Kerala 5-Day Itinerary: Kochi, Munnar & Alleppey (2026-02-16 to 2026-02-20)

Kochi (Fort Kochi) · Monday, February 16, 2026

Arrival and Fort Kochi Exploration

7:30 AM:

Begin your morning with a leisurely breakfast at Kashi Art Café, sampling their signature banana pancakes and South Indian filter coffee while enjoying the courtyard atmosphere.

8:30 AM:

Stroll to St. Francis Church for a quiet visit to one of the oldest European churches in India, taking in the colonial architecture and historic plaques.

9:00 AM:

Walk along the waterfront to see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, watch the fishermen in action, and snap photos of the nets against the harbour backdrop.

9:45 AM:

Explore the nearby Dutch Cemetery and learn about Kochi's colonial past while enjoying the shaded, tranquil grounds.

10:15 AM:

Visit the atmospheric lanes of Fort Kochi Market to browse spices, handmade souvenirs, and local snacks; pick up fresh jackfruit chips as a treat.

11:00 AM:

Head to Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) across the water to view ancient murals and royal artifacts that tell the history of the Kochi kingdom.

11:45 AM:

Enjoy a light mid-morning refreshment at Teapot Café near the palace, trying a masala chai and a traditional Kerala snack before lunch plans.

12:30 PM:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Fusion Bay or Kashi Art Café (if you'd like a second visit)-try the Kerala fish curry with appam or the thali to taste local flavours in a relaxed setting.

1:45 PM:

Visit the nearby Jewish Synagogue (Paradesi Synagogue) in Mattancherry to admire the hand-painted tiles, Belgian chandeliers, and centuries-old Jewish heritage.

2:30 PM:

Wander through Jew Town's antique shops and spice stores, hunting for brassware, handloom textiles, and traditional Kerala spices; stop at Kashi Art Gallery for contemporary local art.

3:30 PM:

Take a short tuk-tuk ride to Mattancherry Palace waterfront area for photos and then enjoy a refreshing coconut water from a roadside vendor while watching harbour life.

4:15 PM:

Attend a short demonstration or schedule a guided introduction to Kathakali at a local performance school; if available, catch a costume- and makeup-session preview.

5:15 PM:

Return to the waterfront to witness golden-hour views around the Chinese Fishing Nets, and sip a sunset drink at The Rice Boat or a nearby café overlooking the sea.

6:15 PM:

Stroll through the lamp-lit lanes of Fort Kochi, popping into boutique shops like Fort Kochi Art Gallery and stopping for street snacks such as banana fritters (pazham pori).

7:30 PM:

Dine at The Asian Kitchen by Tokyo Bay or Dhe Puttu for Kerala specialties-sample appam with stew or a seafood thali in a cosy, local atmosphere.

9:00 PM:

If energy allows, enjoy an evening cultural show-check schedules for Kathakali performance or local music events at Kerala Folklore Museum; otherwise, relax with a calm walk along the promenade.

9:30 PM:

Sip a nightcap at Loft 14 or the rooftop bar at The Malabar House, enjoying a cocktail or craft beer while taking in views of the old port and cool sea breeze.

10:30 PM:

Take a leisurely after-dinner walk along the Fort Kochi promenade, stopping for photos of the lit Chinese Fishing Nets and the quiet harbour atmosphere.

11:00 PM:

If you prefer a cosy late snack, drop into Teapot Café (evening service permitting) or Fort House Café for masala chai or a small plate of local sweets before turning in.

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Munnar · Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Munnar Tea Plantations and Viewpoints

6:00 AM:

Begin with a sunrise walk through the misty lanes to Mattupetty Dam, enjoying cool air and early views of the reservoir before crowds arrive.

7:00 AM:

Have a hearty breakfast at Rapsy Restaurant (or your hotel's terrace) - try the masala dosa and fresh filter coffee to fuel a full day exploring the hills.

8:00 AM:

Drive to Echo Point and test the famous echo; take short nature strolls along the lake edge and photograph the rolling tea-covered slopes.

9:00 AM:

Visit a working estate for a guided walk through the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (or a nearby tea garden), learning about orthodox tea processing and sampling fresh brews.

10:30 AM:

Stop at Tea Centre & Museum for a quick museum tour, tasting session, and to purchase single-estate teas directly from local producers.

11:15 AM:

Take a scenic drive up to Top Station viewpoint for panoramic views over the Western Ghats and a peaceful spot to enjoy tea and photographs.

