4-Day Kerala Loop: Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey Backwaters

Day 1: Kochi culture

Kochi, India on August 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe (Fort Kochi)

Light Kerala-style and continental breakfast in a popular artsy café; a great spot to start exploring Fort Kochi. Cafe typically opens around 8:00am — confirm opening on public holidays.
INR500, 1h0m

9:00am

Fort Kochi walking tour

Self-guided stroll through colonial streets, heritage homes, and murals — see Vasco da Gama statue, St. Francis Church and charming lanes; best in the morning to avoid heat.
INR0, 2h0m

11:30am

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) & Jew Town

Explore the 16th-century palace’s murals and the antique markets of Jew Town; the palace is typically open around 10:00am–5:00pm (confirm local hours).
INR100, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fort House / Fusion Bay

Coastal-Kerala and seafood specialties with sea views; relaxed lunch to sample local fish preparations and rice-based dishes. Most waterfront restaurants serve lunch from 12:00pm–3:00pm.
INR800, 1h0m

3:00pm

St. Francis Church & Chinese Fishing Nets (late afternoon)

Visit India’s oldest European church (St. Francis) then watch the iconic Chinese fishing nets in action on the waterfront — the public jetty and nets are accessible most of the day.
INR0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Marine Drive / Chinese Nets

Return for waterfront sunset photos; this is the best time for golden light and local life along the shore.
INR0, 45m

7:00pm

Kathakali performance (Kerala cultural show)

Traditional Kathakali or short classical-dance demonstration explaining face-painting and stories — evening shows usually start between 6:00pm–7:30pm, so confirm local schedule.
INR800, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at The Rice Boat or Malabar Junction

Fine seafood or regional Kerala menu in a comfortable setting — reserve ahead for dinner service (restaurants often open 7:00pm–10:30pm).
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 2: Tea hills

Munnar, India on August 22, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast and depart Kochi for Munnar

Early hotel breakfast or packed breakfast then a scenic 4–5 hour drive east to Munnar through the plains into hill roads; aim to leave by 6:00–6:30am to avoid traffic and arrive before mid-day.
INR4000, 4h30m

11:00am

Hotel check-in and short rest

Check into a hill-station hotel and acclimatize — Munnar weather is cooler, so plan a relaxed first hour after arrival.
INR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Local Kerala and South-Indian meal — popular with visitors and centrally located in Munnar town; lunch service typically 12:00pm–3:00pm.
INR450, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tata Tea/Tea Museum and factory visit

Short museum tour to learn about tea processing and Munnar’s tea history; museum hours are usually around 9:30am–4:30pm — confirm seasonal timing.
INR150, 1h0m

3:30pm

Mattupetty Dam and boating

Pleasant reservoir and boating area with mountain reflections; boating typically available 9:00am–5:00pm depending on season.
INR400, 1h0m

5:00pm

Echo Point and short viewpoints

Visit Echo Point for quick photos and short walks among tea slopes — ideal late-afternoon visit for cooler light and quieter paths.
INR0, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan or local restaurant

Choose between popular vegetarian South Indian fare or hotel restaurant for Kerala specialties; many places serve dinner from 7:00pm onward.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 3: Wildlife & spices

Thekkady (Periyar), India on August 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel and depart Munnar for Thekkady

Early breakfast then drive ~3 hours southeast to Thekkady/Periyar — leaving early gives more afternoon time for spice plantations and the boat cruise.
INR3000, 3h0m

11:00am

Spice plantation tour

Guided short tour of a working spice garden to see pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and more; plantations generally welcome visitors from 9:00am–5:00pm.
INR200, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at a local restaurant (Thekkady)

Try Kerala-style vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes; eateries are open for lunch from 12:00pm–3:00pm.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat cruise

One of the best ways to spot wildlife (elephants, deer, birds) on the lake — boat cruises typically run in the morning and mid-afternoon (confirm exact timings and ticket availability).
INR400, 1h30m

4:30pm

Optional nature walk or bamboo rafting (seasonal)

Short guided nature walk or bamboo rafting along quieter channels — availability depends on season and local operators, usually late afternoon.
INR300, 1h0m

7:30pm

Cultural show (optional) & Dinner at Peppervine or The Elephant Court

Attend a Kalaripayattu (martial art) or cultural program if available, then enjoy a Kerala-flavored dinner — many venues host shows around 7:00pm–8:00pm.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 4: Backwaters

Alleppey (Alappuzha) → Kochi, India on August 24, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast and depart Thekkady for Alleppey

Early breakfast then drive west toward the coast to Alleppey (approximately 3.5–4 hours) to reach the backwater boarding point before midday.
INR3500, 4h0m

11:30am

Houseboat check-in (Alleppey) and start of backwater cruise

Most houseboats check in around 11:30am–12:30pm; enjoy a peaceful cruise through canals, paddy fields and village scenes with lunch served onboard. Confirm check-in/check-out times with operator.
INR5000, 4h0m

4:00pm

Disembark and short walk at Alappuzha Beach

Stretch your legs on the broad Alappuzha beach and watch local fishermen; public beach access is available throughout the day.
INR0, 45m

5:30pm

Drive from Alleppey to Kochi (or to Cochin Airport/Ernakulam)

Transfer back to Kochi or the airport (approx 1.5–2 hours) depending on your onward plans — allow buffer time for evening traffic when heading to the airport.
INR1500, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner in Kochi (final night)

Enjoy a final Kerala meal or seafood dinner in Kochi — book a riverside or Fort Kochi restaurant for a relaxed finish to the loop.
INR800, 1h0m
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