Kerala One-Day Trip Itinerary from Trivandrum

1. 8:00 AM: Padmanabhaswamy Temple
   Located in the heart of Trivandrum, the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a blend of Dravidian and Kerala architecture style. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the wealthiest temples in the world. The architecture, intricate carvings, and sculptures of the temple are sure to leave you spellbound.
   Opening Hours: 03:00 PM - 07:20 PM
   Time Spent: 1.5 hours
2. 10:00 AM: Kovalam Beach
   Approximately 16 km from Trivandrum, Kovalam Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Kerala. The beach is popular for its white sand, clear waters, and a lighthouse, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding. You can enjoy water activities like swimming, surfing, parasailing, and more here.
   Opening Hours: N/A
   Time Spent: 2.5 hours
3. 1:00 PM: Halcyon Castle
   Located in Kovalam, Halcyon Castle was built by M.R. Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, the Maharaja of Travancore, in the early 20th century. The castle has a unique blend of traditional Kerala and Gothic-style architecture. It now serves as a luxury hotel and a heritage property. You can explore the palace and enjoy lunch at their restaurant.
   Opening Hours: N/A
   Time Spent: 1 hour
4. 3:00 PM: Napier Museum
   Located in the Museum Complex in Trivandrum, the Napier Museum is an art & natural history museum. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that depict Kerala's cultural heritage. You can see here the archaeological finds from the Harappan and Indus Valley civilizations, exquisite temple carts, ivory carvings, and bronze idols.
   Opening Hours: 10:00 PM - 4:45 PM
   Time Spent: 1.5 hours
5. 5:00 PM: Sri Chitra Art Gallery
   Next to the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery is a treasure house of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. The gallery has a rich collection of Indian artists' works, including Raja Ravi Varma's paintings. The galleries also exhibit the works of contemporary artists from around the country.
   Opening Hours: 10:00 PM - 4:45 PM
   Time Spent: 1 hour
6. 6:30 PM: Shanghumukham Beach
   Located near the airport, Shanghumukham Beach is popular among locals and tourists alike. The beach has a long stretch of golden sand, lined with palm trees and frequent waves. You can have a leisurely walk on the beach, enjoy street food, and see the sunset.
   Opening Hours: N/A
   Time Spent: 1 hour

Time and Costs Estimates

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (1.5 hours, Free Entry)
• Kovalam Beach (2.5 hours, Free Entry)
• Halcyon Castle (1 hour, Lunch Cost approximately INR 500 per person)
• Napier Museum (1.5 hours, Entry Fee INR 20 per person)
• Sri Chitra Art Gallery (1 hour, Entry Fee INR 10 per person)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 540 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit the Vellayani Lake, Neyyar Dam & Wildlife sanctuary, or Ponmudi Hill Station. If you have less time, you can either skip the Halcyon Castle or explore Kovalam Beach for a shorter time. Ensure you check the opening hours for any place you want to visit beforehand and plan your itinerary accordingly.