Kerala 7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary

1. Friday July 7: Kochi
   48 minutes (21.5 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   Start your Kerala adventure in Kochi, a vibrant city known for its colonial architecture. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi's historic sites, such as the Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the picturesque Chinese Fishing Nets and visit the Maritime Museum. End your day enjoying a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

   • Dutch Palace: ₹100 ($1.35), 1 hour
   • Jewish Synagogue: Free entry, 1 hour
   • Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1 hour
   • Maritime Museum: ₹30 ($0.40), 1 hour
   • Kathakali Dance Performance: ₹200 ($2.70), 2 hours
2. Saturday July 8: Munnar
   4 hours 25 minutes (95.6 miles) from Kochi

   Head to the hill station of Munnar, famous for its tea plantations. Spend the morning exploring the lush greenery of Eravikulam National Park, home to endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy a serene sunset at Echo Point.

   • Eravikulam National Park: ₹120 ($1.60), 4 hours
   • Tea Museum: ₹100 ($1.35), 1 hour
   • Echo Point: Free, 2 hours
3. Sunday July 9: Alleppey
   3 hours 25 minutes (89.2 miles) from Munnar

   Experience the backwaters of Kerala by boarding a traditional houseboat in Alleppey. Spend the day cruising through the serene waterways, surrounded by lush green landscapes. Marvel at the rustic charm of small villages and enjoy delicious local cuisine prepared on board.

   • Houseboat Cruise: ₹5,000 ($67.60) for 24 hours
4. Monday July 10: Thekkady
   3 hours 25 minutes (89.2 miles) from Alleppey

   Embark on an adventure in Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park. Start your day with a thrilling jungle safari, spotting various wildlife species. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake and visit the spice plantations to learn about the region's spices.

   • Periyar National Park Safari: ₹450 ($6.10), 4 hours
   • Periyar Lake Boat Ride: ₹225 ($3.05), 2 hours
   • Spice Plantation Visit: ₹100 ($1.35), 1 hour
5. Tuesday July 11: Varkala
   3 hours 45 minutes (68.6 miles) from Thekkady

   Relax and rejuvenate in the coastal town of Varkala. Start your day with a visit to the stunning Varkala Beach, known for its cliffs and mineral-rich waters. In the afternoon, indulge in Ayurvedic spa treatments or practice yoga overlooking the Arabian Sea.

   • Varkala Beach: Free, full day
   • Ayurvedic Spa Treatment: ₹1,500 ($20.30), 2 hours
   • Yoga Session: ₹300 ($4.05), 1 hour
6. Wednesday July 12: Kovalam
   2 hours 50 minutes (49.3 miles) from Varkala

   Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Kovalam. Spend the morning relaxing on the golden sands or taking a dip in the clear waters. Explore the lighthouse and enjoy a seafood feast in the afternoon. Witness a mesmerizing sunset at Hawa Beach.

   • Kovalam Beaches: Free, full day
   • Lighthouse Visit: ₹20 ($0.27), 1 hour
   • Seafood Feast: ₹500 ($6.75), 1 hour
   • Hawa Beach Sunset: Free, 1 hour
7. Thursday July 13: Trivandrum
   30 minutes (9.7 miles) from Kovalam

   Conclude your Kerala journey in Trivandrum, the capital city. Visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the morning, known for its intricate architecture. Explore the Napier Museum and the nearby zoo in the afternoon. End your day with some shopping at Chalai Market.

   • Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free entry, 1 hour
   • Napier Museum: ₹20 ($0.27), 2 hours
   • Chalai Market Shopping: Cost varies, 2 hours

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the stunning hill station of Wayanad or taking a day trip to the beautiful Athirapally Falls. To make the most of your budget, try local street food, take public transportation, and look for budget accommodations in each destination.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.