Kochi, Kerala
Varkala, Alleppey & Kochi Coastal Getaway
- Duration
- 3D / 2N3 days · 2 nights
- Starts from
- Bangalore
- Trip type
- Beaches
Kerala's coast in one long weekend: Fort Kochi lanes, an Alleppey shikara ride and sunset kayaking, Varkala Cliff cafés and the Jatayu Earth's Center.
- Beaches
- Waves
- Culture
- Nature
Dates
- 6 Nov 20263 days₹10,999
Prices are per person.
The trip
Three faces of coastal Kerala in one long weekend. Begin in Fort Kochi with breakfast at a café amid colonial streets and colourful buildings, then wander its art cafés, heritage neighbourhoods and coastal viewpoints before driving to Alappuzha for a shikara ride through the palm-lined backwaters, sunset kayaking and an evening on a beach by the Arabian Sea.
Next comes the scenic coastal drive south to Varkala, with a traditional toddy tasting on the way (subject to availability), café hopping and shopping along the lively North Cliff, and a sunset swim off South Cliff with its black-sand beach. On the last day, stop at the Jatayu Earth's Center, home to the world's largest bird sculpture from the Ramayana story, before the overnight journey back to Bengaluru with memories of backwaters, cliffs, beaches and culture.
Highlights
Day 2 · 9:00 AMCoastal drive to Varkala & toddy tasting
Day by day
Overnight Departure from Bangalore, Fort Kochi & Alleppey Backwaters
The trip begins on Friday night in Bangalore with pickup at KLM Fashion Mall, Marathahalli at 8:00 PM. On board, the trip captain runs a fun ice-breaking session to shake off the office blues and get everyone acquainted. Arrive in Kochi early in the morning, freshen up and enjoy breakfast at a café in Fort Kochi surrounded by colonial streets, colourful buildings and the sea breeze. Spend the morning in the artistic lanes and heritage corners of Fort Kochi, then drive to the backwater town of Alappuzha, check in around the standard check-in time and relax. The evening brings a magical shikara ride through the backwaters, kayaking at sunset through palm-lined canals and time on a nearby beach along the Arabian Sea, before dinner and a relaxed night at the stay. Stay: 3 or 4 sharing in Alleppey. Meals: breakfast.
- 7:00 AMArrive in Kochi & breakfast at Fort KochiArrive in Kochi early, freshen up and enjoy a delicious breakfast at a café in Fort Kochi, surrounded by colonial streets, colourful buildings and the sea breeze.
- 9:00 AMExplore Fort KochiStroll through vibrant art cafés and charming streets, and explore the heritage neighbourhoods and coastal viewpoints of Fort Kochi.
- 12:00 PMDrive to Alleppey & check inDrive to the serene backwater town of Alappuzha with a lunch stop on the way (self-sponsored). Check in around the standard check-in time and relax for a bit.
- 4:00 PMShikara ride, sunset kayaking & beachExperience a magical shikara ride through the Alleppey backwaters, go kayaking at sunset gliding through palm-lined canals, and unwind at a nearby beach along the Arabian Sea.
- 7:00 PMDinner & night at the stayWrap up the evening with dinner (self-sponsored) and return to the stay for a relaxed night.
Coastal Drive to Varkala, Toddy Tasting & Cliff Sunset
Start early and depart from Alappuzha after breakfast for the scenic 3 to 4 hour drive along Kerala's coastline to Varkala, with a stop for a unique Kerala tradition, a toddy tasting session (subject to availability). Check in to the Varkala stay, freshen up and head out to explore: walk the lively Varkala Cliff lined with cafés, music and ocean views, go café hopping and shopping around North Cliff and, if time permits, head to South Cliff for a sunset swim and relaxed beach time. Spend the evening soaking in the laid-back Varkala vibe. Stay: 3 or 4 sharing in Varkala. Meals: breakfast.
- 7:00 AMBreakfast & depart AlleppeyStart the day early with breakfast at the stay, then check out and set off for Varkala.
- 9:00 AMCoastal drive to Varkala & toddy tasting (a highlight)A scenic 3 to 4 hour drive along Kerala's coastline, with a stop for a traditional toddy tasting session on the way (subject to availability).
- 1:00 PMCheck in at Varkala & lunchCheck in to the Varkala stay, freshen up and grab lunch at one of the cliff cafés (self-sponsored).
