Start your trip in the vibrant city of Kochi. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, a Portuguese palace with stunning murals. As the evening sets in, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of Indian classical dance.
Fort Kochi: Free, 3 hours
Mattancherry Palace: INR 10 ($0.13), 2 hours
Kathakali Performance: INR 300 ($4), 2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Try Idiyappam and Appam at Kayees Hotel. This iconic restaurant serves these traditional Kerala breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch: Head to Dhe Puttu for a delicious lunch. They specialize in serving puttu, a steamed rice and coconut dish, with various accompaniments such as kadala curry, chicken curry, and prawn curry. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Dinner: For a memorable dinner experience, visit Oceanos. This seafood restaurant offers a wide variety of freshly caught seafood dishes cooked in traditional Kerala style. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, September 28: Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, known for its tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, explore the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll through the aromatic tea gardens.
Tea Museum: INR 125 ($1.68), 2 hours
Eravikulam National Park: INR 120 ($1.62), 3 hours
Tea Garden: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Sip a refreshing cup of locally grown tea and enjoy a hearty breakfast at Café Royale. This charming café offers a variety of breakfast options such as sandwiches, pastries, and traditional South Indian dishes. Prices range from INR 150-300 per person.
Indulge in authentic Kerala cuisine at Rapsy Restaurant for a delicious lunch. From spicy seafood curries to vegetarian thalis, this restaurant has it all. A meal here costs around INR 250-400 per person.
Treat your taste buds to a delightful dinner at The Grill House, known for its mouthwatering grilled meats and seafood. With live music and a cozy ambiance, this restaurant offers a memorable dining experience. The average cost for a meal at The Grill House is around INR 800-1200 per person.
Friday, September 29: Thekkady
Head to Thekkady, a wildlife haven. In the morning, embark on a boat safari in Periyar National Park, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, visit the spice plantations and learn about the region's aromatic spices. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage for relaxation.
Periyar National Park Boat Safari: INR 450 ($6), 4 hours
Spice Plantations: Free, 2 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,500 ($20), 1 hour
Restaurants
The Tea Nest: A cozy cafe located amidst the lush tea gardens, offering a variety of freshly brewed teas and delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Pepper Trail: A charming restaurant serving authentic Kerala cuisine with a fusion twist, using fresh and local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Grand Spice: A spacious restaurant known for its delectable Tamil Nadu dishes, including their famous Chettinad cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, September 30: Alleppey
Experience the backwaters of Kerala in Alleppey. In the morning, embark on a houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters, passing by lush greenery and traditional villages. In the afternoon, explore the Alleppey Beach and enjoy the picturesque views. As the evening sets in, indulge in a delicious seafood dinner.
Houseboat Cruise: INR 8,000 ($107) for 4 people, 6 hours
Alleppey Beach: Free, 2 hours
Seafood Dinner: INR 1,000 ($13), 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Alleppey is Cafe Catamaran, known for their delicious South Indian dishes like idli and dosa. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 150 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Dreamers Cafe, which offers a variety of Indian and international cuisines. Try their biryani or pasta dishes. Expect to spend around INR 250 per person for a meal.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit Oottupura Restaurant and enjoy their authentic Kerala cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 400 per person. Don't miss their spicy fish curry!
Sunday, October 1: Kovalam
Travel to Kovalam, a popular beach destination. In the morning, relax on the beautiful Kovalam Beach and soak up the sun. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and climb to the top for panoramic views. As the evening sets in, enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa session.
Kovalam Beach: Free, 3 hours
Lighthouse Beach: Free, 2 hours
Ayurvedic Spa: INR 2,000 ($27), 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Aryas Veg Restaurant. Indulge in crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, and hot filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Villa Maya, a charming restaurant housed in a restored 18th-century Dutch mansion. Enjoy a fusion of Kerala and international cuisines in a tranquil setting. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at The Rice Boat. Located on a traditional Kerala houseboat, this restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood delicacies cooked in traditional Kerala style. Average cost for a meal is about ₹1,200 per person.
