Nature Lovers' 7-Day Itinerary in Kerala, July 2023

1. Day 1: Athirappilly Waterfalls
   1 hour 15 minutes (32 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   Morning: Take a refreshing bath under the cascading Athirappilly Waterfalls. Afternoon: Go on a nature walk to explore the surrounding Sholayar Rainforest. Evening: Enjoy a stunning view of the waterfall from the viewpoint while relishing some local snacks.

2. Day 2: Periyar National Park
   4 hours 30 minutes (107 miles) from Athirappilly Waterfalls

   Morning: Take a boat ride on Periyar Lake within the park and spot some elephants and other wildlife. Afternoon: Visit the spice plantations and learn about various spices. Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

3. Day 3: Munnar Tea Gardens
   3 hours 20 minutes (86 miles) from Periyar National Park

   Morning: Witness the sheer beauty of the tea gardens spread over the Western Ghats on a guided tour. Afternoon: Learn the history of tea culture at the Tea Museum. Evening: Enjoy a cup of tea while appreciating the sunset view from Pothamedu Viewpoint.

4. Day 4: Varkala Beach
   4 hours 50 minutes (124 miles) from Munnar Tea Gardens

   Morning: Take a stroll along the beautiful Varkala Beach and watch the fishermen. Afternoon: Take a dip in the natural spring waters and visit the nearby Janardhana Swamy Temple. Evening: Enjoy a romantic sunset dinner on the cliff with a picturesque view.

5. Day 5: Kollam Backwaters
   1 hour 25 minutes (37 miles) from Varkala Beach

   Morning: Take a scenic backwater cruise and enjoy the serene beauty of the place. Afternoon: Visit the Ashtamudi Lake and learn about the local fishing culture at the fishing village. Evening: Indulge in some fresh seafood delicacies.

6. Day 6: Bekal Fort
   4 hours 10 minutes (113 miles) from Kollam Backwaters

   Morning: Explore the historic Bekal Fort and enjoy the panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. Afternoon: Visit the nearby Kappil Beach and take a boat ride on the backwaters. Evening: Enjoy local dishes at the Kudumbashree restaurant.

7. Day 7: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
   5 hours 50 minutes (146 miles) from Bekal Fort

   Morning: Go on a wildlife safari at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and spot the tigers, elephants, and other animals. Afternoon: Visit the Edakkal Caves and learn about the history of ancient human settlements in the area. Evening: Take a village walk and enjoy some authentic local cuisine.

Recommendations

You can also consider visiting Kovalam Beach, Alleppey Backwaters, and Silent Valley National Park. You can take a side trip to Ooty or Coorg, which are nearby hill stations. To maximize your fun, you can try hiking, camping, and bamboo rafting in the forests.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Athirappilly Waterfalls (3 hours, INR 250)
• Periyar National Park (6 hours, INR 400)
• Munnar Tea Gardens (5 hours, INR 300)
• Varkala Beach (6 hours, INR 500)
• Kollam Backwaters (4 hours, INR 350)
• Bekal Fort (5 hours, INR 200)
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (7 hours, INR 600)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2,600

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