7-Day Kerala Highlights Itinerary — Kochi, Alleppey, Munnar & Thekkady (17–23 Feb 2026)

Kochi (Fort Kochi) · Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Arrival in Kochi and Fort Kochi exploration

Morning:

After arrival, ease into Kerala with a leisurely breakfast near Princess Street before strolling to see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at low tide, where you can watch fishermen haul catch and photograph the photogenic waterfront. Continue to St. Francis Church for a quiet moment among Kerala's oldest European landmarks, then wander the colonial lanes toward Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) to glimpse frescoes and royal history before lunch.

Afternoon:

After a relaxed lunch, wander the atmospheric lanes to Jew Town Bazaar, where antique shops and spice stalls invite leisurely browsing and bargain-hunting for souvenirs. Continue to the serene Paradesi Synagogue to admire its hand-painted tiles and centuries-old charm, then finish with a late-afternoon sundowner at Princess Street Café or a waterfront terrace, watching golden light spill over the harbour as you prepare for an evening of Kathakali or coastal cuisine.

Evening:

As dusk settles, wander to Kashi Art Gallery for a dose of contemporary Kerala creativity, then stroll the nearby lanes to catch live street performances or informal art sessions. Later, enjoy a seafood-focused dinner at Fort House Restaurant or a riverside eatery, followed by a leisurely post-meal walk to the atmospheric Lady of the Sea Church and the lamplit promenade for quiet views of the harbour.

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Alleppey (Alappuzha) · Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Backwaters and village life in Alleppey

Morning:

Rise early for a slow, local start with breakfast at Marari Veg Restaurant before boarding a traditional motorised canoe to explore narrow canals and paddy-fringed waterways. Drift past verdant village scenes to disembark at Kainakari village for a guided walk through coconut groves and toddy-tapping spots, then visit a family-run coir workshop to see mats and ropes being made by hand before returning to town for lunch.

Afternoon:

After a relaxed village morning, board a small motorboat to glide toward the lesser-known canals and stop at Pathiramanal Island for a short nature stroll among migratory birds and mangrove fringes, then continue to Ambalappuzha Market to sample fresh toddy panipuri and coconut sweets while mingling with locals. Later, visit a family-run coir husking yard and the adjacent Arattupuzha Temple precinct to watch traditional boat-landing rituals and sip a late-afternoon filter coffee at a riverside shack as golden light warms the backwater reflections.

Evening:

As dusk falls, take a slow lakeside rickshaw or bicycle ride to Marari Beach Bazaar for a beachside stroll and fresh coconut water, then head to Champakulam Church to admire its illuminated facade and peaceful riverside setting. Finish with a riverside dinner at Thaff Restaurant sampling karimeen fry and meen pollichathu while listening to local boat songs, then cap the night with a moonlit walk along the Alleppey Punnamada Lake embankment, where lights from houseboats shimmer on the water.

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Alleppey (Backwaters) · Thursday, February 19, 2026

Houseboat cruise and relaxing backwaters

Morning:

Wake to the soft lap of water with a riverside breakfast on the deck, then board a traditional kettuvallam for a slow morning cruise through the tranquil canals toward Vembanad Lake, pausing to watch local fishermen cast nets and to photograph stilted houses reflected in glassy water. Disembark for a short guided walk in Kuttanad paddy fields, learning about below-sea-level farming and visiting a family homestead to taste fresh toddy and homemade banana chips before returning to the houseboat for a leisurely midday siesta.

Afternoon:

After a lazy siesta, step ashore for a village immersion at Mullackal Market, sampling banana fritters and river prawns before joining a local guide for a bicycle loop through Vadayar hamlets to see toddy tapping and rustic homes. Later, take a short motorboat to Kainakary Pedda, where you can visit a family duck farm, watch traditional coir-weaving in a waterside workshop, and sip filter coffee on a shaded verandah as the late-afternoon light softens the backwater vistas.

Evening:

As twilight deepens, glide to a quiet jetty and take a short guided sunset walk through the reed-fringed lanes of Punnapra to watch fishermen return with their catch, then pause at Thottappally Spillway for dramatic views of tidal channels meeting the sea. Finish with a riverside dinner at Casa Di Vypin-or a similar family-run homestay-enjoying freshly grilled prawns and kappa while local musicians play boat songs, then drift back to your houseboat under lantern-lit palms.

