Start your trip by exploring the fascinating city of Cochin. In the morning, visit the historic Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Take a stroll along the picturesque Jew Town and visit the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth. Enjoy a traditional Keralan lunch at a local restaurant.
Fort Kochi: INR 50, 2-3 hours
Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1 hour
Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue: INR 5, 1-2 hours
In the afternoon, head to the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its beautiful murals depicting Hindu mythology. Explore the nearby spice markets and indulge in some spice shopping. In the evening, catch a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance-drama form of Kerala.
Mattancherry Palace: INR 10, 1-2 hours
Spice Markets: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Kathakali Performance: INR 300-500, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Teapot Café: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Teapot Café, known for its cozy ambiance and scrumptious English breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Kashi Art Cafe: For lunch, head to Kashi Art Cafe, a popular art-inspired café serving delicious sandwiches, salads, and juices. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Grand Pavilion: Indulge in a delightful dinner at Grand Pavilion, a fine dining restaurant known for its elegant ambiance and delectable Indian and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Dockyard Cafe which offers a delightful range of freshly baked goods and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Kashi Art Cafe, a charming art cafe that serves delicious sandwiches, salads, and homemade cakes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, experience the flavors of Kerala at Ginger House Restaurant, where you can savor authentic seafood dishes and traditional Keralan curries. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to the popular Kashi Art Cafe in Fort Kochi. This charming cafe offers a variety of art-inspired dishes and the average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, try the iconic Fusion Bay. Located in Jew Town, this restaurant combines traditional Kerala flavors with global cuisines. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the delicious seafood at Oceanos Restaurant. Situated on the waterfront in Fort Kochi, this restaurant offers a stunning view and a diverse menu. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Saturday, August 19: Backwaters of Alleppey
On the second day, experience the serene backwaters of Alleppey. Start your morning with a peaceful houseboat cruise along the backwaters, enjoying the lush greenery and tranquil surroundings. Savor a delicious traditional Keralan breakfast on the houseboat.
Houseboat Cruise: INR 3,000-5,000 per day, 6-8 hours
Restaurants
Situated in Alleppey, "Cafe Dreamz" is a cozy breakfast spot offering a variety of delicious options to kickstart your day. With an average cost of about 200 INR per person, indulge in their mouthwatering pancakes and aromatic coffee.
For a delightful lunch experience, visit "The Grand Vembanad Restaurant" in Kumarakom. Relish their authentic Kerala cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of the backwaters. The average cost for a meal here is approximately 500 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner, head to "Paragon Restaurant" in Alleppey. Known for its seafood delicacies, this restaurant offers a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes. Expect to spend around 800 INR per person for a satisfying meal.
Restaurants
Mullackal Bakery: Enjoy freshly baked breads and pastries at Mullackal Bakery, a local favorite near the backwaters of Alleppey. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Chettinad Restaurant: Indulge in a flavorful South Indian lunch at Chettinad Restaurant, known for its authentic Chettinad cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Halais Restaurant: For a delicious dinner, head to Halais Restaurant and savor their mouthwatering Arabian and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
In the afternoon, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to a wide variety of migratory birds. Take a leisurely walk through the sanctuary and immerse yourself in the natural beauty. Enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage at one of the wellness centers in Kumarakom.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: INR 50, 2-3 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,500-3,000, 1-2 hours
In the evening, watch a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters and indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the charming village of Mararikulam. Explore the pristine Marari Beach, known for its golden sands and tranquil atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with the friendly villagers and learning about their traditional way of life.
Another hidden gem is the beautiful hill station of Munnar, famous for its tea plantations and stunning landscapes. Take a guided tour of a tea factory, learn about the tea-making process, and sample some of the finest teas.
These hidden gems offer a unique and authentic experience of Kerala, away from the usual tourist crowds.