8-Day South India Road Trip: Bangalore to Kanyakumari via Kerala’s Iconic Destinations

Day 1: Drive to Thrissur

Bangalore to Thrissur, India on April 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at MTR, Bangalore

Start your road trip with a hearty South Indian breakfast at MTR in Bangalore, known for its authentic dosas and idlis.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Bangalore to Thrissur

Embark on the approximately 8-hour drive (approximately 525 km) heading southwest from Bangalore to Thrissur with scenic views en route.
N/A, 8h0m

4:30pm

Check-in and relax

Check-in at a hotel in Thrissur such as the Joys Palace or similar and unwind after the journey.
INR3000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Visit Vadakkunnathan Temple

Explore this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing classic Kerala architecture and local culture.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dhe Puttu

Enjoy a variety of puttu dishes at Dhe Puttu, a restaurant famous for this local specialty in Thrissur.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 2: Thrissur to Guruvayur

Thrissur and Guruvayur, India on April 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a traditional Kerala breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Guruvayur

Travel about 30 km northwest to Guruvayur, known for its famous Krishna temple.
N/A, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple

Experience the spiritual ambiance of one of Kerala’s most revered temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. Open from 4:00am to 11:00am and again 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Paragon restaurant, Guruvayur

Savour authentic Malabar cuisine at Paragon, renowned for its biryanis and seafood.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to Thrissur and visit Kerala Folklore Museum

Explore Kerala’s rich cultural history through art and artifacts at the Folklore Museum, open from 9:00am to 5:30pm.
INR100, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relaxation and shopping at Thrissur city

Stroll through local markets for spices, handicrafts, and silk sarees.
Variable, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Silver Storm, Thrissur

Enjoy a delicious multi-cuisine dinner including Kerala seafood specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.
INR700, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Athirapally & Kumarakom

Thrissur to Athirapally and Kumarakom, India on April 24, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast as today involves travel and sightseeing early on.
Included, 0h30m

7:00am

Drive to Athirapally Waterfalls

Head to Athirapally, famous for its stunning waterfall known as the ‘Niagara of India’, about 1.5 hours drive from Thrissur.
Entrance fee INR40, 2h0m

9:30am

Exploration of Athirapally Waterfalls

Enjoy the scenic beauty and nature trails around the falls, open early morning till evening.
Included, 1h30m

11:00am

Drive to Kumarakom

Travel about 2.5 hours southwest to Kumarakom, a scenic backwater destination on Vembanad Lake.
N/A, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom

Enjoy traditional Keralan meals by the backwaters at Coconut Lagoon resort’s restaurant, famed for freshness and ambiance.
INR800, 1h0m

3:00pm

Backwater Boat Cruise

Take a gentle guided boat cruise on Kumarakom backwaters to experience wildlife and serene village life. Usually available till sunset.
INR1000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Check-in to hotel in Kumarakom

Relax at your lakeside resort or hotel such as Kumarakom Lake Resort.
INR5000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed Keralan cuisine dinner at the hotel restaurant with local flavors.
INR700, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Kumarakom to Varkala

Kumarakom to Varkala, India on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a healthy breakfast enjoying the lake views.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Varkala

Begin the approximately 3.5 to 4 hour drive south along the Kerala coast to Varkala, a popular beach town.
N/A, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Clafouti, Varkala

Delight in continental and Kerala fusion cuisine at this cozy cafe near the cliff edge overlooking the sea.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Varkala Beach and Cliff Walk

Relax at Varkala’s famous cliff beach, take a stroll along the cliffs that offer stunning Arabian Sea views.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Janardanaswamy Temple

Explore this historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, open from 4:30am to 10:00am and 5:00pm to 8:30pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Check-in and relax

Check in to a cliff-facing resort like The Gateway Hotel or local homestay.
INR3500, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Café del Mar

Enjoy fresh seafood with a view of the sunset at this popular beachfront restaurant.
INR700, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram

Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram, India on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast before checking out.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Thiruvananthapuram

Short drive of about 45 minutes to Kerala’s capital city, renowned for its cultural and natural attractions.
N/A, 0h45m

10:30am

Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Tour this world-famous temple, one of the richest temples in India. Best morning visit for spiritual experience, open 3:00am-11:00am and 5:00pm-8:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Villa Maya

Dine at this heritage hotel restaurant serving Keralite and international dishes in a colonial ambiance.
INR1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Napier Museum and Zoo

Explore the art and history collection at Napier Museum and adjacent zoo. Open from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
INR50, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Shanghumukham Beach

Relax at this sunset beach known for its massive reclining statue of a fish, enjoy the sea breeze.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Check-in to hotel

Settle in at a comfortable hotel like the Hilton Garden Inn or similar.
INR4000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Curry Chatty

Experience authentic Kerala cuisine including seafood and vegetarian dishes in a rustic setting.
INR600, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari

Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari, India on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Kanyakumari

Drive approximately 2 hours from Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India.
N/A, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Take a boat ride (open 9:00am - 5:30pm) to this iconic monument located on a rock island, facing the ocean.
INR80 (boat ride), 1h30m

12:00pm

Visit Thiruvalluvar Statue

Nearby the Vivekananda Rock, see the massive statue of poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar accessible by the same boat trip.
Included with boat ride, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Seascape Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and South Indian flavors with a sea view.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kanyakumari Temple and Gandhi Memorial

Explore the local temples and pay respects at the Gandhi Memorial, showcasing a part of his ashes immersed in the sea.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit the Sunset Point

Witness the spectacular sunset where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Check-in to hotel

Stay overnight at a hotel like Hotel Sea View or similar near the beach.
INR3500, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Relax with local Tamil cuisine or seafood specialties at your hotel restaurant.
INR600, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Kanyakumari sightseeing

Kanyakumari, India on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Explore Local Markets

Shop for local handicrafts, seashell items, and souvenirs in Kanyakumari’s markets.
Variable, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Our Lady of Ransom Church

Admire the beautiful architecture of this historic Catholic church located near the beach.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a vegetarian South Indian thali at this popular chain restaurant.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at Kanyakumari Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon at the beach or explore the rocky shoreline.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Sangam

Savor fresh seafood in a calm atmosphere near the waterfront.
INR700, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Bangalore

Kanyakumari to Bangalore, India on April 29, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast to start your return journey.
Included, 0h30m

7:00am

Drive back to Bangalore

Prepare for a long drive approximately 720 km north back to Bangalore, estimated 12-13 hours depending on stops.
N/A, 13h0m

8:00pm

Arrival in Bangalore

Reach Bangalore by night, concluding the road trip.
N/A, N/A
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