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Munnar · Friday, February 20, 2026

Tea gardens and hill station vibes in Munnar

Morning:

Begin your Munnar morning with a brisk walk through the emerald terraces of Kannan Devan Tea Estate, joining a short guided tour to learn orthodox tea-plucking techniques and sample fresh chai at the estate bungalow. Continue to the atmospheric Tea Museum (NTC Tea Museum) to trace plantation history and taste single-estate brews, then pause at the panoramic Lakkam Waterfall for photos and a cool, shaded picnic before heading uphill for lunch.

Afternoon:

After lunch, ride up winding lanes to the misty viewpoints of Top Station for sweeping panoramas over the Western Ghats, then stroll the rhododendron-splashed trails of Eravikulam National Park's fringe to spot Nilgiri tahrs and enjoy cool mountain air. Continue with a serene walk through the fragrant spice plots at Blossom Hydel Park, followed by a visit to a family-run cardamom and pepper plantation to watch harvesting and sample freshly ground spices with hot chai.

Evening:

As dusk settles, take a gentle walk through the aromatic lanes around Pothamedu Viewpoint to watch tea-clad slopes glow pink and the valley mist roll in, then descend to Chithirapuram for a peaceful stroll past colonial-era bungalows and shaded cardamom groves. Finish with a cozy dinner at Rapsy Restaurant sampling local Kerala-style stews and roasted chai, followed by an optional stargazing stop at Echo Point where the cool night air and distant hill-lights bring the day to a quiet close.

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Munnar · Saturday, February 21, 2026

Munnar nature walks and viewpoints

Morning:

Begin with a sunrise walk along the shaded trails of Silver Cascade Road, pausing at the photogenic Silver Cascade Falls for misty morning shots and to listen to birdsong while sipping fresh chai from a roadside vendor. Continue with a guided nature stroll through the fragrant shola patches of Attukad Waterfalls' fringe to spot endemic butterflies and giant rhododendrons, then climb a short path to the peaceful hilltop at Pine Forest Viewpoint for sweeping vistas over tea terraces before returning for a late breakfast at your bungalow.

Afternoon:

After a leisurely bungalow lunch, hike the lesser-known ridge trail to Kundala Lake Viewpoint for calm reservoir vistas and a short paddle-boat ride among lotus patches, then continue to the fragrant slopes of Kolukkumalai Tea Estate-visit a small roadside tea-tasting stall and watch the old-world orthodox rolling process at a family-run factory. Finish the afternoon with a slow, camera-friendly walk through the bird-rich marshes around Anamudi Shola Reserve, where a local guide points out endemic warblers and explains recent conservation efforts, keeping the day's rhythm from highland panoramas to intimate nature encounters.

Evening:

As dusk falls, stroll the quiet lanes to Blossom Hydel Park's lakeside promenade to watch the sun lower over tea-clad hills and enjoy local roasted corn from a vendor while the air cools. Continue to Pothamedu Viewpoint for a panoramic twilight view as mist drifts into the valleys, then finish with a warm, Kerala-style dinner at Saravanabhavan (or a nearby homestyle eatery) and an optional short drive up to Echo Point to listen for nighttime echoes and the distant sounds of the hill forest.

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Thekkady (Periyar) · Sunday, February 22, 2026

Wildlife and spice plantations in Thekkady

Morning:

Rise early for a guided bamboo-raft boat trip on the quieter fringes of Periyar Lake, watching elephants and sambar drink at the shore while a naturalist points out birdlife and spoor along the banks. After the boat drift, head to a family-run spice garden in Kumily for a hands-on tour-smell fresh cardamom, clove and cinnamon, learn traditional drying techniques, and taste homemade jackfruit chutney with filter coffee before a relaxed riverside brunch.

Afternoon:

After a relaxed riverside brunch, set out on a guided nature walk through the lesser-trodden trails of Periyar Tiger Reserve's buffer zone to spot sambar, macaques and a chorus of endemic birds, with a naturalist pointing out medicinal plants and animal signs. Later, visit a family-run spice estate at Murikkady for a hands-on cooking demo using fresh cardamom, black pepper and clove, sample home-made spice chutneys, then sip filter coffee on a shaded verandah as the late-afternoon mist begins to thicken over the hills.

Evening:

As night falls, take a guided night-walk near Vandiperiyar with an experienced tracker to listen for nocturnal mammals and spot owls and civets among shadowed spice groves, then pause for warm chai beside a lantern-lit fire while your guide shares local folklore. Afterwards, enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Thekkady Wild Corridor-a small riverside eatery serving Kerala-style curries with freshly roasted pepper and cardamom-followed by a slow stroll along the riverbank to watch frog choruses and fireflies before returning to your lodge.

