7-Day Kerala Highlights Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Kochi Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Cochin International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Fort Kochi. Take a leisurely walk to admire the historic Chinese Fishing Nets and the vibrant streets of Mattancherry Palace.

Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch before visiting the iconic St. Francis Church and the bustling Jew Town market, perfect for picking up spices and handicrafts.

Evening: Savor a sunset cruise along the backwaters of Kochi followed by a dinner of fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant.

Day 2: Munnar – Tea Gardens & Hilltop Views

Morning: Drive to the misty hills of Munnar and start with a guided tour of the sprawling Tea Plantations, learning about tea processing.

Afternoon: Visit the picturesque Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy panoramic views from Top Station.

Evening: Return to your hillside resort for a relaxed dinner, perhaps trying the local specialty, appam with stew.

Day 3: Thekkady – Wildlife & Spices

Morning: Head to Thekkady and embark on a boat safari on Periyar Lake, watching elephants, deer, and a variety of birds along the lake’s banks.

Afternoon: Explore a nearby Spice Plantation where you’ll taste fresh pepper, cardamom, and vanilla, and learn about their cultivation.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance or a cooking class showcasing Kerala cuisine.

Day 4: Alappuzha – Houseboat Backwaters

Morning: Travel to Alappuzha and board a classic Kerala Houseboat. Cruise through tranquil canals, passing palm‑lined banks and rice paddies.

Afternoon: Relish a freshly prepared Kerala lunch aboard the boat, featuring fish curry, banana chips, and pickles, while drifting past villages.

Evening: Disembark at a riverside resort, relax, and enjoy a sunset view over the backwaters before a quiet dinner.

Day 5: Kovalam – Sun, Sand & Sea

Morning: Drive to the coastal town of Kovalam and unwind on the famous Lighthouse Beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Afternoon: Take a short trip to nearby Trivandrum to visit the historic Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the scenic Kovalam Lighthouse for panoramic coastal views.

Evening: Dine at a beachfront restaurant, savoring Kerala's coconut-infused seafood dishes as the waves lap the shore.

Day 6: Varkala – Cliffside Views & Relaxation

Morning: Journey to Varkala and stroll along the dramatic cliffs, stopping at the sacred Janardana Swami Temple.

Afternoon: Lounge on the golden sands of Varkala Beach, try a soothing Ayurvedic massage, and sample local snacks from beachside stalls.

Evening: Watch the sunset from the cliffside cafés, followed by a relaxed dinner featuring Kerala's famous beef fry or vegetarian thali.

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and take a final walk along the beach or shop for souvenirs.

Afternoon: Transfer to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for your departure flight, carrying wonderful memories of Kerala.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Chinese Fishing Nets (Kochi) – 1 hour – $10
• Mattancherry Palace – 1.5 hours – $12
• St. Francis Church – 45 mins – $5
• Tea Plantation Tour (Munnar) – 2 hours – $15
• Eravikulam National Park – 3 hours – $10
• Top Station – 1 hour – $5
• Periyar Lake Boat Safari – 2.5 hours – $25
• Spice Plantation – 2 hours – $10
• Houseboat Cruise (Alappuzha) – 4 hours – $80
• Lighthouse Beach (Kovalam) – 2 hours – $0 (free)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple – 1 hour – $5
• Varkala Cliff & Beach – 3 hours – $0 (free)
• Meals (average per day) – 7 days – $50
• Local Transport & Transfers – 7 days – $100
• Accommodation (mid-range) – 7 nights – $350
• Guided Tours & Entry Fees – total – $90
• Total Estimated Cost – $752

Tips

To extend the trip, add a day in the backwaters to explore the lesser‑known villages of Kumarakom or a wildlife safari in Wayanad. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Day 5 and Day 6 by visiting Kovalam and Varkala in a single day, or skip the temple visit in Trivandrum and focus on the beaches.