Monday, October 2: Trivandrum
Explore the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum. In the morning, visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture. In the afternoon, explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing a collection of ancient artifacts. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Kanakakkunnu Palace.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 2 hours
Napier Museum and Art Gallery: INR 20 ($0.27), 2 hours
Kanakakkunnu Palace: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Indian Coffee House, a local favorite known for its traditional South Indian breakfast items like dosa and idli. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, try Paragon Restaurant, famous for its authentic Kerala cuisine like Malabar biryani and seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Villa Maya, a beautiful restaurant housed in a restored colonial bungalow. Enjoy a fusion of Indian and international cuisines with a fine dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 3: Kanyakumari
Take a day trip to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India. In the morning, visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, located on an island, and enjoy the panoramic views of the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. In the afternoon, explore the colorful Thiruvalluvar Statue. As the evening sets in, witness the mesmerizing sunset at the Kanyakumari Beach.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial: INR 30 ($0.40), 3 hours
Thiruvalluvar Statue: INR 20 ($0.27), 1 hour
Kanyakumari Beach: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
Head to the popular restaurant "Hotel Saravana Bhavan" for breakfast and indulge in their mouthwatering South Indian dishes like idli, vada, and dosa. A typical meal for one person costs around 150 INR.
For lunch, visit "Baywatch Family Restaurant" which offers a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Enjoy their delicious seafood dishes with an average cost of 300 INR per person.
Experience a fine dining experience at "Trinity Restaurant" for dinner, known for its delectable Kerala cuisine. A meal for one person here would cost around 500 INR.
Wednesday, October 4: Rameswaram
Travel to Rameswaram, a sacred town known for its temples. In the morning, visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. In the afternoon, explore the Pamban Bridge, a famous railway bridge that connects the island of Rameswaram to the mainland. As the evening sets in, relax at Dhanushkodi Beach and witness the scenic sunset.
Ramanathaswamy Temple: Free, 2 hours
Pamban Bridge: Free, 1 hour
Dhanushkodi Beach: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Hotel Tamilnadu. This restaurant serves authentic idli, vada, and dosa. Average cost for a meal is about ₹100 per person.
For lunch, head to Nalaas Aappakadai and try their mouth-watering appam with different curries. The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the flavors of Kerala at Paragon Restaurant. Known for its seafood specialties, this restaurant serves delicious prawn curry, fish fry, and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Thursday, October 5: Madurai
Visit the vibrant city of Madurai. In the morning, explore the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic Hindu temple known for its intricate carvings. In the afternoon, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, an architectural marvel. As the evening sets in, experience the fascinating evening ceremony at the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Evening Ceremony at Meenakshi Amman Temple: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Murugan Idli Shop, a popular South Indian restaurant known for its fluffy idlis and crispy dosas. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, try Hotel Temple View, located near the Meenakshi Amman Temple. They serve delicious vegetarian thalis and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Amma Mess, a local favorite known for its authentic Tamil cuisine. Don't miss their signature dish, the Chettinad chicken curry. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Murugan Idli Shop, a popular South Indian restaurant known for its delicious and fluffy idlis. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 100 per person.
For lunch, try the traditional Chettinad cuisine at Junior Kuppanna, a renowned restaurant famous for its flavorful biryanis and spicy curries. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 300 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the seafood delicacies at The Pear Tree, a charming restaurant with a cozy ambience and a wide variety of fresh seafood options. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 500 per person.
Friday, October 6: Kodaikanal
Head to the hill station of Kodaikanal. In the morning, explore the beautiful Kodaikanal Lake and enjoy boating. In the afternoon, visit the Coaker's Walk, a scenic promenade offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills. As the evening sets in, explore the bustling markets of Kodaikanal and indulge in local delicacies.
Kodaikanal Lake: INR 30 ($0.40), 3 hours
Coaker's Walk: INR 10 ($0.13), 2 hours
Local Markets: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
A cosy cafe called Cloud Street Cafe, located near Kodaikanal Lake, is the perfect spot for breakfast. Enjoy their freshly brewed coffee and a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For a hearty and delicious lunch, head to Astoria Veg Restaurant. Known for its authentic South Indian cuisine, they offer a wide range of vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $7 per person.
