Start your Kerala adventure by immersing yourself in the historic charm of Fort Kochi. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and watch as the fishermen skillfully cast their nets. Afterward, explore the vibrant Jew Town and its bustling spice markets. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Mattancherry, and visit the Mattancherry Palace with its beautiful murals. As the evening sets in, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of storytelling through dance.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Jew Town and Spice Markets: Cost: Free (shopping expenses extra), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Mattancherry Palace: Cost: INR 5 for Indians, INR 100 for foreigners, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: Cost: INR 300-500 per person, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Malabar Café. Indulge in crispy dosas and piping hot filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a delightful lunch, head to Oceanos Restaurant and relish their fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy a variety of coastal flavors with an average cost of about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Dal Roti Restaurant for a taste of authentic North Indian cuisine. From butter chicken to flavorful biryanis, they have it all. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Friday, December 29: Backwaters of Alleppey
Experience the serene beauty of Kerala's backwaters in Alleppey. In the morning, embark on a houseboat cruise through the intricate network of canals and witness the tranquil life along the waterways. Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore the local villages and witness the vibrant culture of the backwater communities. As the evening approaches, indulge in a relaxing Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate your senses.
Houseboat Cruise: Cost: Starting from INR 6,000 per day (shared among 4 people), Time Spent: Full day
Exploring Backwater Villages: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: Cost: Starting from INR 1,500 per person, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Alleppey is Cafe Paradiso, known for its freshly brewed coffee and delicious bakery items. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Vembanad Seafood Restaurant and indulge in their mouthwatering seafood dishes prepared with local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
In the evening, dine at Cassia, a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the backwaters. Enjoy their delectable Kerala cuisine while watching the sunset. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Saturday, December 30: Wildlife Safari in Periyar National Park
Embark on an exciting wildlife adventure in Periyar National Park. In the morning, go on a guided trek through the dense forests, keeping an eye out for elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. After the trek, visit the Periyar Lake and enjoy a scenic boat ride, surrounded by lush greenery. In the afternoon, explore the spice plantations and learn about the various spices grown in the region. As the evening sets in, attend a traditional martial arts performance known as Kalaripayattu.
Guided Trek in Periyar National Park: Cost: INR 450 per person, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Boat Ride on Periyar Lake: Cost: INR 225 per person, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Exploring Spice Plantations: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Kalaripayattu Performance: Cost: INR 200-300 per person, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Trivandrum, a cozy café offering a wide range of breakfast options including dosas, idlis, and Kerala-style parathas. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, visit Paragon Restaurant, a popular spot known for its delicious seafood dishes. Try their fish curry and Malabar biriyani. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
For dinner, try Dhe Puttu, a unique restaurant specializing in different varieties of puttu, a traditional Kerala dish made with rice flour and coconut. Don't miss their special apple puttu. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Sunday, December 31: Fun at Varkala Beach
Welcome the New Year by spending a relaxing day at Varkala Beach. In the morning, enjoy the golden sands and take a dip in the clear waters. Explore the picturesque cliffs and visit the ancient Janardana Swamy Temple. In the afternoon, indulge in delicious seafood at one of the beachside restaurants. As the evening approaches, find a cozy spot to witness the breathtaking sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Varkala Beach: Cost: Free, Time Spent: Full day
Janardana Swamy Temple: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Seafood Lunch: Cost: Starting from INR 500 per person, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Monday, January 1: Athirapally Waterfalls Adventure
Start the new year with an exhilarating visit to Athirapally Waterfalls. In the morning, trek through the lush forests to reach the majestic waterfalls, which cascade down 80 feet. Feel the spray of water and marvel at the surrounding natural beauty. In the afternoon, take a refreshing swim in the natural pools formed by the falls. As the evening sets in, witness the enchanting sight of the waterfalls illuminated under the moonlight.
Trek to Athirapally Waterfalls: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Swimming in Natural Pools: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. This popular restaurant offers a variety of idlis, dosas, and uttapams. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Kayees Biriyani. Indulge in their famous Malabar biriyani, packed with flavors and spices. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a seafood feast at Fort House Restaurant. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes like grilled lobster and fish curry while enjoying the view of the Arabian Sea. Average cost for a meal is about ₹600 per person.
Tuesday, January 2: Hill Station Retreat in Munnar
Escape to the cool and scenic hill station of Munnar. In the morning, embark on a tea plantation tour and learn about the process of tea production. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea amidst the picturesque tea gardens. In the afternoon, visit the Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a boat ride on the tranquil reservoir. As the evening approaches, witness a spectacular sunset from the Pothamedu Viewpoint.
Tea Plantation Tour: Cost: INR 100 per person, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Boat Ride at Mattupetty Dam: Cost: INR 300 per person, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Pothamedu Viewpoint: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Wednesday, January 3: Cultural Exploration in Kochi
Conclude your Kerala adventure with a day of cultural exploration in Kochi. In the morning, visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum and delve into the region's colonial history. Explore the vibrant Broadway Market and indulge in some local delicacies. In the afternoon, visit the St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India, and the nearby Santa Cruz Basilica. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely sunset cruise on the Kochi Harbor and bid farewell to this beautiful state.
Indo-Portuguese Museum: Cost: INR 20 per person, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
St. Francis Church: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Santa Cruz Basilica: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Kochi Harbor Sunset Cruise: Cost: Starting from INR 300 per person, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a family-friendly off the beaten path experience, visit the village of Mararikulam. Enjoy the tranquil beaches, explore the fishing villages, and take part in traditional activities like local cooking classes and pottery workshops. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying a serene coastal retreat.