Scenic Kerala: Varkala to Alleppey 5-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Beach Relaxation

Varkala, India on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe del Mar

Enjoy a healthy breakfast with an ocean view, offering fresh juices, coffee, and Indian-continental fusion dishes. Opens at 8 am perfect for an early start.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Varkala Beach Walk and Cliff Exploration

Stroll along the spectacular cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, visiting shops and cafes that dot the cliff edge. The beach below is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Juice Shack

Sample fresh, organic salads and traditional Kerala thali with a healthy twist, located close to the cliff’s edge. Open from 11 am to 5 pm.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Janardanaswamy Temple

Explore this ancient Hindu temple famous for its architecture and spiritual significance, open all day but best visited in the afternoon.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

SPA and Ayurvedic Massage

Relax with an authentic Ayurvedic massage at a local center such as Ananda Spa, open till 7 pm, great after a morning of walking.
INR1500, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Darjeeling Cafe

Enjoy freshly cooked local seafood and vegetarian Kerala dishes in a cozy ambiance near the beach, open till 10 pm.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 2: Culture & Beach Day

Varkala, India on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Bhai

Try southern Indian breakfast items like dosas and idlis along with fresh coffee, open from 7 am.
INR250, 1h

9:00am

Explore Varkala Sivagiri Mutt

Visit this important pilgrimage site and museum showcasing Kerala’s religious heritage. Open between 9 am to 5 pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Relax at Papanasam Beach

Enjoy a peaceful beach experience with fewer crowds, known for its natural spring believed to have medicinal properties.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Clafouti

Dine at a popular bakery-cafe serving wonderful sandwiches, desserts, and continental dishes. Open from 8 am to 6 pm.
INR450, 1h

3:00pm

Shopping at Varkala Cliff Market

Browse local handicrafts, beachwear, and souvenirs at the lively markets along the cliff.
Free to browse, 1h30m

5:00pm

Sunset at Varkala Beach

Watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea with its golden hues, a perfect end to your day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Pleasure Dome

Enjoy Mediterranean and Indian fusion dishes with a rooftop view near the beach, open till 10 pm.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 3: Travel to Alleppey & Backwater Cruise

Varkala to Alleppey, India on June 18, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at your Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel to prepare for travel.
Included in stay or approx. INR300, 30m

7:00am

Travel by Road from Varkala to Alleppey

Starting a scenic 3.5 to 4-hour drive to Alleppey, enjoy Kerala’s lush landscape en route.
INR1500 (taxi fare approx.), 4h

11:00am

Check-in Houseboat

Board your traditional houseboat for a backwater cruise through Alleppey’s famous canals, lakes, and lagoons.
INR7000 per person for half-day cruise, 5h

4:00pm

Disembark and Rest

Rest after the cruise at your Alleppey accommodation.
Included in stay, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Thaff Restaurant

Taste authentic Kerala meals featuring seafood or vegetarian dishes. Open till 9:30 pm.
INR500, 1h

Day 4: Alleppey Exploration

Alleppey, India on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Alleppey Market Area

Try local breakfast specialties like appam and stew at an eatery near the market, open from 7 am.
INR200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Alleppey Beach and Lighthouse

Enjoy the sandy beach and climb the lighthouse for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
INR50, 2h

11:30am

Visit St. Mary’s Forane Church

Explore this historic 400-year-old church known for its striking architecture, open till 5 pm.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Halais Restaurant

Enjoy flavorful Kerala biryani and seafood dishes in the heart of Alleppey, open till 3 pm.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Kuttanad Paddy Fields

Take a guided trip or taxi ride to the vast green paddy fields, called the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala'. Beautiful landscape and photography opportunity.
INR500 for taxi, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Tea at a Lakeside Cafe

Relax with tea or coffee overlooking the serene lakes of Alleppey.
INR150, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House

Experience traditional South Indian dishes and a nostalgic atmosphere, open till 9:30 pm.
INR300, 1h

Day 5: Departure Day

Alleppey, India on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a simple but delicious breakfast at your accommodation.
Included or INR250, 1h

9:30am

Local Walk or Optional Short Boat Ride

Take a short morning walk by the backwaters or opt for a quiet boat ride if time permits, usually available 8 am to 11 am.
INR1500, 1h30m

11:30am

Prepare for Departure

Check-out and travel onward from Alleppey as per your schedule.
Varies, Travel