Kerala Adventurous 7-Day Itinerary in December 2023

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   1 hour 5 minutes (20 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   In the morning, explore the Fort Kochi beach and indulge in watersports such as kayaking and parasailing. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, which is known for its rare murals. In the evening, watch a Kathakali dance show.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours 10 minutes (96.8 miles) from Fort Kochi

   In the morning, visit the Eravikulam National Park and witness the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the afternoon, trek up to the Anamudi Peak, which is the highest peak in South India. In the evening, stroll around the tea plantations and witness the beautiful sunset.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   2 hours 45 minutes (76.7 miles) from Munnar

   In the morning, go on a jungle safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. In the afternoon, take a bamboo rafting tour along the Periyar River. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kerala-style Ayurvedic massage.

4. Day 4: Varkala Beach
   4 hours 20 minutes (109 miles) from Thekkady

   In the morning, enjoy surfing lessons at the Varkala Beach. In the afternoon, visit the 2000-year-old Janardana Swami Temple and shop for souvenirs at the Varkala Cliff Market. In the evening, watch the sunset and enjoy dinner at one of the beach shacks.

5. Day 5: Wayanad
   7 hours 5 minutes (223 miles) from Varkala Beach

   In the morning, visit the Edakkal Caves and trek to the top of the Ambukuthi Hill. In the afternoon, go on a jeep safari in the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. In the evening, explore the Kuruva Islands and indulge in a bonfire dinner.

6. Day 6: Kovalam Beach
   6 hours 40 minutes (190 miles) from Wayanad

   In the morning, enjoy a yoga session on the Kovalam Beach. In the afternoon, visit the Halcyon Castle and enjoy the panoramic view of the Arabian Sea from the Lighthouse Beach. In the evening, try some seafood delicacies at the local beach shacks.

7. Day 7: Poovar Island
   25 minutes (10 miles) from Kovalam Beach

   In the morning, take a boat ride to the Poovar Island and explore the mangroves and backwaters. In the afternoon, visit the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre and enjoy an elephant ride. In the evening, relax on the beach and enjoy a sunset dinner at one of the beach resorts.

Recommendations

You may also consider visiting the Athirapally Waterfalls, Alleppey Backwaters, and Bekal Fort. For day trips, you can plan a visit to the Silent Valley National Park or the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary. To maximize your fun, try local dishes such as the Appam and Stew, Fish Molee, and Puttu and Kadala Curry.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Fort Kochi (1 day, $30)
• Munnar (2 days, $80)
• Thekkady (1 day, $50)
• Varkala Beach (1 day, $40)
• Wayanad (2 days, $100)
• Kovalam Beach (1 day, $35)
• Poovar Island (1 day, $45)
• Total Estimated Costs: $380

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