Welcome to Kerla! Begin your nature adventure by checking into your hotel and getting settled. Spend the morning exploring the local area around your hotel, taking in the beautiful landscapes and lush greenery. In the afternoon, visit the Periyar National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Take a boat ride on Periyar Lake and spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Hotel Check-in: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Periyar National Park: Cost: INR 300 per person, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: Cost: INR 200-500 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Sunny's Breakfast Spot is a cozy cafe located just a short walk from your hotel, offering a variety of delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Green Leaf Restaurant is a popular lunch spot in the area, known for its fresh and healthy food options. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Spice Garden Fine Dining is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious dinner in a romantic and elegant setting. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Monday August 21: Munnar's Tea Gardens
Start the day by visiting the stunning tea gardens of Munnar. Take a guided tour to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy the panoramic views of the rolling hills. In the afternoon, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Explore the park's rich biodiversity and trek to the Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India. Spend the evening strolling through the local markets and trying out delicious street food.
Munnar Tea Gardens: Cost: INR 100 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Eravikulam National Park: Cost: INR 120 per person, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Exploring Local Markets: Cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Saravana Bhavan: A popular breakfast spot known for its delicious South Indian dishes such as idli, dosa, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Rapsy Restaurant: Enjoy a hearty lunch at this cozy eatery known for its variety of Kerala cuisine including fish curry, appam, and thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Symphony Restaurant: For dinner, visit this seafood restaurant that offers an array of fresh catch options like grilled fish, prawns, and lobster. Average cost for a meal is about ₹600 per person.
Tuesday August 22: Backwaters of Alleppey
Embark on a backwater cruise in Alleppey. Enjoy the serene beauty of the interconnected canals, lakes, and lagoons. Relax on a traditional houseboat and savor delicious Kerala cuisine prepared on board. Explore the local villages and witness the daily life of the people living along the backwaters. In the evening, indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatment.
Backwater Cruise: Cost: INR 6,000-10,000 per night for a houseboat, Time spent: Overnight
Ayurvedic Spa Treatment: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Granary Café: Start your day with a sumptuous South Indian breakfast at The Granary Café. Indulge in fluffy idlis, crispy dosas, and flavorful chutneys. The average cost per person for a meal is about 150 INR.
Raja's Seafood Restaurant: For lunch, head to Raja's Seafood Restaurant and indulge in a delicious seafood feast. From fresh catch of the day to spicy curries, their menu offers a wide variety of coastal delicacies. The average cost per person for a meal is about 500 INR.
Palm Grove Restaurant: Enjoy a candlelit dinner at Palm Grove Restaurant, offering a romantic ambiance with beautiful views of the backwaters. Savour the authentic Kerala cuisine including appam, fish curry, and alleppey vegetable stew. The average cost per person for a meal is about 800 INR.
Wednesday August 23: Athirapally Waterfalls
Visit the majestic Athirapally Waterfalls, often referred to as the "Niagara Falls of India." Admire the cascading waters surrounded by lush green forests. Take a nature walk through the nearby Sholayar Rainforest and spot exotic flora and fauna. In the afternoon, visit the Vazhachal Waterfalls and enjoy a picnic amidst the picturesque surroundings. End the day with a visit to the nearby Thumboormuzhi Dam and Butterfly Garden.
Athirapally Waterfalls: Cost: INR 50 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Sholayar Rainforest: Cost: INR 100 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Vazhachal Waterfalls: Cost: INR 20 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Thumboormuzhi Dam and Butterfly Garden: Cost: INR 20 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day located near Athirapally Waterfalls. Enjoy a variety of sandwiches, muffins, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try the traditional Kerala cuisine at Hotel Pepper Green Resort. Relish delicious seafood and authentic vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Rainforest Boutique Resort Restaurant. Indulge in a candlelit dinner amidst the serene rainforest setting, as you savor a range of international and Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday August 24: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Explore the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Take a safari to spot elephants, tigers, leopards, and a variety of bird species. Enjoy a nature walk through the forest trails and visit the serene Pookode Lake. In the afternoon, visit the Edakkal Caves, known for their ancient rock carvings. End the day with a visit to the Banasura Sagar Dam and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Cost: INR 100 per person, Time spent: 4-5 hours
Pookode Lake: Cost: INR 20 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Edakkal Caves: Cost: INR 40 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Banasura Sagar Dam: Cost: INR 10 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Malarickal, a charming cafe offering an array of traditional Kerala delicacies and continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try the Bamboo Village Restaurant, located amidst lush greenery near the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. They serve delicious Kerala cuisine and seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Spice Garden Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its authentic Kerala flavors and cozy ambience. Indulge in delectable local dishes and enjoy live music performances. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday August 25: Thekkady Spice Plantations
Visit the aromatic spice plantations of Thekkady. Take a guided tour to learn about various spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Enjoy a refreshing spice tea and buy natural spices to take back home. In the afternoon, take an exciting bamboo rafting trip on Periyar River and marvel at the scenic beauty. End the day with a visit to the Mangala Devi Temple, located amidst dense forests.
Thekkady Spice Plantations: Cost: INR 100 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Bamboo Rafting: Cost: INR 2,000-3,000 per person, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Mangala Devi Temple: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Spice Garden Restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of freshly made South Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Bamboo Café, a charming restaurant known for its delicious seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Grand Chilli Restaurant, which offers a wide range of authentic Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday August 26: Kovalam Beach Relaxation
Head to the beautiful Kovalam Beach for a day of relaxation and sun-soaked fun. Spend the morning sunbathing on the golden sands and taking a dip in the clear blue waters. Explore the unique Lighthouse Beach and enjoy water sports like surfing and parasailing. Indulge in delicious seafood at a beachside restaurant and watch the mesmerizing sunset. In the evening, get a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage.
Kovalam Beach: Cost: Free, Time spent: 4-5 hours
Water Sports: Cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast in Kovalam, head to The German Bakery which offers a wide variety of fresh breads, pastries, and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit Fusion Restaurant which serves a mix of Indian, Chinese, and continental dishes. Try their mouthwatering seafood platter. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
In the evening, dine at Curry Leaf Restaurant for a delightful dinner experience. Enjoy their authentic Kerala dishes like appam with coconut stew and fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, head to the beautiful hill station of Wayanad and visit the stunning Soochipara Waterfalls. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool formed at the base of the falls. Another hidden gem is the Kuruva Island, a serene river delta with lush green forests and bamboo groves. Take a leisurely walk along the island's trails and spot a wide range of birds and butterflies.
Locals love visiting the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, known as the "Birdwatcher's Paradise." Explore the diverse bird species and enjoy birdwatching trails through the dense forests. Another favorite spot is the Silent Valley National Park, home to rare orchids and endangered wildlife. Take a guided trek to explore the park's rich biodiversity and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Check hotel and flight prices for your Kerla adventure here.