Welcome to Kerala! Start your trip by arriving in Kochi, a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. In the morning, explore the iconic Fort Kochi, where you can visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the picturesque Chinese Fishing Nets. Afternoon is a great time to take a relaxing boat ride through the backwaters and enjoy the scenic beauty. In the evening, don't miss the mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.
Fort Kochi: Free, 3-4 hours
Backwater Boat Ride: INR 500 per person, 2-3 hours
Kathakali Performance: INR 300-500 per person, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Kashi Art Cafe, a cozy and artsy café located in the heart of Fort Kochi. Enjoy their delicious homemade bread, pastries, and refreshing beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
If you're looking for a satisfying lunch, try Fusion Bay, a popular seafood restaurant known for its delectable dishes. Indulge in their mouthwatering fish curry and prawn masala. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Ginger House Restaurant, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Try their tender Malabar biryani and fish molee for a true culinary experience. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Pepper Kerala Cuisine. Indulge in a variety of dosas, idlis, and uttapams. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Malabar Café and savor the flavors of traditional Kerala cuisine. Try their mouthwatering seafood dishes like Malabar Fish Curry or Prawn Biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Oceanos Restaurant. Enjoy a stunning view of the Arabian Sea as you feast on delectable seafood delicacies like Grilled Lobster or Karimeen Pollichathu. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, August 12: Munnar Hill Station
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. In the morning, visit the tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea while taking in the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, explore the Mattupetty Dam and indulge in boating. End the day with a visit to the Top Station viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
Munnar Tea Gardens: Free, 3-4 hours
Mattupetty Dam: INR 20 per person, 2 hours
Top Station: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Munnar is Saravana Bhavan, known for its delicious South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant which offers a variety of North Indian and Chinese cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, indulge in a candlelit dinner at Copper Castle Restaurant, serving delectable continental and Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, August 13: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
Head to Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. In the morning, take a guided jungle safari in the sanctuary to spot elephants, tigers, deer, and various bird species. Afternoon is the perfect time for a boat cruise on Periyar Lake, where you can witness wildlife up close. End the day by visiting a spice plantation and learning about the aromatic spices grown in the region.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 225 per person, 4-5 hours
Periyar Lake Boat Cruise: INR 150-200 per person, 2-3 hours
Spice Plantation Visit: INR 100 per person, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at The Terrace, a charming breakfast spot located nearby. Enjoy a variety of delicious dishes like fluffy pancakes and eggs benedict. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Spice Garden, a quaint restaurant serving traditional Kerala cuisine. Indulge in flavorful curries, dosas, and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
In the evening, dine at The Spice Route, a popular dinner destination known for its fusion of Kerala and international flavors. Try their mouthwatering seafood dishes and unique cocktails. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Monday, August 14: Alleppey Backwater Houseboat
Travel to Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East," famous for its serene backwaters. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and cruise through the tranquil backwaters. Enjoy the scenic beauty, local cuisine, and the unique experience of staying on a floating house. Explore the small villages and interact with the friendly locals. Spend the night on the houseboat, surrounded by the peaceful waters.
Alleppey Houseboat: INR 6,000-10,000 per night, 24 hours
Tuesday, August 15: Kovalam Beach Relaxation
Head to Kovalam, a popular beach destination in Kerala. Spend the morning relaxing on the sandy beaches and taking a dip in the clear waters. Indulge in some water sports activities like surfing or parasailing. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and enjoy the beautiful views from the lighthouse. Unwind with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage and savor delicious seafood in the evening.
Kovalam Beach: Free, 4-5 hours
Lighthouse Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,000-3,000 per person, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, August 16: Trivandrum City Exploration
Conclude your trip with a visit to Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. In the morning, explore the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its architecture and religious significance. Visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery to admire the collection of ancient artifacts and traditional art. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the lush gardens of the Kanakakunnu Palace and enjoy the tranquil ambiance. End your Kerala adventure with a visit to the beautiful Kovalam Beach one last time.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
Napier Museum and Art Gallery: INR 20 per person, 2-3 hours
Kanakakunnu Palace: Free, 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off the beaten path experience, visit the hill station of Wayanad, known for its lush greenery, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries. Explore the ancient Edakkal Caves, with prehistoric rock art, and take a refreshing dip in the Meenmutty Waterfalls. Another hidden gem is the village of Kumarakom, located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Experience the rustic charm of the village, enjoy a traditional houseboat ride, and witness the migratory bird population at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. These hidden gems offer unique experiences and are suitable for family-friendly exploration.
For hotel and flight bookings, you can check the prices and availability on KAYAK.