12:00 PM:

Return toward town and pause at Sree Tea Shop or Saravana Bhavan (Munnar outlet) for a light pre-lunch snack - try local banana fritters or a vegetable thali before afternoon plans.

12:30 PM:

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Rapsy Restaurant (Munnar branch) or Hotel Sri Nandha, sampling local Kerala-style vegetable stew with appam or a thali to keep energy up for the afternoon.

1:30 PM:

Drive to Attukal Waterfalls for a short walk and photos; the falls are a refreshing spot to stretch your legs amid tea-scented air and forested surroundings.

2:30 PM:

Visit the serene Lockhart Tea Museum for a deeper look at tea history and processing, tasting a fresh brew and browsing vintage tea machinery and plantation photographs.

3:30 PM:

Head to Pothamedu Viewpoint for sweeping vistas across tea terraces and misty valleys-an ideal time for golden-hour photos before sunset, with chai from a roadside stall.

4:30 PM:

Stop at a local roadside stall or Sree Tea Shop for a second cup of freshly brewed orthodox tea and some banana chips while watching tea pluckers at work in nearby gardens.

5:00 PM:

Take a gentle stroll in a nearby private tea estate (arranged via your hotel or Kolukkumalai tour operators) to experience up-close views of plucked tea leaves and plantation life at dusk.

6:00 PM:

Return to town and visit Saravana Bhavan (Munnar outlet) or your hotel's terrace for an early evening snack-try a filter coffee and local sweets while the hills cool down.

7:00 PM:

Dine at The Tea Room (hotel restaurant) or Rapsy Restaurant again for hearty Kerala or South Indian fare, sampling dishes like Kerala fish curry or spicy vegetable kurma to end the day.

7:30 PM:

Enjoy a relaxed rooftop chai and small plates at Rapsy Restaurant while watching the hills darken; try their filter coffee and crispy banana chips as the air cools.

8:15 PM:

Take a short stroll around Munnar town market to browse local spices, homemade chocolates and handloom shawls; stop at a stall to sample warm cardamom tea.

8:45 PM:

Dine at The Tea Room or Saravana Bhavan (Munnar outlet) - choose a comforting Kerala vegetable stew with appam or a thali to savour regional flavours in a cosy setting.

10:00 PM:

Return to your hotel for a calming herbal tea on the terrace or by the fireplace (if available); enjoy quiet stargazing and the cool mountain breeze at your hotel.

10:30 PM:

If you're up for a late treat, grab a warm snack or dessert at Rapsy's takeaway counter or order a hot cup of masala chai to your room and unwind after a full day among the tea gardens.

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Munnar · Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Tea Estates, Waterfalls and Local Markets

6:00 AM:

Begin with an early misty walk through the tea rows at Kannan Devan Tea Estate, watching pluckers start their day and breathing in the fresh mountain air; finish with a roadside cup of freshly brewed orthodox tea.

7:15 AM:

Stop for breakfast at Rapsy Restaurant (Munnar) for a hot masala dosa or appam with stew and a strong filter coffee to fuel your morning exploring.

8:15 AM:

Drive to Attukal Waterfalls for a short hike and photography amid the cascading falls and lush forest, arriving early to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.

9:30 AM:

Visit the historic Lockhart Tea Museum for a guided tour of vintage tea machinery, a tasting session of single-estate teas, and time to buy specialty blends to take home.

10:30 AM:

Head to Pothamedu Viewpoint for panoramic views across the tea terraces and Western Ghats; relax with a takeaway chai from a nearby stall while you photograph the valley.

11:15 AM:

Return toward Munnar town and wander the lanes of Munnar Market, sampling banana chips, homemade chocolates, and small bites while browsing handloom shawls and spice stalls for souvenirs.

12:30 PM:

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Rapsy Restaurant (Munnar) or Hotel Sri Nandha, sampling Kerala-style vegetable stew with appam or a thali to recharge for the afternoon.

1:30 PM:

Take a short drive to Mattupetty Dam for a gentle walk along the reservoir and optional boat ride, watching the hills reflect on the water and spotting grazing buffalo along the banks.

2:30 PM:

Visit a nearby private estate for a guided plantation walk at Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (if accessible from your hotel) to see orthodox tea processing in action and taste fresh estate brews.

3:30 PM:

Stop at Echo Point to enjoy the playful echoes and scenic lakeside views; grab a warm cup of chai from a stall and take photos of the mist-wreathed valley.

