Kerala Nature Trail: A 3-Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Periyar National Park
    4 hours (152km) from Cochin

    Visit one of the most beautiful and biodiverse places in Kerala: Periyar National Park. Take a guided boat tour through Periyar Lake, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. Trek into the forests surrounding the park, and witness the stunning flora and fauna of Kerala’s Western Ghats. The park also offers activities like bamboo rafting, bamboo grove trail, and jungle patrol that can be customised upon prior request.

  2. Day 2: Munnar Tea Plantations
    3 hours and 30 minutes (125 km) from Periyar National Park

    Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar Hill Station, known for its sprawling tea plantations and natural beauty. Take a guided tour around a tea plantation to learn the art of tea-plucking, harvesting and processing. Admire the lush green hills, gushing waterfalls, and serene lakes. The tea museum here gives an insight to cultivation of tea and processing that goes behind making it one of the most popular beverage around the world.

  3. Day 3: Alleppey Backwaters
    4 hours (144km) from Munnar Tea Plantations

    Conclude your trip by cruising through Alleppey’s tranquil backwaters. Hire a houseboat or take a leisurely ride in a Shikara boat, gliding past coconut groves and picturesque villages. The backwater ecosystem in Alleppey offers the opportunity to observe birdlife, local fishing techniques, and other traditional ways of local life. Add a night stay in the houseboat, and experience the euphoria of waking up to the gentle palms and enchanting waters of the backwaters

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Periyar National Park (4-5 hours, INR 350 per person)
  • Munnar Tea Plantations (3-4 hours, INR 500 to INR 2000 per person depending on the plantation or tour opted for)
  • Alleppey Backwaters (3-4 hours, starts from INR 500 per person and may go up depending on the type of boat opted and if staying overnight in a houseboat)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): INR 1500 to INR 3000

Useful Tips

For a more extended stay in Kerala you can further explore coastal towns like Kovalam, Varkala, or Bekal for the scenic beaches and resplendent sea life. The state has several other national parks such as Silent Valley National Park and Chinnar WIldlife Santuary which are worth exploring for a complete nature experience.

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