Kappil Lake, head back to Chennai, which will take around 13 hours by car.
If you have more time, add a day in Trivandrum and visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo and Napier Museum. Alternatively, spend an extra day in Varkala and go on a local market tour. For those with less time, eliminate Poovar Island and spend an extra day in Chennai exploring its numerous museums and temples.