8-Day South India Cultural and Nature Tour: Bangalore to Kanyakumari Loop

Day 1: Cultural Start

Thrissur and Guruvayur, Kerala, India on April 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House, Thrissur

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast with filter coffee and idlis at this iconic local chain open from 7 AM.
INR150, 1h0m

9:00am

Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur

Visit this ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its classic Kerala architecture and mural paintings. Open daily from 5 AM to 9 PM.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Travel to Guruvayur

Drive approximately 1 hour from Thrissur to the sacred pilgrimage town of Guruvayur.
Transport costs vary, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sree Guruvayurappan Hotel

Relish traditional Kerala vegetarian dishes near the Guruvayur temple, open for lunch until 3 PM.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Guruvayur Temple

Explore the world-famous Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, a major pilgrimage spot known for its vibrant rituals. Visiting hours from 3:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening Elephant Sanctuary Visit

Witness the evening rituals and care of elephants at the temple sanctuary, adding a unique cultural experience.
INR200, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel in Guruvayur

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring Kerala cuisine. Most hotels serve dinner until 9:30 PM.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 2: Waterfall Adventure

Athirapally, Kerala, India on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel before heading out to Athirapally.
Included with accommodation, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Athirapally Waterfalls

Drive approximately 1.5 hours from Guruvayur to Athirapally, home to Kerala’s largest waterfall.
Transport costs vary, 1h30m

10:00am

Athirapally Waterfalls Visit

Experience the breathtaking 80 feet high Athirapally waterfall within Chalakudy River. The area opens from 8 AM to 5 PM.
INR50, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Forest Rain Restaurant

Dine in natural surroundings nearby; this restaurant offers local Kerala specialities.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Additional Nature Walk or Vazhachal Falls

Explore nearby Vazhachal falls or take nature trails around Athirapally to soak in the forest ambiance.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Travel to Kumarakom

Drive approximately 3 hours to Kumarakom, a peaceful backwater village known for its scenic beauty.
Transport costs vary, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Kumarakom Resort

Enjoy a quiet dinner featuring fresh seafood or Kerala vegetarian cuisine at your resort.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 3: Backwaters Exploration

Kumarakom, Kerala, India on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at resort

Start your day with a rich breakfast buffet including local fruits and Kerala specialties.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Backwater Houseboat Cruise

Take a half-day cruise on a traditional Kerala houseboat through the picturesque Vembanad Lake and nearby canals. Cruises run from early morning until sunset.
INR2000, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch on houseboat

Enjoy freshly cooked Kerala-style lunch onboard while drifting through serene backwaters.
Included in cruise, 1h0m

3:00pm

Bird Watching and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Visit the Bird Sanctuary that hosts migratory birds, open from 9 AM to 6 PM. Great for photography and nature walks.
INR50, 2h0m

5:30pm

Relax at the resort

Unwind and enjoy the resort amenities or local village walks.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Rice Boat Restaurant

Relish authentic Kerala cuisine served on a floating restaurant known for its ambiance and fresh seafood.
INR500, 1h30m

Day 4: Coastal Journey

Kumarakom to Varkala, Kerala, India on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast before check-out.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel from Kumarakom to Varkala

Drive approximately 4 hours to Varkala, a coastal town famous for its cliffs and beaches.
Transport costs vary, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café del Mar Varkala

Dine with a sea view at this popular café offering continental and Kerala dishes. Open from 11 AM to 10 PM.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Varkala Cliff and Beach

Explore the natural cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea and relax on the scenic beach. The beach is open freely during daylight hours.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Visit Janardhana Swami Temple

A historic temple on the cliff dedicated to Lord Vishnu, open from early morning to 7 PM.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Darjeeling Café

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes in a relaxed setting on the cliff top with views of the sea.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 5: City Heritage

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a nutritious breakfast before heading out.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Thiruvananthapuram

A short 1 hour drive south to Kerala’s capital city.
Transport costs vary, 1h0m

10:30am

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Visit the iconic temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu with stunning Dravidian architecture. Open from 3 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM; strict dress code applies.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Napier Museum

Explore this unique museum housing Kerala’s art and cultural heritage. Open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
INR20, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ariya Nivaas Restaurant

Experience traditional Kerala cuisine with award-winning dishes. Open from 12 PM to 3 PM for lunch.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Tour this palace museum near the temple showcasing royal artifacts. Open 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
INR40, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Shanghumugham Beach

End your day with a peaceful sunset walk at this serene beach roughly 7 km from the city center.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Villa Maya

Dine at this heritage boutique hotel with a fine dining experience focusing on Kerala cuisine. Open until 10 PM.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 6: Southernmost Point

Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for a day trip to Kanyakumari.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari

Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India where three oceans meet.
Transport costs vary, 2h30m

11:00am

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a ferry to this memorial built on a rock island honoring Swami Vivekananda. Ferry service operates from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
INR120 (ferry), 1h30m

12:45pm

Thiruvalluvar Statue

Observe the nearby statue dedicated to the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, reachable by ferry from Vivekananda Rock.
Included in ferry ticket, 0h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Seaview

Enjoy seafood and coastal cuisine with ocean views. Open from 12 PM to 3 PM.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kanyakumari Beach and Sunset Point

Relax on the sandy beach and prepare for the famed sunset views where the sun dips into the ocean.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Travel back to Bangalore (Overnight journey)

Begin your journey back to Bangalore by night either by train or private vehicle, approximately 8-10 hours.
Varies by mode, Overnight

Day 7: Travel & Rest

On route to Bangalore on April 28, 2025

All day

Travel and rest

Continue the journey from Kanyakumari to Bangalore, allowing time for breaks and meals en route.
Transport depends on choice, All day

Day 8: Arrival and Leisure

Bangalore, Karnataka, India on April 29, 2025

9:00am

Arrival in Bangalore

Reach Bangalore and check into your accommodation. Rest and recover from the trip.
Varies, Morning

12:00pm

Lunch at MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room)

Savor classic Bangalore South Indian meals like Rava idli and masala dosa at this legendary restaurant open from 6 AM to 9 PM.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Take a relaxing stroll through Lalbagh, home to exotic plants and a glasshouse modeled on London’s Crystal Palace. Open 6 AM to 7 PM.
INR20, 2h0m

5:00pm

Shopping and Leisure at MG Road

Explore the vibrant shopping and dining district of MG Road for souvenirs and refreshments.
Varies, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Ebony

End your trip with panoramic city views paired with an eclectic menu featuring Indian and international dishes. Open until 11 PM.
INR700, 1h30m