Three Day Itinerary: Coimbatore to Varkala

1. Day 1: Coimbatore to Valparai
   3 hours 20 minutes (98.2 km)

   Begin your journey from Coimbatore early in the morning and head towards Valparai, a serene hill station located amidst the Anamalai hills. You will be driving through beautiful tea estates and dense forests which are a treat to the eyes. Visit the Anamalai Tiger Reserve en route to experience the wildlife. On reaching Valparai, take a visit to the Sholayar Dam which is the second highest dam in Asia. Spend the night at a hotel in Valparai to experience the pleasant weather.

2. Day 2: Valparai to Varkala
   9 hours 30 minutes (418 km)

   Start early in the morning from Valparai to Varkala. It's a long drive so take multiple pit stops at various places such as the Cherai Beach and the Varkala Cliff. Reach Varkala in the evening and visit the Janardanaswamy Temple and a walk on the beautiful Varkala Beach.

3. Day 3: Varkala to Kollam
   30 minutes (17 km)

   On the last day of your trip, visit the Kollam Beach early in the morning to witness the sunrise. Take a dip in the sea and enjoy the cool breeze. Head towards the Ashramam Picnic Village to experience the local culture and shop for souvenirs. Wrap up your trip with a scenic ride on a houseboat in the serene Ashtamudi Lake.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Sholayar Dam (2 hours, INR 20)
• Cherai Beach (1 hour, free entry)
• Janardanaswamy Temple (1 hour, free entry)
• Varkala Beach (2 hours, free entry)
• Kollam Beach (1 hour, free entry)
• Ashramam Picnic Village (2 hours, INR 10)
• Houseboat ride (4 hours, INR 8000)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 8030

Restaurants

• Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Hotel Annapoorna, known for its traditional South Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, head to Zaitoon Restaurant, where you can indulge in flavorful North Indian and Mughlai cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
• End your day with a delightful dinner at Ente Keralam, offering authentic Kerala cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a visit to the Athirappilly Waterfalls en route to Valparai. If you have less time, skip the Ashramam Picnic Village and take a quick tour of the local market in either Varkala or Kollam.