Table of Contents
Me and my friends took an exciting trip to Kerala this February, eager to explore its stunning landscapes and rich culture. We wanted to explore new places, and Kerala did not disappoint. From the spiritual vibes of Guruvayoor Temple to the serene backwaters of Alleppey, the breathtaking views from Jatayu Earth Center, and the vibrant coastal charm of Varkala, this trip was packed with unforgettable experiences.
1. Day 1: Journey to Guruvayoor
Our trip began with a train ride from Hyderabad to Thrissur via the Shabari Express, a long journey of about 36 hours.
Upon reaching Thrissur, we headed straight to Guruvayoor Temple, a revered Hindu temple. We found a great budget-friendly stay at Laxmi Hotel, just a stone’s throw from the temple. At just ₹1500 for two rooms, it was a steal! After resting, we spent the evening exploring the small shops around the temple, soaking in the local atmosphere.
2. Day 2: Early Morning Darshan & Athirapally Waterfalls
We woke up early to visit the temple for a peaceful darshan, as the crowd was relatively smaller in the morning.
After checking out from the hotel, we set off for Athirapally Waterfalls, known as the ‘The Niagara of South India.’ Since it was February, the water flow was not at its peak, and we were told that November-December is the best time to visit. Entry tickets cost around ₹50 per person, and ₹70 for a camera. The bus ride through the hilly terrain was thrilling, with our driver navigating the steep roads in a way that felt a bit reckless but ultimately manageable due to the stunning views. The view of the waterfall made it worth the effort!
3. Day 3: Alleppey Backwater Ride
We took a bus back to Aluva and then hopped on a train to Alleppey, reaching early in the morning. Upon arrival, we booked an auto-rickshaw to the backwater boat ride area, where auto fares are fixed (a refreshing change from the usual bargaining). We opted for a 3-hour Shikara boat ride for ₹1800, and it was a fantastic experience. We made a pit stop at a riverbank tiffin center, where we tried black fish, which was hyped as a local specialty but tasted quite ordinary.
One of the highlights was meeting Rocky, a friendly eagle raised by the owner of the tiffin center. After the boat ride, we traveled to Thiruvananthapuram, where we found the stay to be a bit expensive but comfortable.
4. Day 4: Jatayu Earth Center
After a well-deserved rest, we headed to Jatayu Earth Center, a unique attraction featuring the world’s largest bird sculpture. The place felt more like a commercial complex than a natural retreat, but the view from the top was stunning. There are two options to reach the top: walking or taking a cable car. I highly recommend the cable car—it saves energy and offers great views. After a long day, we returned to Thiruvananthapuram for the night.
5. Day 5-6: Padmanabhaswamy Temple & Varkala Beach
The next morning, we visited the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, where strict dress codes apply—men must wear a dhoti and no shirts are allowed. After the temple visit, we made our way to Varkala Beach. The stay here was a little concerning, but the experience was worth it.
Shopping at Varkala Cliff was a fun experience, but we had to be cautious about fraudulent sellers pushing fake stones as precious ones. Always compare prices at multiple shops before purchasing! The highlight of our time in Varkala was enjoying breakfast with an incredible cliffside view—just ₹100 for a sandwich, omelet, and tea. It was a picture-perfect moment!
We also visited a zoo near Thiruvananthapuram before wrapping up our trip and returning to Hyderabad.
Top Highlights from the Trip:
- Varkala Beach, with its stunning views and lively atmosphere, was the highlight of the trip.
- Kerala’s well-maintained traffic rules and fair auto fares were impressive.
- The night markets and scenic views at Varkala Cliff were a treat.
- Best stay of the trip at Lakshmi Hotel in Guruvayoor—affordable and comfortable.
- The magical experience of floating on the backwaters of Alleppey.
Pro Tips for Travelers:
- Private buses dominate transportation in Kerala, so plan your travel accordingly.
- Always book train tickets in advance, especially for long journeys.
- Be cautious while shopping in Varkala—compare stone prices before buying.
- If visiting Jatayu Earth Center, opt for the cable car for a more relaxed experience.
