One Day Itinerary for Kerala

1. 8:00AM: Explore Fort Kochi
   Located in Ernakulam district, Fort Kochi has a rich history and an intriguing blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and English influences. Walk along the sea-facing promenade, visit the 16th-century St. Francis church, and take a tour of the spice market.

   Estimated Time: 2 hours

   Estimated Distance from next location: 7.7 km (30 mins drive)

2. 11:00AM: Mattancherry Palace
   Built by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century, also known as the Dutch Palace, Mattancherry Palace showcases Kerala mural paintings, royal artefacts, and the history of Cochin Rajas.

   Estimated Time: 1 hour

   Estimated Distance from next location: 3.1 km (15 mins drive)

3. 12:30PM: Lunch at Dal Roti Restaurant
   A small vegan-friendly restaurant that serves freshly cooked Indian curry, biryani, and tanduri dishes.

   Estimated Time: 1 hour

   Estimated Distance from next location: 1.5 km (5 mins drive)

4. 2:00PM: Explore the backwaters of Alleppey
   Cruise around the picturesque backwaters of Alleppey on a houseboat and witness the simplicity of local life. Spot birdlife and palm-lined canals, and learn about traditional fishing methods from a local guide.

   Estimated Time: 4 hours

   Estimated Distance from next location: 52 km (1 hour 20 mins drive)

5. 7:00PM: Visit Kovalam Beach
   Located in Trivandrum, enjoy watching the sunset at the crescent-shaped Kovalam Beach's rocky promontory with its lighthouse. As the night descends, take a stroll in the nearby streets of Lighthouse beach and feast on delicious seafood available in many beachside eateries and shacks.

   Estimated Time: 2 hours

Time and Cost Estimates

• Fort Kochi (2 hours, Free)
• Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, INR 5)
• Dal Roti Restaurant (1 hour, INR 300)
• Explore the backwaters of Alleppey (4 hours, INR 5000 for a houseboat)
• Kovalam Beach (2 hours, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 5305

Useful tips

If you have more time, you can explore the Muziris Heritage Site and Hill Palace Museum. If you have less time, skip Mattancherry Palace and head straight to Alleppey for a houseboat ride. Remember to carry sunscreen, mosquito repellant, and comfortable clothes and footwear, especially for boat ride and beach activities.