4:15 PM:

Drive to Pothamedu Viewpoint for sweeping late-afternoon vistas across tea terraces, lingering as the light softens and street vendors sell roasted peanuts and fresh chai.

5:00 PM:

Return to Munnar Market for more browsing-pick up handloom shawls, cardamom pods, and locally made chocolates; stop at Sree Tea Shop for a second tasting of orthodox tea to compare flavours.

6:00 PM:

Enjoy an early evening snack at Rapsy Restaurant or The Tea Room, sampling crispy banana chips and a filter coffee while watching the hills cool down.

7:00 PM:

Take a short guided nature walk offered by your hotel or a local operator to spot birds and insects as dusk falls, ending with a warming cup of masala chai on the terrace.

7:30 PM:

Dine at The Tea Room or Rapsy Restaurant-choose a comforting Kerala thali or a steaming bowl of vegetable stew with appam while you unwind after the day's walks.

8:30 PM:

Take a relaxed stroll through Munnar Market to browse stalls that stay open after dark, sampling warm cardamom tea and fresh roasted peanuts from local vendors.

9:15 PM:

Enjoy a cosy dessert or hot beverage at Rapsy's takeaway counter or the hotel lounge-try a sweet jackfruit pudding or a spiced masala chai while swapping photos of the day's tea estate visits.

10:00 PM:

If your hotel offers an evening bonfire or guided stargazing, join the session to experience the clear hill-sky and learn about local nocturnal birds and insects from the guide.

10:45 PM:

Return to your room for a relaxing herbal tea or warm milk provided by your hotel, and prepare for an early night after a full day exploring the hills.

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Alappuzha (Alleppey) · Thursday, February 19, 2026

Alleppey Backwaters — Houseboat Experience

6:00 AM:

Begin your morning with a serene sunrise cruise from Alappuzha Boat Jetty, watching fishermen and village life unfold along the canals while sipping hot filter coffee prepared on board.

7:30 AM:

Enjoy a traditional Kerala breakfast served on the houseboat featuring piping hot idiyappam and egg curry or a vegetable stew, prepared by the onboard cook using fresh local ingredients.

8:30 AM:

Dock at a waterside village for a guided stroll through paddy fields and narrow lanes with a local guide from Kuttanad village tours, meeting coconut climbers and seeing rice cultivation up close.

9:30 AM:

Visit a coir-making workshop near the backwaters to see how coir rope and mats are produced, and browse handmade coir souvenirs made by local artisans.

10:15 AM:

Return to the houseboat and relax on the sun-deck with fresh fruit and a cup of masala chai while the boat glides past quaint homesteads and lotus-filled canals.

11:00 AM:

Stop at Champakulam or a similar historic waterside settlement to photograph heritage homes and visit a small local temple or church, learning about backwater community traditions.

11:45 AM:

Head back toward the main waterway and enjoy a light pre-lunch snack of fried calamari or banana fritters served by the houseboat crew as the morning winds down into the afternoon plan.

12:30 PM:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch served on the houseboat featuring freshly caught seafood and a Kerala-style thali prepared by the onboard chef, paired with slices of ripe mango for dessert.

1:30 PM:

Take a short guided canoe ride in a traditional Kettu Vallam (shikara) through narrower canals to observe village life up close and glide past floating lotus patches and toddy palms.

2:15 PM:

Visit a local houseboat-building yard in Alappuzha to watch craftsmen at work and learn about the traditional techniques used to construct Kettuvallams, with time to ask questions and photograph the process.

3:00 PM:

Stop at a waterside spice garden near Allepey Town for a short guided walk among coconut, pepper and cardamom plants, sampling spices and learning about their role in Kerala cuisine.

3:45 PM:

Return to the houseboat and relax on the sun-deck with a chilled tender coconut or a cup of masala chai while the boat edges toward quieter backwater channels for late-afternoon ambience.

4:30 PM:

Opt for a village homestay visit or community interaction arranged by the crew at a nearby lakeside settlement to meet local artisans and watch a short demonstration of coir weaving.

5:15 PM:

Drift to a scenic canal bend and disembark for a short sunset walk along the paddy bunds, photographing golden reflections on the water and listening to birds settling in the reeds.

6:00 PM:

Return to the houseboat for a sundowner on the deck-try a local toddy or a cocktail while the sky deepens and the houseboat gently rocks amid lantern-lit waters.

6:30 PM:

Freshen up and enjoy a light pre-dinner snack on the deck with warm banana fritters (pazham pori) and a cup of masala chai prepared by the houseboat crew as the light softens.

