Kerala Temple Tour Highlight
Kerala Temple Tour Destination:
Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Kumarakom – Varkala – Kovalam – Kanyakumari – Trivandrum
Duration: 10 Days and 09 Nights
Best Time to Visit Kerala Temple: October to March (weather is pleasant, and many temple festivals take place during this period, offering a rich cultural experience.)
Kerala Temple Tour Overview
Explore the holiness that Kerala embodies through its historic temples, special rituals and rich religious customs. On this tour of Kerala, you get to explore well-known temples, see architectural wonders and enjoy the peaceful, cultural feel of the area.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: – One of the wealthiest temples, with beautiful Dravidian architecture and an idol of Vishnu reclining. Only Hindus are allowed inside, but the outside of the temple and its history attract everyone.
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: – Popular because of the Attukal Pongala festival, where many women come together for the ritual. It has often been called the “Sabarimala for women
Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple: – This temple in the Western Ghats is part of one of the biggest annual pilgrimages anywhere. Note: People can only go on the hajj at certain times, and the journey follows a tradition of male-only pilgrimage
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple: – This old Shiva temple is famous for its colorful murals inside and the lights around the sanctum.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple: – An ancient Shiva temple in South India related to the Vaikom Satyagraha and social reform.
Chottanikkara Devi Temple: – People come here to thank and seek help from the Mother Goddess for her natural healing and daily worship events that bring many pilgrims.
Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple: – At Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, people revere it as the “Dwarka of the South” and come in large numbers every year to pay respect. Taking a trip to the nearby elephant sanctuary is another memorable thing to do
Thrissur Vadakkunnathan Temple: – Considered a UNESCO-nominated site and a work of architectural wonder, it hosts the Thrissur Pooram festival.
Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple: – A place of worship where Theyyam is performed and offerings are fish and toddy.
Kerala Temple Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cochin (Kochi)
Your arrival should be at Cochin International Airport and following that, you will be sent to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Fort Kochi’s old European feel and see the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace. Take some time to watch a traditional Kathakali dance show in the evening and then make your way back to the hotel.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar
After you have breakfast, drive along the Western Ghats to reach Munnar, known not only for tea plantations but also its refreshing mountain climate. During the journey, remember to stop at Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls. After reaching your destination, check in at your resort in the greenery and relax.
Day 3: Munnar Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring Munnar’s highlights, starting with a visit to the Tea Museum and a tea plantation tour. Later, visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, followed by Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. Optionally, relax with an Ayurvedic massage in the evening.
Day 04: Munnar to Thekkady
Visit the Tea Museum first and then explore a tea plantation to start your day in Munnar. Then, take a trip to Eravikulam National Park where the Nilgiri Tahr can be spotted and continue to Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. You could choose to have an Ayurvedic massage in the evening, if you like.
Day 05: Thekkady to Alleppey (Houseboat Stay)
On this day, you should visit Alleppey and cruise on a traditional Kerala houseboat. Relax on the backwaters as you sail past small villages, exposed coconut trees and paddy fields. While traveling, eat flavorful local meals and enjoy the scenery around you.
Day 06: Alleppey to Kumarakom (Optional Add-on)
Leave the houseboat and move on to Kumarakom nearby. Spend the day birdwatching at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and relax in one of the local resorts on the lake. Birdwatching, getting a spa treatment or going on a Vembanad Lake sunset cruise are all possible here.
Day 07: Kumarakom to Varkala
Visit beach town Varkala, where red cliffs and a peaceful atmosphere are the main highlights. Enjoy a day at leisure on the beach, get a calming Ayurvedic spa or explore the lively cafes and stores on the cliffs.
Day 8: Varkala to Kovalam via Trivandrum
Take a trip to Kovalam with a short pause in Trivandrum for a look at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple from the outside and the Napier Museum. After that, you can go to Kovalam Beach and sit on Lighthouse Beach to watch the lovely sunset.
Day 9: Kovalam (Optional Day Trip to Kanyakumari)
You may have a relaxed day in Kovalam or take a full-day trip to Kanyakumari which is the most southern point of India. You can see all three oceans come together at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Make Kovalam your home base for the night.
Day 10: Departure from Trivandrum
Have breakfast first before moving to the Trivandrum International Airport for your departure, taking home lasting memories from Kerala.
Kerala Temple Tour FAQ
October to March – pleasant weather and major festivals.
Some temples (like Padmanabhaswamy, Guruvayoor) allow only Hindus. Others welcome all visitors.
Usually not inside the sanctum. Allowed in outer areas in some temples.
Yes, Kerala is safe and tourist-friendly. A local guide is helpful.
Yes! Add backwaters, beaches, hill stations, and cultural towns to your itinerary.