Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

7-Day Southern India Adventure

Saturday December 23: Trivandrum

Begin your journey in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. In the morning, visit the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its stunning Dravidian architecture and religious significance. Spend the afternoon exploring the Napier Museum, housing a vast collection of ancient artifacts and art. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along Kovalam Beach, known for its golden sand and beautiful sunset views.

  • Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Napier Museum: Cost: ₹100 ($1.35), Time: 2-3 hours
  • Kovalam Beach: Cost: Free, Time: Relax as long as you like
Sunday December 24: Varkala

Head to Varkala, a serene coastal town, known for its picturesque cliffs and pristine beaches. Start your morning with a refreshing dip in the Papanasam Beach waters, believed to have medicinal properties. In the afternoon, explore the fascinating Janardanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. As the evening sets in, witness the beautiful sunset from the Varkala Cliff, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.

  • Papanasam Beach: Cost: Free, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Janardanaswamy Temple: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Varkala Cliff: Cost: Free, Time: Enjoy the sunset
Monday December 25: Kollam

Travel to Kollam, a historic port city famous for its backwaters and ancient trading connections. Start your day with a backwater cruise through Ashtamudi Lake, immersing yourself in the scenic beauty and tranquility. In the afternoon, visit the Thangassery Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the surroundings. Wrap up the day by exploring the lively markets of Kollam, known for their variety of spices and handicrafts.

  • Backwater Cruise: Cost: ₹1,500 ($20), Time: 4-5 hours
  • Thangassery Lighthouse: Cost: ₹20 ($0.27), Time: 1-2 hours
  • Kollam Markets: Cost: Variable, Time: 1-2 hours
Tuesday December 26: Allapuzha

Continue your journey to Allapuzha, also known as Alleppey, famous for its enchanting backwaters and houseboat cruises. Spend the morning exploring the backwater canals on a traditional houseboat, enjoying the serenity and lush greenery. In the afternoon, visit the Alappuzha Beach and take a relaxing walk along its sandy shores. As the evening approaches, witness the mesmerizing Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race (held in August), or simply enjoy a peaceful sunset by the backwaters.

  • Houseboat Cruise: Cost: ₹5,000 ($68) per day, Time: Full day
  • Alappuzha Beach: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race: Cost: Free, Time: During August only
Wednesday December 27: Pathanamthitta

Next, head to Pathanamthitta, a district known for its religious pilgrimage sites and natural beauty. Start your day by visiting the famous Sabarimala Temple (accessible by trekking during the pilgrimage season) or the beautiful Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. In the afternoon, explore the scenic beauty of Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls and indulge in some refreshing swimming. As the evening unfolds, take a peaceful walk through the picturesque Pandalam Palace.

  • Sabarimala Temple: Cost: Free (during non-pilgrimage season), Time: 1-2 hours
  • Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls: Cost: Free, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Pandalam Palace: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
Thursday December 28: Kottayam

Proceed to Kottayam, a city known for its rubber plantations, backwaters, and religious sites. Start your morning with a visit to the famous Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, known for its exquisite woodwork. In the afternoon, explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to various migratory birds and picturesque landscapes. Spend the evening cruising through the tranquil backwaters of Kottayam and experiencing the unique rural lifestyle.

  • Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Cost: ₹50 ($0.68), Time: 2-3 hours
  • Backwater Cruise: Cost: ₹2,000 ($27) per day, Time: 4-5 hours
Friday December 29: Idukki & Ernakulam

Head to Idukki, a district known for its stunning hill stations and natural beauty. Start your day with a visit to the famous Idukki Arch Dam, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and reservoir. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting hill station of Munnar, known for its tea plantations and panoramic landscapes. As the evening approaches, proceed to Ernakulam, the commercial capital of Kerala, and explore the bustling markets and vibrant food scene.

  • Idukki Arch Dam: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Munnar: Cost: Free, Time: Full day
  • Ernakulam Markets: Cost: Variable, Time: 2-3 hours
Saturday December 30: Thrissur & Nelliyambathi

Visit Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, known for its vibrant festivals and ancient temples. Start your day by exploring the magnificent Vadakkunnathan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, visit the Thrissur Zoo and Museum, home to a variety of exotic animals and a rich collection of artifacts. As the evening sets in, head to Nelliyambathi, a tranquil hill station, and enjoy the serene beauty of the tea estates and waterfalls.

  • Vadakkunnathan Temple: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
  • Thrissur Zoo and Museum: Cost: ₹10 ($0.14), Time: 2-3 hours
  • Nelliyambathi: Cost: Free, Time: Full day
Sunday December 31: Varikasheri Manna & Isha Yogi Coimbatore

Visit Varikasheri Manna, a serene village known for its lush paddy fields and traditional Kerala cuisine. Experience an authentic Kerala-style lunch, served on a banana leaf, and savor the flavors of local delicacies. In the afternoon, proceed to Isha Yogi Coimbatore, a spiritual retreat center, and immerse yourself in yoga and meditation practices. As the evening sets in, participate in the evening meditation session and embrace a sense of inner peace.

  • Varikasheri Manna: Cost: ₹500-1,000 ($7-14) per person, Time: 2-3 hours
  • Isha Yogi Coimbatore: Cost: Donations appreciated, Time: Full day

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Trivandrum, don't miss the chance to visit the tranquil Kuthiramalika Palace, known for its distinctive architectural style and royal heritage. In Kollam, explore the lesser-known Thirumullavaram Beach, offering a serene and less crowded atmosphere. In Ernakulam, take a short ferry ride to the captivating Fort Kochi, known for its colonial charm and Chinese fishing nets. Locals also love the offbeat destination of Vagamon, a hill station offering breathtaking views, lush meadows, and adventure activities like paragliding.

For hotel and flight prices, check out KAYAK.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version