Kerala: A 5-Day Journey Through India's Tropical Paradise

  1. Day 1: Kochi
    30 minutes (21 km) from Cochin International Airport

    Explore the vibrant city of Kochi, known for its blend of Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Visit the iconic Jew Town market and take a stroll along the Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset. Experience the various flavors of Kerala cuisine at local restaurants.

  2. Day 2: Munnar
    4 hours (130 km) from Kochi

    Marvel at the picturesque tea plantations and misty hills of Munnar. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the process of tea making and sample some of the region's famous teas. Head to the Eravikulam National Park to spot some of the local wildlife and enjoy the scenic vistas of the Western Ghats.

  3. Day 3: Thekkady
    3 hours 30 minutes (91km) from Munnar

    Thekkady, also known as Periyar, is a rich biodiversity hotspot. Go on a guided trek through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can spot wild elephants, tigers, leopards, and other animals. Enjoy a boat ride in the Lake Periyar and spot some of the 265 species of birds found in the region.

  4. Day 4: Kumarakom
    4 hours (127 km) from Thekkady

    Kumarakom is a cluster of small islands on the Vembanad Lake. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary that boasts over 200 bird species and witness the traditional fishing methods used by the locals. Take a leisurely houseboat ride along the serene canals while enjoying a scrumptious Keralan lunch prepared on board.

  5. Day 5: Thiruvananthapuram
    4 hours 30 minutes (160 km) from Kumarakom

    Explore the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. Explore the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which is an epitome of South-Indian architecture. Paddle through the backwater canals of the Kadinamkulam Lake on a canoe. Head to the beautiful Kovalam beach for a stunning sunset.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Jew Town Market, Kochi (1 hour, Free)
  • Chinese Fishing Nets, Kochi (1 hour, Free)
  • Tea Museum, Munnar (2 hours, Rs. 100-200)
  • Eravikulam National Park, Munnar (4 hours, Rs. 120-320)
  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady (6 hours, Rs. 550-1350)
  • Lake Periyar Boat Ride, Thekkady (2 hours, Rs. 225-475)
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom (2 hours, Rs. 50-100)
  • Backwater Houseboat Ride, Kumarakom (6 hours, Rs. 4000-8000)
  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram (2 hours, Free)
  • Kadinamkulam Lake Canoe Ride, Thiruvananthapuram (2 hours, Rs. 300-500)
  • Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram (2 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 5800-13450

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit the tranquil beaches of Varkala and Cherai. Adventurous travelers can go trekking to the Chembra Peak in Wayanad. If you have less time, you can skip Thekkady and spend an extra day exploring Kochi and its surrounding areas. Don't forget to carry comfortable footwear and light clothing as the weather can get humid.

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