7:00 PM:

Attend a short, informal cooking demonstration by the onboard chef showcasing how to prepare a classic Kerala fish curry, with tips on spices and accompaniments you can try at dinner.

7:45 PM:

Dine on a candlelit deck featuring a multi-course Kerala meal-sample dishes like kerala fish curry, steamed rice, and seasonal vegetable sides served by the houseboat staff.

8:45 PM:

After dinner, take a gentle guided night paddle in a traditional Kettu Vallam (shikara) to experience the quiet backwaters and spot nocturnal birds and fireflies along the reeds.

9:30 PM:

Return to the houseboat for a relaxed music session-enjoy regional folk songs or soft guitar accompaniment provided by local performers invited by the crew at Alleppey.

10:15 PM:

Sip a warm toddy or herbal tea on the open deck while stargazing and listening to the gentle lap of water against the hull, soaking in the peaceful night atmosphere of the backwaters.

11:00 PM:

Wind down with a late-night dessert of pazham pori or ripe mango slices (seasonal) and prepare your room for a restful night as the houseboat anchors in a calm canal.

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Kumarakom / Vembanad Lake · Friday, February 20, 2026

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary or Beach Relaxation and Departure

6:00 AM:

Take an early guided boat ride into Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to watch migratory waterbirds and spot kingfishers, herons and the occasional painted stork while the reed beds glow in the soft morning light.

7:15 AM:

Disembark for a short guided nature walk along the sanctuary boardwalks with a local naturalist from Forest Department guides, learning about resident and migratory species and seasonal nesting behaviour.

8:15 AM:

Enjoy a riverside breakfast at The Bungalow Restaurant (Kumarakom Lake Resort) or a local café-try traditional Kerala items like appam with vegetable stew and freshly brewed filter coffee while overlooking Vembanad Lake.

9:00 AM:

Visit a nearby fishermen's village by short boat trip to observe morning catch routines and see traditional fishing nets; chat with locals about daily life on the backwaters and taste a fresh coconut water.

9:45 AM:

Return to shore and relax at Kumarakom Waterfront or your hotel's terrace with a light snack of banana chips and masala chai, taking in lagoon views and preparing for mid-morning check-out or onward travel.

10:30 AM:

Opt for a short cycling loop (rent from Kumarakom cycle rentals or your resort) through nearby paddy bunds and village lanes to enjoy close-up rural scenery and stop at a toddy shop for a quick non-alcoholic toddy-flavoured snack if available.

11:15 AM:

If you have a late ferry or transfer, take a calm kayak paddle from Kumarakom Jetty into quieter backwater channels to spot water lilies and marsh birds, returning in time to freshen up for departure.

12:30 PM:

Enjoy a leisurely lakeside lunch at The Bungalow Restaurant (Kumarakom Lake Resort) or Tharavadu Restaurant, sampling Kerala-style fish curry or a vegetarian thali while watching houseboats glide by.

1:30 PM:

Take a tranquil afternoon houseboat cruise along the Vembanad Lake from Kumarakom Jetty, drifting through narrow canals to observe village life and lotus-strewn waterways up close.

2:30 PM:

Disembark for a guided village walk with a local host arranged via Kumarakom Homestays, visiting a coir workshop and tasting homemade snacks while learning about backwater livelihoods.

3:15 PM:

Relax with a traditional Ayurvedic short massage or foot therapy at Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort (day spa services) or your resort spa to soothe tired legs after morning birding.

4:00 PM:

Rent a kayak from Kumarakom Watersports for a quiet paddle through smaller channels, getting closer to marsh birds and floating vegetation for peaceful wildlife viewing and photos.

5:00 PM:

Stop at Thottappally Beach (if you prefer a coastal stretch) or the lakeside bunds near Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to enjoy late-afternoon light, take a short stroll, and collect seashells or photograph the shoreline.

5:45 PM:

Sip fresh tender coconut or masala chai at The River Café (Kumarakom) or your hotel's terrace while watching the sun lower over Vembanad Lake and houseboats prepare to anchor for the night.

6:15 PM:

If your schedule allows, join a sunset birdwatching boat with a local naturalist from Forest Department guides to spot waterfowl returning to reed beds and to hear evening calls of marsh birds.

7:00 PM:

Return to your hotel or homestay for a relaxed dinner at Purandanam Restaurant (Kumarakom) or your resort's dining room, enjoying fresh local seafood or a comforting Kerala vegetarian meal before departure preparations.

