5-Day Foodie Itinerary: Thekkady, Kollam, Varkala, and Thiruvananthapuram
Friday, September 8: Thekkady
Start your day in Thekkady by treating your taste buds to a delicious breakfast at Café Coffee Day. After breakfast, embark on a spice plantation tour where you can learn about various spices and even purchase some to take home. In the afternoon, head to Abraham's Spice Garden for a cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional Kerala dishes. In the evening, visit Spice Village and indulge in a mouthwatering dinner buffet with a variety of local delicacies.
Breakfast at Café Coffee Day: Estimated Cost - ₹300, Time Spent - 1 hour
Cooking Class at Abraham's Spice Garden: Estimated Cost - ₹1,000, Time Spent - 3 hours
Dinner at Spice Village: Estimated Cost - ₹800, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, Café Coffee Day is a popular spot that offers a variety of breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
If you're looking for a delicious lunch, visit Cardamom County Restaurant. They serve a mix of Indian and international cuisines with an average cost of around 500 INR per person.
For dinner, I would recommend the restaurant at Spice Village. They offer a buffet with a wide range of local delicacies and the average cost for a meal is approximately 800 INR per person.
Saturday, September 9: Kollam
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Hotel Sea Pearl before embarking on a backwater cruise in Kollam. Enjoy the serene beauty of Ashtamudi Lake and relish a traditional Kerala lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, visit the Kollam Beach and try some local snacks like banana fry and prawn fry. In the evening, head to Hotel All Seasons for a delightful seafood dinner with fresh catches from the Arabian Sea.
Breakfast at Hotel Sea Pearl: Estimated Cost - ₹400, Time Spent - 1 hour
Lunch on the Houseboat: Included in cruise cost, Time Spent - 1 hour
Kollam Beach: Free entry, Time Spent - 2 hours
Dinner at Hotel All Seasons: Estimated Cost - ₹1,200, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Hotel Sea Pearl offers a delightful breakfast spread with a mix of traditional Kerala dishes and continental options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch on the houseboat during your backwater cruise with Ashtamudi Lake Cruise. Indulge in a variety of delicious seafood and local delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hotel All Seasons is a popular seafood restaurant known for its fresh catches from the Arabian Sea. Enjoy a mouthwatering dinner with a range of seafood options. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, September 10: Varkala
Begin your day in Varkala with a delectable breakfast at Coffee Temple. After breakfast, head to the stunning Varkala Beach and spend your morning soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean breeze. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant Varkala Cliff and explore the local shops and cafes. Don't miss trying the fresh seafood dishes at Trattorias and indulge in a delightful seafood lunch. In the evening, relax at the famous Janardanaswamy Temple and witness the mesmerizing sunset.
Breakfast at Coffee Temple: Estimated Cost - ₹300, Time Spent - 1 hour
Varkala Beach: Free entry, Time Spent - 4 hours
Varkala Cliff: Free entry, Time Spent - 2 hours
Lunch at Trattorias: Estimated Cost - ₹800, Time Spent - 1 hour
Janardanaswamy Temple: Free entry, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Coffee Temple: Enjoy a variety of breakfast options at this charming cafe in Varkala. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Trattorias: Indulge in delicious seafood dishes at this popular restaurant located on Varkala Cliff. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Janardanaswamy Temple: Experience a unique dining experience at this temple offering vegetarian meals. Average cost for a meal is about ₹100 per person.
Monday, September 11: Thiruvananthapuram
Start your day in Thiruvananthapuram with a delicious breakfast at Villa Maya. After breakfast, visit the Napier Museum to explore the rich history and heritage of Kerala. In the afternoon, head to the famous Chalai Market and indulge in some street food delights like dosa, vada, and parippu vada. Don't forget to try the local favorite, Palada Payasam. In the evening, treat yourself to a sumptuous traditional Kerala thali dinner at Zam Zam.
Breakfast at Villa Maya: Estimated Cost - ₹500, Time Spent - 1 hour
Street Food at Chalai Market: Estimated Cost - ₹300, Time Spent - 1 hour
Dinner at Zam Zam: Estimated Cost - ₹700, Time Spent - 2 hours
Tuesday, September 12: Thiruvananthapuram
On your last day, start your morning with a delightful breakfast at Indian Coffee House. After breakfast, visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple and explore its architectural marvels. In the afternoon, head to the Kanakakkunnu Palace and enjoy a traditional Kerala sadhya, a feast served on a banana leaf. In the evening, relax at the Kovalam Beach and savor the stunning sunset views while enjoying some fresh coconut water.
Breakfast at Indian Coffee House: Estimated Cost - ₹200, Time Spent - 1 hour
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free entry, Time Spent - 2 hours
Lunch (Sadhya) at Kanakakkunnu Palace: Estimated Cost - ₹500, Time Spent - 1 hour
Kovalam Beach: Free entry, Time Spent - 2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For food lovers, a visit to the local eatery "Ariya Nivas" in Thekkady is a must. They serve authentic Kerala cuisine prepared in traditional wood-fire ovens. Another hidden gem is the "Ashtamudi Food Court" in Kollam, where you can savor a variety of local street food specialties. In Varkala, don't miss the chance to try the mouthwatering fish curry at "Oottupura" restaurant. In Thiruvananthapuram, head to "Arya Bhavan" for a delicious vegetarian thali with a wide range of regional delights. These hidden gems will surely satisfy your foodie cravings.