Relaxing 7-day Itinerary in Kerala, August 2023

1. Day 1: Varkala Beach
   Located 1 hour and 15 minutes (35 miles) from Trivandrum International Airport

   In the morning, take a stroll along the long sandy beach of Varkala. In the afternoon, visit the 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple. In the evening, head to the cliff area to witness a beautiful sunset.

2. Day 2: Alleppey Backwaters
   Located 2 hours and 15 minutes (74 miles) from Varkala Beach

   In the morning, visit the Alleppey Beach and enjoy the calming blue waters. In the afternoon, board a houseboat and cruise through the serene backwaters while enjoying delicious local cuisine. In the evening, relax on the deck and enjoy the sunset.

3. Day 3: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
   Located 3 hours and 30 minutes (100 miles) from Alleppey Backwaters

   In the morning, take a guided tour of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spot exotic animals like elephants and tigers. In the afternoon, take a boat ride through the Periyar Lake. In the evening, visit the nearby spice plantations to learn about the region's famous spices.

4. Day 4: Munnar Tea Plantations
   Located 4 hours and 30 minutes (89 miles) from Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

   In the morning, go on a walk through the lush tea gardens of Munnar. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum and learn about the history of tea in Kerala. In the evening, relax with a hot cup of tea while enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.

5. Day 5: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
   Located 3 hours and 30 minutes (91 miles) from Munnar Tea Plantations

   In the morning, take a boat ride through the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and spot colorful birds like kingfishers and woodpeckers. In the afternoon, relax at the nearby Kumarakom Beach. In the evening, experience the traditional art form of Kathakali at a local theatre.

6. Day 6: Kovalam Beach
   Located 2 hours and 30 minutes (77 miles) from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

   In the morning, head to the beautiful Kovalam Beach and enjoy activities like sunbathing and swimming. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Vellayani Lake and go for a boat ride. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the many beachside restaurants.

7. Day 7: Padmanabhaswamy Temple
   Located 30 minutes (7 miles) from Kovalam Beach

   In the morning, visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Kuthira Malika palace. In the evening, go shopping for souvenirs at the nearby markets.

Recommendations

Visit the Athirapally Waterfalls, take a day trip to the hill station of Wayanad, or experience a traditional Ayurvedic massage to relax and rejuvenate.

For maximum fun, try the local cuisine, take a boat ride, and catch a Kathakali performance.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Varkala Beach (free)
• Janardhana Swamy Temple (1 hour, free)
• Alleppey Beach (free)
• Houseboat tour of Alleppey Backwaters (6 hours, INR 10,000)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 400)
• Boat ride on Periyar Lake (2 hours, INR 200)
• Munnar Tea Plantations (3 hours, INR 500)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, INR 150)
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 500)
• Kathakali performance (2 hours, INR 500)
• Kovalam Beach (free)
• Vellayani Lake boat ride (1 hour, INR 200)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (1 hour, free)
• Kuthira Malika palace (1 hour, INR 100)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 12,450

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