4-Day Adventure Itinerary - Varkala, Wayanad, Kolukumalai, Ziplain, Glassbridge, Kayaking

  1. Day 1: Varkala Beach
    Approximately 46 km from Thiruvananthapuram Airport (1 hour and 30 min by car)

    Start your adventure at Varkala Beach where you can surf, sunbathe and swim. The beach has a vibrant atmosphere, colorful markets and delicious restaurants offering local delicacies. Take a short walk to Sivagiri Mutt and witness the serene aura of the ashram. End your day with a beautiful sunset view from Janardhana Swami Temple.

  2. Day 2: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
    Approximately 19 km from Kalpetta Town (30 minutes by car)

    Experience wildlife adventure at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to rare and exotic species such as elephants, tigers, leopards, and deer. Go on a guided jungle trek, explore the landscape in a jeep safari or indulge in bird watching. Witness the beauty of Chembra Peak, one of the highest peaks in Western Ghats, winding river, and serene pathways of forests.

  3. Day 3: Kolukumalai Tea Estate and Ziplain
    Approximately 41 km from Munnar Town (2 hours and 20 min by car)

    Start your day with high adrenaline at Kolukumalai- one of the highest organic tea plantations in the world. Get a chance to meet tea makers and watch the tea-making process. Later head to Ziplain, where you can experience zipping through the tea plantation, overlooking the majestic western ghats. Drive to Glass Bridge - a never-before-seen experience in India. The suspension bridge across a deep forest ravine is a 35m long, 10mm thick glass platform that hosts 50-60kg/feet weight capacity.

  4. Day 4: Kayaking on Alleppey Backwaters
    Approximately 83 km from Kochi Airport (2 hours by car)

    Paddle your way through Alleppey's beautiful backwaters- a sublime natural network of tunnels, canals, and lagoons. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the countryside, see the life of the locals and their livelihood. En-route to Cochin, visit the Fort Kochi Beach where you can witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets, stroll down the Fort Kochi promenade filled with bars and trinket shops, and discover the history of colonial times in the charming streets of Mattancherry.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Varkala Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Sivagiri Mutt (1-2 hours, free)
  • Janardhana Swami Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (4-5 hours, INR 1200 per person)
  • Chembra Peak (2-3 hours, INR 750 per person)
  • Kolukumalai Tea Estate and Ziplain (6-7 hours, INR 1600 per person)
  • Glass Bridge (1-2 hours, INR 300 per person)
  • Kayaking on Alleppey Backwaters (3-4 hours, INR 1800 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 5,650 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit Munnar’s Eravikulam National Park, Athirapally Waterfalls, or take a houseboat cruise on Alleppey's backwaters. For history buffs, visit the Mattancherry Palace or St. Francis Church. Nature lovers can visit the Periyar National Park or the Silent Valley National Park. If you have less time, you can skip Kolukumalai Tea Estate, Glass Bridge, and add Kumarakom or Thekkady for alternative adventure activities.

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