5-Day Cultural and Natural Exploration of Kerala, India

Day 1: Historic Kochi

Kochi, India on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with fresh coffee and continental options in this charming café located in Fort Kochi, known for its artful ambiance.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Fort Kochi and Mattancherry

Visit the historic Fort Kochi area including Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and the Jewish Synagogue for a glimpse into Kochi's colonial and multicultural past.
INR200, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fusion Bay

Savor authentic Kerala seafood and traditional dishes at this popular restaurant near Fort Kochi, offering delicious coastal flavors.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kerala Kathakali Centre

Experience the famous Kathakali dance performance, a classical art form characterized by elaborate costumes and makeup. Performances usually start around 5pm, so consider coming back later during evening.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Dutch Palace and local markets

Tour the Dutch Palace to admire Kerala murals and artifacts, then wander through nearby spice and handicraft markets for souvenirs.
INR250, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Rice Boat Restaurant

Dine on the waterfront with a menu featuring traditional Kerala cuisine and fresh seafood in a lovely ambience aboard a boat-shaped restaurant.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 2: Munnar Hill Station

Munnar, India on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Munnar

Drive early in the morning from Kochi to Munnar (approx 4-5 hours), enjoying scenic tea plantations along the way.
INR3000 (taxi hire), 5h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Try local Kerala meals and South Indian dishes in this casual eatery popular among visitors and locals alike.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tea Estates and Tea Museum

Tour the lush tea gardens and visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and process of tea production in this region.
INR100, 2h0m

4:00pm

Echo Point and Kundala Lake

Spend the afternoon at scenic spots like Echo Point, where you can enjoy the natural acoustics, and the serene Kundala Lake with pedal boats.
INR50, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Savor South Indian vegetarian specialties in a clean, relaxed environment, perfect after an active day.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 3: Wildlife and Spice Gardens

Thekkady, India on July 6, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Munnar to Thekkady

Morning drive to Thekkady (around 3 hours), gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spice plantations.
INR1800 (taxi hire), 3h0m

11:00am

Boat Safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 2-hour guided boat ride to spot elephants, deer, and other wildlife along Periyar Lake amidst beautiful forest terrain. Open 8am - 6pm.
INR3500, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bamboo Grove Restaurant

Relish a mix of Kerala and continental dishes with a garden view, providing a peaceful midday meal.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Spice Plantation Tour

Walk through a local spice farm to learn about cardamom, pepper, cloves, and other spices that thrive in this region while enjoying fresh air and nature.
INR300, 1.5h0m

6:00pm

Kathakali or Martial Arts Show

Attend a traditional performance showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through dance or martial arts. Shows typically start around 6pm.
INR500, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Coffee Grove Restaurant

Enjoy flavorful Kerala meals with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a comfortable setting.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 4: Backwaters and Houseboat

Alleppey, India on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Alleppey

Drive to Alleppey (approx 3.5 hours), known for its expansive backwaters and houseboat experiences.
INR1500 (taxi hire), 3h30m

11:00am

Board Houseboat

Check into a traditional Kerala houseboat and begin cruising through serene backwaters, witnessing village life and lush greenery. Houseboat cruise typically lasts 8 hours.
INR8000, 8h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on Houseboat

Enjoy freshly cooked local Kerala cuisine on board as you glide through the waterways.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner on Houseboat

Delight in a peaceful dinner with locally sourced ingredients served on the deck under the stars.
Included, 1h0m

Day 5: Beach Relaxation

Kovalam, India on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Kovalam

Morning drive from Alleppey to Kovalam beach area (about 4 hours), perfect for coastal relaxation and sunbathing.
INR2000 (taxi hire), 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The German Bakery

Taste fresh baked goods, healthy salads and international cuisine in a laid-back setting near the beach.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax on Kovalam Beach

Spend the afternoon lounging on the sandy shores of Kovalam, swimming, or enjoying beachside massages at open spas.
Free - Massage INR1000, 3h0m

6:00pm

Visit Lighthouse Beach

Walk to the nearby Lighthouse Beach and climb the old lighthouse for panoramic sunset views over the Arabian Sea.
INR40, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sea View Restaurant

Close your Kerala journey with fresh seafood and Kerala specialties while enjoying views of the ocean.
INR900, 1h30m