Begin your journey in the beautiful city of Kochi. In the morning, take a stroll along the picturesque Fort Kochi Beach, known for its Chinese fishing nets and stunning views. Visit the Fort Kochi area, which is rich in colonial architecture and history. In the afternoon, explore the Mattancherry Palace, a Portuguese palace showcasing Kerala murals and artifacts. As the evening sets in, watch a mesmerizing Kathakali performance, a traditional dance-drama of Kerala, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture.
Fort Kochi Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Anna Lakshmi Restaurant. This popular eatery offers a variety of dosas, idlis, and vadas, and the average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
For a sumptuous lunch, head to Kashi Art Cafe. This cozy cafe serves a delightful range of salads, sandwiches, and homemade desserts. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at The Rice Boat. Situated on a traditional houseboat, this restaurant offers a delectable menu of authentic Kerala cuisine, including freshly caught seafood dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 1000 INR per person.
Friday, September 1: Munnar's Tea Gardens
Head to Munnar, a hill station known for its breathtaking tea gardens. Start your morning with a visit to the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy a trek through this picturesque park. In the afternoon, explore the tea estates and learn about the tea-making process at the Tea Museum. End your day with a serene boat ride in Kundala Lake, surrounded by lush greenery.
Eravikulam National Park: Estimated cost - INR 120 (entrance fee), Time spent - 3-4 hours
A perfect spot for breakfast is Saravana Bhavan, known for its delicious South Indian cuisine. You can enjoy a traditional breakfast consisting of idli, dosa, and filter coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant, which offers a variety of North Indian and Chinese dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering biryanis. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Eastend Munnar, a multi-cuisine restaurant serving a range of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. You can relish their flavorsome seafood specialties. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, September 2: Backwaters of Alleppey
Travel to Alleppey, known for its mesmerizing backwaters. Start your day by experiencing a serene houseboat cruise through the backwaters. Enjoy the scenic beauty and get a glimpse of the local way of life. In the afternoon, explore the Alleppey Beach and witness a mesmerizing sunset. In the evening, indulge in delicious seafood at a local restaurant.
Backwater Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 8000-12000 (for 24 hours), Time spent - Full day
A popular breakfast spot in Alleppey is Café Coffee Day, offering a variety of delicious breakfast options like sandwiches, pastries, and hot beverages. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Thaff Restaurant, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes like sadya, appam, and karimeen fry. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at The Prawn Village, a local restaurant specializing in seafood. Indulge in fresh catch of the day prepared in various enticing dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, September 3: Thekkady's Wildlife Haven
Head to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park. In the morning, take a guided safari through the park and spot diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, explore the spice plantations and learn about the spices that make Kerala cuisine so flavorful. End your day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate your senses.
Periyar National Park Safari: Estimated cost - INR 2500-3500 (depending on the type of safari), Time spent - 3-4 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Spice Garden Restaurant, located near Thekkady. They offer a wide variety of traditional Kerala dishes, and average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Enjoy a savory lunch at Bamboo Cafe, a popular eatery in Thekkady. They serve delectable South Indian cuisine, and average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For dinner, head to Periyar Tandoor House, known for its mouthwatering barbecue and grilled specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Monday, September 4: Serenity in Varkala
Travel to Varkala, a serene coastal town with beautiful cliffs and beaches. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Varkala Beach and spend some peaceful time by the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, explore the Janardanaswamy Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Witness the stunning sunset from the Varkala Cliff and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.
For breakfast, head to Cafe del Mar, a cozy beachside cafe offering a variety of breakfast options from traditional Kerala dishes to continental favorites. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Abba Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and excellent vegetarian options. Enjoy a tasty meal while overlooking the stunning Varkala Beach. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Darjeeling Cafe, a popular restaurant located on the Varkala Cliff. Indulge in delicious Indian and Tibetan cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Tuesday, September 5: Experience Nature in Wayanad
Head to Wayanad, a nature lover's paradise. Start your morning with a visit to the breathtaking Soochipara Waterfalls and enjoy the scenic beauty. In the afternoon, explore the Edakkal Caves, known for their ancient rock art. Take a leisurely walk through the lush green tea and coffee plantations. End your day with a visit to the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India.
For a delicious breakfast, head to The Bungalow Restaurant. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly baked goods and local delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, try the Bamboo Hut. This charming restaurant serves traditional Kerala cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
For a memorable dinner, visit The Spice Market. Known for its authentic flavors and vibrant ambiance, this restaurant offers a wide range of seafood and vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 400 per person.
Wednesday, September 6: Beach Bliss in Kovalam
End your Kerala journey in the picturesque beach town of Kovalam. Start your day with a visit to the Lighthouse Beach and enjoy a refreshing swim in the Arabian Sea. Explore the Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach, known for their serene beauty. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali performance and indulge in delicious seafood at a beachside restaurant.
Hawa Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Samudra Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Art Cafe Kovalam, offering a variety of delicious Indian and continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a mouthwatering seafood lunch, head to The German Bakery & Seafood Restaurant, known for their fresh catch of the day and delectable German pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner experience at Curry Leaf Restaurant, serving authentic Kerala cuisine with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kerala, make sure to visit the hidden gem of Marari Beach, a tranquil paradise with pristine shores and palm-fringed landscapes. Take a boat ride in the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom, where you can witness the serene beauty of nature and spot migratory birds. Don't miss the chance to savor authentic Kerala cuisine at local eateries, indulging in dishes like appam, puttu, and Kerala-style fish curry.