4-Day Kerala Nature Itinerary in July 2023

1. Day 1: Munnar Tea Plantations
   3 hours 7 minutes (80.5 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Begin your day with a visit to the picturesque tea plantations of Munnar, located in the Western Ghats mountain range. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the area and the process of tea production. Enjoy a scenic drive to the top of a hill for panoramic views of the lush green valleys below. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the nearby Eravikulam National Park to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and other endemic species. End your day with a relaxing stroll around the serene waters of Mattupetty Dam.

2. Day 2: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
   2 hours 44 minutes (109 km) from Munnar

   Start your day with a drive to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Cardamom Hills. Take a guided nature walk to explore the lush forests and spot the native wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and the endangered lion-tailed macaque. After lunch, take a relaxing boat ride on the picturesque Periyar Lake. In the evening, visit the nearby Kadathanadan Kalari Centre to witness a traditional martial arts performance.

3. Day 3: Alleppey Backwaters
   3 hours 8 minutes (138 km) from Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

   Today, head to the famous backwaters of Alleppey for a unique experience on a houseboat. Relax on the deck as you cruise through the serene waters, surrounded by lush greenery and local village life. Enjoy a traditional Keralan lunch on board, cooked by your personal chef. In the evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset over the backwaters before having dinner and spending the night on the houseboat.

4. Day 4: Varkala Beach
   3 hours 30 minutes (121 km) from Alleppey

   For your last day in Kerala, head to the stunning Varkala Beach for some relaxation and beach activities. Take a refreshing dip in the clear blue waters or enjoy some surfing or parasailing. Visit the nearby Janardanaswamy Temple, which is believed to be over 2,000 years old. End your day with a beautiful sunset view from the cliff and a delicious seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on the traditional Keralan Kathakali dance performance, which can be seen in various locations throughout the state. You may also want to consider a visit to the beautiful Athirapally Waterfalls or a trek in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. For a side trip, head to the nearby state of Tamil Nadu to visit the famous Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. To maximize your fun, be sure to try some of the local cuisine, such as appam and stew or puttu and kadala curry.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Munnar Tea Plantations (5 hours, ₹200 per person)
• Eravikulam National Park (3 hours, ₹400 per person)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (6 hours, ₹500 per person)
• Kadathanadan Kalari Centre (2 hours, ₹200 per person)
• Alleppey Houseboat (24 hours, ₹12,000 per night for 2 people)
• Varkala Beach (5 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹13,500 or approximately $180 USD

To check hotel and flight prices, visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.