Start your trip in the historic city of Kochi. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and watch the fishermen in action. Afterward, explore the vibrant streets of Fort Kochi and visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise on the backwaters and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
Fort Kochi: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2 hours
Backwater Cruise: Cost: $30-50, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: Cost: $10-20, Time Spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Pepper Route Cafe which offers a variety of local and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Kashi Art Cafe, a charming cafe that serves delicious sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Oceanos Restaurant and Bar for a delightful seafood experience. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday August 16: Munnar's Tea Plantations
Embark on a scenic ride to Munnar, known for its lush tea plantations. Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy boating and stunning views of the surrounding hills. In the afternoon, explore the tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process at a tea factory. End your day with a visit to the picturesque Echo Point, where you can hear your voice echo across the hills.
Mattupetty Dam: Cost: $2-3, Time Spent: 2 hours
Tea Plantations: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Tea Factory: Cost: $5-10, Time Spent: 1 hour
Echo Point: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Munnar is Cafe Coffee Day, offering a wide selection of coffees, sandwiches, and baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Rapsy Restaurant which serves delicious Indian and Chinese cuisine. They are known for their biryani and noodles. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
In the evening, head to the famous Saravana Bhavan for a traditional South Indian dinner. They specialize in dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Thursday August 17: Thekkady's Wildlife
Head to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park, famous for its wildlife. Start your morning with a thrilling jungle safari and try to spot elephants, tigers, and other animals. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding forests. End your day with a visit to the Spice Plantations, where you can learn about various spices and their cultivation.
Jungle Safari: Cost: $15-20, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Boat Ride on Periyar Lake: Cost: $10-15, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Spice Plantations: Cost: $5-10, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Head to Cafe Coffee Day for breakfast, where you can indulge in a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and beverages. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, visit Grandmother's Kitchen, a charming restaurant offering traditional Kerala cuisine including fish curry and appam. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
End your day with dinner at Spice Village, a restaurant known for its authentic Kerala dishes cooked with aromatic spices. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Friday August 18: Kumarakom Backwaters
Ride to Kumarakom, a serene village famous for its backwaters. Start your day by exploring the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to various species of birds. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing houseboat cruise on the backwaters, immersing yourself in the tranquil surroundings. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the Vembanad Lake.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Cost: $2-3, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Houseboat Cruise: Cost: $100-200, Time Spent: 4-6 hours
Vembanad Lake: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Kumarakom is Café Paradiso, known for its delicious South Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Tharavadu Restaurant, a family-friendly dining establishment that offers a variety of Kerala cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Waterside Restaurant, which offers a stunning lakeside view and a menu featuring both Indian and international dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday August 19: Alleppey's Canals
Continue your journey to Alleppey, also known as the Venice of the East. Begin your day by exploring the Alleppey Beach and enjoying the serene coastal ambiance. In the afternoon, hop on a traditional Kerala houseboat and cruise through the backwaters, admiring the picturesque landscapes and local life. In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali performance.
Alleppey Beach: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Houseboat Cruise: Cost: $100-200, Time Spent: 4-6 hours
Kathakali Performance: Cost: $10-20, Time Spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Blossom Restaurant: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Blossom Restaurant, known for its delicious South Indian cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Halais Restaurant: For lunch, head to Halais Restaurant where you can savor traditional Kerala dishes like Malabar Biryani. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Kayees Rahmathulla Hotel: Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Kayees Rahmathulla Hotel, famous for its Mutton Curry and Parottas. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Sunday August 20: Kovalam's Beaches
Ride to Kovalam, a coastal town known for its stunning beaches. Start your day by relaxing on the pristine shores of Lighthouse Beach and enjoying water activities like swimming and surfing. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Vizhinjam Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. End your day with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage.
Lighthouse Beach: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Cost: $2-3, Time Spent: 1 hour
Ayurvedic Massage: Cost: $30-50, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Kovalam is Coffee Temple, which offers a variety of dishes ranging from traditional South Indian breakfast items to continental options. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 200 per person.
For lunch, head to The Curry Leaf, a cozy restaurant known for its delicious Kerala cuisine. They serve a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 400 per person.
In the evening, dine at The Bait, a seafood restaurant located by the beach. Enjoy a wide selection of freshly caught seafood prepared in various styles. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 800 per person.
Monday August 21: Trivandrum's Culture
Conclude your trip in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Start your day by visiting the awe-inspiring Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture and religious significance. In the afternoon, explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing a collection of ancient artifacts and artworks. End your day at the Kovalam Art Gallery, where you can admire contemporary Indian art.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Cost: $2-3, Time Spent: 2 hours
Kovalam Art Gallery: Cost: $2-3, Time Spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Experience a delicious South Indian breakfast at Arya Bhavan, known for their crispy dosas and flavorful chutneys. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Savor authentic Kerala cuisine for lunch at Zam Zam Restaurant. Try their mouth-watering Malabar biryani and fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Indulge in a fine dining experience at Villa Maya, offering a fusion of Indian and international flavors. Don't miss their signature dishes like slow-cooked lamb shank. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For motorcycle enthusiasts, a thrilling ride through the scenic Western Ghats is a must-do. The roads are winding and offer breathtaking views of lush green valleys and tea plantations. Don't forget to explore the lesser-known hill stations like Ponmudi and Vagamon, where you can experience untouched natural beauty and tranquility.
Additionally, make sure to try the local cuisine, especially the traditional Kerala Sadhya, a vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. Don't miss out on trying the delicious seafood dishes, like Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish) and Meen Curry (fish curry).