Start your trip by exploring the charming city of Kochi. In the morning, visit the iconic Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, where you can spot traditional fishing boats and enjoy the serene views. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its beautiful murals and artifacts. As the evening sets in, head to Jew Town, a historic neighborhood filled with shops selling antiques, spices, and handicrafts.
Fort Kochi: INR 100 (approx.), 2-3 hours
Mattancherry Palace: INR 10 (approx.), 1-2 hours
Jew Town: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a visit to The Teapot Cafe, a quaint breakfast spot in Fort Kochi. Enjoy their delicious pancakes and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Kashi Art Cafe, a trendy restaurant known for its fusion dishes and art gallery. Try their famous wood-fired pizzas and refreshing salads. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
End your day at the Solar Cafe, a cozy dinner spot in Jew Town. Indulge in their traditional Kerala thali, a platter filled with a variety of local dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Friday, August 18: Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history and process of tea production. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea while overlooking the lush greenery. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Take a leisurely walk through the park and soak in the natural beauty. As the evening approaches, visit the famous Attukad Waterfalls and marvel at its cascading waters.
Tea Museum: INR 150 (approx.), 2-3 hours
Eravikulam National Park: INR 120 (approx.), 3-4 hours
Attukad Waterfalls: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Saravana Bhavan: Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Rapsy Restaurant: For lunch, visit Rapsy Restaurant and savor their delicious Kerala cuisine, including Malabar biryani and fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Copper Castle: Indulge in a dinner at Copper Castle, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views. Try their seafood specialties like grilled prawns and fish tikka. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Saturday, August 19: Alleppey
Today, experience the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. In the morning, embark on a houseboat cruise along the scenic backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful villages. Indulge in a traditional Keralan lunch served on the houseboat as you glide through the waterways. In the afternoon, visit the Alleppey Beach and unwind amidst the golden sands. Enjoy a relaxing swim or go for a leisurely walk along the shore. As the evening sets in, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters, creating a magical ambiance.
Houseboat Cruise: INR 10,000 (approx.) for a day, 6-8 hours
Alleppey Beach: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Sunset over Backwaters: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Alleppey is ABC Cafe, known for its delicious South Indian breakfast options such as idli, dosa, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about ₹100 per person.
For lunch, head to Ripples Restaurant and try their authentic Keralan seafood specialties like prawns curry and fish fry. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, visit Dreamland Restaurant, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of Indian and continental dishes. Don't miss their flavorful biryani and tandoori platters. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Sunday, August 20: Thekkady
On your final day, explore the wildlife and nature of Thekkady. In the morning, embark on a thrilling jungle safari in the Periyar National Park, where you can spot various wildlife species including elephants, tigers, and sambar deer. Take a boat ride on Periyar Lake and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Spice Plantations and learn about the aromatic spices grown in the region. Purchase some authentic spices to take back as souvenirs. As the evening approaches, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing Kerala's rich cultural heritage.
Periyar National Park: INR 450 (approx.), 3-4 hours
For breakfast, head to Coffee Temple, a cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfast options. Enjoy a hearty breakfast consisting of fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, visit Spice Village Restaurant, located near Thekkady's main market. Indulge in a mouthwatering lunch buffet featuring a variety of Kerala delicacies such as fish curry, avial, and appam. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
For dinner, dine at Bamboo Cafe, a charming restaurant offering a unique dining experience in a bamboo hut. Delight in a candlelit dinner under the starry sky while savoring scrumptious seafood dishes like grilled lobster and fish curry. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Kerala, don't miss out on the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the tranquil village of Mararikulam, known for its pristine beaches and coconut groves. Explore the beautiful backwaters of Kumarakom, where you can indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatment. For adventure enthusiasts, trek to the top of Meesapulimala, the second-highest peak in Kerala, and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Lastly, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Kochi by witnessing a traditional Kathakali dance performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.
For hotel and flight bookings in Kerala, check out Kayak.