How many days do you need in Kerla?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Kerla, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Kerla?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Kerla. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

7-Day Kerala Coastal and Hill Circuit: Kochi to Munnar to Alleppey and Kovalam

Day 1: Historic Kochi

Kochi, India on January 20, 2026

8:00am

Fort Kochi Walk

Stroll the colonial streets, see Chinese fishing nets and street art; great introduction to Kochi's layered history.

INR0, 2h0m

10:30am

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)

Explore 16th-century murals and royal artifacts that showcase Kerala's Hindu and Portuguese past; open 9:00–17:00.

INR20, 1h0m

12:00pm

Jew Town & Paradesi Synagogue

Browse antiques and spices; visit the 1568 synagogue with its hand-painted tiles (synagogue open 10:00–12:30 and 15:00–17:00).

INR50, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch – Kashi Art Cafe

Casual café in Fort Kochi serving Kerala-style fish and vegetarian fare; good for light midday rest.

INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kerala Folklore Museum

Private collection of artifacts, costumes and performing arts pieces illustrating Kerala's cultural heritage; open 10:00–18:00.

INR100, 1h30m

5:00pm

Sunset at Chinese Fishing Nets

Iconic photo opportunity and lively waterfront atmosphere as fishermen work the tide.

INR0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner – The Rice Boat (Taj Malabar) or Fusion Bay

Enjoy coastal Kerala seafood with quality service (Rice Boat requires booking); Fusion Bay offers reliable local dishes in Fort Kochi.

INR1200, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Kochi

Day 2: Kochi to Munnar

Kochi to Munnar, India on January 21, 2026

7:00am

Drive to Munnar

Scenic 4–5 hour drive (approx. 130 km) into the Western Ghats; start early to avoid traffic and enjoy hill vistas.

INR2500, 5h0m

12:30pm

Check-in & Lunch at Hotel

Settle into a tea estate resort and have a hearty Malayali meal to refuel before afternoon exploring.

INR800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tea Museum (Kanan Devan)

Small museum explaining tea processing with tastings; open 10:00–18:00 — great for understanding Munnar's industry.

INR75, 1h0m

3:30pm

Eravikulam National Park (if open)

Home of the Nilgiri tahr and the panoramic Anamudi view; check park status (seasonal closures) and open 7:00–16:00.

INR150, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner – Saravana Bhavan or Local Kerala Cuisine at Hotel

Choose South Indian classics at a reliable chain or enjoy traditional Kerala curries at your resort.

INR600, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Kochi to Munnar

Day 3: Munnar Highlights

Munnar, India on January 22, 2026

6:30am

Sunrise at Top Station

Early drive for sweeping views over the valley and rare shola grasslands; best at sunrise for cooler air and clear views.

INR0, 2h0m

9:30am

Mattupetty Dam & Boating

Pleasant reservoir with speedboat rides and nearby dairy farm; boating typically available 9:00–17:00.

INR150, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch – Sarapan Bungalow or Local Restaurant

Comfortable lunch with local and continental options near major attractions.

INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tea Estate Walk

Guided or self-guided walk through manicured tea fields to learn plucking techniques and enjoy aromas.

INR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Blossom or Local Spice Market

Shop for tea, spices and handmade chutneys to take home; many shops open until early evening.

INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner – Rapsy Restaurant

Popular spot for Kerala meals and dosas — casual, local favorite.

INR400, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady

Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar), India on January 23, 2026

8:00am

Drive to Thekkady

Scenic 3–4 hour drive (approx. 90 km) descending into spice country; arrive midday for Periyar activities.

INR1800, 4h0m

12:30pm

Check-in & Lunch

Relax and try local spicy dishes; many hotels offer spice garden tours starting after lunch.

INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Cruise

Popular 1–2 hour boat ride on Periyar Lake offering wildlife sightings (elephants, deer, birds); cruises run 6:30–8:00 and 10:00–16:00 (confirm locally).

