A Foodie's Delight: 7-Day Culinary Journey in Kerala
Wednesday November 1: Cochin
Indulge in the flavors of Kerala by starting your foodie adventure in the vibrant city of Cochin. Begin your morning with a visit to the bustling Fort Kochi area, where you can explore the local spice markets and witness Chinese fishing nets in action. For lunch, savor the mouthwatering seafood delicacies at one of the local seafood restaurants. In the afternoon, take a culinary walking tour to taste authentic Kerala snacks like banana fritters and spicy samosas. Wrap up the day with a traditional Kerala thali dinner at a local restaurant, experiencing a wide variety of flavors.
Fort Kochi: INR 1000, 3 hours
Culinary Walking Tour: INR 1500, 2 hours
Local Restaurant for Kerala Thali: INR 800, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Grand Pavilion. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of South Indian breakfast options such as dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Oceanos Restaurant and indulge in their delectable seafood dishes. From fresh fish curries to grilled prawns, this restaurant has something for every seafood lover. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Kashi Art Cafe. This artsy cafe not only offers a cozy ambiance, but also serves delicious food, including vegetarian and vegan options. Don't miss their lip-smacking biryani! Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Thursday November 2: Alleppey
Embark on a serene backwater journey to Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East." Start your day with a traditional Kerala breakfast known as "Appam" and pair it with a steaming cup of local filter coffee. Explore the picturesque backwaters on a houseboat, enjoying the scenic views and indulging in a delicious lunch of freshly caught seafood. In the evening, head to a local toddy shop to experience the unique flavors of toddy, a traditional palm wine, accompanied by spicy local snacks.
Traditional Kerala Breakfast: INR 300, 1 hour
Houseboat Backwater Experience: INR 5000, 6 hours
Toddy Shop Experience: INR 500, 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Alleppey is "Grandma's Kitchen" which offers a range of traditional Kerala dishes like Appam and Idiyappam. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to "Star Seafood Restaurant" which is known for its freshly caught seafood delicacies cooked in authentic Kerala style. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at "Marari Heritage Restaurant" which serves a variety of delectable Kerala dishes in a charming ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday November 3: Thekkady
Immerse yourself in the aromatic world of spices as you visit Thekkady, home to lush plantations. Start your day with a visit to a spice garden, where you can learn about various spices and their uses in Kerala cuisine. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, featuring dishes infused with fragrant spices. In the afternoon, take a guided tour to Periyar National Park, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy the serene surroundings. For dinner, savor a traditional Kerala feast called "Sadya," served on a banana leaf.
Spice Garden Visit: INR 500, 2 hours
Local Restaurant for Lunch: INR 700, 1 hour
Periyar National Park Tour: INR 2000, 3 hours
Traditional Kerala Feast: INR 1000, 2 hours
Restaurants
A must-visit for breakfast is Spice Garden Restaurant, located in the heart of Thekkady. Indulge in freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Bamboo Hut Restaurant. This cozy eatery offers a variety of authentic Kerala dishes, including fish curry and appam. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner, dine at The Banana Leaf Restaurant. Feast on a traditional Kerala "Sadya" served on a banana leaf, complete with a variety of vegetarian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Saturday November 4: Munnar
Experience the tea-scented hills of Munnar as you embark on a journey through the lush tea estates. Start your day with a visit to a tea museum, where you can learn about the history and process of tea production. Enjoy a tea tasting session, savoring the different flavors of Munnar tea. Indulge in a scrumptious lunch at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Kerala vegetarian dishes. In the afternoon, explore the breathtaking viewpoints of Munnar, offering panoramic views of the tea gardens. End the day with a cozy dinner at a tea estate homestay, enjoying authentic local flavors.
Tea Museum Visit: INR 300, 2 hours
Tea Tasting Session: INR 500, 1 hour
Local Restaurant for Lunch: INR 600, 1 hour
Munnar Viewpoints: INR 0, 3 hours
Tea Estate Homestay Dinner: INR 1000, 2 hours
Restaurants
Head to Cafe Terrace for a delicious breakfast in Munnar. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, including freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and aromatic coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a flavorful lunch, visit Rapsy Restaurant. This popular eatery serves authentic Kerala cuisine, with a focus on seafood and vegetarian dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering fish curry and appam. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at The Silver Spoon, known for its elegant ambiance and delectable Kerala delicacies. Feast on traditional favorites like Malabar biryani and Karimeen Pollichathu. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Sunday November 5: Kumarakom
Head to the tranquil village of Kumarakom, located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Start your day with a traditional Kerala breakfast of "Puttu" and "Kadala curry" at a local eatery. Explore the bird sanctuary, spotting various species of birds, followed by a relaxing boat ride on the backwaters. Indulge in a delectable lunch featuring authentic Kerala seafood dishes. Spend the evening enjoying a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake, accompanied by a delightful dinner on the boat.
