Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi Beach and marvel at their unique design. Take a stroll through the quaint streets lined with Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture. Visit the famous Santa Cruz Basilica and the spice market.
Day 2: Munnar (126 km, 4 hrs)
Drive up to the picturesque hill station of Munnar. Enjoy the scenic views of lush green tea plantations while sipping a cup of locally-produced tea. Visit Mattupetty Dam and go boating or trekking. Take a guided tour of the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the process of tea-making.
Day 3: Thekkady (92 km, 3 hrs)
Visit Periyar National Park and take an early morning boat ride to spot various species of birds, animals and reptiles. Take a guided tour of spice plantations located around Thekkady. Enjoy bamboo rafting at Periyar Lake.
Day 4: Alleppey - Kumarakom (51 km, 1 hr)
Take a leisurely boat ride through the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom. Visit the award-winning Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to numerous species of migratory and resident birds. Enjoy a peaceful evening watching the sunset by the serene backwaters.
Day 5: Kovalam (218 km, 5 hrs)
Visit the famous Lighthouse Beach and Hawah Beach at Kovalam. Enjoy swimming, surfing and sunbathing or go on a catamaran ride. Visit the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium to see the diverse marine life.
Time and Costs Estimates
Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi (1-2 hours, free)
Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi (1-2 hours, free)
Guided Tour of Tata Tea Museum, Munnar (1-2 hours, INR 350-500)
Periyar National Park, Thekkady (4-5 hours, INR 450-500)
Bamboo Rafting, Periyar Lake (2-3 hours, INR 1,500-2,000)
Boat ride through the backwaters, Kumarakom (3-4 hours, INR 400-500 per hour)
Visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom (2-3 hours, INR 50-100)
Total Estimated Costs (excluding accommodation and transportation): INR 3,000-3,500 per person
Useful Tips
If you have more time in Kerala, add a visit to the charming town of Alleppey and take a houseboat ride through the beautiful backwaters. If you have less time, skip Kovalam and spend more time in Munnar or Thekkady.