8-Day Kerala Budget Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kochi City
   1 hour (29 km) from Kochi International Airport

   Start your trip by exploring Fort Kochi, a charming town and historic center offering beautiful architecture, museums, and art galleries. Enjoy the sunset at the Chinese Fishing Nets and indulge in some fresh seafood.

2. Day 2: Alleppey Backwaters
   1.5 hours (53 km) from Kochi City

   Experience the backwaters of Alleppey with a houseboat ride. The scenery is breathtaking with lush green paddy fields, coconut trees, and a variety of birds. Don't forget to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

3. Day 3: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary & Vembanad Lake
   2.5 hours (100 km) from Alleppey

   Explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to various migratory and local bird species. Take an eco-tour of the Vembanad Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can even opt for a short canoe ride through the narrow canals of the lake.

4. Day 4: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
   4 hours (150 km) from Kumarakom

   Go for a nature walk in Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary. Discover various wildlife species, including elephants, tigers, deer, and rare bird species. Take a boat ride in the Periyar Lake and enjoy the beautiful view.

5. Day 5: Munnar Hill Station
   3.5 hours (120 km) from Thekkady

   Visit Munnar Hill Station, popular for its tea estates and beautiful hills. Make sure to visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and admire the Mattupetty Dam, one of the popular picnic spots located near Munnar.

6. Day 6: Athirappilly Waterfalls
   4.5 hours (145 km) from Munnar

   Visit Athirappilly Waterfalls, which is one of the biggest waterfalls in Kerala. The area is surrounded by green forests and rocks which makes this place a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers.

7. Day 7: Thrissur City
   2.5 hours (100 km) from Athirappilly Waterfalls

   Discover Thrissur City, famous for its rich cultural history and beautiful temples. Visit the Vadakkunnathan Temple, a classical example of the Kerala style of architecture. Visit the Thrissur Zoo and the Archaeological Museum and Art Museum to learn more about the history of Kerala.

8. Day 8: Kozhikode Beach
   3.5 hours (140 km) from Thrissur City

   End your trip by spending some time on the Kozhikode beach, where you can relax, have a picnic, and enjoy beautiful sunsets. Be sure to try some local snacks and cuisine, such as Kozhikode Biriyani or sweet Halwa.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Houseboat ride in Alleppey (4 hours, INR 6,000)
• Nature walk in Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 200)
• Eravikulam National Park entry fee (2 hours, INR 120)
• Athirappilly Waterfalls entry fee (2 hours, INR 50)
• Vadakkunnathan Temple entry fee (1 hour, INR 30)
• Thrissur Zoo entry fee (1 hour, INR 20)
• Archaeological Museum and Art Museum entry fee (1 hour, INR 50)
• Total Estimated Costs (excluding accommodation, transportation, and food): INR 6,470

Useful tips

If you have less time, skip Thrissur and Kozhikode. For more time, consider visiting Wayanad District, Bekal Fort, or Kollam Beach. Book accommodation in advance and choose local transport options like buses or shared cabs to save money.