Traditional Kerala Breakfast: INR 300, 1 hour
Bird Sanctuary Visit: INR 100, 2 hours
Boat Ride on Backwaters: INR 1500, 3 hours
Local Restaurant for Lunch: INR 800, 1 hour
Sunset Cruise on Vembanad Lake: INR 2000, 2 hours
Dinner on the Boat: INR 1000, 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Kumarakom is "Grandma's Kitchen". Enjoy their famous "Puttu" and "Kadala curry" combination, along with a hot cup of tea. Prices range around 100-150 INR per person.
If you're craving for seafood, head to "Vembanad Seafood Bar". This restaurant offers a wide variety of authentic Kerala seafood delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about 300-400 INR per person.
For a unique dining experience, try "Backwater Breeze". Located on a houseboat, this restaurant offers mesmerizing views of Vembanad Lake. Indulge in their delicious Kerala cuisine while enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Prices range around 500-800 INR per person.
Monday November 6: Kovalam
Relax and rejuvenate in the picturesque beach town of Kovalam. Start your day with a yoga session on the beach, followed by a refreshing breakfast at a beachside café. Spend the morning lounging on the sandy shores and indulging in beach activities. Feast on a delicious seafood lunch at one of the beach restaurants. In the afternoon, visit a local ayurvedic spa for a relaxing massage. Enjoy the stunning sunset views while sipping on a coconut water mocktail. For dinner, savor the flavors of Kerala at a beachside restaurant.
Beach Yoga Session: INR 500, 1 hour
Beachside Café Breakfast: INR 400, 1 hour
Beach Activities: INR 500, 3 hours
Seafood Lunch: INR 800, 1 hour
Ayurvedic Spa Massage: INR 2000, 2 hours
Sunset Coconut Water Mocktail: INR 300, 1 hour
Beachside Restaurant Dinner: INR 1000, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Délifrance, a charming beachside café offering a wide range of freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful seafood lunch at Fusion Bay, a popular beach restaurant known for its fresh catches and flavorful dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, head to Curry Leaf, a beachside restaurant specializing in traditional Kerala cuisine. Feast on their mouthwatering seafood curries and fragrant rice dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday November 7: Trivandrum
Conclude your foodie journey in the vibrant capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum. Start your day with a visit to the local fish market, experiencing the hustle and bustle of the early morning trade. Enjoy a traditional Kerala breakfast at a local eatery, with aromatic dishes like "Puttu" and "Fish Curry." Explore the vibrant vegetable market and pick up some local spices and ingredients. Indulge in a sumptuous lunch at a famous local restaurant. In the evening, visit the iconic Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and witness a traditional Kerala dance performance. End your culinary adventure with a memorable dinner at a rooftop restaurant, enjoying the panoramic view of the city.
Local Fish Market Visit: INR 0, 2 hours
Traditional Kerala Breakfast: INR 300, 1 hour
Vegetable Market Visit: INR 0, 1 hour
Local Restaurant for Lunch: INR 700, 1 hour
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple Visit: INR 0, 2 hours
Kerala Dance Performance: INR 500, 1 hour
Rooftop Restaurant Dinner: INR 1500, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kovalam Cafe. This charming seaside cafe offers a range of Kerala specialties, such as appam with stew and crispy dosas. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful lunch at Zam Zam Restaurant. Known for its authentic Kerala cuisine, this restaurant serves mouthwatering biryanis, seafood curries, and traditional thalis. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, head to Paragon Restaurant. This iconic eatery is renowned for its flavorsome Malabari dishes, including appam with chicken curry and Kerala-style seafood preparations. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For foodies looking to explore off the beaten path, head to the village of Thalassery, famous for its unique Malabar cuisine. Try the renowned Thalassery biryani, a flavorful rice dish cooked with fragrant spices and tender meat. Another hidden gem is the town of Nalasopara, where you can taste the lip-smacking Toddy Appam, a fermented rice pancake served with spicy coconut chutney. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the traditional Payasam dessert, made with rice, jaggery, and coconut milk, at a local temple festival.