Four Days of Shoestring Budget Adventure in Kerala in June 2023

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   1 hour 12 minutes (21.3 km) from Cochin International Airport

   In the morning, visit the Chinese fishing nets that line the shore of Fort Kochi, an iconic symbol of the region. Next, explore the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to see its beautiful murals and exhibits. In the afternoon, visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India, and then wander around Jew Town, the center of the spice trade in the area. Finish the evening by watching a cultural performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours 25 minutes (130 km) from Fort Kochi

   Wake up early and drive to Munnar to see the sunrise over the tea plantations. Take a walk to the top of Echo Point to hear your voice echo back to you. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea in the region. For dinner, try some of the local street food at the Aluva Market.

3. Day 3: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
   3 hours 6 minutes (91.5 km) from Munnar

   In the morning, take a nature walk through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, and hundreds of other species of animals and plants. After lunch, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake to see the animals from a different perspective. For dinner, try some of the local Kerala-style seafood at Eastend Munnar.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   3 hours 9 minutes (85.7 km) from Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

   Spend the morning exploring the backwaters of Alleppey on a rented houseboat, drifting through the canals and seeing the local wildlife. For lunch, try some Kerala-style prawn curry at the Vembanad Restaurant. In the afternoon, take a walk through the old town to see the colonial architecture and then finish the day with a sunset view from the lighthouse.

Recommendations

Consider experiencing the traditional Kerala martial art of Kalaripayattu, taking a trip to the Athirappilly waterfalls, or visiting the hill station of Vagamon. For a side trip, consider driving to Kozhikode to visit the Beypore Beach and see the traditional shipbuilding industry.

Maximize your fun by trying the local street food, bargaining for souvenirs at the markets, and interacting with the friendly locals. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and unique experiences.

For a hassle-free trip, consider hiring a local guide to show you around and provide insider tips and knowledge.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Chinese fishing nets (1 hour, free)
• Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, 5 INR)
• St. Francis Church (30 minutes, free)
• Kerala Kathakali Centre (2 hours, 500 INR)
• Echo Point (1 hour, free)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, 170 INR)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, 250 INR)
• Periyar Lake boat ride (2 hours, 175 INR)
• Alleppey houseboat rental (6 hours, 1,500 INR)
• Vembanad Restaurant (1 hour, 500 INR)
• Alleppey Lighthouse (1 hour, 20 INR)
• Total Estimated Costs: 3,145 INR

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