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Kochi, Athirapally, Varkala, Thekkady 5-Day Itinerary

Kerala Exploration: Kochi, Athirapally, Varkala, Thekkady

  1. Tuesday July 11: Kochi
    2 hours 30 minutes (37.8 miles) from Cochin International Airport

    In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi beach. Explore the colonial charm of the area by strolling through the charming streets dotted with Dutch, Portuguese, and British architecture. In the afternoon, head to Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its stunning murals. End the day with a Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

    • Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1-2 hours
    • Mattancherry Palace: ₹5 (approx. $0.07), 1-2 hours
    • Kathakali Dance Performance: ₹400-500 (approx. $5.41-6.76), 2-3 hours
  2. Wednesday July 12: Athirapally
    2 hours 30 minutes (55.7 miles) from Kochi

    Embark on a nature-filled day at Athirapally. Start your morning with a thrilling visit to the Athirapally Waterfalls, cascading down from a height of 80 feet. Afternoon is the perfect time for a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa session. In the evening, take a leisurely boat ride along the Chalakudy River, enjoying the scenic beauty and spotting diverse bird species.

    • Athirapally Waterfalls: ₹30 (approx. $0.41), 2-3 hours
    • Ayurvedic Spa Session: ₹1,000-2,000 (approx. $13.51-27.02), 1-2 hours
    • Chalakudy River Boat Ride: ₹500-700 (approx. $6.76-9.46), 1-2 hours
  3. Thursday July 13: Varkala
    3 hours 30 minutes (70.6 miles) from Athirapally

    Enjoy a serene day in Varkala, known for its cliffside views and pristine beaches. Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Janardanaswamy Temple, a 2,000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the afternoon, relax on the beautiful Varkala Beach, known for its natural springs and therapeutic properties. Witness the stunning sunset from the cliffside and end the day with a delightful seafood dinner.

    • Janardanaswamy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
    • Varkala Beach: Free, full day
    • Seafood Dinner: ₹500-800 (approx. $6.76-10.82), 1-2 hours
  4. Friday July 14: Thekkady
    4 hours (89.4 miles) from Varkala

    Embark on an adventurous day in Thekkady, famous for its wildlife sanctuary. Start your morning with a thrilling jungle safari in Periyar National Park, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, take a boat ride in Periyar Lake to enjoy the scenic beauty and spot wildlife. End your day with a visit to the Spice Plantations, where you can learn about different spices and their cultivation.

    • Periyar National Park Jungle Safari: ₹450-550 (approx. $6.08-7.43), 3-4 hours
    • Periyar Lake Boat Ride: ₹150 (approx. $2.03), 1-2 hours
    • Spice Plantations: ₹200 (approx. $2.70), 1-2 hours
  5. Saturday July 15: Thekkady
    Explore more of Thekkady or choose another nearby destination.

    Consider spending the day exploring more of Thekkady, visiting places like Mangala Devi Temple or taking part in a bamboo rafting experience. Alternatively, you can take a day trip to nearby destinations like Munnar, known for its tea plantations, or Kumarakom, famous for its backwaters. Choose the option that best suits your interests and make the most of your last day in Kerala.

Recommendations

Are there any other local attractions, events, or experiences I should also consider? How about day trips? Any good ideas on how to get the most for my money and have a lot of fun?

For a unique local experience, consider a backwater cruise in Alappuzha, where you can witness the scenic beauty of Kerala's backwaters. Another popular day trip option is a visit to the hill station of Munnar, offering breathtaking views and tea plantation tours. To make the most of your money, explore local markets for spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs at reasonable prices. Don't forget to indulge in authentic Kerala cuisine to savor the flavors of the region.

Check hotel and flight prices here.

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