7-Day Adventure Itinerary in Kerala

Sunday, August 13: Kochi

In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Visit the Santa Cruz Basilica and the Dutch Palace. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride through the backwaters of Kochi. As the evening sets in, watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

• Fort Kochi: INR 100, 4 hours
• Backwater Boat Ride: INR 500, 3 hours
• Kathakali Dance Show: INR 200, 2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Kashi Art Cafe, a charming cafe known for its delicious breakfast options such as pancakes and eggs benedict. The average cost for a meal here is about $8 per person.
• For lunch, try Oceanos Restaurant, a seafood restaurant located near the beach. They offer a variety of fresh seafood dishes like fish curry and grilled prawns. The average cost for a meal here is about $15 per person.
• For dinner, visit Ginger House Restaurant, a popular restaurant known for its traditional Kerala cuisine. Try their signature dishes like Appam with stew or Malabar fish curry. The average cost for a meal here is about $12 per person.

Monday, August 14: Munnar

Start your day with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Tea Museum and learn about the region's tea production. In the afternoon, go on a thrilling jeep safari to the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, the highest tea plantation in the world. End the day with a relaxing walk around the Mattupetty Dam.

• Eravikulam National Park: INR 200, 4 hours
• Tea Museum: INR 100, 2 hours
• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Jeep Safari: INR 1500, 5 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: Free, 1 hour

Tuesday, August 15: Thekkady

Embark on an adventurous trek in the Periyar National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. In the afternoon, take a thrilling bamboo rafting expedition on the Periyar Lake, offering opportunities to spot elephants and other wildlife. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage for relaxation.

• Periyar National Park Trek: INR 500, 5 hours
• Bamboo Rafting: INR 1500, 4 hours
• Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1000, 1 hour

Wednesday, August 16: Alleppey

Board a houseboat in Alleppey and cruise through the picturesque backwaters. Enjoy the serene surroundings and observe the local life along the canals. Indulge in delicious Kerala cuisine prepared on board. Spend the night on the houseboat, enjoying the tranquility of the backwaters.

• Houseboat Cruise: INR 5000, Overnight

Thursday, August 17: Varkala

Start your day with a visit to the Varkala Beach, known for its stunning cliffs and clear waters. Relax on the beach and soak up the sun. In the afternoon, hike up to the Varkala Cliff and enjoy breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. End the day by watching a mesmerizing sunset from the cliff.

• Varkala Beach: Free, 4 hours
• Varkala Cliff: Free, 2 hours

Friday, August 18: Wayanad

Embark on a thrilling jungle safari in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, tigers, and various bird species. Visit the Edakkal Caves, known for their prehistoric rock art. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Soochipara Falls and take a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters.

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 100, 5 hours
• Edakkal Caves: INR 50, 3 hours
• Soochipara Falls: INR 50, 2 hours

Saturday, August 19: Kovalam

Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Kovalam. Take a dip in the Arabian Sea and enjoy various water activities such as surfing and parasailing. Indulge in seafood delicacies at beachside restaurants. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing cultural show at the Kathakali Center.

• Kovalam Beach: Free, 6 hours
• Water Activities: INR 1000, 3 hours
• Kathakali Show: INR 300, 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For adventure enthusiasts, consider visiting the Athirapally Waterfalls, where you can take a thrilling trek and witness the cascading beauty of the falls. Another off the beaten path attraction is the Meesapulimala Trek in Munnar, which offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. Locals also love the Marari Beach in Alleppey, a tranquil and less crowded alternative to popular beaches.

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