Kerala 7-day Itinerary - October 16-22, 2023

Monday, October 16: Arrive in Kochi

In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Visit the Santa Cruz Basilica and St. Francis Church. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride through the backwaters of Kerala. In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

• Fort Kochi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Backwater Boat Ride: Estimated cost - INR 500 (approximately $7), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Kathakali Dance Performance: Estimated cost - INR 300 (approximately $4), Time spent - 2 hours

Tuesday, October 17: Munnar

Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point in Munnar. Enjoy a scenic drive through tea plantations and explore the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the evening, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the region's tea production.

• Mattupetty Dam: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Echo Point: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Eravikulam National Park: Estimated cost - INR 120 (approximately $1.50), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Tea Museum: Estimated cost - INR 100 (approximately $1.50), Time spent - 1-2 hours

Wednesday, October 18: Thekkady

Embark on a jungle safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its diverse flora and fauna. Take a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you may spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage.

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 450 (approximately $6), Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Estimated cost - INR 225 (approximately $3), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Ayurvedic Massage: Estimated cost - INR 1,500 (approximately $20), Time spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday, October 19: Alleppey

Board a houseboat for a memorable cruise through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey. Enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings and savor delicious traditional Kerala cuisine on board. Spend the night on the houseboat, experiencing the tranquility of the backwaters.

• Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 7,000-10,000 (approximately $95-$135) for a private boat, Time spent - Overnight

Friday, October 20: Kovalam

Relax on the beautiful beaches of Kovalam. Spend the morning sunbathing and taking a dip in the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Enjoy a mesmerizing sunset view from the Lighthouse Beach.

• Kovalam Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Flexible
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Lighthouse Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Flexible

Saturday, October 21: Varkala

Explore the cliffside beaches of Varkala. Take a dip in the natural spring at Papanasam Beach believed to have therapeutic properties. Visit the Janardanaswamy Temple and enjoy the stunning views from the Varkala Cliff.

• Papanasam Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Flexible
• Janardanaswamy Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Varkala Cliff: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Flexible

Sunday, October 22: Departure from Kochi

Before departing from Kochi, explore the historic Jew Town and visit the iconic Paradesi Synagogue. Wander through the colorful spice markets of Mattancherry and shop for souvenirs. Bid farewell to Kerala with lasting memories of your trip.

• Jew Town: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Paradesi Synagogue: Estimated cost - INR 5 (approximately $0.07), Time spent - 1 hour
• Mattancherry Spice Markets: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off the beaten path experience, visit the serene hill station of Vagamon, known for its lush green meadows and pine forests. Explore the lesser-known village of Marari and relax on its pristine beach. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the delicious local seafood dishes at local eateries.

Plan your Kerala trip:

Check hotel and flight prices on Kayak