Kerala Adventure: A 5-Day Journey through God's Own Country
Sunday, September 10: Exploring Kochi
Start your Kerala adventure in the city of Kochi. In the morning, visit Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Explore the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, which showcases beautiful murals and artifacts. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride through the scenic backwaters of Kochi. In the evening, watch a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.
Fort Kochi: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
A popular breakfast spot in Kochi is Qissa Cafe, known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, head to Kayees Biriyani, a local favorite for its flavorful biryanis made with fragrant spices and tender meat. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
In the evening, dine at Fusion Bay, a waterfront restaurant offering a fusion of Indian and international cuisine. Enjoy the stunning views and a variety of dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹700 per person.
Monday, September 11: Munnar's Tea Gardens
On the second day, head to the hill station of Munnar, known for its lush tea gardens. Start your morning with a visit to the Mattupetty Dam and experience the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Explore the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea production in Munnar. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the tea plantations. In the afternoon, take a trek through the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End your day by sipping a cup of freshly brewed tea while admiring the sunset over the tea gardens.
Eravikulam National Park: Estimated cost: INR 120 (USD 1.64), Time spent: 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Sip the morning away with a cup of aromatic tea at the Tea Emporium. This quaint breakfast spot offers a variety of tea blends to pair with your morning bites. Average cost for breakfast is about $8 per person.
Indulge in traditional Kerala cuisine at Rapsy Restaurant, where you can savor flavorful local dishes like appam with chicken stew or parotta with beef curry. Average cost for lunch is about $10 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, head to Eastend Munnar Restaurant. This rooftop eatery offers stunning views of the tea gardens while serving up delicious Indian and continental fare. Average cost for dinner is about $15 per person.
Tuesday, September 12: Backwaters of Alleppey
Embark on a scenic journey to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters. Start your day with a soothing houseboat cruise along the tranquil backwaters, enjoying the picturesque views of paddy fields and coconut trees. Indulge in a traditional Kerala lunch served on the houseboat. In the afternoon, explore the small villages nestled along the backwaters and interact with the friendly locals. Witness a mesmerizing sunset over the Vembanad Lake. Spend the night on the houseboat, drifting along the calm waters.
Houseboat cruise: Estimated cost: INR 10,000 (USD 137.05) for 24 hours, Time spent: Full day
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Alleppey is Café de Alleppey, offering a wide range of South Indian delicacies like dosas, idlis, and appams. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about ₹150 per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Punnamada Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood dishes and traditional Kerala thalis. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about ₹300 per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Dreamers Restaurant, where you can enjoy a fusion of Kerala and international cuisines. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about ₹500 per person.
Wednesday, September 13: Thrissur's Cultural Delights
Continue your journey to Thrissur, also known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala. In the morning, visit the Vadakkunnathan Temple, a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the Archaeological Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from different periods. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, witness a thrilling Kathakali performance, accompanied by live percussion music. End your day by exploring the vibrant markets of Thrissur and indulging in some local delicacies.
Vadakkunnathan Temple: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Cinnamon. This cozy café offers a variety of freshly baked bread, pastries, and refreshing beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Dhe Puttu, a popular restaurant specializing in serving traditional Kerala puttu. Indulge in their flavorful puttu dishes with a variety of accompaniments. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Paragon Restaurant. Known for its authentic Kerala cuisine, this restaurant offers a wide range of seafood and meat dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, September 14: The Beauty of Wayanad
On your final day, head to the enchanting district of Wayanad. Start your morning by exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earth dam in India. Trek through the lush forests to reach the picturesque Meenmutty Waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty of Wayanad. In the afternoon, visit the Edakkal Caves, ancient caves known for their prehistoric carvings. End your trip with a visit to the Pookode Lake, where you can enjoy boating and relax in the serene surroundings.
For breakfast, head to Minty Delights, a charming bakery known for its freshly baked breads and pastries. Enjoy a delicious spread of croissants, muffins, and sandwiches. The average cost for a breakfast here is about $10 per person.
For lunch, visit Spice & Tadka, a popular restaurant that offers a wide range of traditional Kerala dishes. Indulge in flavorsome curries, biryanis, and seafood specialties. The average cost for a lunch here is about $15 per person.
For dinner, dine at Hilltop Grill, a rooftop restaurant known for its stunning views and barbecue delights. Feast on grilled meats, kebabs, and vegetarian options while enjoying the scenic beauty of Wayanad. The average cost for a dinner here is about $25 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kerala, don't miss out on the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the charming village of Kumarakom, known for its backwaters and bird sanctuary. Spend a day rejuvenating yourself with an Ayurvedic treatment at one of the wellness centers in Kovalam. Explore the offbeat hill station of Vagamon, famous for its meadows, pine forests, and scenic beauty. Indulge in authentic Kerala cuisine, including dishes like appam, puttu, and karimeen fry, at local eateries. Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a Theyyam performance, a traditional ritual art form of North Kerala.