Kerala Onam Festival & Hill Station Itinerary (2nd - 8th September 2025)

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi & Onam Festival Introduction

Morning: Arrive at Kochi International Airport and check-in to your hotel. Relax and freshen up.

Afternoon: Visit Fort Kochi to explore the charming colonial architecture and local markets, getting a feel of Kerala’s cultural vibe.

Evening: Attend an Onam cultural show featuring traditional dances like Kathakali and Pulikali to immerse yourself in festival spirit.

Day 2: Onam Festival Celebrations in Thrissur

Morning: Travel to Thrissur (approx. 2 hours) - the heart of Kerala’s Onam festivities.

Afternoon: Witness the grand Onam Vallam Kali (boat races) along the river and visit the Vadakkunnathan Temple for traditional rituals.

Evening: Enjoy the grand Onam feast (Sadya) at a traditional restaurant and local cultural programs in Thrissur.

Day 3: Exploring Thrissur and Travel to Munnar

Morning: Visit the Guruvayur Temple nearby and explore the Kerala Kalamandalam to see classical art forms.

Afternoon: Drive to Munnar (approx. 4 hours), a beautiful hill station known for tea plantations and cool climate.

Evening: Check-in to a hill resort and take a leisurely walk around the tea gardens to enjoy sunset views.

Day 4: Munnar Sightseeing and Nature Walks

Morning: Visit the Eravikulam National Park to spot Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

Afternoon: Explore the Tea Museum to learn about tea processing and sample local teas.

Evening: Take a calm stroll around Mattupetty Lake or enjoy a boat ride amidst the hills.

Day 5: Travel to Wayanad via Thekkady

Morning: Depart Munnar and stop at Thekkady (approx. 3 hours) to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy an eco-boat cruise on Periyar Lake.

Afternoon: Proceed to Wayanad (approx. 3 hours), a serene hill station with rich flora and fauna.

Evening: Relax at your resort or explore the local market in Wayanad town.

Day 6: Wayanad Nature & Heritage Tour

Morning: Visit Banasura Sagar Dam and enjoy views of the largest earth dam in India.

Afternoon: Explore the Edakkal Caves to see prehistoric petroglyphs and hike a bit in the surrounding hills.

Evening: Experience a traditional Kerala dinner and rest.

Day 7: Return to Kochi via Calicut

Morning: Drive towards Kochi with a stopover in Calicut (Kozhikode) to visit the beach and enjoy local snacks.

Afternoon: Continue journey to Kochi and check into your hotel.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at Marine Drive or visit Jew Town for some last-minute shopping and souvenirs.

Day 8: Departure Preparation & Final Onam Moments in Kochi

Morning: Visit the Kerala Folklore Museum to glimpse traditional art and artifacts.

Afternoon: Pack and rest at your hotel.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell Kerala meal and a quiet walk at the Fort Kochi beach.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Kochi Fort & Onam Cultural Show - 4 hours, approx. ₹700
• Thrissur Onam Vallam Kali & Temple Visits - 6 hours, approx. ₹1000
• Travel Kochi to Munnar - 4 hours, transport ₹1500
• Munnar Sightseeing (Eravikulam Park & Tea Museum) - 6 hours, ₹1200
• Thekkady Periyar Sanctuary & Boat Ride - 3 hours, ₹800
• Wayanad Banasura Dam & Edakkal Caves - 5 hours, ₹900
• Travel Wayanad to Kochi via Calicut - 6 hours, transport ₹1800
• Kerala Folklore Museum & Local Shopping - 3 hours, ₹500
• Food & Accommodation (7 nights average) - Approx. ₹10,000

Total Estimated Cost: ₹18,400 (excluding flights)

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding a day in Munnar or Wayanad for trekking or visiting spice plantations and waterfalls. To shorten the trip, skip Thekkady and spend more time either in Thrissur for festival immersion or in Munnar to fully relax in the hills.