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6-Day South-to-Southwest Kerala Loop: Kochi > Munnar > Thekkady > Alleppey > Kovalam

Viewed by 66 travelers

Day 1: Historic Kochi

Fort Kochi, Kochi, India on August 28, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Charming café in Fort Kochi famous for breakfast and bakery items; great place to begin your walking tour. Kashi usually opens around 9:00am—arrive early to avoid queues.
INR400, 1h0m

10:00am

Fort Kochi walking tour (Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica)

Explore the iconic Chinese fishing nets and colonial-era churches; St Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica are open roughly 9:30–5:00pm and make an atmospheric morning visit.
INR0, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dhe Puttu

Casual spot specialising in traditional Kerala puttu and curry—simple, local flavours ideal for a midday meal. Open from late morning through evening so lunchtime service is reliable.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) & Paradesi Synagogue

Short drive to Mattancherry to see the palace's murals and the 16th-century Paradesi Synagogue; Dutch Palace typically open 10:00–17:00 and the synagogue usually allows visits in the morning/early afternoon—check local timings for Friday/Sabbath variations.
INR100, 2h0m

4:30pm

Sunset at the Chinese Fishing Nets / Marine Drive

Return to the waterfront for sunset and people-watching; an effortless way to end the afternoon and capture classic Kochi photos. Public promenade is open all day.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Rice Boat (Xandari Harbour House) or Fort House Restaurant

Choose a seafood-speciality restaurant along the harbour for fresh Kerala-influenced seafood or a cosy Fort Kochi eatery; most restaurants serve dinner from 7:00pm to 10:30pm.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 2: Drive to Munnar

Munnar, India on August 29, 2025

7:00am

Quick hotel breakfast and depart for Munnar

Early start from Kochi to avoid traffic and make the most of the hill station; pack layers—the drive takes about 4–5 hours with scenic mountain roads.
INR300, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant, Munnar

Reliable local restaurant serving Kerala and South Indian dishes—handy right after arrival. Open midday; popular with tourists for a hearty meal.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tea Museum (Kannan Devan Hills Plantation)

Small museum explaining tea processing with a walk through surrounding tea fields—open typically 9:00–17:00 and offers good afternoon light for photos.
INR150, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in and stroll around Munnar market

Check into your hotel and take a relaxed walk through the market to sample local snacks and buy spices—shops are generally open until early evening.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan or a local family restaurant

Simple South Indian thali or dosa to taste local vegetarian staples—most restaurants serve until 9:30–10:00pm in Munnar.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 3: Munnar sights

Munnar, India on August 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a full day in the hills; many hotels open breakfast 7:00–9:30am with warm local options and strong tea.
INR250, 45m

8:30am

Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri Tahr viewpoint)

Visit to see the endemic Nilgiri tahr and sweeping montane scenery; park hours are typically 7:30–16:00—start early to ensure entry and cooler temperatures.
INR250, 2h30m

11:30am

Mattupetty Dam & Boating

Short drive to the dam for boating amid pine and tea-slope backdrops; the boathouse is usually open from mid-morning to late afternoon.
INR150, 1h15m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Old Surrey Tea Room or local restaurant

Relaxed lunch with views and uncomplicated menu—great to sample local fish curries or continental fare if you want a break from South Indian cuisine.
INR600, 1h15m

3:00pm

Echo Point and Kundala Lake / Top Station (scenic viewpoints)

Afternoon visits to Echo Point and, time permitting, Top Station for panoramic views; roads and viewpoints are accessible until dusk but check weather (clouds/fog can limit views).
INR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Bamboo or a recommended hotel restaurant

Choose a cosy restaurant to try Kerala-style preparations or international dishes—most kitchen services run through the evening.
INR700, 1h15m

Day 4: Periyar wildlife

Thekkady (Periyar), India on August 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and depart for Thekkady

Breakfast at hotel then scenic drive from Munnar to Thekkady (~3–4 hours). Carry light rainwear—hills can be wet.
INR300, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at a local restaurant in Thekkady

Sample spice-rich Keralan dishes near Periyar town—most places serve lunch until 2:30pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Periyar Lake boat cruise

Popular guided boat cruise on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, deer and birds along the forest edge; afternoon cruises typically run 14:00–16:00 or later—book in advance and confirm timings at the reserve office.
INR300, 1h30m

5:30pm

Visit a spice plantation

Short guided walk around a spice garden to see pepper, cardamom and vanilla plants; most plantations host visitors until early evening and offer tastings and purchases.
INR200, 1h0m

7:30pm

Kathakali performance or Kalaripayattu show

Evening cultural performance available at local centres—shows commonly start between 5:30–7:30pm; Kathakali is ideal for classical storytelling while Kalaripayattu displays martial arts.
INR500, 1h30m

9:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Hearty dinner at your hotel; hotels in Thekkady usually serve until late evening.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 5: Backwaters houseboat

Alappuzha (Alleppey), India on September 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and depart for Alleppey

Early breakfast and drive from Thekkady to Alleppey (approx 3.5–4.5 hours); plan to arrive by early afternoon to board the houseboat. Roads are mostly plain, expect some traffic near towns.
INR300, 1h0m

1:00pm

Board traditional Kettuvallam houseboat (check-in around 12:00–14:00)

Boarding time for most houseboats is around noon–2pm; your houseboat will cruise the Alleppey backwaters, offering a slow, immersive experience of village life and waterways.
INR3500, 6h0m

1:30pm

Lunch on board (Kerala seafood/vegetarian spread)

Freshly prepared Kerala-style lunch served aboard—houseboat kitchens typically open for lunch at boarding and provide fish, rice, and vegetable curries.
INR0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Cruise through paddy-channel canals & village stops

Afternoon cruise passes narrow canals, village dwellings and toddy shops—houseboats usually continue until evening, offering photo stops and local interactions.
INR0, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner on board and overnight in houseboat

Kerala-style dinner served on the boat; overnight on the water is peaceful—houseboats provide basic ensuite comforts and staff service throughout the evening.
INR0, 10h0m

Day 6: Beach & depart

Kovalam / Thiruvananthapuram, India on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast on the houseboat and disembark

Breakfast served on board and disembark typically by 9:00–10:00am depending on operator—confirm checkout time when booking.
INR0, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Kovalam / Thiruvananthapuram (approx 3–4 hours)

Scenic coastal drive to Kovalam, arriving early afternoon; plan for a relaxed arrival and check-in at a beachside hotel in Kovalam.
INR400, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Temple / The Tides in Kovalam

Beachside cafés offer fresh seafood and light meals—perfect to settle in before an afternoon on the sand; most cafés open for lunch from midday.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Lighthouse Beach and visit Kovalam Lighthouse

Spend the afternoon at Lighthouse Beach—the lighthouse viewpoint is typically open 8:30–17:30 and gives panoramic coastal views. Enjoy swimming or a tuk-tuk ride along the coastline.
INR50, 2h0m

6:00pm

Sunset and Ayurvedic massage option

Catch the sunset from the beach and consider an evening Ayurvedic massage at a licensed centre (centres usually operate 9:00–20:00); book in advance for best slots.
INR1200, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Seagull or beachside restaurant

Final seafood or Kerala-thali dinner on the beach—many restaurants serve until late evening near Kovalam’s main beaches.
INR800, 1h0m
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