7-Day Adventure Itinerary in Kerala

Friday, August 18: Kochi

Start your adventure in the bustling city of Kochi. In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Dutch Palace, with its beautiful murals. In the afternoon, take a cruise through the scenic backwaters, marveling at the lush greenery and local life. As the evening sets in, watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a classical Indian dance form.

• Fort Kochi: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
• Backwater Cruise: Cost Estimate - INR 2,000 ($27), Time Spent - 4 hours
• Kathakali Performance: Cost Estimate - INR 500 ($7), Time Spent - 2 hours

Saturday, August 19: Munnar

Head to the picturesque hill station of Munnar in the morning. Explore the tea plantations and learn about the tea-making process at the Tea Museum. Enjoy a refreshing stroll in the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the afternoon, go on a thrilling trek to Anamudi, the highest peak in South India. As the evening approaches, visit the stunning Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride in the serene Mattupetty Lake.

• Tea Museum: Cost Estimate - INR 150 ($2), Time Spent - 2 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: Cost Estimate - INR 400 ($5), Time Spent - 3 hours
• Anamudi Trek: Cost Estimate - INR 1,500 ($20), Time Spent - 6 hours
• Mattupetty Dam and Lake: Cost Estimate - INR 100 ($1.5), Time Spent - 2 hours

Sunday, August 20: Thekkady

Embark on an adventurous day in Thekkady. Start with an early morning jungle trek in Periyar National Park, where you may spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. Experience the thrill of bamboo rafting in the Periyar Lake, surrounded by lush forests. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the region's rich spice heritage. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage for relaxation.

• Periyar National Park: Cost Estimate - INR 500 ($7), Time Spent - 5 hours
• Bamboo Rafting: Cost Estimate - INR 1,000 ($13), Time Spent - 4 hours
• Spice Plantation: Cost Estimate - INR 200 ($3), Time Spent - 2 hours
• Ayurvedic Massage: Cost Estimate - INR 1,500 ($20), Time Spent - 1 hour

Monday, August 21: Alleppey

Experience the famous backwaters of Kerala in Alleppey. Start your day with a serene houseboat cruise, drifting along the tranquil canals and enjoying the scenic beauty. In the afternoon, go kayaking in the backwaters for a more active adventure. As the evening approaches, witness a mesmerizing sunset on the Alleppey Beach and indulge in delicious seafood at a local restaurant.

• Houseboat Cruise: Cost Estimate - INR 8,000 ($107), Time Spent - 6 hours
• Kayaking: Cost Estimate - INR 800 ($11), Time Spent - 3 hours
• Alleppey Beach: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Seafood Dinner: Cost Estimate - INR 800 ($11), Time Spent - 1 hour

Tuesday, August 22: Varkala

Head to the coastal town of Varkala for a day of adventure by the sea. Start with a morning surf lesson at the Varkala Beach, known for its great waves. In the afternoon, hike up to the stunning Varkala Cliff and enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Visit the Janardanaswamy Temple, a popular pilgrimage site, and witness the evening prayer ritual. Relax and unwind with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatment.

• Surf Lesson: Cost Estimate - INR 1,000 ($13), Time Spent - 2 hours
• Varkala Cliff: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
• Janardanaswamy Temple: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
• Ayurvedic Spa Treatment: Cost Estimate - INR 2,000 ($27), Time Spent - 2 hours

Wednesday, August 23: Wayanad

Explore the lush green landscapes of Wayanad. Start your day with a visit to the majestic Meenmutty Waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing dip in its cascading waters. In the afternoon, go on a thrilling jungle safari in the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot elephants, deer, and various bird species. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk through the beautiful tea gardens of Wayanad.

• Meenmutty Waterfalls: Cost Estimate - INR 50 ($0.7), Time Spent - 3 hours
• Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: Cost Estimate - INR 300 ($4), Time Spent - 4 hours
• Tea Gardens: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours

Thursday, August 24: Kovalam

End your adventure in the coastal paradise of Kovalam. Start your morning with a relaxing yoga session on the beautiful Kovalam Beach. Indulge in water sports activities such as surfing or kayaking in the afternoon. Visit the iconic lighthouse at the beach and enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. As the evening approaches, unwind with a beachside dinner and watch a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance.

• Yoga Session: Cost Estimate - INR 500 ($7), Time Spent - 1 hour
• Water Sports: Cost Estimate - INR 1,500 ($20), Time Spent - 3 hours
• Kovalam Lighthouse: Cost Estimate - INR 20 ($0.3), Time Spent - 1 hour
• Beachside Dinner: Cost Estimate - INR 1,000 ($13), Time Spent - 2 hours
• Kathakali Performance: Cost Estimate - INR 500 ($7), Time Spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For the adventurous souls seeking off the beaten path attractions in Kerala, don't miss out on the following experiences:

• Explore the unspoiled beauty of Silent Valley National Park, a biodiversity hotspot offering trekking opportunities.
• Embark on a thrilling white water rafting adventure in the scenic Periyar River.
• Discover the hidden gem of Vagamon, a serene hill station with mist-covered valleys and picturesque meadows.
• Visit the Marari Beach, a secluded paradise ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the tranquility.

Check out the best hotel and flight prices for your Kerala adventure on KAYAK.