5-Day Nature Itinerary for Kerala

  1. Day 1: Periyar National Park
    3 hours (96 km) from Cochin International Airport

    Start your trip with a visit to Periyar National Park. Home to elephants, tigers and other wild animals, this nature reserve is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. Take a boat cruise on Periyar Lake to get up close and personal with the animals.

  2. Day 2: Munnar
    4 hours 30 minutes (146 km) from Periyar National Park

    Next, head to Munnar, a hill station in Kerala known for its tea plantations. Take a tea plantation tour to learn about the process of tea-making and sample some of the delicious tea. Then, visit the Echo Point, a scenic spot with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

  3. Day 3: Athirapally Waterfalls
    4 hours (130 km) from Munnar

    Today, visit Athirapally Waterfalls, a breathtaking waterfall that's surrounded by lush greenery. Take a dip in the natural pool beneath the waterfall and enjoy the beauty of this place. Afterward, head to Vazhachal Waterfalls, located nearby, for more amazing views of nature.

  4. Day 4: Backwaters of Alleppey
    2 hours 30 minutes (83 km) from Athirapally Waterfalls

    Spend the day exploring the backwaters of Alleppey. Take a houseboat tour and enjoy the serenity of the water and the surrounding coconut groves. You'll see fishermen, women weaving coir, and children playing on the banks. This is a unique experience that's well worth the trip to Kerala.

  5. Day 5: Cherai Beach
    1 hour 30 minutes (42 km) from Backwaters of Alleppey

    End your trip with a visit to Cherai Beach, one of Kerala's best beaches. Take a relaxing stroll on the golden sand, swim in the clear blue water, and watch the sunset. Afterward, head to the nearby fishing village for a taste of fresh seafood.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Periyar National Park (4-5 hours, INR 350/person)
  • Munnar Tea Plantation Tour (3-4 hours, INR 1,000/person)
  • Athirapally Waterfalls (2-3 hours, INR 30/person)
  • Houseboat Tour (8-9 hours, INR 8,000-12,000)
  • Cherai Beach (3-4 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 9,380-13,380/person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Thekkady, located near Periyar National Park. This spice town offers activities such as spice plantation tours and bamboo rafting. If you have less time, skip Athirapally Waterfalls and go straight to the backwaters of Alleppey. Lastly, don't forget to try the local cuisine, such as appam, fish curry and puttu.

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