8-Day Itinerary for Kerala

1. Day 1: Kochi Fort & Beach
   35 mins (16.1 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Begin your trip exploring the Kochi Fort, an architectural marvel built-in 1503. Followed by a visit to the beautiful Kochi beach.

2. Day 2: Athirapally Waterfalls
   70 mins (39.6 km) from Kochi Fort

   Visit Athirapally Waterfalls for a breathtaking view of the waterfall cascading down from a height of 82 ft and surrounded by thick lush green forests.

3. Day 3: Munnar Tea Plantations
   4.5 hrs (133 km) from Athirapally Waterfalls

   Stroll through the lush green tea plantations in Munnar, a delightful sight for any traveler. Visit the Kannan Devan Tea Museum to learn about the history and making of tea in Kerala.

4. Day 4: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
   2.5 hrs (91.1 km) from Munnar Tea Plantations

   Visit the largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. Get up close with tigers, elephants, and bison at Periyar National Park while taking a boat ride, guided hike, or jeep safari.

5. Day 5: Alleppey's Backwaters
   3 hrs (123 km) from Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary

   Enjoy a houseboat ride through the serene and tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. Take in the beautiful views and catch a glimpse of local life.

6. Day 6: Kovalam Beach
   4 hrs (162 km) from Alleppey's Backwaters

   Relax and unwind at Kerala's pristine beaches at the Kovalam Beach. Try surfing or take a catamaran ride while soaking up the sun and sea here.

7. Day 7: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
   2 hrs (87.5 km) from Kovalam Beach

   Head to the Kumarakom bird sanctuary and get a glimpse of the numerous migratory birds that flock to its panoramic surroundings. Take a boat ride to enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna.

8. Day 8: Varkala Beach & Janardhana Swami Temple
   2.5 hrs (108 km) from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

   End your trip by exploring the eclectic blend of history and natural beauty at Varkala Beach. Take a dip in the ocean and head to the ancient Janardhana Swami Temple for some serenity.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Kochi Fort (2-3 hours, free)
• Athirapally Waterfalls (2 hours, free)
• Munnar Tea Plantations (4-5 hours, INR 600 per person for museum)
• Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary (4-5 hours, INR 500 per person for boat ride)
• Alleppey's Backwaters (6-7 hours, INR 8000 for a 2BHK houseboat with meals)
• Kovalam Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (3-4 hours, INR 100 per person for entry)
• Varkala Beach & Janardhana Swami Temple (2-3 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs per person: INR 6800

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the scenic hills of Wayanad. Alternatively, with less time, reduce the number of days spent in Munnar and Thekkady.