Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam and Varkala

Day 1: Arrive in Kovalam & Thiruvananthapuram

Kovalam & Thiruvananthapuram

• Lighthouse Beach and Vizhinjam lighthouse climb · 3 h. Climb the lighthouse late afternoon for views over the three bays; swim only in the flagged areas.
• Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum · 1 h. Carved wooden palace of the Travancore kings beside the Padmanabhaswamy temple, open to all; closed Mondays.

Local tip: Climb the lighthouse late afternoon for views over the three bays; swim only in the flagged areas.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Kovalam & Thiruvananthapuram

Kovalam & Thiruvananthapuram

• Napier Museum and Thiruvananthapuram Zoo · 3 h. The Indo-Saracenic museum building is a sight in itself; the zoo is one of India's older, greener ones. Closed Mondays, so check hours.
• Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (Hindus only) · 2 h. Entry is for Hindus only, with a strict dress code: men in a mundu with bare chest, women in a sari or long skirt and blouse (mundus can be rented at the gate). Phones are not allowed inside.

Local tip: The Indo-Saracenic museum building is a sight in itself; the zoo is one of India's older, greener ones. Closed Mondays, so check hours.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Kovalam & Thiruvananthapuram → Varkala

Varkala · Kovalam & Thiruvananthapuram to Varkala, Taxi ~1.5h

• North Cliff walk and sunset · 2 h. Cafés line the cliff path above the beach; stairs lead down to the sand. Watch the edge in the dark.
• Papanasam beach and Janardanaswamy temple · 2 h. Hindu families perform rites for ancestors on the beach in the morning; give them space. The temple's inner sanctum is for Hindus only.

Local tip: Cafés line the cliff path above the beach; stairs lead down to the sand. Watch the edge in the dark.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Varkala

Varkala

• Ayurvedic massage · 1.5 h. Pick a centre with a resident doctor and separate therapists for men and women.
• Kappil lake and beach with a canoe ride · 2.5 h. Where the backwater meets the sea 8 km north of the cliff; quiet and good at sunset.
• Cliff-top yoga class · 1.5 h

Local tip: Pick a centre with a resident doctor and separate therapists for men and women.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Varkala

Varkala

• Ponnumthuruthu (Golden Island) boat trip · 2 h
• Surf lesson at Varkala · 2 h. Beginner lessons run Oct–Apr; mornings are cleaner before the wind picks up.

Local tip: Beginner lessons run Oct–Apr; mornings are cleaner before the wind picks up.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Depart from Varkala

Varkala

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.