Begin your trip to Kerala by soaking in the cultural heritage of Kochi. Visit the Fort Kochi area to explore the colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Then, take a 20-minute drive to the Mattancherry Palace, also called the Dutch Palace, to see the murals and portraits from the 16th century. Finally, enjoy a relaxing evening at the Marine Drive, with its picturesque sunset views over the Arabian Sea.
On day two, you'll head to Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala. Begin with a visit to the Munnar Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and sample some of the local brew. Then, take a 30-minute drive to the Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and admire the stunning views of the Western Ghats. Wrap up the day with a Kathakali performance, a classical Indian dance-drama that tells stories from Hindu mythology.
Thekkady is your destination for day three, known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. Begin your day with a boat ride on the Periyar Lake, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and other animals in their natural habitat. Then, take a guided tour of the spice plantations to learn about cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices grown in the region. End your day with a visit to the Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali, a cultural centre showcasing Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala, and various other traditional dance forms.
Head to Kumarakom on day four, famous for its backwaters and bird sanctuary. Begin with a serene boat ride through Vembanad Lake, to admire the swaying coconut palms and lush greenery that bound it. In the afternoon, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which is home to many avian species such as the Siberian Crane, Cormorants, Egrets, Darters, Herons and many more. End your day with a peaceful evening at the Pathiramanal Island, a unique place where you'll sail in a boat through the uninterrupted waters of the Vembanad lake surrounded by vivid flora and fauna.
On day five take a backwater journey from Kumarakom to Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East. Traverse through the labyrinths of backwaters and narrow canals that lead to an array of charming hamlets. To re-energize and beat the heat along the way, make sure you indulge in a delicious traditional lunch prepared on the houseboats you'll be cruising in. Finally, cap off your day by taking a stroll through the local markets and taking part in some retail therapy in Alleppey beach. Here, you'll also witness incomparable sunset views.
On your final day, take a tour of one of the most popular beach destinations of Kerala - Varkala.
Take a dip in the Varkala Beach where you can see the stunning cliffs lining the coastline with the bustling markets and cafés of Varkala town beyond. Make your way to the Janardana Swami Temple, a 2000-year-old spiritual spot that has preserved some of the richest mythological tales over time. Take a walk in the Anjengo Fort, a landmark that holds great importance as a witness to glorious historical events. Wind up the day by relaxing in a therapeutic Ayurvedic massage, a Traditional healing experience of India.
You may hire a private cab or self-drive car from Kochi or any other nearby cities to make your journey hassle-free. The cost of a rental car usually starts at INR 3,500 per day. Buses and trains are other budget-friendly options that can take you from one location to another. The travel time mentioned in the itinerary is about the time spent traveling by car, and the actual time may vary based on the chosen mode of transportation. Also, we recommend booking your tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
If you have more time, you can explore other popular destinations in Kerala like Kovalam, Wayanad, and Thrissur. If you have less time, you can skip Varkala and erase Ayurveda massage from your schedule to fit in Kochi's popular street food experiences.
The Cochin International Airport (COK) is the primary airport in Kerala, and it is located approximately 29 km north-east of the Cochin city center. Taxis, buses, and rental cars are readily available for connections.