An Adventurous 5-Day Itinerary to Explore Kerala

  1. Day 1: Cochin
    1 hour (39.4KM) from Cochin International Airport

    Explore the Jew Town, known for antique shops, spice market, and the Jewish Synagogue. Visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to witness traditional Kerala Architecture. Take a walk along the colorful streets of the Fort Kochi area, where you can spot Chinese Fishing Nets and some magnificent wall arts.

  2. Day 2: Munnar
    4 hours and 15 minutes (126 KM) from Cochin

    Wake up early to enjoy a mesmerizing sunrise at the top of Anamudi Peak, which is surrounded by the lush green tea plantations. Visit the Eravikulam National Park, which is known for wildlife and treks. Take a stroll in the Munnar Tea Museum and enjoy a sip of tea in the cafeteria, which offers a great view of the valley.

  3. Day 3: Thekkady
    2 hours and 15 min (85.4KM) from Munnar

    Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot some exotic animals, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. Experience bamboo rafting, which is a unique yet peaceful way to explore nature. Take a walk in the spice plantations and learn about the cultivation process of spices like pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon.

  4. Day 4: Alleppey
    3 hours and 30 min (139.4KM) from Thekkady

    Experience Kerala's backwaters in a houseboat, which will take you through the beautiful and calm waters of Vembanad Lake. Take a stroll in the Alleppey Beach, which provides a serene atmosphere to relax. Visit the Sea View Park, a stunning garden near the sea and a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.

  5. Day 5: Kovalam
    2 hours and 45 min (212 KM) from Alleppey

    Relax on the beach and indulge in some water activities like surfing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. Visit the Lighthouse Beach, which offers a picturesque view and a serene environment. Take a stroll in the Kovalam Fish Market, where you can get a fresh catch of the day and some spices to bring back home.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Jew Town (2 hours, free)
  • Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, INR 5)
  • Fort Kochi Area(2 hours, free)
  • Anamudi Peak (2 hours, INR 500)
  • Eravikulam National Park (3 hours, INR 125)
  • Munnar Tea Museum (1 hour, INR 75)
  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 500)
  • Bamboo Rafting (5 hours, INR 1500)
  • Spice Plantations (2 hours, free)
  • Houseboat on Vembanad Lake(1 night, INR 6000)
  • Alleppey Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Sea View Park (1 hour, free)
  • Kovalam Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Kovalam Fish Market (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 8680

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Wayanad, the land of paddy fields, trekking trails, and tribal culture. Kerala also offers several Ayurvedic Retreats and recently launched a monsoon tourism project. If you have less time, you can cut down the itinerary by skipping the spice plantations and Munnar Tea Museum. You can also consider skipping the Alleppey backwaters or reducing the houseboat time to half-day.

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