Start your Kerala adventure by arriving in Cochin, also known as Kochi. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood with colonial-era buildings, Chinese fishing nets, and the iconic St. Francis Church. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its stunning murals. As the evening approaches, take a relaxing sunset cruise on the backwaters and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Fort Kochi: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kerala Cafe, known for their authentic South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 rupees per person.
For lunch, head to Oceanos Restaurant and indulge in their fresh seafood offerings. Average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
In the evening, dine at Fusion Bay and savor their fusion cuisine blending flavors from Kerala and beyond. Average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.
Friday August 4: Munnar - Hill Station Delight
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the region's tea production. Afterward, explore the breathtaking Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. As the day winds down, take a leisurely walk through the town and soak in the stunning views of tea gardens.
The Brew Corner: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Brew Corner. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly brewed teas and coffees, along with a selection of pastries and sandwiches. An average meal here costs about ₹200 per person.
Rosemary Restaurant: For a satisfying lunch, head to Rosemary Restaurant. This charming eatery serves a range of Kerala specialties, including fish curry and appam. The restaurant's friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a great choice. An average meal here costs about ₹300 per person.
Mountain View Grill: Indulge in a memorable dinner at Mountain View Grill. This stunning restaurant offers a panoramic view of the hills and serves a delectable spread of Indian and international dishes. The cozy ambiance and attentive service make it an ideal spot for a special evening. An average meal here costs about ₹500 per person.
Saturday August 5: Alleppey - Backwaters Bliss
Travel to Alleppey, known for its serene backwaters and houseboat cruises. In the morning, embark on a relaxing houseboat tour through the narrow canals, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala lunch on the boat. In the afternoon, explore the quaint village of Kumarakom, known for its bird sanctuary. As the evening sets in, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.
A popular breakfast spot in Alleppey is Cafe De Lake, located by the backwaters. Their menu includes a variety of options such as dosa, idli, and traditional Kerala breakfast items. A meal here costs around INR 150 per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Grand Cru Restaurant, situated in Kumarakom. They serve a variety of cuisines including Kerala, Indian, and International dishes. A meal here costs around INR 400 per person.
In the evening, dine at The Taj Terrace, a waterfront restaurant offering stunning views of the backwaters. They specialize in seafood and local Kerala delicacies. A meal here costs around INR 800 per person.
Sunday August 6: Thekkady - Wildlife Encounter
Head to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. In the morning, take a guided trek through the lush forests, spotting various wildlife species. Afterward, visit a spice plantation and learn about the region's rich spice cultivation. In the afternoon, enjoy a thrilling boat ride on the Periyar Lake, offering opportunities to spot elephants and other wildlife. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage to relax and unwind.
Periyar National Park: Estimated Cost - INR 450, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day, located in Thekkady town. They offer a variety of coffee drinks and a delicious range of breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Spice Village Restaurant, situated near Periyar National Park. They specialize in traditional Kerala cuisine, with options such as fish curry and appam. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Bamboo Café, a cozy restaurant known for its authentic Indian dishes. They offer a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Monday August 7: Varkala - Coastal Retreat
Make your way to Varkala, a beautiful coastal town known for its stunning cliffs and pristine beaches. In the morning, relax on the golden sands of Varkala Beach and take a refreshing dip in the Arabian Sea. Afterward, visit the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Varkala Cliff, lined with shops, cafes, and yoga centers. As the evening approaches, witness a magical sunset from the cliff.
For breakfast, head to Cafe del Mar, a cozy beachside cafe serving delicious pancakes, fresh fruit bowls, and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try the seafood delights at Abba Restaurant. They offer a variety of fresh catches from the Arabian Sea, cooked to perfection with aromatic spices. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in the authentic flavors of Kerala at Theeram Restaurant. They specialize in traditional Kerala cuisine, including spicy fish curry, appam, and banana leaf meals. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Tuesday August 8: Kovalam - Beach Bliss
Continue your beach adventures in Kovalam, a popular coastal town. In the morning, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach, known for its picturesque lighthouse and golden sands. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, lined with shops and restaurants. In the afternoon, relax and soak up the sun at Hawa Beach, also known as Eve's Beach. As the evening sets in, indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa session.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Coffee Temple, known for its freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, enjoy the authentic flavors of Kerala at Malabar Café. This restaurant offers a variety of Kerala specialties, including fish curry and appam. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Villa Maya, a restaurant housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century Dutch manor. Indulge in their delectable fusion cuisine, combining traditional Kerala ingredients with global flavors. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Wednesday August 9: Departure from Trivandrum
Conclude your Kerala adventure with a visit to the capital city, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). In the morning, explore the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture. Afterward, visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery to admire its vast collection of artifacts and artworks. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the beautiful Kovalam Art Gallery and enjoy the serene surroundings. Depart from Trivandrum in the evening.
Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Estimated Cost - INR 20, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Kovalam Art Gallery: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Artville. This cozy cafe offers a variety of fresh sandwiches, pastries, and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Zam Zam Restaurant. Enjoy their flavorful Kerala cuisine including biryanis and seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Villa Maya. This upscale restaurant in an old Dutch bungalow serves fusion cuisine with a touch of Kerala flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kerala, don't miss out on the following hidden gems and local favorites:
- Poovar Island: A tranquil island with backwaters, golden beaches, and lush greenery. Take a boat ride to experience its serenity.
- Marari Beach: Escape to this secluded and pristine beach, offering a peaceful atmosphere to relax and unwind.
- Thattekad Bird Sanctuary: A haven for bird lovers, this sanctuary is home to a wide variety of resident and migratory birds.
- Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village: Experience the authentic village life of Kerala, interact with locals, and indulge in traditional activities.
- Ayurvedic Treatment Centers: Kerala is renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments. Pamper yourself with rejuvenating massages and therapies.
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