Start your trip by exploring the fascinating city of Cochin. In the morning, visit the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Afterward, head to the Mattancherry Palace, a stunning museum showcasing traditional Kerala murals and artifacts. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Marine Drive, enjoying the sunset views over the Arabian Sea.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Papaya, known for its variety of breakfast options including fresh fruit bowls and fluffy pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Fort House Restaurant located in Fort Kochi, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Don't miss their mouthwatering fish curry and appam. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, enjoy a memorable dinner at Oceanos Restaurant, offering a wide selection of seafood dishes prepared with fresh catch of the day. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, September 12: Backwater Cruise in Alleppey
Embark on a backwater adventure in Alleppey. In the morning, take a traditional houseboat cruise along the tranquil backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque villages. Enjoy a delicious local lunch on board as you glide through the scenic canals. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Alleppey Beach and indulge in some relaxation. End the day with a beautiful sunset view from the Alappuzha Lighthouse.
Houseboat Cruise: Starts from INR 5,000 (approx. $68) per night, full day
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Delish, located near Alleppey Beach. Enjoy their delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For a sumptuous lunch, head to Kream Korner, a popular multicuisine restaurant known for its seafood and Kerala dishes. Indulge in their mouthwatering fish curry and appam. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Cassava Restaurant, a cozy eatery serving authentic Kerala cuisine. Try their signature dish, Kerala-style biryani, and finish it off with a traditional payasam for dessert. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Wednesday, September 13: Wildlife Encounter in Thekkady
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Thekkady. Start the day with a thrilling wildlife safari in the Periyar National Park, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, visit the spice plantations and learn about the aromatic spices grown in the region. End the day by taking a relaxing boat ride on the picturesque Periyar Lake.
Periyar National Park: INR 450 (approx. $6), 4-5 hours
Spice Plantations: Free, 1-2 hours
Periyar Lake: INR 225 (approx. $3), 2-3 hours
Thursday, September 14: Exploring Munnar's Tea Gardens
Indulge in the scenic beauty of Munnar's tea gardens. In the morning, visit the lush tea estates and witness the tea-picking process. Explore the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea in the region. In the afternoon, hike to the breathtaking viewpoints like Echo Point and Top Station for panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Tea Gardens: Free, 3-4 hours
Tea Museum: INR 100 (approx. $1.36), 1-2 hours
Echo Point and Top Station: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Ariya Bhavan: A charming breakfast spot with a wide array of authentic Kerala dishes and vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Saravana Bhavan: Enjoy a delicious lunch at this popular South Indian restaurant known for its flavorful thali meals and dosas. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Friday, September 15: Beach Bliss in Varkala
Spend a relaxing day on the beautiful beaches of Varkala. Start by exploring the stunning Varkala Beach, known for its unique cliffs and refreshing sea breeze. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple and soak in the spiritual ambiance. Witness a mesmerizing sunset view from the Varkala Cliff while enjoying some delicious local street food.
Varkala Beach: Free, full day
Janardanaswamy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Varkala Cliff: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Situated near Varkala Beach, Cafe Del Mar offers a delicious breakfast menu with a variety of options including fresh fruit smoothies, pancakes, and omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Treat your taste buds to some authentic Kerala cuisine at Abba Restaurant for lunch. They serve mouthwatering dishes like Malabar Biriyani and Fish Curry. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, head to Darjeeling Taste Restaurant where you can enjoy a cozy ambiance and a range of Chinese, Indian, and Tibetan dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Saturday, September 16: Cultural Heritage in Thrissur
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Thrissur. Begin the day by visiting the iconic Vadakkunnathan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the Kerala Kalamandalam, a renowned center for performing arts, to witness traditional dance and music performances. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance show, a classical dance-drama unique to Kerala.
Vadakkunnathan Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Kerala Kalamandalam: INR 100 (approx. $1.36), 2-3 hours
Kathakali Dance Show: Starts from INR 300 (approx. $4) per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Try the authentic Kerala breakfast at Gowri's Kitchen, known for their fluffy appams and crispy dosas. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Lunch: Indulge in a scrumptious seafood meal at Paragon Restaurant, which offers a wide variety of fresh fish and crustaceans. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Dinner: Experience the flavors of Kerala at Dhe Puttu, a specialty restaurant known for its delicious puttu, a traditional rice cake. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Sunday, September 17: Relaxation in Kovalam
End your trip with relaxation on the serene beaches of Kovalam. Spend the morning soaking up the sun and enjoying water activities at the Lighthouse Beach. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Hawa Beach and explore the local markets for souvenirs. Witness a breathtaking sunset view from the Samudra Beach and savor a delicious seafood dinner.
Lighthouse Beach: Free, full day
Hawa Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Samudra Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to German Bakery, a cozy café known for its delicious pastries and fresh coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try the traditional South Indian cuisine at Malabar House, a charming restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. The average cost for a lunch meal is about 250 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in the flavors of Kerala at Fusion Bay, a fine dining restaurant offering a fusion of Indian and international cuisine. The average cost for a dinner meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, venture to the quiet village of Marari. Experience the traditional lifestyle of the locals and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Marari Beach. Another hidden gem is the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, known for its diverse birdlife. Take a peaceful walk through the lush greenery and spot various bird species. These hidden gems offer a peaceful escape without straining your shoestring budget.