Nature Lover's 5-Day Itinerary in Kerala in November 2023

1. Day 1: Munnar
   3 hours (87 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   Located in the Western Ghats mountain range, Munnar is known for its rolling hills covered in tea plantations. Start your day with a visit to the Kundala Dam Lake, followed by a hike along the scenic Mattupetty Dam. In the afternoon, explore the Echo Point, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. End your day with a visit to the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history and production of tea in the region.

2. Day 2: Thekkady
   3 hours (57 miles) from Munnar

   Thekkady is home to the Periyar National Park, a wildlife sanctuary that is home to elephants, tigers, and other native animals. In the morning, take a guided trek through the forest to see the wildlife up close. Afterward, visit the Periyar Lake for a boat ride, where you can see animals drinking and bathing along the shoreline. In the evening, check out the Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala that combines dance, music, and storytelling.

3. Day 3: Alleppey
   3 hours (88 miles) from Thekkady

   Alleppey is known for its beautiful backwaters, a network of lagoons and canals that flow into the Arabian Sea. Start your day with a houseboat tour of the backwaters, where you can see local life and enjoy the serene natural beauty. In the afternoon, explore the Alleppey Beach, which is known for its clean shores and tranquil atmosphere. End your day with a visit to the St. Mary's Forane Church, a historic and beautiful church in the heart of the city.

4. Day 4: Wayanad
   6 hours (175 miles) from Alleppey

   Wayanad is known for its lush green forests, rolling hills, and waterfalls. Start your day with a visit to the Edakkal Caves, which are believed to date back to the Neolithic era. In the afternoon, check out the Soochipara Falls, a beautiful waterfall that cascades down from a height of more than 650 feet. End your day with a visit to the Pookode Lake, a serene lake surrounded by forests and hills.

5. Day 5: Athirappilly
   6 hours (144 miles) from Wayanad

   Athirappilly is home to the Athirappilly Falls, a stunning waterfall that is over 80 feet tall. Start your day with a visit to the falls, where you can explore the surrounding forests and enjoy the view from the top. In the afternoon, check out the Vazhachal Falls, another beautiful waterfall located just a few miles away. End your day with a visit to the Charpa Falls, a smaller but equally picturesque waterfall located nearby.

Recommendations

If you have additional time, consider visiting the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, the Eravikulam National Park, or the Silent Valley National Park. For day trips, consider visiting the hill station of Vagamon or the historic city of Kochi. To maximize your fun, try some local Kerala cuisine, which includes dishes like appam, puttu, and beef fry, and consider taking a traditional Ayurvedic massage to relax and rejuvenate.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kundala Dam Lake (2-3 hours, free)
• Mattupetty Dam (2-3 hours, free)
• Echo Point (1-2 hours, free)
• Tea Museum (1-2 hours, 200 INR)
• Periyar National Park Trekking (3-4 hours, 500 INR)
• Periyar Lake Boat Ride (2-3 hours, 300 INR)
• Kathakali Dance Performance (1-2 hours, 500 INR)
• Backwater Houseboat Tour (6-8 hours, 6,000-10,000 INR)
• Alleppey Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• St. Mary's Forane Church (1-2 hours, free)
• Edakkal Caves (2-3 hours, 40 INR)
• Soochipara Falls (2-3 hours, 100 INR)
• Pookode Lake (2-3 hours, 10 INR)
• Athirappilly Falls (2-3 hours, 25 INR)
• Vazhachal Falls (1-2 hours, 20 INR)
• Charpa Falls (1-2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: 8,200-12,200 INR

To check for hotel and flight prices, click here.