Explore the Enchanting Beauty of Kerala - 7-Day Itinerary
Friday, October 20: Arrival in Kochi
Start your Kerala adventure by arriving in the vibrant city of Kochi. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and witness the local fishermen in action. Afterward, explore the historic Mattancherry Palace, renowned for its stunning murals and traditional Kerala architecture. In the evening, stroll through the bustling streets of Fort Kochi and indulge in a delicious seafood dinner.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1 hour
Mattancherry Palace: INR 10, 1-2 hours
Fort Kochi: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast in Kochi, head to Anna Lakshmi Restaurant located near Fort Kochi. This popular eatery offers a variety of traditional South Indian breakfast options such as idli, dosa, and appam. A meal here costs around 100-150 INR per person.
If you're looking for a satisfying lunch, try Oceanos Restaurant in Fort Kochi. They specialize in seafood dishes and offer a wide range of options including fish curry, grilled prawns, and fried calamari. The average cost for a meal at Oceanos is around 300-400 INR per person.
To end the day with a delectable dinner, visit Kashi Art Cafe in Fort Kochi. This artistic cafe offers a menu of mouthwatering dishes including wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and salads. The average cost for a meal at Kashi Art Cafe is around 500-600 INR per person.
Saturday, October 21: Munnar - The Hill Station
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. Start your morning by visiting the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the afternoon, explore the tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process at the Tea Museum. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset at the Top Station viewpoint.
Eravikulam National Park: INR 120, 3-4 hours
Tea Museum: INR 100, 1-2 hours
Top Station: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. This popular South Indian restaurant offers a variety of dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant. Indulge in delicious Kerala cuisine including Malabar biryani and fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Cafe Papaya. This cozy restaurant offers a fusion of Indian and Continental dishes, with options like butter chicken and pasta. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Sunday, October 22: The Backwaters of Alleppey
Experience the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey by taking a traditional houseboat cruise. Enjoy a morning cruise through the scenic canals and witness the lush green paddy fields and traditional village life. In the afternoon, savor a delicious Keralan lunch prepared on board. As the evening sets in, relax and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings of the backwaters.
Houseboat Cruise: Starting from INR 5,000 per night, 24 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Café Catamaran, located near the backwaters of Alleppey. They offer a range of breakfast options, from traditional South Indian dishes to continental fare. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit The Grand Curry House, known for its flavorful Keralan cuisine. Enjoy a variety of authentic dishes, including fish curry, appam, and banana leaf meals. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, try Avocado Garden Restaurant, known for its serene ambience and delicious food. They serve a variety of dishes, from Indian to Continental, using fresh local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about INR 600 per person.
Monday, October 23: Periyar National Park and Thekkady
Head to Thekkady, home to the renowned Periyar National Park. Start your day with a thrilling boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you can spot elephants, bisons, and various bird species in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, take a nature walk through the spice plantations and learn about the region's rich biodiversity. In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Periyar Boat Safari: INR 450, 3-4 hours
Spice Plantation Visit: INR 100, 1-2 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: INR 200-300, 2 hours
Tuesday, October 24: Kovalam Beach and Varkala
Travel to the coastal town of Kovalam and spend the morning relaxing on its pristine beaches. Take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters or indulge in rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatments. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple in nearby Varkala and witness the breathtaking sunset from the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Kovalam Beach: Free, 3-4 hours
Ayurvedic Spa Treatment: INR 1,500-3,000, 2 hours
Janardanaswamy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, October 25: Thrissur - The Cultural Capital
Explore the vibrant city of Thrissur, often referred to as the cultural capital of Kerala. Start your day by visiting the iconic Vadakkunnathan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, visit the Kerala Kalamandalam, a renowned center for traditional Indian performing arts. As the evening approaches, witness an enchanting Kathakali or Mohiniyattam dance performance.
Thursday, October 26: Kochi Sightseeing and Departure
Conclude your Kerala journey by exploring more of Kochi's attractions. Start your morning with a visit to the historic Jewish Synagogue in the vibrant Jew Town. In the afternoon, explore the intriguing artifacts at the Indo-Portuguese Museum. As the evening sets in, take a relaxing sunset cruise on Kochi's backwaters before bidding farewell to this enchanting destination.
While exploring Kerala, don't miss the chance to visit the stunning Athirapally Falls, known as the Niagara of India. Located near Thrissur, these majestic waterfalls are surrounded by lush green forests, providing a breathtaking sight. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, venture to the village of Mararikulam near Alleppey, where you can relax on pristine beaches and witness the traditional fishing techniques employed by the locals.