10-Day Guided Kerala and Goa Tour on a Shoestring Budget

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   1 hour (35 km) from the Cochin International Airport

   Explore the colonial buildings, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, and visit the St. Francis Church.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours (130 km) from Fort Kochi

   Take a scenic drive to the tea plantation hill town, and enjoy trekking, nature walks, and a visit to the Tea Museum.

3. Day 3: Alleppey
   4 hours (160 km) from Munnar

   Explore the backwaters by canoe, enjoy a houseboat ride, and visit the Marari Beach.

4. Day 4: Kovalam
   3 hours (150 km) from Alleppey

   Relax on the beaches, visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and explore the Kovalam Art Gallery.

5. Day 5: Thiruvananthapuram
   30 minutes (15 km) from Kovalam

   Visit the Napier Museum, Kuthira Malika Palace, and the Zoo.

6. Day 6: Trivandrum to Goa
   1 hour 45 minutes (700 km) by air

   Arrive in Goa, head to the beach area and relax over fresh seafood and drinks.

7. Day 7: Old Goa
   20 minutes (10 km) from Panaji

   Visit Bom Jesus Basilica, Se Cathedral, and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.

8. Day 8: Miramar and Panaji
   10 minutes (5 km) from Old Goa

   Explore the Miramar Beach, the 18th June Road shopping street, and the Fontainhas heritage area.

9. Day 9: Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna Beaches
   30 minutes (10 km) from Panaji

   Enjoy the sun, sand, and water sports at the famous beaches. As well, take a dip in a natural freshwater spring.

10. Day 10: Dudhsagar Waterfall and Departure
    1 hour 40 minutes (80 km) from Baga Beach

    Witness the magnificent 4-tiered waterfall and head back to the airport for departure.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Fort Kochi (1-2 hours, Free)
• Munnar (2-3 days, $10 - $35 per day)
• Alleppey (1-2 days, $20 - $50 per day)
• Kovalam (1-2 days, Free)
• Thiruvananthapuram (1 day, $10 - $20)
• Flight Trivandrum to Goa ($50 - $150)
• Old Goa (1 day, $10 - $20)
• Miramar and Panaji (1 day, Free)
• Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna Beaches (1 day, $10 - $30)
• Dudhsagar Waterfall (1 day, $20 - $50 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs ($130 - $415)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can extend your stay in Munnar or Alleppey for more sightseeing and adventure activities. If you have less time, you can skip Thiruvananthapuram or Baga and Anjuna Beaches. However, make sure to enjoy the local food, like the Kerala-style fish curry and the Goan fish and prawn dishes.