A Budget-Friendly 6-Day Itinerary to Kerala

Thursday, September 7: Arrival in Kochi

Welcome to Kerala! Begin your journey in Kochi, a city known for its rich history and diverse culture. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a charming neighborhood with colonial architecture and iconic Chinese fishing nets. Visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Dutch Palace with its beautiful murals. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride through the backwaters of Kochi. As the evening sets in, wander through Jew Town, a historic area famous for its antique shops and spice markets.

  • Fort Kochi: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Boat Ride: INR 500 ($7), 2 hours
  • Jew Town: Free, 1-2 hours
Friday, September 8: Munnar's Serene Beauty

Head to Munnar, a hill station renowned for its tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. Start your morning with a visit to the Tata Tea Museum, where you can learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy a refreshing walk through the lush tea gardens, surrounded by mist-covered hills. In the afternoon, explore the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. As the day comes to an end, witness a mesmerizing sunset at the Top Station viewpoint.

  • Tata Tea Museum: INR 100 ($1.40), 2-3 hours
  • Tea Garden Walk: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Eravikulam National Park: INR 120 ($1.70), 3-4 hours
  • Top Station: Free, 1-2 hours
Saturday, September 9: Backwaters of Alleppey

Experience the serene backwaters of Alleppey on a houseboat. Start your morning by boarding a traditional Kerala houseboat and sail through the network of canals, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch on the boat and relax as you take in the scenic beauty. In the afternoon, explore the quaint villages along the backwaters and interact with the friendly locals. As the evening approaches, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.

  • Houseboat: INR 3,000-5,000 ($42-$70), Full day
  • Exploring Villages: Free, 2-3 hours
Sunday, September 10: Cultural Delights in Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, a town known for its spice plantations and wildlife sanctuary. In the morning, take a guided tour of a spice plantation, where you can learn about various spices and their cultivation. Enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage to relax your senses. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling jungle safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. As the day ends, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance to immerse yourself in Kerala's vibrant culture.

  • Spice Plantation Tour: INR 200 ($2.80), 2-3 hours
  • Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,000-2,000 ($14-$28), 1-2 hours
  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 450 ($6.30), 3-4 hours
  • Kathakali Dance Performance: INR 300 ($4.20), 1-2 hours
Monday, September 11: Tranquil Beaches of Varkala

Travel to Varkala, a coastal town famous for its pristine beaches and cliffside views. Start your morning with a visit to the Varkala Beach, where you can relax on the golden sands and take a dip in the Arabian Sea. Explore the cliffside shops and cafes, offering panoramic views of the ocean. In the afternoon, rejuvenate your mind and body with a yoga session on the beach. As the evening sets in, witness a mesmerizing sunset from the Varkala Cliff.

  • Varkala Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Cliffside Exploration: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Yoga on the Beach: INR 300-500 ($4.20-$7), 1-2 hours
  • Varkala Cliff Sunset: Free, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, September 12: Departure from Kochi

As your journey in Kerala comes to an end, spend your last morning exploring the vibrant markets of Kochi. Visit the bustling Broadway Market, known for its spices, textiles, and local handicrafts. Indulge in some street food delicacies and shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, take a relaxing walk along Marine Drive, a picturesque promenade offering stunning views of the backwaters. Bid farewell to Kerala with fond memories as you depart from Kochi.

  • Broadway Market: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Marine Drive: Free, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For budget-conscious travelers, be sure to visit the small village of Mararikulam, located near Alleppey. Here, you can experience the serene beauty of Marari Beach, known for its pristine sands and tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the shoreline and mingle with the friendly fishermen. You can also explore the nearby fishing villages, where you can witness the local way of life and savor delicious seafood at affordable prices.

Check here for hotel and flight prices.

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