Welcome to Kerala! Start your trip in Kochi by exploring the Fort Kochi area in the morning. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and take a stroll along the picturesque Fort Kochi Beach. In the afternoon, head to the Mattancherry neighborhood to explore the historic Mattancherry Palace and the vibrant Jew Town. In the evening, watch a Kathakali dance performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Entrance is free, approximately 1 hour
Fort Kochi Beach: Free, approximately 2 hours
Mattancherry Palace: Entrance fee of INR 5 for Indians and INR 50 for foreigners, approximately 1 hour
Jew Town: Free, approximately 2 hours
Kerala Kathakali Centre: Ticket prices vary, approximately 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Fort Kochi is Kashi Art Cafe, known for its artistic ambiance and delicious international and Indian breakfast options. Expect to spend around ₹400 per person for a meal.
For lunch, head to Fusion Bay in Mattancherry, which offers a fusion of Indian and international cuisines. The average cost for a meal here is approximately ₹600 per person.
Indulge in a traditional Kerala dinner at Eighth Bastion, a cozy restaurant in Fort Kochi. Savor authentic Kerala dishes like Appam and Malabar Fish Curry, with an average cost per person of ₹800.
Saturday January 13: Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea gardens and lush greenery. In the morning, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Afternoon tea, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea production in the region. End the day with a relaxing stroll through the beautiful tea gardens.
Eravikulam National Park: Entrance fee of INR 120 for Indians and INR 400 for foreigners, approximately 3 hours
Tea Museum: Entrance fee of INR 250 for adults and INR 135 for children, approximately 2 hours
Tea Gardens: Free, approximately 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Saravana Bhavan, a popular vegetarian restaurant known for its delicious South Indian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, try Dhe Puttu, a cozy restaurant serving authentic Kerala cuisine with a twist. Don't miss their signature puttu, a traditional steamed rice cake. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, dine at Paragon Restaurant, a legendary eatery famous for its seafood delicacies. Indulge in fresh prawns, crab, and fish cooked in a variety of mouth-watering sauces. Average cost for a meal is about ₹600 per person.
Sunday January 14: Alleppey Backwaters
Experience the serene beauty of the Kerala backwaters today. Board a traditional houseboat in Alleppey and cruise along the backwaters, passing through picturesque villages and lush landscapes. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala lunch on the houseboat and spend the day relaxing and taking in the enchanting surroundings.
Houseboat Cruise: Prices vary depending on the package, approximately 6-8 hours
Monday January 15: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Head to Thekkady to explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. In the morning, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot animals like elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, visit the spice plantations in the area and learn about the different spices grown in Kerala.
Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Entrance fee of INR 150 for Indians and INR 450 for foreigners, approximately 2-3 hours
Spice Plantations: Entrance fees vary, approximately 2 hours
Tuesday January 16: Kovalam Beach
Travel to Kovalam, a coastal town famous for its beautiful beaches. Spend the morning relaxing on the pristine beaches and soaking up the sun. In the afternoon, visit the iconic lighthouse at Hawa Beach and explore the lively beachside markets. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants as the sun sets.
Kovalam Beaches: Free, approximately 3-4 hours
Hawa Beach Lighthouse: Entrance fee of INR 10, approximately 1 hour
Beachside Markets: Prices vary, approximately 2 hours
Wednesday January 17: Trivandrum City
Explore the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum, today. In the morning, visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its stunning architecture and religious significance. In the afternoon, explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery to admire its fascinating collection of artifacts and artworks. End the day with a visit to the Kovalam Art Gallery to appreciate the works of local artists.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, approximately 1-2 hours
Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Entrance fee of INR 20 for Indians and INR 150 for foreigners, approximately 2 hours
Kovalam Art Gallery: Entrance fee of INR 10, approximately 1 hour
Thursday January 18: Wayanad
Head to the scenic district of Wayanad, known for its lush forests and wildlife. In the morning, visit the majestic Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India. Afternoon explore the Edakkal Caves, known for its ancient rock art. End the day with a visit to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to spot various species of flora and fauna.
Banasura Sagar Dam: Entrance fee of INR 20, approximately 2-3 hours
Edakkal Caves: Entrance fee of INR 40 for Indians and INR 80 for foreigners, approximately 2-3 hours
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Entrance fee of INR 10 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners, approximately 2-3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Don't miss out on exploring the hidden gems and local favorites in Kerala. Visit the hidden gem of Marari Beach near Alleppey for a peaceful beach experience away from the crowds. Explore the off-the-beaten-path town of Varkala, known for its stunning cliffs, beachside shacks, and vibrant yoga scene. For a unique cultural experience, attend a Theyyam performance in Kannur, showcasing elaborate rituals and vibrant costumes.