Welcome to Kerala! Start your trip in Kochi, a vibrant city known for its rich history and multicultural influences. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets along the waterfront and witness the traditional fishing technique. Afterward, explore the historic Fort Kochi area, famous for its colonial-era architecture and charming streets. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its stunning murals. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of classical Indian dance.
Leave Kochi and head towards the beautiful hill station of Munnar. In the morning, explore the lush tea plantations that surround the town and learn about the tea-making process at a tea museum. Afterward, visit the picturesque Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy boating and take in the stunning views. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the aromatic spice gardens and indulge in some local tea tasting.
For breakfast, head to the popular café called "M2 Tea & Snacks Corner" which offers delicious South Indian dishes like dosa and idli. Average cost for a meal is about ₹100 per person.
If you're looking for a tasty lunch option, try "Saravana Bhavan" which serves authentic vegetarian Kerala cuisine including thali meals and dosas. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a scrumptious dinner at "Rapsy Restaurant" which offers a variety of Indian and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Thursday, August 24: Thekkady
Continue your journey to Thekkady, known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. In the morning, embark on a thrilling boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you can spot various animals, including elephants and birds. Afterward, visit a spice plantation and learn about the different spices cultivated in the region. In the evening, enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional music and dance performances.
Periyar Lake Boat Safari: INR 150-450 (approximately $2-6.20), 2-3 hours
Cultural Show: INR 100-200 (approximately $1.40-2.75), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Jaleel in Thekkady. This cozy café offers a variety of breakfast options, including traditional Kerala dishes like appam and puttu. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Spice Village Restaurant. Located within the Spice Village Resort, this restaurant serves authentic Kerala cuisine made with fresh ingredients sourced from the resort's organic garden. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Bar-B-Que Restaurant. This popular restaurant offers a wide range of grilled and barbecued dishes, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Enjoy a flavorful dinner accompanied by live music performances. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Friday, August 25: Alleppey (Backwaters)
Head to Alleppey, the gateway to the enchanting backwaters of Kerala. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and cruise along the serene backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the houseboat while taking in the beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, explore the small villages and witness the local way of life. Spend the evening relaxing on the houseboat and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
Houseboat Cruise: INR 6,000-10,000 (approximately $82-137) for a private boat, 4-6 hours
Saturday, August 26: Kovalam
Continue your journey towards Kovalam, a popular beach destination in Kerala. In the morning, relax on the sandy beaches and take a refreshing swim in the Arabian Sea. Explore the vibrant local markets and indulge in some souvenir shopping. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and climb to the top for panoramic views. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage for a truly rejuvenating experience.
A popular breakfast spot near Kovalam is the Blue Moon Cafe. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, including fresh fruit salads, traditional South Indian dosas, and fluffy pancakes. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 rupees per person.
For lunch, head to Malabar Cafe, a charming restaurant known for its delicious seafood dishes. Try their signature fish curry with steamed rice or savour their flavorful biryani. The average cost for a meal at Malabar Cafe is about 400-500 rupees per person.
In the evening, dine at Curry Tree Restaurant for a delightful dinner experience. This restaurant specializes in traditional Kerala cuisine, serving mouthwatering dishes like appam with spicy chicken curry and Malabar fish curry. The average cost for a meal here is about 800-1000 rupees per person.
Sunday, August 27: Trivandrum
On the final day of your trip, visit Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. In the morning, explore the impressive Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture and religious significance. Afterward, visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery to admire a wide collection of ancient artifacts and artworks. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Kovalam Beach and savor a delicious seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Napier Museum and Art Gallery: INR 10-20 (approximately $0.14-0.28), 1-2 hours
For a unique family-friendly experience, consider visiting the Elephant Junction in Thekkady, where you can interact with and learn about elephants in an ethical and responsible manner. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. Don't miss the opportunity to try traditional Kerala cuisine, such as appam and fish curry, at local eateries for an authentic taste of the region.
For hotel and flight prices, you can check out Kayak. It offers a wide range of options to suit your preferences and budget.