8 days in Kerala Itinerary

Situated among a collection of low hills that lead up to the coastline, state capital Thiruvananthapuram acts as a base for exploration of the southern tip of the country.

Get some historical perspective at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Kovalam Avaduthura Devi Temple. Head to Asparagus and Jewels Skyfor some retail therapy. Explore Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)'s surroundings by going to Varkala Beach (in Varkala Town) and Kovalam (Lighthouse Beach & Kovalam Beach). And it doesn't end there: examine the collection at Puthenmalika (Kuthiramalika) Palace, take in the spiritual surroundings of Sree Mahadeva Temple, and admire the masterpieces at Shri Chitra Art Gallery.

To find maps, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, read Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) online journey planner.

Surat to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. Traveling from Surat in December, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), with lows of 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) early enough to drive to Thekkady.

Centered on an artificial lake, Thekkady provides a sanctuary to a diverse set of animals and plant species.

On the 10th (Thu), look for all kinds of wild species at Periyar Tiger Reserve, then explore the activities along Periyar Lake, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Our Lady of Lourde's Roman Catholic Latin Church, and finally take in nature's colorful creations at Abraham's Spice Garden. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 11th (Fri): see the interesting displays at The Periyar Interpretation Centre, look for all kinds of wild species at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, then see the interesting displays at Angadipetty -Kerala Ayurveda Museum, and finally identify plant and animal life at Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation.

To see maps, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, go to the Thekkady online attractions planner.

Traveling by car from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) to Thekkady takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and flight; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) early enough to drive to Alappuzha.

Affectionately known as Alleppey to locals and tourists alike, Alappuzha acts as a major transport and cultural hub on the Kerala backwaters.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Sat): enjoy the sand and surf at Alappuzha Beach, then stroll through Marari Beach, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Mararikulam Beach.

To find traveler tips, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Alappuzha visit planning tool.

Traveling by car from Thekkady to Alappuzha takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Alappuzha can reach 37°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Kochi (Cochin).

A flourishing port city and magnet for the spice trade since the 15th century, Kochi (Cochin) proudly bears its distinct international influence and local Keralan culture.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Sun): take an in-depth tour of Kerala Museum, then browse the different shops at LuLu Mall, then admire the masterpieces at Kerala Folklore Museum, and finally make a trip to Chinese Fishing Nets. Here are some ideas for day two: look for gifts at Leens Export, take in the spiritual surroundings of Paradesi Synagogue, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mattancherry Palace, and finally stop by Jew Town.

Before you visit Kochi (Cochin), use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Drive from Alappuzha to Kochi (Cochin) in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Kochi (Cochin) can reach 37°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.