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Exploring Varkala and Trivandrum: A 2-Day Itinerary

Saturday, September 30, 2023: Varkala

In the morning, begin your day by visiting the stunning Varkala Beach. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the sandy shores and witness the breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Take a dip in the refreshing waters or simply relax on the beach with a book. Afterward, head to the famous Varkala Cliff, where you can find numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes offering delicious local cuisine. Spend the afternoon exploring the cliff, browsing through the shops, and savoring the flavors of Kerala.

  • Varkala Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Varkala Cliff: Free, 3-4 hours

In the evening, make your way to the Janardanaswamy Temple, a renowned ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Witness the beautiful architecture and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance. As the sun sets, head to Sivagiri Mutt, a serene ashram known for its peaceful surroundings and teachings of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru.

  • Janardanaswamy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Sivagiri Mutt: Free, 1-2 hours
Sunday, October 1, 2023: Trivandrum

Start your day by exploring the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world. Marvel at the intricate architecture and the grandeur of Lord Vishnu's idol in a reclining posture. From there, visit the adjacent Kuthiramalika Palace, known for its traditional Kerala-style architecture and exquisite wooden carvings. Spend the morning immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of the region.

  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Kuthiramalika Palace: INR 25 (approx. $0.35), 1-2 hours

In the afternoon, make your way to the Napier Museum, a charming museum showcasing a wide range of artifacts, bronze sculptures, and historical objects. Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful museum gardens and appreciate the colonial-era architecture. Afterward, visit the nearby Kanakakunnu Palace, a magnificent palace known for its stunning gardens and cultural events.

  • Napier Museum: INR 20 (approx. $0.28), 2-3 hours
  • Kanakakunnu Palace: Free, 1-2 hours

As the evening approaches, head to the famous Kovalam Beach, located just a short distance from Trivandrum. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the beach, indulge in water sports activities, or simply relax and watch the breathtaking sunset. Treat yourself to a delicious seafood dinner at one of the beachside restaurants and savor the flavors of Kerala.

  • Kovalam Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Dinner at a beachside restaurant: INR 500-1000 (approx. $7-14), 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Varkala, don't miss the opportunity to visit Edava Beach, a serene and less crowded beach located around 8 kilometers from Varkala Cliff. Enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of this hidden gem. Another local favorite is the Varkala Tunnel, also known as Varkala Turuthu, which is an ancient tunnel believed to have been built by the British. Explore the history and mystery surrounding this unique attraction.

In Trivandrum, make sure to visit the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, one of the most prominent temples dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. It is famous for the Attukal Pongala festival, which holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest gathering of women for a religious activity. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and devotion during this festival if your visit aligns with it. Another hidden gem is the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located around 30 kilometers from Trivandrum. Embark on a nature trail, spot wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of the sanctuary.

For checking hotel and flight prices, you can visit this link.

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