Kerala : Lush, beach towns, Backwater bliss.

Kerala 3 day Itinerary ( Thiruvananthapuram - Varkala - Alleppey - Kochi)

The total cost of our trip was $422 USD for two people (all-inclusive except for one night's accommodation).

Kerala is a lush tropical escape where palm-lined beaches and tranquil backwaters set a slow, soothing rhythm. Life here feels unhurried, with houseboats drifting through serene canals and nature all around. It’s a place of simple beauty—green landscapes, coastal charm, and deep calm.

We were heading to Kerala for a friend’s wedding and decided to turn it into a short getaway—and it turned out to be the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and celebration.

Day 1: Thiruvananthapuram → Varkala

We landed early morning at Thiruvananthapuram and began our trip with a visit to the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The peaceful darshan set a beautiful tone for the journey ahead.

From there, we took an auto to the railway station, grabbed a quick breakfast, and stocked up on Kerala’s famous banana and jackfruit chips. Soon after, we boarded a train to Varkala—a scenic ride that offered glimpses of lush greenery and coastal charm.

On arrival, we took a cab to our beach-facing stay, nestled among swaying coconut trees—an absolutely stunning setting. After some rest, we rented a two-wheeler and headed to the South Cliff for lunch at a serene sea-facing café.

Later, we explored the vibrant North Cliff, dotted with local shops, cafés, and restaurants. As the day slowed down, we made our way to the beach and spent time soaking in the calm until sunset.

Back at our stay, we enjoyed a breathtaking sunset view right from our balcony. We wrapped up the day with a quiet beach walk, dinner in, and a restful night.

Day 2: Varkala → Alleppey → Kochi

We started the day with a hearty breakfast overlooking the ocean before heading to the station for our train to Alappuzha (Alleppey).

Our first stop was Alleppey Beach—vast, peaceful, and less crowded than expected. After spending some time there and enjoying a relaxed lunch at a beachside café, we headed for one of the highlights of the trip: a private shikara ride through the backwaters.

Cruising through narrow canals, serene waters, and glimpses of village life was a truly unique experience. We even stopped briefly at a local village for snacks, which added a lovely local touch.

By evening, we made our way to the bus station and took a bus to Kochi. We reached late in the evening, checked into our hotel, and reunited with friends. The night was spent catching up, celebrating, and enjoying a great dinner together.

Day 3: Kochi

After breakfast, we attended our friend’s wedding at a beautiful venue in Kochi—a joyous and memorable experience.

Later in the afternoon, we headed to Fort Kochi, known for its colonial-era charm. The area beautifully blends Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences, with quaint streets lined with art cafés, spice markets, and boutique shops.

We explored the neighborhood on foot, spent some time by the beach during sunset, and stopped at a cozy café for vegan coffee and snacks. Of course, we couldn’t resist picking up more banana and jackfruit chips!

Before wrapping up the trip, we shopped for spices at a local store and grabbed a few more snacks on the way to the airport. After completing formalities, we relaxed at the lounge before catching our late-night flight out of Kerala.

Overall: A short but incredibly fulfilling trip—perfectly balancing temples, beaches, backwaters, culture, and celebrations.