2-Day Itinerary for Varkala and Trivandrum in May 2023

  1. Day 1: Varkala Beach
    20 minutes (2.1 miles) from Varkala Railway Station

    Varkala Beach is a scenic beach that is popular among tourists. It's known for its beautiful views of the Arabian Sea, long stretches of sand, and cliffs that rise above the shoreline. Visitors can take a dip in the warm waters, go swimming, or sunbathe on the beach. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes along the beach that serve delicious seafood and refreshing drinks.

  2. Day 1: Janardhanaswamy Temple
    10 minutes (0.8 miles) from Varkala Beach

    The Janardhanaswamy Temple is a historic temple located near Varkala Beach. It's dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to have been built in the 12th century. The temple has beautiful architecture and intricate carvings that attract visitors from all over the world. Visitors can take a tour of the temple, learn about its history, and take part in the daily puja rituals.

  3. Day 1: Kappil Lake
    15 minutes (2.5 miles) from Janardhanaswamy Temple

    Kappil Lake is a serene lake located near Varkala Beach. It's surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the backwaters. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, go fishing, or simply enjoy a picnic by the shore. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby that serve delicious food and drinks.

  4. Day 2: Padmanabhaswamy Temple
    25 minutes (7.5 miles) from Trivandrum International Airport

    The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a renowned temple located in the heart of Trivandrum. It's dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the richest temples in the world. The temple has beautiful architecture and intricate carvings that attract visitors from all over the world. Visitors can take a tour of the temple, learn about its history, and take part in the daily puja rituals.

  5. Day 2: Kuthira Malika Palace
    5 minutes (0.8 miles) from Padmanabhaswamy Temple

    The Kuthira Malika Palace is a historic palace located near the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma in the 19th century and has beautiful architecture and intricate wood carvings that attract visitors from all over the world. Visitors can take a tour of the palace, learn about its history, and see the artefacts on display.

  6. Day 2: Napier Museum
    10 minutes (2.2 miles) from Kuthira Malika Palace

    The Napier Museum is a renowned museum located near the heart of Trivandrum. It has a vast collection of artefacts and exhibits that showcase the art, culture, and history of Kerala. Visitors can take a tour of the museum, learn about its history, and see the artefacts on display. There's also a beautiful garden outside the museum that's perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Varkala Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Janardhanaswamy Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Kappil Lake (2-3 hours, boat ride: INR 500-1000)
  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Kuthira Malika Palace (1-2 hours, INR 100)
  • Napier Museum (2-3 hours, INR 20-50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 120-1150
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