5-Day Kerala Itinerary: Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala, Kochi, and Vagamon

  1. Day 1: Thiruvananthapuram
    25 minutes (9.2 miles) from Trivandrum International Airport

    Visit the Kovalam Beach and watch the sunrise. Next, head to the Napier Museum to explore its impressive collection of historical and artistic artifacts. End your day with a visit to the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a stunning 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

  2. Day 2: Varkala
    1 hour 19 minutes (28.9 miles) from Thiruvananthapuram

    Begin your day relaxing at the Varkala Beach. Take a dip in the natural mineral spring believed to have therapeutic effects. After lunch, hike up to the Janardanaswamy Temple for beautiful views of the Arabian Sea.

  3. Day 3: Kochi
    3 hours 22 minutes (92.3 miles) from Varkala

    Start your day with an early boat ride to Fort Kochi. Visit the Dutch Palace, also known as the Mattancherry Palace, which features intricate Hindu temple art, old portraits of Cochin Royal Family, and exhibits of historic firearms. Stroll through the Jew Town and explore its antique shops, heritage sites, and historic buildings. Witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset.

  4. Day 4: Vagamon
    3 hours 13 minutes (79.2 miles) from Kochi

    Wake up early for a trek to the Vagamon Pine Forest and enjoy amazing views of the rolling countryside. After lunch, explore the Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary and spot various species of birds, monkeys, deer, and elephants. End your day with a visit to the Vagamon Orchidarium and Floriculture Project for the most beautiful flowers and orchids.

  5. Day 5: Thiruvananthapuram
    4 hours (111.8 miles) from Vagamon

    Visit the Ponmudi Hill Station and enjoy beautiful views of the Western Ghats. After lunch, visit the Museum Complex, consisting of four different museums dedicated to various aspects of Indian history and culture. End your day with some shopping at Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Market.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kovalam Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Napier Museum (1-2 hours, INR 20 per person for Indian, INR 150 per person for foreigners)
  • Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Varkala Beach (3-4 hours, free)
  • Janardanaswamy Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Dutch Palace (1-2 hours, INR 5 per person for Indian, INR 100 per person for foreigners)
  • Jew Town (2-3 hours, free)
  • Chinese Fishing Nets (1-2 hours, free)
  • Vagamon Pine Forest (2-3 hours, free)
  • Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary (2-3 hours, free)
  • Vagamon Orchidarium and Floriculture Project (1-2 hours, INR 10 per person for Indian, INR 50 per person for foreigners)
  • Ponmudi Hill Station (3-4 hours, free)
  • Museum Complex (2-3 hours, INR 20 per person for Indian, INR 150 per person for foreigners)
  • Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Market (2-3 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 630 per person (excluding transportation and accommodations)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the beautiful backwaters of Alappuzha or a visit to the historic Mattancherry Synagogue.

If you have less time, consider skipping the Vagamon Orchidarium and Floriculture Project or the Jew Town in Kochi. Also, note that the estimated time for each activity is subjected to your pace and interests.

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