7-Day Kerala: Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Kumarakom → Kovalam (North-to-South Loop)

Day 1: Historic Kochi

Kochi, India on November 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Light breakfast with great coffee and local/continental dishes in Fort Kochi; a good spot to start your walking day. Check opening hours (commonly 8:00–18:00).
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Fort Kochi walking tour (Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church)

Stroll the waterfront to see iconic Chinese fishing nets and visit St. Francis Church (one of India’s oldest European churches) for history and photography; many sites are open mornings—St. Francis Church typically 9:00–17:00.
INR0, 2h0m

11:30am

Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace

Explore the palace’s murals and royal history—open usually 10:00–17:00; short visit gives context to Kochi’s multicultural past.
INR50, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fort House / local seafood restaurant

Try Kerala fish curry or seafood thali in Fort Kochi; restaurants are open midday and serve fresh coastal dishes.
INR600, 1h15m

2:30pm

Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue

Browse spice shops and antiques, then see the Paradesi Synagogue (typically open ~10:00–17:00; confirm closures and holidays before visiting).
INR100, 1h30m

5:30pm

Sunset at Fort Kochi waterfront

Relax at the Chinese nets as fishermen bring in catch and the sun sets—free and atmospheric.
INR0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dhe Puttu (or recommended local eatery)

Sample regional specialties like puttu & kadala curry or Kerala-style seafood; popular evening spot—check closing times (commonly 22:00).
INR500, 1h30m

Day 2: To the Hills

Kochi → Munnar, India on November 2, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast and hotel check-out in Kochi

Early breakfast and depart to Munnar to beat traffic and enjoy cooler hill weather; hotels usually serve breakfast from 6:30–9:30.
INR300, 0h45m

7:30am

Drive to Munnar

Scenic 4–5 hour drive through plantations and small towns—plan for a few short stops en route for photos and refreshments.
INR3000, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch en route / on arrival (local South Indian or hotel)

Refuel with a hearty South Indian meal—many restaurants near Munnar serve thali and local dishes; opening times usually midday onwards.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tea Museum & nearby tea garden walk

Visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about tea production and enjoy scenic plantation walks; museum hours are typically ~9:30–17:00 so plan accordingly.
INR100, 1h30m

5:00pm

Echo Point / small viewpoint

Short visit to Echo Point for panoramic views and a pleasant evening stroll—open outdoors, free to visit.
INR0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant (local favorite)

Try traditional Kerala meals and local fish specialties—popular with travelers and typically open for dinner service.
INR600, 1h15m

Day 3: Munnar Sightseeing

Munnar, India on November 3, 2025

6:00am

Eravikulam National Park (early visit)

See the Nilgiri tahr and rolling shola grasslands—best early morning; park hours are generally ~7:00–16:00 but check for seasonal closures or maintenance days.
INR150, 2h30m

9:30am

Breakfast in Munnar town

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a café or your hotel before heading to higher viewpoints—many cafés open by 8:00–9:00.
INR300, 0h45m

10:30am

Top Station and viewpoint

Drive to Top Station for sweeping views at the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border—great for photos and short hikes; open all day (weather dependent).
INR0, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at a local restaurant

Try steamed appams, curries, or vegetarian thali—many hill-station eateries serve fresh local fare around midday.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kundala Lake (pedal boating) or Attukal Waterfalls

Optional boating on Kundala Lake (boats typically operate ~9:00–17:00) or a short hike to Attukal falls for nature and relaxation.
INR400, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Colonial Café / hotel

Relax with dinner in a cozy café or at your hotel—Munnar evenings are cool, ideal for hot stews and local desserts.
INR700, 1h15m

Day 4: Periyar & Spices

Munnar → Thekkady, India on November 4, 2025

7:30am

Drive to Thekkady / Periyar (Kumily)

Scenic 3-hour drive into spice country; plan to arrive before mid-afternoon for activities and check into your hotel on arrival.
INR2000, 3h0m

11:30am

Spice plantation visit & guided walk

See how pepper, cardamom and cinnamon grow and sample spices—plantations are open daytime (usually 9:00–17:00) and guided tours last 1–2 hours.
INR400, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at a local Kerala restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kerala meals often featuring freshly ground spices and coconut—restaurants open for lunch service midday.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat cruise

