6-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Thiruvananthpuram, Kollam, Kovalam, Varkala, and Kanyakumari in July 2023

1. Day 1: Thiruvananthapuram
   10 minutes (4.3 km) from Trivandrum International Airport
   Morning: Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a stunning 16th-century temple known for its intricate architecture and gold-plated exterior.
   Afternoon: Explore the Napier Museum, which houses a collection of ancient sculptures, bronze idols, and other artifacts.
   Evening: Head to Kovalam Beach to witness a breathtaking sunset and enjoy some authentic Kerala seafood.
2. Day 2: Kollam
   1 hour 15 minutes (60 km) from Thiruvananthapuram
   Morning: Take a boat tour of the Ashtamudi Lake, the second-largest lake in Kerala. Enjoy the scenic views and spot some interesting birdlife.
   Afternoon: Visit the Thangassery Light House, an iconic lighthouse that offers a panoramic view of Kollam and the surrounding areas.
   Evening: Explore the Mahatma Gandhi Beach & Park, a popular spot for family picnics and evening strolls.
3. Day 3: Kovalam
   1 hour (30 km) from Kollam
   Morning: Relax and enjoy the stunning beach views at Kovalam Beach.
   Afternoon: Visit the Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, a 7th-century rock-cut temple that features intricate carvings and sculptures.
   Evening: Experience the local culture and cuisine at the Kovalam Fish Market, where you can buy fresh seafood and watch the fish auction.
4. Day 4: Varkala
   1 hour 15 minutes (42 km) from Kovalam
   Morning: Take a dip in the natural mineral water springs at the Varkala Beach, known for its medicinal properties.
   Afternoon: Visit the Anjengo Fort, a historic fort that dates back to the 17th century and offers a glimpse into the colonial era.
   Evening: Take a stroll through the Varkala Cliff, a scenic cliff that overlooks the Arabian Sea and is lined with shops and restaurants.
5. Day 5: Kanyakumari
   2 hours 30 minutes (87 km) from Varkala
   Morning: Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built in memory of the famous Indian philosopher and spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda.
   Afternoon: Explore the Thiruvalluvar Statue, a 133-foot tall statue of the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar.
   Evening: Witness the stunning sunset at the Kanyakumari Beach, where the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal meet.
6. Day 6: Thiruvananthapuram
   2 hours 30 minutes (90 km) from Kanyakumari
   Morning: Visit the Kuthiramalika Palace, a beautiful palace that features traditional Kerala architecture and is home to a collection of rare artifacts and paintings.
   Afternoon: Explore the Kanakakunnu Palace, a stunning palace that was once the residence of the Travancore royal family.
   Evening: Do some shopping at the Chalai Bazaar, a bustling market that sells everything from spices and textiles to handicrafts and souvenirs.

Recommendations

Other local attractions and experiences you may want to consider include the Koyikkal Palace, Karamana River, and the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. If you have some extra time, you could also take a side trip to the nearby Ponmudi hill station. To maximize your fun, be sure to try some local delicacies like appam and stew, puttu and kadala curry, and kappa and meen curry. Don't forget to also check out some of the local cultural performances, such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam dance shows. Safe travels!