Welcome to Kerala! On your first day, arrive in Kochi and check into your hotel. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Visit the iconic St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace, which showcases beautiful murals. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride through the tranquil backwaters of Kochi. In the evening, watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance and savor the flavors of Kerala cuisine.
Fort Kochi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
St. Francis Church: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 30 minutes
On day two, head to Munnar, a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea processing and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea. Explore the breathtaking Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic hike to the enchanting Attukad Waterfalls. End the day with a visit to the Top Station viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
Top Station: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Saturday, August 12: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
On day three, proceed to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. In the morning, take a thrilling boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you can spot elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species. Afterward, visit the spice plantations and learn about the aromatic spices grown in the region. Enjoy an evening cultural show featuring traditional music and dance performances.
Boat safari on Periyar Lake: Estimated cost - INR 150 (approximately $2), Time spent - 2-3 hours
Cultural show: Estimated cost - INR 200-300 (approximately $3-4), Time spent - 1-2 hours
Sunday, August 13: Alleppey Backwaters
On day four, travel to Alleppey, renowned for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. In the morning, embark on a leisurely houseboat ride through the scenic backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil waters. Enjoy delicious Kerala cuisine prepared on the houseboat. In the afternoon, explore the village life and interact with the locals. Witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters before spending a peaceful night on the houseboat.
Village exploration: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Alleppey is The Grand Kerala Taste. They serve traditional Kerala breakfast items like puttu and appam. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try the seafood specialties at Harbour Restaurant. They offer fresh catch from the backwaters cooked in authentic Kerala spices. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, head to Mushroom Restaurant known for its diverse menu of Indian, Chinese, and continental dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, August 14: Kanyakumari - Land's End
On day five, head towards Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent. In the morning, visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, located on a small island, accessible by a ferry ride. Explore the Thiruvalluvar Statue and enjoy panoramic views of the confluence of three seas. In the afternoon, witness the unique spectacle of the sunset and visit the Kanyakumari Amman Temple. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local market and savor delicious seafood.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Estimated cost - INR 50 (approximately $0.70), Time spent - 2-3 hours
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. This popular restaurant offers a variety of traditional dishes like idli, dosa, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 100 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Hotel Saravana, known for its extensive vegetarian buffet. Enjoy a wide range of authentic South Indian dishes and desserts. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
Indulge in a scrumptious seafood dinner at The Seashells Restaurant. This waterfront eatery offers a delightful array of fresh fish, prawns, and crab preparations. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Tuesday, August 15: Return to Kochi
On the final day, return to Kochi. In the morning, explore the bustling Broadway Market, known for its spices, textiles, and handicrafts. Visit the iconic Jewish Synagogue and the nearby Jew Town. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise on Kochi's backwaters to soak in the scenic beauty. End your trip by enjoying a delectable seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
While exploring Kochi, don't miss the opportunity to visit the lesser-known Mattancherry neighborhood, where you can wander through narrow lanes lined with colorful houses and charming cafes. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad is highly recommended. This pristine wilderness is home to diverse flora and fauna. Make sure to try the local delicacies such as appam, puttu, and fish curry for an authentic culinary experience in Kerala.