7-Day Scenic Kerala Road Trip from Trivandrum Exploring Nature and Culture

Day 1: Beach and Temples

Trivandrum to Varkala, Kerala, India on June 4, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Zest Restaurant, Trivandrum

Enjoy a traditional Kerala breakfast with appam and stew at this well-reviewed local spot open from 8am to 11am.
INR300, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Varkala

A scenic 1.5-hour drive north along the coast heading to Varkala Beach known for its cliffs and pristine sands.
Fuel cost approx INR600, 1h30m

12:00pm

Visit Varkala Cliff and Beach

Relax and explore the unique cliffside views and beach area. A perfect spot for photography and swimming.
Free entry, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Darjeeling Cafe

Enjoy fresh seafood and Kerala delicacies overlooking the Arabian Sea. Open from 12pm to 9pm.
INR700, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Janardanaswamy Temple

Explore this ancient temple famous for its rock-cut caves and historical significance. It’s open till 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening stroll along Varkala Beach

Enjoy watching the sunset and local vendors selling souvenirs along the cliff pathway.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Coffee Temple

Savor lighter meals, great coffee, and desserts to close out your first day. Open till 10pm.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 2: Backwaters and Houseboats

Varkala to Alleppey, Kerala, India on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Varkala Bakery

Grab light baked items and freshly brewed chai to start your morning.
INR200, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive from Varkala to Alleppey

Embark on a 3-hour scenic drive toward the backwaters of Alleppey, famous for its houseboats.
Fuel cost approx INR900, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Thaff Restaurant, Alleppey

Sample traditional Kerala seafood dishes with views of the backwaters. Open 12pm-10pm.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Check-in and Board a Houseboat

Experience a 2-3 hour cruise through the famous Kerala backwaters in a traditional houseboat.
INR3500 per person, 3h0m

5:30pm

Relax at Alleppey Beach

Unwind with a peaceful stroll on the beach before dinner.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Brothers' Restaurant

Enjoy local Kerala cuisine including appams and spicy curries in a casual setting.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 3: Bird Sanctuary and Calm Backwaters

Alleppey to Kumarakom, Kerala, India on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Alleppey

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast with dosas and filter coffee.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive Alleppey to Kumarakom

A short 45-minute drive to Kumarakom, a charming village by the Vembanad Lake.
Fuel cost approx INR200, 0h45m

10:30am

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Explore this beautiful sanctuary home to many migratory birds. It’s open daily from 8am to 6pm.
INR100, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Lakesong Restaurant

Dine alongside the lake, enjoying fresh fish curry and local Kerala meals.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relaxation and Spice Garden Visit

Visit a local spice plantation nearby to see how spices are cultivated, open till 5pm.
INR250, 1h30m

5:00pm

Leisure time at Resort

Unwind at your resort with lake views or spa services.
Varies by resort, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Backwater Cafe

Sample coconut-based curries and Kerala specialties in a cozy setting.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 4: Hill Station Escape

Kumarakom to Munnar, Kerala, India on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Kumarakom Resort

Enjoy a quick and energizing breakfast before the drive to hills.
INR350, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Munnar

Embark on a 4-hour scenic mountain drive to Munnar, the tea capital of Kerala.
Fuel cost approx INR1000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant, Munnar

Relish local Kerala flavors including traditional Kerala sadya. Open 11am-9pm.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Tea Gardens and Tea Museum

Explore lush green tea plantations and learn about tea processing. Open 9am-5pm.
INR200, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Mattupetty Dam

Enjoy boating and scenic views at the dam reservoir. Open till 6pm.
INR50, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Taste South Indian vegetarian dishes with authentic flavors, open till 10pm.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 5: Wildlife and Spice

Munnar to Thekkady, Kerala, India on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Munnar

Hearty breakfast featuring local fruits and South Indian options to fuel your day.
INR350, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Thekkady

Travel roughly 3 hours south to reach the spice town near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Fuel cost approx INR700, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Cafe Thekkady

Enjoy continental and Kerala fusion dishes close to main attractions.
INR650, 1h0m

2:00pm

Spice Plantation Tour

A guided spice garden walk to learn about pepper, cardamom, and other produce. Open 9am-5pm.
INR350, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Kadathanadan Kalari Centre

Witness traditional Kerala martial arts and cultural shows available at 4pm daily.
INR200, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Thekkady Café & Restaurant

Savor local Kerala dishes with emphasis on fresh spices and flavors, open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 6: Wildlife Exploration

Periyar National Park, Thekkady, Kerala, India on June 9, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for morning wildlife activities.
INR350, 0h45m

7:00am

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Safari

Enjoy a 2-3 hour boat ride on the Periyar Lake to spot elephants, deer, and birds. Safari starts early till 10am.
INR400, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Periyar Elephant Camp

Observe elephants up close and watch them being bathed and fed. Open till 5pm.
INR200, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Green Park Restaurant

Local Kerala vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals served in a pleasant setting.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Optional Nature Walk or Trek

Take a guided 2-hour walk through forest trails to explore flora and fauna. Confirm availability with guides.
INR300, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Your Hotel

Relax and enjoy a quiet dinner at your accommodation.
Varies, 1h0m

Day 7: Return and Departure

Thekkady to Trivandrum, Kerala, India on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final Kerala meal before departure.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive back to Trivandrum

Begin the approximately 5-hour drive back to Trivandrum for your onward travel.
Fuel cost approx INR1200, 5h0m

2:30pm

Lunch Stop at Marari Beach

Break your journey with lunch and a quick walk at nearby Marari Beach, open throughout the day.
INR600, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Villa Maya, Trivandrum

Experience fine dining offering a blend of Kerala and international cuisines, open till 10pm.
INR1500, 1h0m