Cruise on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, deer and birds along the shoreline; boat rides typically run until mid/late afternoon—confirm the exact departure schedule locally.
INR200, 1h0m

6:30pm

Cultural show (Kathakali or Kalaripayattu)

Attend an evening performance to experience Kerala’s traditional dance or martial arts—shows commonly start around 6:00–7:00pm; check local schedules and booking.
INR500, 1h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Thekkady restaurant

Try more spice-infused local dishes (banana leaf meals recommended) and relax after a wildlife day.
INR600, 1h15m

Day 5: Backwaters Cruise

Thekkady → Alleppey (Alappuzha), India on November 5, 2025

7:00am

Optional early morning nature walk or bamboo rafting in Periyar

Guided walks or river activities give a closer view of birds and small mammals—available early mornings; book through your hotel or local operator.
INR400, 1h30m

9:30am

Drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Approximately 4 hours of driving toward the coast and the famed backwaters; stop for lunch en route.
INR2500, 4h0m

1:30pm

Houseboat check-in and boarding (Alleppey)

Board your traditional kettuvallam houseboat around midday—houseboats typically depart between 12:00–14:00 for an afternoon-to-evening cruise; confirm check-in times with operator.
INR8000, 0h45m

2:00pm

Lunch onboard houseboat

Enjoy a freshly cooked Kerala lunch while the boat navigates canals, rice paddies and village waterways—meals are usually included in the houseboat price.
INR0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Village canal cruise & coir-village visit

Short stops to see traditional village life, toddy tapping and coir-making; many houseboats include these local visits—check your itinerary on boarding.
INR0, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner and overnight on houseboat

Kerala-style dinner on board as the boat anchors for the night—peaceful backwater experience and starry skies.
INR0, 10h0m

Day 6: Birds & Beaches

Alleppey → Kumarakom → Kovalam, India on November 6, 2025

6:30am

Disembark & breakfast in Alleppey

Early breakfast after houseboat cruise and prepare to visit nearby attractions; many cafés open by 7:00–8:00.
INR200, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Short drive to Kumarakom (approx 45–60 min) to visit the bird sanctuary—best early morning for migratory and resident birds; sanctuary hours typically start early (~6:30 onwards).
INR500, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Kumarakom backwater restaurant

Enjoy fresh fish and coconut-based dishes overlooking Vembanad Lake before the transfer south to Kovalam.
INR600, 1h0m

1:00pm

Drive to Kovalam / Thiruvananthapuram

Longer scenic drive (~4–5 hours) down the coast to Kovalam beach—plan arrival in late afternoon for sunset.
INR3500, 4h30m

4:30pm

Sunset at Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam

Relax on the golden sands and climb the small lighthouse for views; beaches are open all day and are liveliest at sunset.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at seaside restaurant (The Tides/Seagull)

Dine on seafood or continental dishes with beach views—popular restaurants often open into the evening.
INR800, 1h15m

Day 7: Culture & Departure

Kovalam / Thiruvananthapuram, India on November 7, 2025

7:00am

Morning beach time or yoga session

Sunrise walk or an organized beach yoga class to unwind—many instructors offer early sessions on Kovalam beaches.
INR300, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel / café

Final Kerala breakfast—try idiyappam with stew or appam with egg/vegetable stew before heading into town.
INR350, 0h45m

9:30am

Padmanabhaswamy Temple visit (Thiruvananthapuram)

Important 18th-century temple with strict dress code and set opening hours (commonly morning 5:00–11:00 and evening 17:00–19:00); men require mundu/dhoti and women long skirt/saree—check temple rules and queue times in advance.
INR0, 1h0m

11:30am

Napier Museum & Kuthiramalika (Thiruvananthapuram)

Explore local history, royal artifacts and a small cultural museum—usually open 10:00–17:00; good for a quick cultural overview before departure.
INR20, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch & last-minute shopping in Trivandrum

Enjoy a final Kerala meal and pick up spices, coir products or cashews for gifts; many shops and restaurants open through afternoon.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Transfer to Thiruvananthapuram Airport / Railway for departure

Allow at least 2 hours for domestic flights and extra for international flights; arrange transfer based on your flight/train time.
INR0, 0h30m
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