Exploring Kerala in July 2023

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   1 hour (8.6 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   In the morning, visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the nearby Santa Cruz Basilica, a beautiful cathedral with a mix of Indian and European architectural styles. For lunch, try some traditional Kerala cuisine at the nearby Dal Roti restaurant. Spend the afternoon strolling along the picturesque Chinese Fishing Nets and exploring the Fort Kochi Beach. In the evening, watch a Kathakali performance, a classical dance-drama form with elaborate makeup and costumes.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours (85 miles) from Fort Kochi

   Visit the Mattupetty Dam in the morning, a popular spot for boating and picnicking with stunning views of the surrounding hills. For lunch, stop by the nearby Saravana Bhavan restaurant for some delicious South Indian food. Spend the afternoon exploring the tea plantations in the area and learning about the tea-making process at the Tata Tea Museum. In the evening, hike up to Echo Point and enjoy the serene beauty of the surrounding hills.

3. Day 3: Alleppey
   4 hours (115 miles) from Munnar

   Take a relaxing morning cruise through the beautiful backwaters of Alleppey and enjoy the lush greenery and peaceful surroundings. For lunch, try some fresh seafood at the nearby Thaff Delicacy restaurant. Spend the afternoon visiting the beautiful Krishnapuram Palace, a 16th-century palace with stunning architecture and a rich history. In the evening, visit the nearby Marari Beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

4. Day 4: Kovalam
   4 hours (107 miles) from Alleppey

   In the morning, visit the nearby Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a stunning temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and famous for its intricate architecture. For lunch, try some traditional Kerala cuisine at the nearby Curry Chatty restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful beaches of Kovalam, including the Hawa Beach and Lighthouse Beach. In the evening, watch a beautiful sunset from the Lighthouse and enjoy the stunning views of the Arabian Sea.

Recommendations:

Make sure to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Athirapally Falls if you have extra time. You can also take a day trip to the nearby town of Thekkady and enjoy some outdoor activities like bamboo rafting and trekking. To maximize your fun, try to book a houseboat tour of the backwaters in advance and explore the beautiful waterways of Kerala.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• St. Francis Church (1 hour, free)
• Santa Cruz Basilica (1 hour, free)
• Dal Roti restaurant (1 hour, INR 500)
• Chinese Fishing Nets (1 hour, free)
• Kathakali performance (2 hours, INR 500)
• Mattupetty Dam (1 hour, INR 100)
• Saravana Bhavan restaurant (1 hour, INR 500)
• Tata Tea Museum (2 hours, INR 200)
• Echo Point (2 hours, free)
• Backwater cruise (4 hours, INR 4000)
• Thaff Delicacy restaurant (1 hour, INR 800)
• Krishnapuram Palace (2 hours, INR 100)
• Marari Beach (2 hours, free)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (1 hour, free)
• Curry Chatty restaurant (1 hour, INR 600)
• Kovalam beaches (4 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs (16 hours, INR 7500)

Check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo for hotel and flight prices.