7-Day Itinerary for Kerala in September 2023

1. Day 1: Kochi
   30 minutes (12.3 km) from Kochi International Airport

   Visit the iconic Mattancherry Palace in the morning, followed by a traditional Indian lunch at Fort Kochi. Spend the afternoon at the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and end the day with a sunset cruise at the Kochi Harbour.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours (125 km) from Kochi

   Start the day early and drive to Munnar, stopping at the Cheeyappara Waterfalls on the way. After a quick lunch, visit the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate for a guided tour and tea tasting. End the day with a peaceful stroll at the Pothamedu View Point.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3 hours (85 km) from Munnar

   Embark on an early morning hike at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, followed by breakfast at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, take a boat ride at the Periyar Lake and explore the spice plantations. End the day with a traditional Keralan dinner at Spice Village.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   4 hours (147 km) from Thekkady

   Head to Alleppey to experience the famous Kerala backwaters. Start with a houseboat ride in the morning, followed by lunch on board. In the afternoon, visit the Krishnapuram Palace and end the day with a visit to the Marari Beach.

5. Day 5: Kovalam
   3.5 hours (151 km) from Alleppey

   Relax and unwind at the beautiful Kovalam Beach. Spend the morning sunbathing and swimming, followed by a seafood lunch at one of the beachside restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the Vizhinjam Lighthouse and the Halcyon Castle. End the day with a soothing Ayurvedic massage.

6. Day 6: Thiruvananthapuram
   30 minutes (14.6 km) from Kovalam

   Start the day by visiting the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, followed by a hearty breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Spend the afternoon at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo and the Napier Museum. End the day with some shopping at the Chalai Bazaar.

7. Day 7: Kanyakumari
   2 hours (89.8 km) from Thiruvananthapuram

   Drive to Kanyakumari early in the morning to witness the beautiful sunrise. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue in the morning, followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Kanyakumari Beach and the Gandhi Memorial. End the day with a stunning sunset view at the Sunset Point.

Recommendations

Make sure to watch a Kathakali performance in Kochi and try the local seafood delicacies. Visit the Athirapally Waterfalls and the Vagamon Hill Station for some breathtaking views. You can also take a day trip to the nearby town of Kumarakom for some birdwatching and fishing.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, £2)
• Fort Kochi (2 hours, £10)
• St. Francis Church (1 hour, £3)
• Kochi Harbour Sunset Cruise (2 hours, £8)
• Cheeyappara Waterfalls (1 hour, £5)
• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (2 hours, £7)
• Pothamedu View Point (1 hour, £2)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, £12)
• Periyar Lake Boat Ride (2 hours, £6)
• Spice Plantations (2 hours, £4)
• Krishnapuram Palace (1 hour, £2)
• Marari Beach (2 hours, £3)
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse (1 hour, £2)
• Halcyon Castle (1 hour, £3)
• Ayurvedic Massage (2 hours, £20)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (2 hours, £5)
• Thiruvananthapuram Zoo (2 hours, £4)
• Napier Museum (1 hour, £3)
• Chalai Bazaar (2 hours, £5)
• Vivekananda Rock Memorial (1 hour, £2)
• Thiruvalluvar Statue (1 hour, £2)
• Gandhi Memorial (1 hour, £2)
• Kanyakumari Beach (2 hours, £3)
• Sunset Point (1 hour, £1)
• Total Estimated Costs: £125