Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

9-Day Kerala Exploration Itinerary for Friends: Beaches, Backwaters, and Hill Stations

Viewed by 289 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Sightseeing

Kochi, India on August 18, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with delicious Kerala coffee and freshly baked pastries in a bohemian cafe setting, perfect for starting your day.
INR500, 1h

10:30am

Visit Fort Kochi

Explore the historic Fort Kochi area, famous for its Chinese fishing nets, colonial architecture, and vibrant street art for a cultural immersion.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Ginger House Restaurant

Dine on traditional Kerala seafood dishes right by the waterfront, offering fresh flavors and scenic views.
INR800, 1.5h

4:00pm

Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace

Visit the historic Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace to discover Kerala’s rich multi-ethnic history and ancient art collections.
INR10 each, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Dal Roti

Enjoy sumptuous North Indian and Kerala fusion dishes in a cozy ambience, ideal for dinner with friends.
INR600, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Kochi

Day 2: Cherai Beach Day

Cherai, Kerala, India on August 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for beach activities.
Included in stay, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Cherai Beach

Travel to Cherai Beach, known for its golden sands and calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing with friends.
Transport INR1500 approx., 1h

10:30am

Day at Cherai Beach

Enjoy sunbathing, beach volleyball, and local snacks; don’t miss trying the fresh coconut water and seafood stalls along the shore.
Free, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at Ginger House Cherai

Savour freshly caught seafood and Kerala curries at this popular beachside restaurant.
INR700, 1.5h

4:00pm

Return to Kochi, Leisure Time

Relax at your hotel or explore local markets for souvenirs and spices.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Fort House Restaurant

Experience authentic Kerala cuisine with a variety of vegetarian and seafood dishes overlooking the backwaters.
INR700, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Cherai

Day 3: Travel to Munnar

Munnar, Kerala, India on August 20, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Checkout

Have an early breakfast to prepare for your scenic drive to the hill station of Munnar amidst the Western Ghats.
Included in stay, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Munnar

Enjoy the picturesque journey through tea plantations and lush greenery; travel time approximately 4.5 hours.
Transport INR3000 approx., 4.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant, Munnar

Taste local Kerala cuisine like appam and stew in a popular eatery famed for its authentic flavors.
INR500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Tea Museum

Explore the Tata Tea Museum to understand the history and processing of tea, including a chance to sample fresh teas.
INR100, 1.5h

4:00pm

Explore Munnar town and markets

Stroll through local markets for spices, tea, and handicrafts to enjoy the lively hill station atmosphere.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a vegetarian South Indian dinner with excellent dosas and thalis at this well-known chain.
INR400, 1h
Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 4: Munnar Nature & Relax

Munnar, Kerala, India on August 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast served at your hotel to prepare for a day of nature exploration.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Eravikulam National Park Visit

Visit this famous park to see the Nilgiri tahr and beautiful rolling hills. The park opens from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
INR200, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sarath Inn

Taste local Kerala dishes in a homely environment with friendly service, ideal after a morning trek.
INR550, 1h

2:00pm

Kundala Lake Boating

Relax on pedal boats or shikaras at the serene Kundala Lake surrounded by hills.
INR200, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Blossom Park

Enjoy a pleasant walk and photo opportunities in this peaceful garden area.
INR40, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Return to Rapsy for more hearty local dishes in a casual setting.
INR600, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 5: Travel to Thekkady

Thekkady, Kerala, India on August 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Enjoy breakfast early before you leave for Thekkady, known for its spice plantations and wildlife.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Thekkady

Scenic hill drive through cardamom and pepper plantations, approx. 3 hours.
Transport INR2500 approx., 3h

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch

Settle into your hotel and enjoy a spicy Kerala meal to energize your day.
INR700, 1.5h

2:00pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

Take a 2-hour guided boat ride to spot elephants, bison, and numerous birds close to the water, park open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
INR300, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Spice Plantation Walk

Enjoy a guided tour through spice gardens to learn about cultivation and medicinal plants.
INR150, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at the hotel

Try traditional Kerala dishes served in your comfortable hotel restaurant.
INR600, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Thekkady

Day 6: Thekkady Activities

Thekkady, Kerala, India on August 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Trekking to Chellarkovil Viewpoint

Take a morning trek to the scenic Chellarkovil Viewpoint for panoramic vistas of Kerala and Tamil Nadu borders, trek duration approx. 2 hours.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ambadi Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kerala lunch specialties in a traditional setting.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Elephant Junction

Interact with elephants and learn about their care at this popular sanctuary, open from 9am to 5pm.
INR250, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Optional Ayurvedic Massage

Relax or book an Ayurvedic massage session for rejuvenation, many centers open until 7pm.
INR1500 approx., 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Thekkady Cafe

Casual dining with a mix of Kerala and international cuisines, perfect for a comfortable evening meal.
INR700, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Thekkady

Day 7: Allepey Backwaters

Alleppey, Kerala, India on August 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Start early with breakfast before traveling to Alleppey for your backwaters adventure.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey, gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters, approx. 4 hours journey.
Transport INR3000 approx., 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Thaff

Enjoy a range of Kerala delicacies with fresh seafood in a vibrant atmosphere near the waterfront.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Houseboat Check-in

Board your traditional houseboat for an overnight cruise through the enchanting backwaters, featuring scenic canals, villages, and lush greenery.
INR6000 approx. per boat for 6 people, Overnight

Evening

Dinner on Houseboat

Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine onboard as you gently float through the backwaters at sunset.
Included with houseboat, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Alleppey

Day 8: Backwaters to Kovalam

Kovalam, Kerala, India on August 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on Houseboat

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as your houseboat cruise continues or docks back at Alleppey.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Disembark and Checkout

Finish your houseboat experience and prepare for the drive to Kovalam beach.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Kovalam

Travel south to the famous beach town Kovalam, approximately 4 hours drive.
Transport INR3500 approx., 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Moonlight

Enjoy coastal Kerala cuisine and fresh seafood in a relaxed beachside setting.
INR800, 1.5h

3:00pm

Kovalam Beach Visit

Relax and enjoy water sports or the sun on the crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam.
Free; water sports extra, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Saj Johnny

Sample delicious seafood in a lively and authentic local restaurant.
INR700, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Kovalam

Day 9: Departure Day

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India on August 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final Kerala breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Check-out and Drive to Trivandrum Airport

Travel to the nearby Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for your onward journey, approximately 30 mins drive.
Transport INR500 approx., 1h
Find Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About kerala for

Best Kerala Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your kerala for Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go