On a rocky hilltop in Kollam, a giant stone bird lies with its wings spread wide, as if it has only just fallen from the sky. Local legend says this is exactly where it happened: where Jatayu, the brave bird-king of the Ramayana, fought Ravana to save Sita and came down to earth. Today the hill is the Jatayu Earth’s Center, and the sculpture on it is the largest bird sculpture in the world.
Standing beneath those wings is one of the most unforgettable moments in South Kerala, and it is the reason we call our favourite five-day journey through the region Wings of the Ramayana. But Jatayu is only one of the stories this corner of India tells. Over five days you also meet the sea at three oceans’ edge, rescued elephants in a Western Ghats forest, an ancient temple at dawn and a sunset from Varkala’s red cliffs.
The nicest part is how easy it is. You unpack once, in Trivandrum, and every day is a new day trip that brings you back to the same room at night. Here is how those five days unfold.
Day one: where the backwaters meet the sea
The trip begins the moment you land. Our representative meets you at Trivandrum airport, and there is no rush to get anywhere far: the first afternoon is for easing into Kerala’s capital, with a look around the Trivandrum Zoo and the Museum.
Later, the road runs south to Poovar, a fishing village where the river, the backwaters and the Arabian Sea all come together. The scenery is the kind people imagine when they think of Kerala: mangroves, golden sandbanks and palms leaning over the water. If you want to get closer, a backwater boat ride through the mangroves is a lovely add-on (it is optional and paid separately). By evening you are back in Trivandrum, with the sound of the sea still in your ears.
Day two: a dawn darshan and the end of the land
Day two starts early, and it is worth it. At around 6:00 am you walk into the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple for darshan, while the city is still quiet. Entry follows the temple’s own rules and traditional dress code, so check what to wear before you go (we are happy to advise).
After breakfast you head for Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean meet. Out on the water stand the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue. Back on shore are the Kanyakumari Bhagavathy Amman Temple and the Gandhi Memorial. Leave time to wander the local market and simply stand by the shore, looking out at three seas at once, before the drive back to Trivandrum.
Day three: a morning with the elephants of Kottoor
After two busy days, day three slows down. The drive takes you into the forests of the Western Ghats, to the Kottoor Elephant Rehabilitation Centre. Here rescued elephants are cared for in surroundings that feel close to the wild, and watching them up close is something children and grown-ups remember for a long time. You learn how the centre looks after them, breathe in the forest air and, if you like, explore the eco-tourism spots nearby before returning to Trivandrum.
Day four: under the wings of Jatayu
This is the day the whole trip is named after. The Jatayu Earth’s Center sits high on its rock at Chadayamangalam, and the first sight of the sculpture, wings stretched across the hilltop, is breathtaking. Ride the cable car to the top (optional), take in the view over the rolling green hills, and explore the park’s adventure and cultural attractions. Standing there, the old story of a bird who gave everything to protect someone else feels very close.
From legend, the road leads to the sea. Varkala is one of Kerala’s best-loved beach towns, and its famous cliff is the place to end the day. Walk along the edge, go down to Papanasam Beach, stop at one of the cliff-top cafés and stay for the sunset over the Arabian Sea. It is the perfect last evening before you head back to Trivandrum.
Day five: taking it all home
After a relaxed breakfast, you check out and we drop you at Trivandrum airport. In five days you have seen temples, three seas, elephants, a legend carved in stone and one of India’s prettiest sunsets, and you only ever packed your bag twice.
Why we love this trip
After more than 28 years of planning holidays in Kerala, we still find that this short southern loop surprises people. It suits families with children and older parents, because nobody has to change hotels and no drive feels too long. It suits couples, because the days mix quiet temples, forests and beaches. And it suits anyone who wants to see a side of Kerala beyond the houseboats and hill stations.
Planning your own Wings of the Ramayana trip
We run this journey as our South Splendor package: 4 nights and 5 days based in Trivandrum, with breakfast and dinner every day, an AC vehicle for every transfer and sightseeing trip, and all parking, tolls and state taxes included. You choose a 3, 4 or 5 star hotel.
For travel between 1 October 2026 and 31 March 2027, it starts from ₹12,400 per person on twin sharing. The exact price depends on your hotel category and the size of your group, and the Christmas and New Year weeks (20 December to 5 January) are priced separately. The full rate table and hotel list are on the package page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Jatayu sculpture?
It is at the Jatayu Earth’s Center in Chadayamangalam, Kollam district, Kerala. On our South Splendor trip it is visited on day four, on a day trip from Trivandrum, followed by Varkala in the afternoon.
How many days do you need for Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, Jatayu and Varkala?
Five days and four nights is comfortable. Staying in Trivandrum the whole time, you can give Poovar, Kanyakumari, Kottoor and Jatayu with Varkala a day each, with the last morning for your flight home.
How much does the South Splendor trip cost?
From 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 it starts from ₹12,400 per person on twin sharing, depending on the hotel category and group size. The 20 December to 5 January holiday period is priced separately.
Is the Jatayu cable car included?
No. The cable car to the hilltop is optional and paid on the day, as are entry tickets. The Poovar backwater boat ride on day one is optional too.
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