Welcome to Kerala, the land of lush greenery and enchanting landscapes. Start your trip in Cochin, also known as Kochi, by exploring the mesmerizing backwaters. In the morning, take a relaxing boat ride through the beautiful canals, witnessing the serene beauty of the surrounding nature. In the afternoon, visit the Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial architecture and charming streets. In the evening, catch a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.
Boat Ride in Backwaters: Cost estimate - INR 500, Time spent - 3 hours
Fort Kochi: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Breakfast - Indian Coffee House: Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at Indian Coffee House, known for its delicious dosas and filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch - Dal Roti: Savor the flavors of North Indian cuisine at Dal Roti. From fragrant curries to freshly baked naan, this restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Dinner - Malabar Junction: Indulge in regional Kerala cuisine at Malabar Junction, a popular restaurant that specializes in seafood dishes and traditional Malabar recipes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday October 2: Munnar
Embark on a scenic journey to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea gardens and mist-covered hills. In the morning, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Witness the breathtaking panoramic views of the tea plantations in the afternoon. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the enchanting tea gardens.
Eravikulam National Park: Cost estimate - INR 120, Time spent - 4 hours
Leisurely Walk through Tea Gardens: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Misty Mountain Cafe offers a delicious breakfast with a variety of options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Rose Garden Restaurant is a great place to have a leisurely lunch with its serene ambience. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Silver Spoon Restaurant is known for its delectable dinner dishes with a beautiful view of the tea gardens. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Tuesday October 3: Thekkady
Head to Thekkady, a nature lover's paradise nestled in the Periyar National Park. In the morning, go for a thrilling jungle safari to spot diverse wildlife. Enjoy a boat ride in Periyar Lake in the afternoon, surrounded by scenic hills and dense forests. In the evening, explore the vibrant spice markets and indulge in some spice shopping.
Jungle Safari in Periyar National Park: Cost estimate - INR 450, Time spent - 4 hours
Boat Ride in Periyar Lake: Cost estimate - INR 350, Time spent - 2 hours
For breakfast, head to Spice Garden, a charming cafe with a wide variety of traditional Kerala dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Bamboo Cafe, a popular restaurant known for its delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Grand Elephant, a delightful restaurant specializing in authentic Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday October 4: Alleppey
Experience the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and cruise through the serene backwaters, surrounded by lush green paddy fields. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, explore the local villages and interact with the friendly locals. In the evening, indulge in a mesmerizing sunset view from the houseboat.
Exploring Local Villages: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Sunset View from Houseboat: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Thursday October 5: Varkala
Head to the coastal town of Varkala, known for its pristine beaches and stunning cliffs. In the morning, relax on the golden sands of Varkala Beach and take a refreshing dip in the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Varkala Cliff, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset from one of the cliffside cafes.
Sunset View from Cliffside Café: Cost estimate - Variable, Time spent - 1 hour
Friday October 6: Wayanad
Explore the picturesque landscapes of Wayanad. In the morning, visit the mesmerizing Pookode Lake, surrounded by dense forests and hills. Enjoy a serene boat ride in the lake. In the afternoon, explore the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a variety of flora and fauna. In the evening, visit the ancient Edakkal Caves, known for its prehistoric rock carvings.
End your trip with beautiful memories of Kerala. Spend the morning relaxing and reflecting on your incredible journey. Depart for Cochin in the afternoon to catch your flight back home.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Silent Valley National Park is a must. This pristine wilderness is home to numerous rare and endangered species. Additionally, the Athirappilly Waterfalls, known as the Niagara Falls of India, offer a breathtaking sight amidst lush greenery. Don't miss these off the beaten path attractions loved by locals.
For hotel and flight bookings, check out kayak.com.