10-Day Kerala Adventure Itinerary

  • Day 1: Munnar Tea Plantation
    2 hours (76 km) from Cochin International Airport

    Explore the lush green tea plantations and learn about the fascinating history of Indian tea production. Hike through the scenic landscape and enjoy stunning views of the Western Ghats. Visit the Tea Museum and taste a variety of teas from the region.

  • Day 2: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
    3 hours (91 km) from Munnar Tea Plantation

    Embark on a jungle safari tour and spot native Indian wildlife such as tigers, elephants, monkeys, and exotic birds, among others. Take a boat ride on the serene Periyar Lake and marvel at the stunning landscape of the sanctuary. Visit the Spice Plantations to learn about the rare and exotic spices grown in the region.

  • Day 3: Varkala Beach
    4.5 hours (147 km) from Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

    Relax on the sandy beaches of Varkala and indulge in water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, and parasailing. Visit the iconic 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple, built in the traditional Kerala style. Explore the bustling local markets and taste authentic Kerala cuisine at local restaurants.

  • Day 4: Athirappilly Waterfall
    3.5 hours (107 km) from Varkala Beach

    Hike through the Athirappilly rainforest and marvel at the breathtaking Athirappilly waterfall, which is one of the largest in India. Take a refreshing swim in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall. Take a river cruise and spot local wildlife such as monkeys and exotic birds.

  • Day 5: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
    7 hours (293 km) from Athirappilly Waterfall

    Embark on a wildlife safari tour and spot native Indian wildlife such as tigers, cheetahs, and elephants, among others. Take a hike through the stunning landscape of Wayanad and visit the Edakkal Caves, which are home to ancient scripts and cave paintings that date back to 6000 BCE. Marvel at the breathtaking views from the top of Chembra Peak, the highest peak in the region.

  • Day 6: Kochi Fort
    5 hours (199 km) from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

    Explore the historic Kochi Fort and learn about the fascinating history of the region. Visit the iconic St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Take a stroll along the Fort Kochi Beach and enjoy the stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Visit the local markets and indulge in authentic Kerala cuisine.

  • Day 7: Alleppey Backwaters
    2.5 hours (83 km) from Kochi Fort

    Cruise through the serene backwaters of Alleppey and marvel at the stunning landscape of the region. Stay overnight in a traditional Kerala houseboat and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Explore the unique flora and fauna of the region and learn about the fascinating local culture and traditions.

  • Day 8: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
    5 hours (198 km) from Alleppey Backwaters

    Visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and take a wildlife safari tour to spot native Indian wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and leopards, among others. Visit the Kuruva Island, which is home to diverse flora and fauna and is a popular spot for picnics and hikes. Take a refreshing dip in the Meenmutty Waterfall, which is the second-largest waterfall in Kerala.

  • Day 9: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
    3 hours (116 km) from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

    Hike through the stunning landscape of Wayanad and visit Soochipara Waterfall, which is one of the most popular waterfalls in Kerala. Visit the Pookode Lake, which is a natural freshwater lake surrounded by lush green forests. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake.

  • Day 10: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
    2 hours (78 km) from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

    Visit the Thusharagiri Waterfalls, which is a popular spot for trekking and picnics. Take a guided trek through the lush green forests and marvel at the stunning views of the region. Visit the Banasura Sagar Dam, which is the largest earthen dam in India. Enjoy a boat ride on the serene waters of the dam and marvel at the breathtaking landscape of the region.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Munnar Tea Plantation (4 hours, ₹2000)
  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (6 hours, ₹3000)
  • Varkala Beach (4 hours, ₹2500)
  • Athirappilly Waterfall (5 hours, ₹1500)
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (10 hours, ₹5000)
  • Kochi Fort (5 hours, ₹2500)
  • Alleppey Backwaters (8 hours, ₹6000)
  • Soochipara Waterfall (4 hours, ₹1000)
  • Thusharagiri Waterfalls (3 hours, ₹1200)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): ₹26,700

Transportation

Travelers should consider renting a car or hiring a private driver for the duration of the trip. The average cost of renting a car is around ₹2500 per day, and the cost of hiring a private driver is around ₹3000-4000 per day. The total travel time between locations is around 45 hours, and the total distance covered is around 1160 km.

Useful Tips

If travelers have more time, they can consider visiting other popular tourist attractions in Kerala, such as the Bekal Fort, the Anamudi Peak, and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. If they have less time, they can consider skipping one or two destinations from the itinerary.

Airports

The primary airport in Kerala is the Cochin International Airport (COK), which is located in Kochi city and is around 29 km from the city center. Other airports in the region include the Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), which is around 10 km from the city center, and the Calicut International Airport (CCJ), which is around 28 km from the city center.

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