Start your Kerala adventure with a warm welcome in Kochi, also known as Cochin. In the morning, visit the iconic Mattancherry Palace, a Portuguese palace featuring stunning murals and exhibits showcasing Kerala's rich history. Afterward, head to Fort Kochi, a charming neighborhood known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. In the evening, catch a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala that combines dance, music, and storytelling.
Mattancherry Palace: Cost: INR 50 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Fort Kochi: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Kathakali Performance: Cost: INR 300-500 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Jubilee in Fort Kochi, where you can enjoy a delicious spread of continental and Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For lunch, Annapurna Restaurant in Kochi is a great choice, offering a variety of authentic Kerala cuisine like appam, fish curry, and banana leaf meals. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Oceanos Restaurant in Fort Kochi, a seaside establishment specializing in fresh seafood dishes. From grilled fish to lobster thermidor, you'll find a delectable selection to satisfy your cravings. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, August 22: Munnar - The Hill Station
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station blessed with lush green tea plantations. Start the day by visiting the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the tea-making process and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. In the afternoon, go for a leisurely walk through the tea gardens and indulge in some tea tasting. End the day with a visit to the Top Station viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats.
Tea Museum: Cost: INR 170 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Tea Gardens: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Top Station: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Brew Cafe: Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at The Brew Cafe, located in the heart of Munnar. Indulge in their freshly brewed coffee and a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Rasam Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious lunch at Rasam Restaurant, offering a wide range of traditional Kerala cuisine. From fish curry to appam, there is something for everyone. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Treetop Restaurant: For a memorable dinner, head to Treetop Restaurant, known for its unique dining experience amidst the trees. Savour their mouthwatering barbecue dishes and enjoy panoramic views of Munnar. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Wednesday, August 23: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Explore the incredible biodiversity of Kerala at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady. Start your day with a thrilling boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you may spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in nature with a guided trek through the sanctuary, experiencing the sights and sounds of the tropical forest. Don't miss the opportunity to witness a traditional martial arts performance in the evening.
Boat Safari: Cost: INR 225 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Guided Trek: Cost: INR 400-600 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Martial Arts Performance: Cost: INR 300-500 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Sip on a hot cup of Kerala-style filter coffee and indulge in delicious traditional dosas at Sambar House. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Enjoy a delectable seafood feast at Curry Bowl, known for its fresh catch of the day and mouthwatering curries. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Savor the flavors of Kerala cuisine at Spice Garden, where you can relish aromatic biryani and spicy fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, August 24: Backwaters of Alleppey
Experience the serene beauty of the famous backwaters of Alleppey. Board a traditional houseboat and cruise along the tranquil canals, passing through lush paddy fields and quaint villages. Enjoy a delicious Kerala-style lunch prepared on board. In the afternoon, disembark and explore the backwater villages on foot or by bicycle. Witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters before returning to your houseboat for a peaceful night's sleep.
Houseboat Cruise: Cost: INR 6,000-12,000 per night (for a family), Time spent: Overnight
Backwater Village Exploration: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Sunset Viewing: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Cafe Travancore, located in Alleppey. Indulge in their freshly brewed coffee and a variety of traditional Kerala breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Dreamers Cafe & Restaurant in Alleppey. Enjoy their delectable seafood delicacies and traditional Kerala thali. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, dine at the picturesque Oceanos Restaurant in Alleppey. Delight in their mouthwatering seafood platters while enjoying the stunning views of the backwaters. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Friday, August 25: Kovalam Beach Retreat
Conclude your Kerala adventure with a relaxing day at Kovalam Beach, one of the most popular beach destinations in the state. Spend the morning unwinding on the golden sands and taking a dip in the Arabian Sea. Indulge in a sumptuous seafood lunch at one of the beachside restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and enjoy water sports activities such as parasailing or surfing. As the day draws to a close, relish a mesmerizing sunset at the Hawa Beach.
Kovalam Beach: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Seafood Lunch: Cost: INR 500-1,000 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Lighthouse Beach & Water Sports: Cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique family-friendly experience, consider visiting the Elephant Junction in Thekkady, where you can interact with elephants and even go for an elephant ride. If you have extra time, take a detour to Kumarakom, a tranquil village famous for its backwaters and bird sanctuary. The Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom is a great spot for a relaxing boat ride or fishing excursion. These off the beaten path attractions and local favorites will surely make your Kerala trip unforgettable.
Before finalizing your travel plans, don't forget to check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.