10-Day Kerala Itinerary on a Shoestring Budget

1. Day 1: Kochi Fort Kochi Area
   45 minutes (21.2 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Explore Fort Kochi area's historical landmarks and enjoy local food at Paragon Restaurant.

2. Day 2: Alleppey Backwaters
   1 hour 30 minutes (54.7 km) from Kochi Fort Kochi Area

   Take a backwater tour, try fishing, visit a coir factory, and marvel at Indian Chinese cuisine at Kayaloram Heritage Lake Resort.

3. Day 3: Kovalam Beach
   4 hours 30 minutes (212 km) from Alleppey Backwaters

   Enjoy the scenic beauty of Kovalam beach, visit the lighthouse, and indulge in delicious seafood at German Bakery.

4. Day 4: Varkala Beach
   1 hour 10 minutes (51 km) from Kovalam Beach

   Relax at the Papanasam beach, go surfing, and enjoy a perfect sunset view at Rocky Cafe.

5. Day 5: Thekkady
   4 hours (117 km) from Varkala Beach

   Go on a nature walk, visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy some Indian-style tea at Abraham Spice Farm.

6. Day 6: Munnar
   3 hours 10 minutes (87.9 km) from Thekkady

   Visit the tea plantations, enjoy views from Anamudi Peak, and taste Kerala's famous cuisine at Saravana Bhavan.

7. Day 7: Athirapally Falls
   2 hours 20 minutes (78.5 km) from Munnar

   Visit India's largest waterfall, watch the rich flora and fauna of the Athirapally forest, and savor some coconut water at Amma's Food Point.

8. Day 8: Thrissur Pooram
   2 hours 30 minutes (95.9 km) from Athirapally Falls

   Experience the major cultural festival of Kerala and witness astonishing elephant train at Vadakkunnathan Temple.

9. Day 9: Kozhikode Beach
   3 hours 50 minutes (186 km) from Thrissur Pooram

   Enjoy a visit to the Mananchira Square, go shopping at Mittai Theruvu, and try Kerala-style biryani at Paragon Restaurant.

10. Day 10: Varakkal Beach
    3 hours 20 minutes (134 km) from Kozhikode Beach

    Take a dip in the Puzhapilangadi beach, visit the historic St. Angelo Fort, and taste famous Kerala sweets at Rahmathulla Hotel.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Paragon Restaurant (Lunch, INR 250)
• Kayaloram Heritage Lake Resort (Backwater Tour 4 hours USD 100)
• German Bakery (lunch, INR 300)
• Rocky Cafe (Snacks and Coffee, INR 200)
• Abraham Spice Farm (Nature Walk and Food Tasting, USD 10)
• Saravana Bhavan (South Indian cuisine lunch, INR 180)
• Amma's Food Point (Snacks and Drinks, INR 100)
• Vadakkunnathan Temple (Entry free)
• Paragon Restaurant (Dinner, INR 300)
• Rahmathulla Hotel (Sweets and Snacks, INR 100)

Total Estimated Cost: INR 1,510/ USD 120

Useful Tips

If time allows, you can add Wayanad, the Muzhapilangad Drive-in Beach, The Kathakali Center, Mattupetty Dam, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Pazhassi Raja Tomb and Museum, Alappuzha Lighthouse, and Parunthumpara Hill. If you have less time, you can skip Kovalam beach, Athirapally falls, or Varakkal beach, and choose sites based on your interest.