How many days do you need in kerala?

This itinerary covers 7 days in kerala, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for kerala?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to kerala. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

7-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Kerala, India

Day 1: Arrival and Heritage Walk

Kochi, India on July 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and organic breakfast options at this charming café known for its artistic ambience.

INR500, 1h

9:30am

Fort Kochi Heritage Walk

Explore the colonial architecture and vibrant streets of Fort Kochi. Visit landmarks including St. Francis Church and Jewish Synagogue, open from 9am to 5pm.

Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Fort House Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kerala seafood dishes overlooking the sea in this well-known restaurant, open from 12pm to 4pm.

INR800, 1h

2:30pm

Chinese Fishing Nets Visit

See the iconic Chinese fishing nets in action along the Kochi shore, a unique sight reflecting the maritime heritage of the area. Best visited during late afternoon to see nets in operation.

Free, 1h

4:00pm

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)

Visit this historical palace featuring Kerala murals and artifacts, open 10am to 5pm daily.

INR15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dal Roti

Sample North Indian and Mughlai cuisine at this cosy, highly rated restaurant open until 11pm.

INR700, 1h

Find Hotels in Kochi

Day 2: Tea Gardens and Nature

Munnar, India on July 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Kerala breakfast including appam and stew, open from 7am to 10am.

INR300, 45m

9:00am

Travel to Munnar

Drive from Kochi to Munnar through scenic Western Ghats, approximately 4 hours.

INR3500 (car hire), 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Taste authentic South Indian vegetarian food at this popular chain, open 12pm to 3pm.

INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Tea Museum

Explore the history and process of tea making in Munnar, open daily from 9am to 6pm.

INR60, 1h

4:00pm

Photo Stop at Tea Plantations

Walk or drive through lush tea estates offering spectacular views and photo opportunities.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Return for a heartfelt home-style dinner, renowned for local Kerala dishes served hot and fresh.

INR500, 1h

Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 3: Hill Explorations

Munnar, India on August 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty in-house breakfast to energise your day in the hills.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Eravikulam National Park

Visit this mountain sanctuary home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr; open 7:30am to 4:30pm. Ideal for wildlife sightings and hiking.

INR180, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Rapsy

Quick and tasty meal featuring Kerala cuisine before afternoon activities.

INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Echo Point & Kundala Lake

Visit Echo Point to shout and hear your voice bounce back, then take a pedal boat ride on Kundala Lake; both open till 6pm.

INR100 (entry) + INR150 (boat), 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy another delicious South Indian meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

INR400, 1h

Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 4: Wildlife and Spice Plantations

Thekkady, India on August 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before travelling to Thekkady, energising for a day of nature.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Thekkady

Travel about 3 hours from Munnar to Thekkady through scenic roads.

INR3000 (car hire), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Greenwoods Restaurant

Dine on Kerala cuisines including freshly caught fish, open 12pm to 3pm.

INR600, 1h

1:30pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

Enjoy a serene boat ride on Periyar Lake with chances to spot elephants and other wildlife, open 6am to 6pm.

INR150, 2h

4:00pm

Spice Plantation Tour

Visit a local spice plantation to see and smell Kerala’s famous spices, open daily till 5pm.

INR200, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Carmelia Restaurant

Eat a delightful meal featuring Kerala spices and international dishes in a cosy setting.

INR700, 1h

Find Hotels in Thekkady

Day 5: Backwaters Relaxation

Kumarakom, India on August 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a light fresh breakfast before the scenic drive.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Kumarakom

Travel about 3 hours from Thekkady to Kumarakom, a backwater village known for bird sanctuary and houseboats.

INR3200 (car hire), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Rice Boat

Dine on fresh seafood and Kerala delicacies overlooking the Vembanad Lake, open 12pm to 3pm.

INR900, 1h

2:00pm

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Visit the bird sanctuary which hosts migratory birds; open daily from 9am to 5pm.

INR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check into houseboat

Board a traditional Kerala houseboat for an overnight cruise along the tranquil backwaters.

INR5000, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner on Houseboat

Enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala-style dinner as you float along the serene waters.

Included (houseboat), 1h

Find Hotels in Kumarakom

Day 6: Backwaters and Canals

Kumarakom & Alleppey, India on August 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast on the houseboat

Start with a traditional Kerala breakfast served on the gently moving water.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Disembark and drive to Alleppey

Short transfer of approximately 1 hour from Kumarakom to Alleppey, a town famous for its backwaters.

INR800 (car hire), 1h

10:30am

Alleppey Backwater Boat Tour

Take a half day boat trip through the idyllic canals and lagoons, experiencing rural life and nature.

INR1200, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at Thaff Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine with fresh seafood in a relaxed setting, open 12pm-3pm.

INR700, 1h

4:00pm

Marari Beach Visit

Relax at this quiet beach just 12 km from Alleppey, perfect for a late afternoon stroll.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House

Experience a casual dining atmosphere with municipal prices and local veg dishes.

INR250, 1h

Find Hotels in Kumarakom & Alleppey

Day 7: Departure

Alleppey, India on August 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a final hearty breakfast before departure.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Kochi Airport

Drive back to Kochi airport for onward travel, approximately 1.5 hours.

INR1500 (car hire), 1h30m

Find Hotels in Alleppey

Step 1 Outline Preview:

7-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Kerala, India

Day 1: Arrival and Heritage Walk

8:00am

9:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Tea Gardens and Nature

7:30am

9:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 3: Hill Explorations

7:30am

9:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

7:00pm

Day 4: Wildlife and Spice Plantations

7:00am

8:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 5: Backwaters Relaxation

7:00am

8:00am

12:00pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 6: Backwaters and Canals

7:30am

9:00am

10:30am

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 7: Departure

7:30am

9:00am

More About kerala

Plan Your kerala Trip