7-Day Nature Itinerary in Kerala

Tuesday September 26: Kochi

Start your trip in Kochi by exploring Fort Kochi in the morning. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and take a walk along the picturesque waterfront. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, known for its stunning murals and artifacts. End the day with a relaxing cruise on the backwaters of Kochi.

• Chinese Fishing Nets: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Mattancherry Palace: Estimated cost - INR 5, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Backwater Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 500, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Kashi Art Cafe in Fort Kochi. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options including freshly baked bread, eggs, and delicious coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
• For lunch, try Fusion Bay in Mattancherry. This restaurant serves a fusion of traditional Kerala and international dishes. Don't miss their seafood specialties. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
• For dinner, visit Seagull Restaurant in Fort Kochi. Enjoy beautiful views of the sea as you feast on fresh seafood and traditional Kerala cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about ₹600 per person.

Wednesday September 27: Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, known for its lush tea plantations and misty mountains. Start your day exploring the tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a visit to the beautiful Attukad Waterfalls.

• Tea Gardens: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: Estimated cost - INR 120 (foreigners), Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Attukad Waterfalls: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday September 28: Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, famous for its wildlife and spice plantations. Start your day with a thrilling boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of a spice plantation and learn about the region's rich spice heritage. End the day with a Kathakali dance performance.

• Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Estimated cost - INR 400, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Spice Plantation Tour: Estimated cost - INR 100, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Kathakali Dance Performance: Estimated cost - INR 250, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Friday September 29: Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East, famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. Start your morning with a relaxing houseboat cruise, gliding through the tranquil backwaters and observing the local way of life. In the afternoon, explore the Alleppey Beach and enjoy the golden sands. End the day with a mesmerizing sunset view from the Alappuzha Lighthouse.

• Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 10,000 (for a private boat), Time spent - 5-6 hours
• Alleppey Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Alappuzha Lighthouse: Estimated cost - INR 20, Time spent - 1 hour

Saturday September 30: Varkala

Head to Varkala, a coastal town known for its stunning cliffs and pristine beaches. Start your day by visiting the Varkala Beach, where you can relax and soak up the sun. In the afternoon, explore the fascinating Janardanaswamy Temple and take a dip in the holy Papanasam Beach. End the day by watching the mesmerizing sunset from the Varkala Cliff.

• Varkala Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Janardanaswamy Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Papanasam Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Varkala Cliff: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Sunday October 1: Kumarakom

Travel to Kumarakom, a serene backwater destination known for its bird sanctuary and scenic beauty. Start your morning with a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where you can spot various migratory birds. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing houseboat ride through the backwaters of Kumarakom. End the day with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage.

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 50 (Indians) / INR 100 (foreigners), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Houseboat Ride: Estimated cost - INR 8,000 (for a private boat), Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Ayurvedic Massage: Estimated cost - INR 2,000, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Monday October 2: Thiruvananthapuram

End your trip in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. Start your day by visiting the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance. In the afternoon, explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, housing a rich collection of art and historical artifacts. End the day by relaxing at the Kovalam Beach and watching the beautiful sunset.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Estimated cost - INR 20 (Indians) / INR 150 (foreigners), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Kovalam Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For nature lovers, a visit to the Silent Valley National Park is a must. It is a hidden gem tucked away in the Western Ghats, offering pristine wilderness and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Palaruvi Waterfalls, located near Aryankavu in Kollam district. These picturesque falls cascade down from a height of 300 feet, creating a mesmerizing sight. Locals also love the Meenmutty Falls in Wayanad, where you can enjoy a beautiful trek through the lush forests to reach the stunning waterfall.

For more information on hotel and flight prices in Kerala, you can check here.