INR200, 1h30m

5:30pm

Spice Plantation Walk

Short guided tour to see cardamom, pepper, cloves and learn about spices' uses; typically offered late afternoon.

INR300, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner – Local Kerala Thali

Savor a traditional multi-dish thali featuring rice, sambar, fish or vegetable curries and payasam.

INR400, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar)

Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey

Thekkady to Alleppey, India on January 24, 2026

7:00am

Morning Nature Walk or Village Visit

Optional early guided walk near the sanctuary or visit local markets to see daily life before departure.

INR300, 1h30m

9:00am

Drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Approx. 4-hour drive (around 140 km) to the backwaters; arrive in time for boarding a houseboat.

INR2000, 4h0m

1:30pm

Board Houseboat (Houseboat Lunch Included)

Check-in to a traditional kettuvallam for a 1-night backwater cruise through canals and paddy fields; cruises typically run midday to next morning.

INR6000, 6h0m

7:30pm

Dinner on Houseboat

Freshly prepared Kerala seafood and vegetarian options served aboard as you glide past lit villages.

INR0, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Thekkady to Alleppey

Day 6: Alleppey to Varkala

Alappuzha to Varkala, India on January 25, 2026

7:30am

Disembark & Breakfast

Finish houseboat cruise with a traditional breakfast and disembark at Alleppey jetty by 8:30–9:00.

INR0, 1h0m

10:00am

Drive to Varkala

Approx. 3–3.5 hour coastal drive (around 140 km) to the clifftop beach town of Varkala for relaxed beach time.

INR1800, 3h30m

2:00pm

Lunch – Cliffside Café

Enjoy seafood or international fare with cliff and sea views along Varkala's promenade.

INR600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Papanasam Beach & Sivagiri Mutt

Swim or relax on the beach and visit the nearby ashram complex and hill shrine; beach access is open daily.

INR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner – Darjeeling Café or Local Seafood

Casual dining with cliff views and fresh Kerala coastal dishes.

INR500, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Alappuzha to Varkala

Day 7: Varkala to Kovalam

Varkala to Kovalam (Thiruvananthapuram), India on January 26, 2026

8:00am

Drive to Kovalam / Thiruvananthapuram

About 1.5–2 hour drive (approx. 50–60 km) to Kovalam; if time permits, stop at Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram (open 3:30–11:00 and 17:00–19:30, dress code applies).

INR800, 2h0m

10:30am

Kovalam Lighthouse Beach

Relax or swim at the popular crescent-shaped beach with the iconic lighthouse; plenty of cafés and shops nearby.

INR0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch – The Indian Coffee House or Seagull

Simple, affordable South Indian meals or coastal plates with seaside ambiance.

INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Ayurvedic Massage / Spa (book ahead)

Traditional Kerala treatment recommended in Kovalam — many centers open 9:00–20:00; book in advance for preferred slots.

INR1500, 1h0m

6:30pm

Sunset & Dinner at Beachside Restaurant

Enjoy seafood and coastal ambiance as the day ends; travel back to Kochi same evening (~4–5 hours) or overnight in Kovalam and return next morning.

INR800, 2h0m

Find Hotels in Varkala to Kovalam (Thiruvananthapuram)

Step 1 Outline Preview:

7-Day Kerala Coastal and Hill Circuit: Kochi to Munnar to Alleppey and Kovalam

Day 1: Historic Kochi

8:00am

10:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 2: Kochi to Munnar

7:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

3:30pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Munnar Highlights

6:30am

9:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady

8:00am

12:30pm

3:00pm

5:30pm

8:00pm

Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey

7:00am

9:00am

1:30pm

7:30pm

Day 6: Alleppey to Varkala

7:30am

10:00am

2:00pm

3:30pm

7:30pm

Day 7: Varkala to Kovalam

8:00am

10:30am

1:00pm

3:00pm

6:30pm

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