Start your trip by arriving in Munnar, a picturesque hill station known for its lush tea plantations. In the morning, take a leisurely walk through the tea gardens, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Mattupetty Dam, where you can take a boat ride on the tranquil lake. As the evening sets in, explore the local market and indulge in some shopping for tea and spices.
Munnar Tea Gardens: Free, 2-3 hours
Mattupetty Dam: INR 10 for boat ride, 1-2 hours
Local Market: Variable, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Diem, a cozy little café tucked away in the heart of Munnar. They serve delicious continental and Indian breakfast options, and the average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For lunch, visit Rapsy Restaurant which offers a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Their seafood specialties are particularly recommended, and you can enjoy a meal here for an average cost of around INR 300 per person.
End your day with dinner at Alibaba & 41 Dishes, a popular restaurant serving delightful North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese cuisines. The ambience is cozy, and the average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
Thursday October 19: Exploring Munnar
Spend the day exploring the natural beauty of Munnar. In the morning, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy a scenic trek through the park. In the afternoon, head to the Top Station viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. In the evening, relax with a cup of tea at a tea estate and witness a beautiful sunset.
Eravikulam National Park: INR 120 for entry, 3-4 hours
Top Station Viewpoint: Free, 1-2 hours
Tea Estate: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delectable breakfast at Café Cinnamon, a charming restaurant known for its freshly baked goods and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Rapsy Restaurant which offers a wide variety of local and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at The Treetop Restaurant, nestled amidst the lush greenery of Munnar. Enjoy their delicious Indian and Continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday October 20: Alleppey Backwaters
Embark on a serene journey to Alleppey, known for its enchanting backwaters. In the morning, board a houseboat and cruise through the tranquil canals, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, explore the village life and interact with the locals. As the evening sets in, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.
Houseboat: INR 6,000 - 10,000 for a day, 6-7 hours
Village Exploration: Free, 2-3 hours
Sunset Watching: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Savour a delicious breakfast at the quaint Café Bliss, known for its freshly-brewed coffee and homemade pastries. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Treat yourself to a sumptuous lunch at Spice Bazaar, where you can indulge in authentic Kerala cuisine cooked with aromatic spices. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
End the day with a delightful dinner at The Lakeview Restaurant, offering a picturesque view of the backwaters along with a delectable menu of seafood and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Saturday October 21: Wildlife Experience in Thekkady
Head to Thekkady, a wildlife sanctuary famous for its rich biodiversity. In the morning, embark on a jungle safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot various wildlife species, including elephants and tigers. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake and enjoy the scenic beauty. In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 450 for safari, 3-4 hours
Savor a delicious South Indian breakfast at Spice Village Restaurant, known for its authentic flavors and warm ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Indulge in a mouthwatering seafood lunch at Periyar House Restaurant, offering a wide variety of fresh fish and prawn dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Experience a delightful dinner at Pepper Vine Restaurant, which serves traditional Kerala cuisine fused with modern flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Sunday October 22: Cultural Delights of Cochin
Visit Cochin, a fascinating city known for its blend of cultures. In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area, where you can admire the Chinese fishing nets and visit the St. Francis Church. In the afternoon, explore the Jew Town and visit the Pardesi Synagogue. In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Fort Kochi: Free, 2-3 hours
Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1-2 hours
Pardesi Synagogue: INR 5, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Nihaarika's Breakfast Café offers a delightful breakfast experience with a serene ambiance. Enjoy a variety of fresh juices, fluffy omelettes, and crunchy toasts. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Spice Box Restaurant. Indulge in a delectable mix of Kerala's traditional flavors and international cuisines. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Experience the rich flavors of Kerala cuisine at The Malabar Spice Restaurant for dinner. Enhance your taste buds with their succulent seafood dishes and aromatic curries. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Monday October 23: Exploring Cochin's Heritage
Continue your exploration of Cochin's rich heritage. In the morning, visit the iconic Mattancherry Palace, known for its stunning murals and artifacts. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Marine Drive, a scenic promenade overlooking the backwaters. In the evening, indulge in some shopping for spices and handicrafts at the local markets.
Mattancherry Palace: INR 2, 2-3 hours
Marine Drive: Free, 1-2 hours
Local Markets: Variable, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Cafe di Kerala: Start your day with a delicious traditional South Indian breakfast at Cafe di Kerala. Enjoy crispy dosas and fluffy idlis with a variety of chutneys and sambar. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 150 per person.
Kashi Art Cafe: For a refreshing lunch amidst art and charm, head to Kashi Art Cafe. This cozy cafe offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including fresh salads, sandwiches, and homemade cakes. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Fort House Restaurant: Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Fort House Restaurant, located by the waterfront. Indulge in a selection of seafood specialties, including mouthwatering Kerala-style fish curry and prawn roast. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Tuesday October 24: Departure from Cochin
Say goodbye to the beautiful state of Kerala as you depart from Cochin. Take some time in the morning to relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Depending on your flight time, you can explore a local museum or simply enjoy the scenic views of Cochin. Depart for the airport in the afternoon, carrying beautiful memories of your relaxing Kerala getaway.
Leisure Time: Free, 2-3 hours
Transportation to Cochin Airport: Variable
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Teapot Cafe, known for its cozy ambiance and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head over to Royal Spice Restaurant and indulge in their flavorful Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Oceanos Restaurant, offering a wide range of seafood dishes prepared with local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a truly relaxing experience, consider visiting the Marari Beach near Alleppey. This pristine beach is less crowded compared to other popular beaches in Kerala, allowing you to unwind in peace. Another hidden gem is the Chellarkovil viewpoint near Thekkady, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Locals often visit these places to escape the tourist crowds and find solace in nature's tranquility.
For the best hotel and flight prices in the region, you can check here.