7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Kerala in July 2023

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   1 hour 30 minutes (37.5 km) from Kochi International Airport

   In the morning, explore the Dutch Palace and the Jew Town. Later, head to the beach and take a dip in the Arabian Sea. In the evening, watch a Kathakali performance.

2. Day 2: Alleppey
   1 hour 30 minutes (53.3 km) from Fort Kochi

   In the morning, take a leisurely houseboat ride through the backwaters and enjoy the scenic beauty of Kerala. In the afternoon, visit the Alappuzha Beach and relax on the shores. In the evening, try some local cuisine at Chakara Restaurant.

3. Day 3: Kumarakom
   1 hour 30 minutes (33 km) from Alleppey

   In the morning, explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and witness the diverse avian species. In the afternoon, take a canoe ride through the narrow canals and witness the tranquil backwaters. In the evening, relax and enjoy a sunset at the Vembanad Lake.

4. Day 4: Thekkady
   4 hours (137 km) from Kumarakom

   In the morning, take a nature walk through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and witness the wildlife in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, take a spice plantation tour and learn about Kerala's spices. In the evening, witness a traditional Kalaripayattu performance.

5. Day 5: Munnar
   3 hours 30 minutes (91.7 km) from Thekkady

   In the morning, visit the Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride on the lake. In the afternoon, visit the Eravikulam National Park and witness the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the evening, take a stroll through the tea gardens and enjoy the sunset at the Top Station.

6. Day 6: Kochi
   4 hours (130 km) from Munnar

   In the morning, visit the Hill Palace Museum and witness the Kerala's history and culture. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride to Vypeen Island and visit the Cherai Beach. In the evening, explore the Marine Drive and enjoy the sunset at the Kochi Backwaters.

7. Day 7: Kovalam
   4 hours 30 minutes (210 km) from Kochi

   In the morning, visit the Padmanabhaswamy temple and witness the Dravidian architecture. In the afternoon, relax and enjoy the sun and sand at the Kovalam Beach. In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali performance at the Nishagandhi Auditorium.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to Wayanad and witness the Banasura Sagar Dam and the Edakkal Caves. To maximize your fun, try some adventure sports such as ziplining and paragliding at Vagamon or Kolukkumalai.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dutch Palace (1 hour, INR 5)
• Jew Town (1 hour, Free)
• Kathakali Performance (2 hours, INR 300)
• Houseboat Ride (4 hours, INR 4000)
• Alappuzha Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Chakara Restaurant (1 hour, INR 500)
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 50)
• Canoe Ride (3 hours, INR 800)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 500)
• Spice Plantation Tour (2 hours, INR 300)
• Kalaripayattu Performance (2 hours, INR 200)
• Mattupetty Dam (2 hours, INR 20)
• Eravikulam National Park (3 hours, INR 125)
• Tea Gardens (2 hours, INR 50)
• Hill Palace Museum (2 hours, INR 30)
• Cherai Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Marine Drive (1 hour, Free)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Kovalam Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Kathakali Performance (2 hours, INR 300)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 7,230

Check hotel and flight prices here.