7-Day Adventure Itinerary in Kerala, August 2023

1. Day 1: Athirappilly Waterfalls
   1 hour 20 minutes (40 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   Start your adventure with a refreshing visit to the Athirappilly Waterfalls. Take a dip in the natural pools, go for a short hike and enjoy the breathtaking views of the waterfall. In the afternoon, check out the nearby Thumboormuzhi Dam and Garden. End your day with a relaxing evening at your hotel.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours 30 minutes (100 miles) from Athirappilly Waterfalls

   Head to the picturesque hill station of Munnar and immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of tea and spice plantations. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum and learn about the history of tea cultivation in the region. In the afternoon, take a trek to the top of the Mattupetty Dam for stunning views of the surrounding hills. End your day with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3 hours 30 minutes (85 miles) from Munnar

   Explore the wildlife haven of Thekkady. In the morning, embark on a jungle trek in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spot exotic animals like tigers, elephants and leopards. In the afternoon, take a boat ride in the Periyar Lake and watch the elephants bathing on the shore. End your day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage at a nearby spa.

4. Day 4: Varkala
   4 hours 30 minutes (110 miles) from Thekkady

   Hit the beach town of Varkala and indulge in some water adventures. In the morning, take a surfing lesson or go parasailing at the scenic Varkala Beach. In the afternoon, visit the 2000-year-old Janardhanaswamy Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt, a pilgrimage centre. End your day with a seafood feast at a beachside shack.

5. Day 5: Wayanad
   5 hours (130 miles) from Varkala

   Discover the scenic beauty of Wayanad, known for its lush forests and wildlife. In the morning, take a trek to the Chembra Peak and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding hills. In the afternoon, visit the Edakkal Caves, an ancient archaeological site, and learn about the pre-historic rock carvings. End your day with a visit to the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India.

6. Day 6: Alleppey
   6 hours 30 minutes (160 miles) from Wayanad

   Experience the serene backwaters of Alleppey. In the morning, take a houseboat ride and cruise through the tranquil canals, watching the village life unfold. In the afternoon, visit the Alleppey Beach and the nearby St. Mary's Forane Church. End your day with a sumptuous seafood dinner on the houseboat.

7. Day 7: Fort Kochi
   1 hour 30 minutes (40 miles) from Alleppey

   End your adventure with a tour of the historic Fort Kochi. In the morning, explore the Mattancherry Palace, the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth, and the Chinese Fishing Nets. In the afternoon, visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum and the St. Francis Church, the first European church in India. End your day with a Kathakali dance performance at a local theatre.

Recommendations

You may also consider a day trip to the picturesque town of Kumarakom, known for its bird sanctuary and backwater cruises. You can also spend a day at the Cherai Beach, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. To make the most of your adventure, try to wake up early and avoid the crowds.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Athirappilly Waterfalls (2 hours, 500 INR)
• Munnar Tea Museum (2 hours, 400 INR)
• Eravikulam National Park (3 hours, 400 INR)
• Thekkady Jungle Trek (4 hours, 1000 INR)
• Periyar Lake Boat Ride (2 hours, 200 INR)
• Varkala Water Sports (3 hours, 1500 INR)
• Janardhanaswamy Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Chembra Peak Trek (4 hours, 500 INR)
• Edakkal Caves (2 hours, 40 INR)
• Alleppey Houseboat Ride (5 hours, 3000 INR)
• Fort Kochi Sightseeing (4 hours, 500 INR)
• Kathakali Dance Performance (2 hours, 500 INR)
• Total Estimated Costs: 8700 INR ($117)

Check here for hotel and flight prices.