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7-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Best of Kerala

Saturday, August 26, 2023: Arrival in Kochi

Begin your Kerala adventure in Kochi, a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. In the morning, explore the iconic Fort Kochi, dotted with colonial-era buildings and Chinese fishing nets. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Dutch Palace with its fascinating murals. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise on the tranquil backwaters and witness the famous Chinese fishing nets in action. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of classical dance-drama.

  • Fort Kochi: Entry fee: INR 20, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Backwater Cruise: Cost: INR 800-1200, Time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Kathakali Dance Performance: Cost: INR 300-500, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Sunday, August 27, 2023: Munnar – Hill Station Beauty

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station famous for its tea plantations. In the morning, visit the sprawling tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process at a tea museum. Enjoy breathtaking views from the Top Station viewpoint and indulge in a refreshing cup of locally grown tea. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride on the serene Kundala Lake. End the day with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

  • Tea Gardens and Museum: Entry fee: INR 100, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Top Station: Entry fee: INR 25, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake: Entry fee: INR 10, Boat ride: INR 500, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Eravikulam National Park: Entry fee: INR 125, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Monday, August 28, 2023: Thekkady – Wildlife and Spice

Head to Thekkady, a nature lover's paradise known for its wildlife sanctuaries and spice plantations. In the morning, explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a thrilling jungle safari and spot exotic animals like elephants, tigers, and deer. Visit a spice plantation to learn about the cultivation and processing of various spices. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the Periyar Lake, surrounded by lush greenery. End the day with a traditional martial arts performance called Kalaripayattu.

  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Entry fee: INR 500, Jungle safari: INR 1500-2500, Time spent: 4-5 hours
  • Spice Plantation: Entry fee: INR 100, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Cost: INR 350-450, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Kalaripayattu Performance: Cost: INR 200-400, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Tuesday, August 29, 2023: Alleppey – Backwater Bliss

Travel to Alleppey, the Venice of the East, and experience the enchanting backwaters of Kerala. In the morning, embark on a houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters, passing by lush green landscapes and traditional villages. Indulge in delicious Kerala cuisine prepared on board. In the afternoon, explore the quaint town of Alleppey and visit the iconic Alappuzha Beach. Witness a mesmerizing sunset over the Arabian Sea before retiring to your comfortable houseboat for the night.

  • Houseboat Cruise: Cost: INR 8000-12000 per night, Time spent: Overnight stay
  • Alappuzha Beach: Free entry, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Wednesday, August 30, 2023: Kovalam – Beachside Bliss

Head to Kovalam, a serene coastal town blessed with pristine beaches and a laid-back vibe. In the morning, relax and soak up the sun at the iconic Kovalam Beach. Enjoy swimming in the azure waters or indulge in water sports activities like surfing and parasailing. In the afternoon, visit the mesmerizing Vizhinjam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline. Explore the local markets and taste some delicious seafood dishes. End the day with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage.

  • Kovalam Beach: Free entry, Time spent: 4-5 hours
  • Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Entry fee: INR 20, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Local Markets: Cost: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Ayurvedic Massage: Cost: INR 1000-3000, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Thursday, August 31, 2023: Poovar Island – Tranquil Escape

Visit the idyllic Poovar Island, a secluded paradise nestled amidst backwaters, golden beaches, and lush greenery. In the morning, take a boat ride through the peaceful Neyyar River and witness the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding mangroves. Relax on the pristine Poovar Beach and enjoy the tranquility. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting Poovar Island Resort, known for its floating cottages and Ayurvedic spa. Indulge in a sumptuous seafood dinner by the beach.

  • Neyyar River Boat Ride: Cost: INR 500-1000, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Poovar Beach: Free entry, Time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Poovar Island Resort: Cost: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Friday, September 1, 2023: Trivandrum – Cultural Delights

Conclude your Kerala journey in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, offering a mix of rich heritage and modern attractions. In the morning, visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture and religious significance. Explore the historic Napier Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing a vast collection of ancient artifacts and artwork. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery of the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds. End the day with some shopping at the bustling Connemara Market.

  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free entry, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Entry fee: INR 20, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Kanakakunnu Palace: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Connemara Market: Cost: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Kerala, don't miss the opportunity to visit the off the beaten path attractions and explore the local favorites. Visit the tranquil hill station of Vagamon, known for its lush green meadows and mist-covered valleys. Explore the enchanting Athirapally Falls, often referred to as the Niagara Falls of India. Discover the historic port town of Fort Kochi, famous for its colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Don't forget to try the traditional Kerala cuisine, including mouthwatering seafood delicacies and flavorsome vegetarian dishes.

For hotel and flight bookings in Kerala, you can check here for the best prices and availability.

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