7-Day Nature Itinerary in Kerala in July 2023

1. Day 1: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
   1-hour drive from Kochi International Airport (35 miles)

   Morning: Explore the sanctuary's diversity of avian species. Afternoon: Take a boat tour through the backwaters to see the surrounding villages. Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise.

2. Day 2: Periyar National Park
   3.5-hour drive from Kumarakom (86 miles)

   Morning: Go trekking through the jungle with a naturalist guide. Afternoon: Take a bamboo rafting tour in Periyar Lake. Evening: Watch a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts show.

3. Day 3: Munnar Tea Plantations
   3-hour drive from Periyar National Park (86 miles)

   Morning: Walk through the tea plantations and learn about the tea-making process. Afternoon: Visit the Tea Museum and learn about the history of tea in India. Evening: Take a stroll through the town of Munnar and enjoy a cup of tea at a local cafe.

4. Day 4: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
   3-hour drive from Munnar (75 miles)

   Morning: Take a guided hike through the sanctuary's diverse terrain. Afternoon: Go on a jeep safari to spot the endangered grizzled giant squirrel. Evening: Watch a captivating Kathakali dance performance.

5. Day 5: Varkala Beach
   4.5-hour drive from Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (107 miles)

   Morning: Relax on the pristine beach and catch some waves. Afternoon: Visit the Janardhana Swami Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt. Evening: Watch the mesmerizing sunset from the cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea.

6. Day 6: Athirapally Waterfalls
   3-hour drive from Varkala Beach (96 miles)

   Morning: Take a dip in the refreshing waters of the falls. Afternoon: Go on a nature walk in the surrounding forests. Evening: Visit the nearby Sholayar Dam and enjoy the view.

7. Day 7: Alleppey Backwaters
   2-hour drive from Athirapally Waterfalls (50 miles)

   Morning: Take a traditional houseboat tour through the picturesque backwaters. Afternoon: Visit the Alleppey Beach and the Revi Karunakaran Museum. Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner on the houseboat while watching the sunset.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to see elephants in their natural habitat. Day trips to nearby cities like Thrissur and Kochi are also great options. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine and participate in cultural activities like traditional dance and music.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 200)
• Periyar National Park (8 hours, INR 500)
• Munnar Tea Plantations (6 hours, INR 300)
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (7 hours, INR 400)
• Varkala Beach (5 hours, INR 250)
• Athirapally Waterfalls (5 hours, INR 350)
• Alleppey Backwaters (6 hours, INR 1000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3000

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