Relaxing 7-Day Itinerary in Kerala in October 2023

1. Day 1: Cherai Beach
   30 minutes (15 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   Spend the morning walking along the serene Cherai Beach, known for its golden sand and picturesque views. In the afternoon, take a dip in the water and enjoy some fresh seafood from the nearby beach shacks. End the day watching the gorgeous sunset from the beach.

2. Day 2: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
   1 hour 45 minutes (45 miles) from Cherai Beach

   Start the day with a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers with over 180 bird species. Take a boat ride through the mangroves, watch the birds in their natural habitat and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings. In the evening, relax at the resort and enjoy the traditional Kerala cuisine.

3. Day 3: Alleppey Backwaters
   1 hour 30 minutes (36 miles) from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

   Experience the famous Kerala backwaters in Alleppey with a houseboat ride. Glide through the scenic canals and lagoons, surrounded by lush greenery and coconut trees. Enjoy a freshly cooked meal on board and watch the sunset over the backwaters. Spend the night on the houseboat and fall asleep to the sound of water.

4. Day 4: Marari Beach
   1 hour (16 miles) from Alleppey Backwaters

   Relax at the picturesque Marari Beach, known for its pristine white sand and tranquil environment. Take a walk along the beach, go for a swim, or simply relax and soak in the sun. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage for complete relaxation.

5. Day 5: Athirappilly Waterfalls
   3 hours (58 miles) from Marari Beach

   Visit the majestic Athirappilly Waterfalls, one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala. Take a walk through the lush rainforest, enjoy the scenic views and watch the waterfall cascade down from over 80 feet. In the evening, relax at the nearby resort and enjoy the local cuisine.

6. Day 6: Silent Valley National Park
   6 hours (170 miles) from Athirappilly Waterfalls

   Explore the scenic Silent Valley National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided trek through the lush rainforest, home to endangered species of flora and fauna. Learn about the conservation efforts and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. Spend the night at the forest guest house.

7. Day 7: Kovalam Beach
   8 hours (274 miles) from Silent Valley National Park

   End the trip with relaxation at Kovalam Beach, known for its peaceful environment and breathtaking views. Enjoy the calm waters, take a stroll along the beach, or try out some water sports. In the evening, watch the sunset and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner.

Recommendations

Other local attractions to consider are the Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi, and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. For day trips, you can visit Munnar hill station, Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, or Varkala Beach. To maximize your fun, try out some traditional Ayurvedic treatments or take a cooking class to learn how to prepare Kerala cuisine.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Cherai Beach (4 hours, free)
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (3 hours, £10)
• Alleppey Backwaters (6 hours, £100 for a houseboat ride and meal)
• Marari Beach (4 hours, free)
• Athirappilly Waterfalls (5 hours, £5 entrance fee)
• Silent Valley National Park (8 hours, £20 for a guided trek)
• Kovalam Beach (4 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: £135

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