A 5-day southern Kerala tour based in Trivandrum — Poovar backwaters, Kanyakumari’s three seas, the Kottoor elephant centre, the Jatayu Earth’s Centre and Varkala cliff. 5 Days / 4 Nights.
Trip Highlights
- Poovar backwaters where the river meets the Arabian Sea
- Day trip to Kanyakumari — the meeting point of three seas
- Kottoor Elephant Rehabilitation Centre in the Western Ghats
- The world’s largest bird sculpture at the Jatayu Earth’s Centre
- Varkala’s clifftop beaches and Papanasam Beach
Overview
Discover the splendour of southern Kerala on this five-day tour based in Trivandrum. Day trips reach the Poovar backwaters where river meets sea, the dramatic three-seas confluence at Kanyakumari, the Kottoor elephant rehabilitation centre in the Western Ghats, and the world’s largest bird sculpture at the Jatayu Earth’s Centre, before finishing on the cliffs of Varkala.
With a single comfortable base and a series of rewarding day excursions, this itinerary is ideal for travellers who prefer to unpack once and explore outward.
Itinerary
Day 01 — Trivandrum Arrival, Sightseeing & Poovar
Welcome to God’s Own Country. On arrival at Trivandrum Airport, our representative greets you. Tour Trivandrum’s zoo and museum, then continue to the picturesque village of Poovar where backwaters meet the sea. Enjoy the scenery and an optional backwater boat ride (extra cost) through mangroves and sandbanks before returning to Trivandrum. Overnight in Trivandrum.
Day 02 — Trivandrum & Kanyakumari
Around 06:00, visit the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple for darshan (entry subject to temple regulations). After breakfast, take a day trip to Kanyakumari — the southernmost tip of mainland India — visiting the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Bhagavathy Amman Temple and Gandhi Memorial. Return to Trivandrum by evening. Overnight in Trivandrum.
Day 03 — Trivandrum & Kottoor Elephant Centre
After breakfast, drive to Kottoor, home to the Kottoor Elephant Rehabilitation Centre set amid the forests of the Western Ghats. Watch rescued elephants in natural surroundings, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy the tranquil forest atmosphere before returning to Trivandrum. Overnight in Trivandrum.
Day 04 — Trivandrum, Jatayu & Varkala
After breakfast, drive to the Jatayu Earth’s Centre — home to the world’s largest bird sculpture — with an optional cable car to the hilltop. Continue to Varkala to see the Varkala Cliff, relax at Papanasam Beach, and enjoy the clifftop cafés and sunset views. Return to Trivandrum. Overnight in Trivandrum.
Day 05 — Departure from Trivandrum
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Trivandrum Airport for your onward journey. Your South Splendor tour concludes.
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 4 nights in Trivandrum
- Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotel
- All transfers and surface travel by AC vehicle
- All parking, toll and state taxes
What’s Excluded
- Any flight/train ticket
- Any vehicle service not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any lunch/dinner not mentioned
- Entry charges to monuments, parks etc. not listed in the inclusions
- Guide charges, tips, etc.
- Any personal expense
- Early check-in and late check-out charges
FAQ
Is the Kanyakumari day trip a long drive?
Kanyakumari is roughly two to two-and-a-half hours from Trivandrum by road. It makes a rewarding full-day excursion to the three-seas confluence and its memorials, returning to Trivandrum the same evening.
Can we enter the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple?
Darshan is possible in the early morning, subject to the temple’s dress code and entry regulations. Non-Hindus may have restricted access to the inner sanctum; our team will advise on current rules.
Is the Poovar backwater boat ride included?
The Poovar boat ride and the Jatayu cable car are optional activities at additional cost. We can pre-arrange them if you’d like them added to your package.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast and dinner are included at your Trivandrum hotel. Lunches during day trips are not included.
How do I get a quote?
This is a price-on-request package. Share your dates, group size and hotel category and our consultants will respond within 24 hours.
