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

7‑Day Kerala Exploration Itinerary

Viewed by 66 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Kochi Highlights

Morning: Arrive at Cochin International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Fort Kochi. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely walk along the historic streets, soaking up the colonial charm.

Afternoon: Explore the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at the waterfront, then visit the vibrant Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) to admire its exquisite murals.

Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant while watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea, and experience a traditional Kathakali performance in the cultural quarter.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Journey to Munnar – Tea Country

Morning: Depart early for the hill station of Munnar, enjoying scenic drives through misty valleys. Check into a plantation‑style resort upon arrival.

Afternoon: Tour a lush Tea Plantation, learn about processing, and sip freshly brewed tea while overlooking rolling hills.

Evening: Visit the Eravikulam National Park for a short trek to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy panoramic views from Top Station at dusk.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Thekkady & Wildlife

Morning: Travel to Thekkady and settle into a jungle lodge. Take a guided nature walk in the surrounding forest.

Afternoon: Embark on a boat safari on Periyar Lake within Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to spot elephants, deer, and a variety of birds.

Evening: Explore a local Spice Plantation, tasting aromatic pepper, cardamom, and vanilla, followed by a traditional Kerala dinner.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Backwaters of Alappuzha

Morning: Drive to Alappuzha (Alleppey) and board a classic wooden houseboat for an overnight cruise.

Afternoon: Glide through tranquil canals, passing verdant paddy fields, coconut groves, and tiny villages; enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala lunch on board.

Evening: Watch a spectacular sunset from the deck, then savor a sunset dinner while the houseboat gently rocks on the water.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary & Transfer to Kovalam

Morning: Disembark the houseboat and head to the serene Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for a guided bird‑watching walk.

Afternoon: Continue the journey south to the coastal town of Kovalam, checking into a beach resort.

Evening: Stroll along Kovalam Beach, relax on the golden sand, and enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront shala.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Beach Leisure & Lighthouse

Morning: Spend leisurely hours swimming and sunbathing at the famed Lighthouse Beach, and climb the historic Kovalam Lighthouse for sweeping ocean vistas.

Afternoon: Optional water‑sports such as kayaking or a short Ayurvedic massage at a nearby spa for rejuvenation.

Evening: Attend a cultural program featuring traditional music and dance, then dine under the stars with a view of the sea.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Trivandrum Sightseeing & Departure

Morning: Transfer to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and visit the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple to admire its intricate architecture.

Afternoon: Explore the nearby Kovalam Museum of History and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café.

Evening: Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, carrying memories of Kerala’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Fort Kochi – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: $8
  • Chinese Fishing Nets – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: $5
  • Mattancherry Palace – Estimated time: 1.5 hrs – Estimated cost: $7
  • Tea Plantation (Munnar) – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: $6
  • Eravikulam National Park – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: $12
  • Top Station – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: $4
  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (boat safari) – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: $15
  • Spice Plantation – Estimated time: 1.5 hrs – Estimated cost: $5
  • Houseboat (overnight) – Estimated time: 12 hrs – Estimated cost: $120
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: $8
  • Kovalam Beach – Estimated time: 3 hrs – Estimated cost: $0 (free)
  • Kovalam Lighthouse – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: $3
  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple – Estimated time: 1.5 hrs – Estimated cost: $0 (free, donation optional)
  • Local meals & refreshments (average per day) – Estimated time: – – Estimated cost: $25 × 7 = $175
  • Transportation (private driver & fuel) – Estimated time: – – Estimated cost: $250
  • Accommodation (mid‑range) – Estimated time: – – Estimated cost: $70 × 6 nights = $420
  • Entry fees & activities total – Estimated time: – – Estimated cost: $203
  • Total Estimated Cost: $1,186

Tips

If you wish to extend your Kerala experience, add an extra day in Wayanad for waterfalls and caves, or spend a relaxing day in Varkala for cliff‑side views. To shorten the trip, combine Day 5 and Day 6 by staying in Kovalam throughout and skipping the Kumarakom bird sanctuary, which will still give you a balanced taste of backwaters and beach leisure.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version