Kerala & North India Adventure – 5 Nov – 21 Nov 2025

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi

Morning: Fly from Nairobi to Kochi with a comfortable layover in Dubai; the international flight costs about $800 round‑trip. Upon arrival, a prepaid airport taxi (≈ $15) will take you to the Hotel Fort Princess (≈ $70/night).

Afternoon: Rest and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the hotel’s sea‑view restaurant, then take a short walk to the historic Fort Kochi promenade. Explore the colonial streets and watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Evening: Dine at Kashi Art Café for local Kerala cuisine and optional cultural show; early night prepares you for tomorrow’s city tour.

Day 2: Kochi Exploration

Morning: Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and the Jewish Synagogue (entry ≈ $5). Stroll to the nearby St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India.

Afternoon: Explore the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry) and its mural‑filled halls (≈ $4). Enjoy a spice‑market lunch at Old Harbour House.

Evening: Take a sunset cruise on the backwaters of Kochi (≈ $12) before returning to the hotel for a relaxed night.

Day 3: Transfer to Alleppey & Houseboat Check‑in

Morning: Board a private van (≈ $50) for the 1.5‑hour scenic drive to Alleppey. Check into the Lake Palace Houseboat (≈ $80/night, includes meals).

Afternoon: Sail through the tranquil backwaters, gliding past paddy fields, coconut groves, and traditional villages. The crew will prepare a fresh Kerala lunch on board.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset view from the deck, followed by a traditional Kathakali performance (≈ $10) on the houseboat.

Day 4: Alleppey Backwater Day

Morning: Continue cruising toward the famous Vembanad Lake, spotting waterbirds and local fishermen at work.

Afternoon: Dock at a small island for a guided walk through a mangrove forest (≈ $8) and a tasting of fresh toddy.

Evening: Return to the houseboat for a dinner of fish curry and coconut rice, then retire to your cabin for a peaceful night on the water.

Day 5: Journey to Munnar

Morning: Disembark and travel by private car (≈ $60) to the hill station of Munnar (≈ 5 h). Check into Tea County Resort (≈ $75/night).

Afternoon: After lunch, visit a working Tea Plantation and learn about tea processing (≈ $10).

Evening: Stroll through the fragrant tea gardens at sunset and enjoy a cozy dinner at the resort’s restaurant.

Day 6: Munnar Highlights

Morning: Trek to the scenic Top Station for panoramic views of the Western Ghats (≈ $12 for transport).

Afternoon: Explore Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (≈ $10 entry).

Evening: Relax with a spa treatment at the resort (≈ $30) and enjoy a quiet night among the hills.

Day 7: Munnar to Thekkady

Morning: Depart for Thekkady by private van (≈ $55). Check into Spice Route Resort (≈ $70/night).

Afternoon: Visit a fragrant Spice Garden for a guided tour and tasting (≈ $8).

Evening: Attend a traditional Kalaripayattu (martial arts) show (≈ $10) before a restful night.

Day 8: Periyar Wildlife Experience

Morning: Embark on a boat safari on Periyar Lake within the wildlife sanctuary (≈ $15).

Afternoon: Guided nature walk to spot elephants, deer, and exotic birds; optional bamboo rafting (≈ $12).

Evening: Return to the resort for dinner and a cultural folk‑dance performance.

Day 9: Travel to Kumarakom

Morning: Private transfer (≈ $50) to the backwater town of Kumarakom; check into Lake Palace Resort (≈ $80/night).

Afternoon: Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (≈ $8) to see migratory birds in their natural habitat.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake followed by a seafood dinner at the resort.

Day 10: Kumarakom to Kochi – Flight to Delhi

Morning: Leisurely breakfast and a short walk along the lakeside promenade.

Afternoon: Return to Kochi by private car (≈ $45) and catch an afternoon flight to Delhi (≈ $150). Transfer to Hotel Grand Palace near Connaught Place (≈ $85/night).

Evening: Light dinner and a brief stroll to the illuminated India Gate for night photography.

Day 11: Delhi Sightseeing

Morning: Guided tour of Red Fort (≈ $10 entry) and the bustling Chandni Chowk market for street food.

Afternoon: Visit the majestic Qutub Minar (≈ $8) and explore the nearby Mehrauli Archaeological Park.

Evening: Dine at Karim’s for authentic Mughlai cuisine, then return to the hotel.

Day 12: Delhi to Rishikesh – Evening Arrival

Morning: Early train from Delhi to Haridwar (≈ $30) and a short taxi ride to Rishikesh (≈ $15).

Afternoon: Check into Ganga View Resort (≈ $65/night) and enjoy a riverside lunch.

Evening: Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat and stroll across the iconic Laxman Jhula.

Day 13: Rishikesh Adventures

Morning: Participate in a beginner’s Yoga Session at a renowned ashram (≈ $25).

Afternoon: Optional white‑water rafting on the Ganges (≈ $35) for adventure seekers.

Evening: Relax with a herbal Ayurvedic massage at the resort (≈ $30) before a quiet dinner.

Day 14: Return to Kerala – Transfer to Kovalam

Morning: Fly from Dehradun (via Delhi) to Thiruvananthapuram (≈ $120). Private transfer (≈ $40) to Sea Breeze Resort, Kovalam (≈ $80/night).

Afternoon: Unwind on the famous Kovalam Beach and explore the lighthouse (free).

Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner featuring freshly caught seafood.

Day 15: Kovalam Leisure Day

Morning: Take a leisurely swim and optional surfing lesson (≈ $20).

Afternoon: Visit the nearby Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium (≈ $6) or simply relax under a palm‑shaded cabana.

Evening: Sunset walk along the shore followed by a cultural dance performance at the resort.

Day 16: Kovalam to Kochi – Departure Preparation

Morning: Check out and travel by private car (≈ $55) back to Kochi Airport.

Afternoon: Last‑minute shopping at Broadway Mall and a quick lunch.

Evening: Board the return flight to Nairobi, ending a memorable 17‑day adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• International Flight Nairobi‑Kochi (round‑trip) – 14 h total – $800
• Domestic Flight Kochi‑Delhi (round‑trip) – 3 h – $300
• Flight Delhi‑Dehradun‑Thiruvananthapuram – 4 h – $120
• Hotel Accommodations (16 nights) – 16 nights – $1,120
• Private Transfers & Van Hire (7 days) – 7 days – $350
• Train Delhi‑Haridwar – 5 h – $30
• Houseboat in Alleppey – 1 night – $80
• Backwater Cruise (Kochi) – 2 h – $12
• Jewish Synagogue (Kochi) – 1 h – $5
• Tea Plantation Tour (Munnar) – 2 h – $10
• Eravikulam National Park – 3 h – $10
• Spice Garden (Thekkady) – 2 h – $8
• Periyar Boat Safari – 2 h – $15
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – 2 h – $8
• Red Fort (Delhi) – 2 h – $10
• Qutub Minar (Delhi) – 2 h – $8
• Yoga Session (Rishikesh) – 1.5 h – $25
• White‑Water Rafting (Rishikesh) – 3 h – $35
• Kovalam Beach & Lighthouse – 4 h – Free
• Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium – 1 h – $6
• Miscellaneous Meals & Snacks – 17 days – $300
• Travel Insurance – 17 days – $70
Total Estimated Cost: $2,900

Tips

To shorten the trip, skip the Rishikesh segment and allocate those two days to extra leisure in Kerala’s beaches; this reduces travel costs by about $200. If you wish to extend, add a day in Munnar for a sunrise trek to Anamudi or spend an extra night in Delhi to explore museums and markets, increasing the budget by roughly $150‑$200 per added night.