In the evening, dine at Hilltop Rooftop Restaurant for a memorable dinner experience. This restaurant offers a stunning view of the hills and serves mouthwatering Indian and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Saturday, October 7: Ooty
Travel to Ooty, a charming hill station in the Nilgiri Mountains. In the morning, embark on a scenic toy train ride from Mettupalayam to Ooty, enjoying the picturesque landscapes. In the afternoon, visit the Government Botanical Garden, known for its exotic plant species. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk through the Ooty Rose Garden.
Toy Train Ride: INR 300 ($4), 5 hours
Government Botanical Garden: INR 30 ($0.40), 2 hours
Ooty Rose Garden: INR 30 ($0.40), 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Ooty is the Sidewalk Cafe, known for its freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to the Nahar Restaurant, a local favorite known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. Don't miss their flavorful biryani and dosas. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at the Ascot Multi Cuisine Restaurant, offering a wide range of Indian and international dishes. Enjoy the elegant ambiance and relish their mouthwatering kebabs and curries. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, October 8: Coimbatore
Visit the bustling city of Coimbatore. In the morning, explore the Marudamalai Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan. In the afternoon, visit the Gass Forest Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of trees. As the evening sets in, enjoy a shopping spree at the popular Brookefields Mall.
Marudamalai Temple: Free, 2 hours
Gass Forest Museum: INR 20 ($0.27), 1 hour
Brookefields Mall: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
The Grand Sweets and Snacks is a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious South Indian delicacies like dosas and idlis. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about 100 INR per person.
Annapoorna Restaurant is a great choice for lunch, offering a variety of vegetarian dishes including thali meals and biryanis. The average cost for a lunch meal is about 200 INR per person.
At Hotel Junior Kuppanna, you can enjoy a flavorsome dinner with their speciality Chettinad cuisine, known for its aromatic spices and rich flavors. The average cost for a dinner meal is about 400 INR per person.
Monday, October 9: Day at Leisure in Coimbatore
Spend the day at leisure in Coimbatore. You can explore local markets for shopping, visit nearby temples for spiritual experiences, or simply relax and indulge in the local cuisine.
Day at Leisure
Restaurants
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Hotel Annapoorna in Coimbatore, where you can savor traditional South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and vada. The average cost for a meal is about INR 150 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Hari Bhavanam in Coimbatore and indulge in their authentic Tamil Nadu thali meal, which includes a variety of flavorful curries, rice, and bread. The average cost for a meal is about INR 250 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Nala Pakoda Kadai in Coimbatore, known for their crispy and flavorful pakodas served with chutney. They also offer a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot is XYZ Cafe, known for its delicious South Indian specialties. Enjoy a plate of steaming hot idlis and crispy dosas for around $5 per person.
For lunch, head to ABC Restaurant, where you can savor authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine. Don't miss their flavorful biryanis and savory curries, priced at an average of $10 per person.
In the evening, dine at PQR Seafood Grill for a delightful seafood dinner. Indulge in their fresh catch of the day, grilled to perfection, with prices ranging from $15 to $25 per person.
Tuesday, October 10: Departure
Head back to Kochi for your departure. Spend the morning exploring any missed attractions or shopping for souvenirs. Depart from Kochi with beautiful memories of Kerala and Tamilnadu.
Exploration/Shopping: Free, 4 hours
Restaurants
Nancy's Cafe: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Nancy's Cafe, known for its freshly brewed coffee and fluffy pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Curry House: For lunch, head to Curry House and indulge in a variety of traditional Tamilnadu dishes like dosa and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Coastal Bites: Treat yourself to a seafood feast at Coastal Bites for dinner, where you can savor delectable Kerala specialties like fish curry and prawn masala. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kerala and Tamilnadu, make sure to visit the hidden gem of Varkala Beach, known for its pristine beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Another local favorite is the Meesapulimala Trek, a challenging yet rewarding trek in Munnar that offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. Don't miss the chance to try the delicious South Indian breakfast dish called "Appam" at local eateries.