Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of Kerala: 7-Day Itinerary
Saturday, September 2: Arrival in Kochi
Begin your Kerala adventure by arriving in Kochi. In the morning, visit the historic Fort Kochi, where you can witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and explore the quaint streets lined with colonial architecture. In the afternoon, take a leisurely boat ride through the tranquil Backwaters, admiring the lush greenery and local life. As the evening sets in, attend a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.
Fort Kochi: INR 100, 3-4 hours
Backwater Boat Ride: INR 500, 2-3 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: INR 300, 2 hours
Restaurants
Café Rosemary: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Café Rosemary, known for its cozy ambiance and a variety of options including pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Pai Dosa Corner: For lunch, head to Pai Dosa Corner and savor the authentic flavors of South Indian cuisine. Indulge in their famous dosas, idlis, and vadas at an average cost of $5 per person.Burma Spice Restaurant: Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Burma Spice Restaurant, where you can relish Burmese and Kerala delicacies. From their signature tea leaf salad to mouthwatering curries, the average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Sunday, September 3: Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station renowned for its sprawling tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and taste exquisite varieties. Afterward, explore the beautiful Mattupetty Dam, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, take a stroll through the aromatic spice markets of Munnar.
Tea Museum: INR 150, 2-3 hours
Mattupetty Dam: INR 20, 1-2 hours
Spice Market: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, a popular South Indian restaurant in Munnar. Indulge in fluffy idlis, crispy dosas, and aromatic filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Rapsy Restaurant. Enjoy a variety of authentic Kerala dishes like appam with stew, Malabar biryani, and fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a sumptuous dinner at Tea Valley Restaurant. Savor mouthwatering Kerala-style seafood delicacies, alongside traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, September 4: Thekkady
Head towards Thekkady, home to the famed Periyar National Park. In the morning, take a boat safari on Periyar Lake, and spot diverse wildlife, including elephants and tigers. Afterward, visit a spice plantation to experience the aromatic flavors of Kerala. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate your senses.
Periyar Boat Safari: INR 500, 3-4 hours
Spice Plantation Visit: INR 200, 2-3 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1000, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Coffee Temple, a cozy café known for its delectable South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Spice Village Restaurant, where you can savor traditional Kerala cuisine prepared with fresh spices from the region. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at Periyar Café, a charming restaurant offering a fusion of Indian and international flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, September 5: Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Travel to Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East, famous for its backwaters and houseboat experiences. In the morning, embark on a houseboat cruise and glide through the serene backwaters, surrounded by lush green paddy fields. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala lunch prepared on the houseboat. In the evening, explore the local markets and indulge in some coconut-based delicacies.
Houseboat Cruise: INR 6000, 6-7 hours
Local Market Exploration: Free, 2-3 hours
Tasting Coconut Delicacies: INR 200, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, September 6: Kovalam
Make your way to Kovalam, a beautiful beach town on the Arabian Sea coast. In the morning, relax on the idyllic Kovalam Beach and soak up the sun. Take a dip in the clear waters or indulge in beachside activities. In the afternoon, visit the mesmerizing Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture. Witness a glorious sunset at the famous Lighthouse Beach in the evening.
Kovalam Beach: Free, 4-5 hours
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Lighthouse Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Three Moons Cafe, a cozy beachfront eatery offering a variety of delicious local and international breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at Malabar Palace, a popular restaurant known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Enjoy flavorful seafood dishes and traditional thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, experience the fine dining ambiance of Fusion Bay, an elegant restaurant serving a fusion of Indian and continental flavors. Savor their delectable seafood specialties and mouthwatering desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Thursday, September 7: Varkala
Head to the coastal town of Varkala, renowned for its stunning cliffs and pristine beaches. In the morning, explore the dramatic Varkala Cliff, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Relax on the golden sands of Varkala Beach and witness the natural spring at Papanasam Beach. In the evening, enjoy a therapeutic Ayurvedic treatment.
Varkala Cliff: Free, 2-3 hours
Varkala Beach: Free, 4-5 hours
Ayurvedic Treatment: INR 1500, 1-2 hours
Friday, September 8: Trivandrum
Conclude your Kerala journey by visiting Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. In the morning, explore the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a magnificent architectural marvel. Visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery to admire the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. In the evening, take a leisurely walk in the beautiful Kanakakunnu Palace Gardens.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
Napier Museum and Art Gallery: INR 20, 2-3 hours
Kanakakunnu Palace Gardens: Free, 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kerala, don't miss the enchanting Athirapally Falls, known as the Niagara of India. Visit the peaceful town of Kumarakom and experience a houseboat stay on the beautiful Vembanad Lake. For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary will offer a chance to spot elephants, leopards, and various bird species.