Kerala Adventures in July 2023

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   45 minutes (12.5 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   Fort Kochi is a historic town with a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. In the morning, explore the colonial architecture, including St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Santa Cruz Basilica. Have lunch at the popular Dal Roti restaurant, which serves delicious North Indian cuisine. Spend the afternoon watching traditional Kerala fishing nets in action and enjoying a Kathakali performance, a classical dance-drama that tells ancient Indian stories. In the evening, stroll along the picturesque beach and enjoy a seafood dinner at The Rice Boat.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours (86 miles) from Fort Kochi

   Munnar is a hill station with rolling hills, tea plantations, and waterfalls. Start the day with a visit to the Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy boating and a picturesque view of the Western Ghats. Have lunch at Rapsy Restaurant, known for its Kerala-style biryani and seafood. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea processing and enjoy a cup of hot tea. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the tea gardens and enjoy the beautiful sunset view.

3. Day 3: Alleppey
   3 hours 20 minutes (100 miles) from Munnar

   Alleppey, also known as the Venice of the East, is famous for its backwaters, canals, and houseboats. Start the day with a leisurely canoe ride through the narrow canals surrounded by coconut trees and paddy fields. Have lunch at the popular Thaff restaurant, which serves traditional Kerala cuisine. Spend the afternoon onboard a houseboat, enjoying the beautiful backwaters and watching the local life along the canals. In the evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset view over the backwaters before returning to the city.

Recommendations

If you have more time, don't miss a visit to Thekkady to see the wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. You can also consider a day trip to Kumarakom to experience bird watching and wetland ecology. To maximize your fun, try some of the famous local delicacies like appam, puttu, and fish curry. Shopping for spices, handicrafts, and tea is also a must-do activity in Kerala.

Time and Costs Estimates

• St. Francis Church (1 hour, INR 20)
• Santa Cruz Basilica (1 hour, INR 5)
• Dal Roti restaurant (1 hour, INR 500)
• Kathakali performance (2 hours, INR 300)
• The Rice Boat (1 hour, INR 800)
• Mattupetty Dam (1 hour, INR 20)
• Rapsy Restaurant (1 hour, INR 400)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, INR 150)
• Canoe ride (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Thaff restaurant (1 hour, INR 500)
• Houseboat ride (5 hours, INR 5000)
• Total Estimated Costs (excluding hotel and flight): INR 9,750

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