7:45 PM:

Enjoy a sundowner on the terrace at The Bungalow Restaurant (Kumarakom Lake Resort) with a cold toddy or mocktail while watching the last light fade over Vembanad Lake.

8:15 PM:

Dine at Purandanam Restaurant (Kumarakom) or your resort's dining room, sampling a final Kerala seafood platter or a comforting vegetable stew with appam before packing for departure.

9:15 PM:

Take a gentle post-dinner stroll along the lakeside bund near Kumarakom Jetty, listening to night birds and feeling the cool breeze as lanterns begin to glow on moored houseboats.

9:45 PM:

If available, join a short cultural program or music night at Kumarakom Lake Resort (or a nearby homestay) to enjoy local songs and instruments before your journey onward.

10:30 PM:

Return to your room to collect luggage and enjoy a final cup of herbal tea or filter coffee prepared by your resort, taking a moment to relax before late-night travel.

11:00 PM:

If departing tonight, catch your pre-booked transfer from Kumarakom Jetty / Kumarakom bus stop; otherwise, settle in for a restful night and set alarms for your morning departure.

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Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Kashi Art Café (breakfast)₹300
St. Francis Church (Fort Kochi)Free
Chinese Fishing Nets (viewing)Free
Dutch Cemetery (Fort Kochi)Free
Fort Kochi Market (shopping/snacks)₹200
Dutch Palace / Mattancherry Palace₹15
Teapot Café (refreshment)₹150
Lunch at Fusion Bay / Kashi Art Café (Kerala fish curry or thali)₹600
Paradesi Synagogue (Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry)₹30
Jew Town & Kashi Art Gallery (browsing)Free
Kathakali demonstration / makeup session (short)₹300
Sunset drink at The Rice Boat / rooftop café₹500
Fort Kochi Art Gallery (boutique shopping)Free
Street snacks (pazham pori / banana fritters)₹60
Dinner at The Asian Kitchen by Tokyo Bay / Dhe Puttu₹700
Evening cultural show at Kerala Folklore Museum₹300
Loft 14 / Malabar House rooftop (nightcap)₹400
Teapot Café / Fort House Café (late snack)₹150
Mattupetty Dam (Munnar)Free
Breakfast at Rapsy Restaurant₹250
Echo Point (Munnar)Free
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate guided walk (approx.)₹600
Tea Centre & Museum (Munnar Tea Museum)₹50
Top Station viewpointFree
Sree Tea Shop / Saravana Bhavan (snack)₹200
Attukal WaterfallsFree
Lockhart Tea Museum₹50
Pothamedu ViewpointFree
Mattupetty Dam boat ride (optional)₹150
Kannan Devan Tea Estate (walk)Free
Munnar Market (shopping/snacks)₹300
Mattupetty Dam (boat ride entry duplicate)Free
Houseboat sunrise cruise (Alappuzha boat jetty) - full-day/overnight shared basic₹1200
Houseboat breakfast/lunch/dinner (included with private houseboat) - per person estimate₹800
Kuttanad village guided stroll (arranged)₹300
Coir-making workshop visitFree
Champakulam visit (waterside settlement)Free
Canoe (Kettu Vallam) short ride₹400
Houseboat-building yard visit (Alappuzha)Free
Spice garden visit (short guided walk)₹150
Village homestay/community interaction (optional)₹300
Sundowner / toddy (local drink) on houseboat₹200
Night paddle in Kettu Vallam (guided)₹400
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary boat ride (guided)₹400
Sanctuary boardwalk guided nature walk (Forest Dept. guide)₹200
Breakfast at The Bungalow Restaurant (Kumarakom Lake Resort)₹600
Fishermen's village boat trip₹250
Kumarakom cycle rental (short loop)₹150
Kayak paddle from Kumarakom Jetty (rent)₹300
Lakeside lunch at The Bungalow / Tharavadu Restaurant₹700
Village walk with Kumarakom Homestays (coir workshop & snacks)₹300
Somatheeram Ayurveda short massage (day spa)₹800
Kumarakom Watersports (kayak rental link not found)₹300
Thottappally Beach (stroll)Free
The River Café (Kumarakom) refreshment₹250
Sunset birdwatching boat with naturalist (Forest Dept.)₹400
Dinner at Purandanam Restaurant / resort dining₹600
Kumarakom Lake Resort cultural program (if available)₹500
Estimated Total (per person)₹15030
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