Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

7-Day Coastal to Backwaters Loop: Kerala Highlights (Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Kovalam → Thiruvananthapuram)

Viewed by 78 travelers

Day 1: Historic Kochi

Kochi, India on January 21, 2026

8:30am

Fort Kochi Walk

Stroll the historic Fort Kochi area to see Chinese fishing nets, colonial architecture, and St. Francis Church—great for photos and context on Kerala's trading history. Check opening times of individual sites (often 9:00am onward).
INR0, 2h0m

10:30am

Mattancherry Palace & Jewish Synagogue

Visit the 16th-century Dutch Palace for murals and the Paradesi Synagogue for its tiled floor and antiques; both close mid-afternoon so visit in the morning. Palace: typically 9:00–17:00, Synagogue: 09:00–16:00 (confirm locally).
INR5, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe

Light Kerala and fusion dishes in a cool artsy café in Fort Kochi—good for vegetarian and seafood options.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kerala Folklore Museum

Explore traditional art, costumes and cultural artifacts; allows deeper understanding of Kerala's performing arts (check opening hours, generally 9:30–17:30).
INR200, 1h30m

4:00pm

Sunset at Marine Drive

Relax along the waterfront promenade for sunset views and local snacks; open public space.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Fusion Bay

Seafood specialities with coastal Kerala flavors near Fort Kochi; good evening atmosphere.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 2: Hill Retreat

Munnar, India on January 22, 2026

7:00am

Drive to Munnar

Scenic 4-5 hour drive from Kochi into the Western Ghats with tea garden views; depart early to maximize hill time.
INR0, 5h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan (Munnar)

Reliable South Indian vegetarian thali and dosas—good quick hearty meal after travel.
INR400, 45m

2:00pm

Tea Estate Visit & Tea Museum

Walk through plantation lanes and visit the Tea Museum to learn processing and sample local teas; museum usually 9:00–17:00.
INR150, 1h30m

4:00pm

Echo Point & Kundala Lake

Short drives to scenic viewpoints; paddleboat on Kundala Lake (check boat operating hours, often until sunset).
INR200, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Home-style Kerala and continental dishes popular with visitors—try local fish curry if available.
INR800, 1h0m

Day 3: Munnar Peaks

Munnar, India on January 23, 2026

6:00am

Sunrise at Top Station

Early drive to Top Station for sunrise panoramas over the Western Ghats and valley of flowers; start before dawn and check road conditions in advance.
INR0, 3h0m

10:00am

Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point

Visit the dam, watch for Nilgiri tahrs in the hills and enjoy boating at Mattupetty (boat hours usually 9:00–17:00).
INR150, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Saravana Bhavan or local diner

Simple South Indian fare to refuel—dosa, sambar and rice meals are widely available.
INR400, 45m

3:00pm

Eravikulam National Park (if open)

Home to the Nilgiri tahr and shola grasslands; check park opening and permit requirements (often closed seasonally—confirm ahead).
INR100, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Saracens

Upscale option for Kerala specialties and continental cuisine in Munnar town.
INR1200, 1h0m

Day 4: Wildlife & Spice

Thekkady (Periyar), India on January 24, 2026

8:00am

Drive to Thekkady

3–4 hour scenic drive from Munnar to Thekkady; arrive midday and settle into a spice garden stay if possible.
INR0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ambadi Restaurant

Traditional Kerala meals and local spice-infused dishes near Thekkady town.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Periyar Wildlife Boat Cruise

Afternoon boat cruise on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, deer and birds along the shore; cruises usually 07:00–10:00 and 14:00–17:00—book in advance.
INR300, 1h30m

5:30pm

Spice Plantation Walk

Guided walk through a spice estate to learn about pepper, cardamom and cinnamon; tours typically run daily but confirm with the estate.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Thekkady Gate Restaurant

Local Kerala and Malabar dishes with vegetarian options.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 5: Backwater Cruise

Alleppey (Alappuzha), India on January 25, 2026

8:00am

Drive to Alleppey

Approximately 3–4 hour drive west from Thekkady to the Kerala backwaters—arrive before noon to board houseboats.
INR0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Board Traditional Houseboat (Houseboat lunch included)

Check-in to a private houseboat for an overnight cruise through the backwaters—most houseboats serve lunch on board and cruise 12:00–18:00 then anchor overnight.
INR4500, 6h0m

6:30pm

Evening Village Walk

After disembarking or during stop, take a short guided walk in a nearby village to see daily life and toddy shops (confirm with houseboat operator).
INR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner on Houseboat

Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala seafood and vegetable dishes on board—most houseboats include dinner in the package.
INR0, 1h0m

Day 6: Coastal Relax

Kovalam, India on January 26, 2026

9:00am

Drive to Kovalam

3–4 hour drive south along the coast from Alleppey to Kovalam for beaches and relaxation; arrive midday.
INR0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Tides (Kovalam)

Seafood and Kerala specialties by the beach—good spot for fresh fish and coconut-based curries.
INR900, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lighthouse Beach & Hawa Beach

Relax or swim at Kovalam's beaches; local vendors rent umbrellas and loungers. Note seasonal sea conditions—follow local safety flags.
INR0, 3h0m

5:30pm

Ayurvedic Massage

Traditional Ayurvedic oil massage at a reputable center (book ahead); sessions typically 60–90 minutes and run daily.
INR1500, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Bait Seafood Restaurant

Popular beachfront restaurant offering grilled seafood and coastal dishes.
INR1000, 1h0m

Day 7: City & Departure

Thiruvananthapuram, India on January 27, 2026

9:00am

Drive to Thiruvananthapuram

Short 30–45 minute drive from Kovalam to Kerala's capital city to visit temples and museums; arrive mid-morning.
INR0, 0h45m

10:00am

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (view from outside)

Iconic temple with Dravidian architecture—non-Hindus may be restricted from inner sanctum, but the exterior and surroundings are worth seeing; temple timings vary, morning darshan starts early, confirm dress code and access.
INR0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

Historic simple café serving South Indian dishes—budget-friendly and centrally located.
INR300, 45m

2:00pm

Napier Museum & Sri Chitra Art Gallery

Visit the museum and art gallery showcasing Kerala's art, archaeology and royal collections; check opening hours (usually 10:00–17:00, closed Fridays).
INR50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Depart from Thiruvananthapuram Airport/Station

Head to the airport or railway station for onward travel; allow adequate transfer time (minimum 2 hours for flights recommended).
INR0, N/A
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version