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Kochi · Monday, February 23, 2026

Return to Kochi and departure

Morning:

After the calm of Thekkady, return to Kochi and begin the day with a relaxed breakfast at Kashi Art Café near Fort Kochi, then take a gentle walk to the leafy Chittoor Road for last-minute photographs of colonial bungalows and street art. Continue to Folklore Museum for a quick cultural immersion into Kerala's performing arts and craft traditions, and finish by visiting Vasco da Gama Square to watch local morning life before heading to the airport or train station.

Afternoon:

After a relaxed morning, wander through the layered lanes of Mattancherry to visit the atmospheric Dutch Street shops and a family-run spice stall for last-minute masala purchases, then step into the quiet courtyard of Folklore Café for a late lunch of Malabar parotta and Kerala fish curry. Later, stroll along the waterfront to Vypin Lighthouse for panoramic harbour views and a peaceful pause on the nearby Willingdon Island promenade before collecting luggage and making your way to the station or airport.

Evening:

As the day winds down, head to Lulu Mall's waterfront promenade for a relaxed stroll and last-minute souvenir shopping at artisanal kiosks, then enjoy a sunset drink on the terrace of Malabar House Rooftop with harbour views. For a final taste of Kerala, dine on a farewell seafood thali at The Rice Boat (marine-themed) or a homestyle meal at Dhe Puttu, then take a quiet post-dinner walk along Marine Drive (Kochi) to watch the city lights shimmer on the backwaters before collecting your luggage.

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Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Princess Street (breakfast cafés)₹300
Chinese Fishing NetsFree
St. Francis ChurchFree
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)₹15
Jew Town Bazaar (shopping)₹500
Paradesi Synagogue₹5
Princess Street Café (sundowner/drink)₹350
Kathakali performance (evening show)₹600
Kashi Art GalleryFree
Fort House Restaurant (seafood dinner)₹800
Lady of the Sea Church / lamplit promenadeFree
Marari Veg Restaurant (breakfast in Alleppey)₹200
Motorised canoe / country boat (village canals) - Alleppey₹400
Kainakari village guided walk₹250
Family-run coir workshop (visit)Free
Pathiramanal Island (entry/boat transfer)₹250
Ambalappuzha Market (tasting local snacks)₹150
Marari Beach Bazaar (beach stroll)Free
Champakulam ChurchFree
Thaff Restaurant (riverside dinner)₹600
Punnamada Lake embankment (houseboat lights walk)Free
Kettuvallam (traditional houseboat) - day cruise₹1500
Kuttanad paddy fields guided visit₹300
Mullackal Market (snacks)₹150
Bicycle loop in Vadayar (rental + guide)₹250
Kainakary Pedda (duck farm / coir visit)Free
Punnapra guided sunset walkFree
Thottappally Spillway (viewpoint)Free
Casa Di Vypin / homestay dinner₹700
Kannan Devan Tea Estate guided tour (Munnar)₹200
NTC Tea Museum (Tea Museum)₹75
Lakkam Waterfall (visit)Free
Top Station viewpoint (transport/entry)₹150
Eravikulam National Park (entry + guide)₹300
Blossom Hydel ParkFree
Spice plantation visit (cardamom/pepper) - family-run₹250
Pothamedu ViewpointFree
Rapsy Restaurant (dinner)₹400
Echo Point (stargazing/visit)Free
Silver Cascade Falls / Silver Cascade RoadFree
Attukad Waterfalls fringe walk (guide)₹200
Pine Forest Viewpoint (visit)Free
Kundala Lake paddle-boat₹200
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate visit / tasting₹250
Anamudi Shola Reserve guided walk₹300
Saravanabhavan (dinner)₹300
Periyar bamboo-raft boat trip (Thekkady) - guided₹600
Kumily spice garden tour (hands-on)₹250
Periyar Tiger Reserve buffer zone guided nature walk₹400
Murikkady spice estate cooking demo₹350
Vandiperiyar night-walk (guided)₹300
Thekkady Wild Corridor (farm-to-table dinner)₹600
Kashi Art Café (breakfast)₹300
Chittoor Road walk (street art / colonial bungalows)Free
Folklore Museum (Folklore Museum & Folklore Theatre)₹100
Vasco da Gama Square (visit)Free
Dutch Street shopping / spice stall purchases₹400
Folklore Café (lunch)₹400
Vypin Lighthouse (visit)₹50
Willingdon Island promenade (visit)Free
Lulu Mall waterfront promenade / shopping₹300
Malabar House Rooftop (sunset drink)₹500
The Rice Boat (farewell seafood thali)₹700
Dhe Puttu (homestyle meal)₹300
Marine Drive (Kochi) evening walkFree
Estimated Total (per person)₹13225
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