36 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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum): Varkala Town (Spas, Varkala Beach, &more) and Kovalam (Kovalam Beach & Lighthouse Beach). The adventure continues: take in the spiritual surroundings of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, explore the engaging exhibits at Chacha Nehru Children’s Museum, see the interesting displays at Napier Museum, and look for gifts at Sarwaa.

To find traveler tips, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) tour builder website.

London, UK to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is an approximately 15-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from London to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is 5.5 hours. Plan for much hotter temperatures traveling from London in December, with highs in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) at 36°C and lows at 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Fri) early enough to travel to Munnar.

Sitting at the point where three mountain rivers meet, the hill station of Munnar has become known as a tea-growing center in the south of the country.

Munnar is known for parks, nature, and museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: see human ingenuity at work at Mattupetty Dam, admire the sheer force of Chinnakanel Water Falls, head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, and delve into the lush surroundings at Photo Point.

To find where to stay, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read Munnar road trip planning website.

Traveling by combination of bus and taxi from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) to Munnar takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In January in Munnar, expect temperatures between 38°C during the day and 25°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Tue) early enough to drive to Thekkady.

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

Spend the 9th (Thu) exploring nature at Periyar National Park. There's still lots to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Periyar Tiger Reserve, take in nature's colorful creations at Abraham's Spice Garden, relax in the rural setting at Spice Walk, and explore the activities along Periyar Lake.

For more things to do, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Thekkady trip planner.

You can drive from Munnar to Thekkady in 3 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Kottayam.

The first Indian city to achieve a 100 percent literacy rate among its citizens, Kottayam has as much of a reputation for its educational standards as for its massive rubber industry.

Get out of town with these interesting Kottayam side-trips: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (in Kumarakom) and Sree Vallabha Temple (in Thiruvalla). Spend the 13th (Mon) exploring at Kerala Backwaters. The adventure continues: contemplate the waterfront views at Vembanad Lake, examine the collection at Bay Island Driftwood Museum, take in the awesome beauty at Illikkal Kallu, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at St Mary's Knanaya Church.

To see ratings, photos, and more tourist information, use the Kottayam online visit planner.

You can drive from Thekkady to Kottayam in 3 hours. In January, daily temperatures in Kottayam can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) so you can drive 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.

Step out of Kochi (Cochin) with an excursion to Marari Beach in Mararikulam--about 1h 20 min away. The adventure continues: make a trip to Chinese Fishing Nets, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, enjoy the sand and surf at Cherai Beach, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Church of Saint Francis.

For photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Kochi (Cochin) trip planner.

You can drive from Kottayam to Kochi (Cochin) in 2 hours. January in Kochi (Cochin) sees daily highs of 38°C and lows of 26°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Mon) so you can catch the train to Thrissur.

One of the oldest and largest cities in the center of the state, Thrissur hosts a wealth of festivals throughout the year.

Venture out of the city with trips to Vazhachal Falls (in Athirappilly), Palakkad (Tipu Sultan Fort, Malampuzha Garden and Dam, &more) and Guruvayur (Mammiyur Mahadeva Kshetram, Punnathur Kotta (Anakkotta), &more). There's still lots to do: admire the sheer force of Athirappilly Water Falls and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Koodalmanikyam Temple.

To find photos, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Thrissur trip itinerary tool.

You can take a train from Kochi (Cochin) to Thrissur in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 38°C, and evening lows to 25°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Fri) so you can drive to Kannur.

A cultural capital on the state's relatively quiet northern coast, Kannur has long been associated with textile production and temple rituals, earning it the nickname, the "Land of Looms and Lores." Most Kannur itineraries will include observing theyyam rituals performed at the temples, where the traditions have origins dating back thousands of years.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kannur: Sargaalaya (in Kozhikode), Paithalmala Hill Station (in Paithalmala) and Thalassery Fort (in Thalassery). There's still lots to do: kick back and relax at Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, contemplate the long history of Fort St. Angelos, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Parassinikkadavu Snake Park, and stroll through Thottada Beach.

For more things to do, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Kannur trip planner.

Drive from Thrissur to Kannur in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Kalpetta.

One of the district's main tourist hubs, Kalpetta offers easy access to a number of man-made and natural attractions.

Venture out of the city with trips to Banasurasagar Dam (in Vythiri) and Banasura Spices Garden (in Padinjarathara). There's much more to do: Head underground at Edakkal Caves, admire the engineering at Padinjarathara Dam, admire the sheer force of Soochippara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfall), and contemplate the waterfront views at Pookot Lake.

Plan my Kalpetta trip by asking Inpirock to come up with tips and suggestions.

Drive from Kannur to Kalpetta in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Kalpetta can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) early enough to travel back home.