- 3:00 PMVarkala Cliff walk & café hoppingWalk along the lively North Cliff lined with cafés, music and stunning ocean views, with time for café hopping and shopping.
- 5:00 PMSouth Cliff sunset swimIf time permits, head to South Cliff for a sunset swim and relaxed time on the black-sand beach.
- 7:00 PMEvening on the cliffSoak in Varkala's laid-back beach vibe over dinner at a cliff café (self-sponsored).
Jatayu Earth's Center & Return Journey
After breakfast, check out early and begin the return journey. On the way, visit the majestic Jatayu Earth's Center, home to the world's largest bird sculpture, inspired by the legendary Ramayana story of Jatayu: explore the viewpoint, learn about the mythology and history of the site and capture photos of the massive sculpture and the landscape around it (entry and cable car charges payable on the spot). Later, begin the journey back towards Bengaluru, carrying home memories of Kerala's backwaters, cliffs, beaches and culture. Meals: breakfast.
- 7:00 AMBreakfast & early check-outBreakfast at the stay, then an early check-out to begin the return journey.
- 9:00 AMDrive to Jatayu Earth's CenterLeave Varkala and drive inland to Chadayamangalam, home of the Jatayu Earth's Center.
- 11:00 AMJatayu Earth's CenterHome to the world's largest bird sculpture, inspired by the Ramayana story of Jatayu. Explore the viewpoint, learn about the mythology and history of the site and capture stunning photos. Entry and cable car charges are payable on the spot.
- 1:00 PMLunchLunch at a local restaurant on the way (self-sponsored).
- 2:00 PMReturn journey to BengaluruBegin the journey back towards Bengaluru, reaching early the next morning.
What’s included
7 items · extras
Gear & extras, 7 items
- 3 meals included: breakfast on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3.
- 2 nights accommodation on 3 or 4 sharing (1 night in Alleppey, 1 night in Varkala).
- Experience of group travel and a lifetime of memories.
- Local sightseeing in Alleppey & Varkala.
- Shikara ride at the backwaters.
- Private AC vehicle for the entire trip.
- Team captain available throughout the trip.
Not included, 7 items
- GST @ 5%
- Lunches, dinners and any meals not mentioned under inclusions.
- Personal expenses, tips to the guide, driver, helper or staff, and any monument or viewpoint entry fee.
- Cost arising from uncontrollable circumstances like bad weather, landslides or public protests.
- Jatayu Earth's Center entry and cable car charges.
- Travel, accidental, health and medical insurance.
- Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
Questions about this trip
What to carry?
Soft copy of your Aadhaar card, cargo/track pants/shorts, T-shirts, swimwear and a quick-dry towel for the beach and kayaking, sunscreen, good traction shoes, two water bottles, cap and sunglasses, a personal medical kit, flip-flops for lazing around the stay, polybags for wet clothes, extra cash for meals not included in the itinerary, a power bank, a small backpack for daily essentials, and most importantly your sense of humour and the spirit of adventure.
What is the check-in policy and how strictly is the daily activity timeline followed?
Activity & Daily Timeline: The hourly activity schedule provided is tentative and designed to give you the best experience. The order of places visited or timings may vary or be adjusted due to weather/climatic conditions, traffic jams, local government restrictions, or road conditions. Kayaking, the toddy tasting and the South Cliff swim depend on weather, sea conditions and time available on the day. Early Check-in: Standard check-in times apply as per the stay policy. Early check-in is strictly subject to availability upon arrival at the property. In cases where early check-in isn't available, common washrooms/freshen-up areas will be provided so you can get ready for the day's plan without delay.
Is it safe to travel with strangers?
Safety is built into everything we do. Every member completes ID verification before joining. Our community review system means travellers build reputation through completed trips. Plus, tribes typically form through chat and video calls before any trip happens, so by the time you meet, they're not really strangers anymore.
How does GoWeekender match travellers?
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Terms & conditions
We reserve the right to rearrange the itinerary to suit availability without changing the total number of days or compromising on any service. All guests must carry a government-issued ID card. Confirmation of physical & mental health is required before starting any trek/tour. No refund will be provided for problems due to government orders, harsh weather, protests, landslides, or other unforeseen circumstances. Cancellation/reschedule: the initial booking amount is non-refundable; 50% of the trip cost is charged if you cancel or reschedule 7 days before the start date, 75% if 3 days before, and 100% within 3 days of departure.
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