Begin your Kerala nature adventure in the vibrant city of Kochi. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon, visit the lush greenery of the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, home to a variety of migratory birds. In the evening, experience the enchanting Kathakali dance performance.
Fort Kochi: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Kathakali Performance: Estimated Cost: INR 500-1000, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Kochi is Cafe Hopes, which offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious sandwiches. The average cost for a breakfast meal at Cafe Hopes is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch in Kochi, head to Dal Roti where you can enjoy authentic Indian cuisine with a wide range of dishes to choose from. The average cost for a lunch meal at Dal Roti is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Oceanos Restaurant located near the Kochi beach, known for its seafood specialties and stunning views. The average cost for a dinner meal at Oceanos Restaurant is about 600 INR per person.
Saturday, October 21: Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. Spend the morning exploring the tea gardens and learning about the tea-making process. Afternoon, visit Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a boat ride amidst the serene surroundings. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the picturesque town.
Munnar Tea Gardens: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Mattupetty Dam: Estimated Cost: INR 10-20, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Exploring Munnar Town: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Anna's Breakfast House: Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala breakfast at Anna's, with options like dosa, appam, and puttu. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Silver Spoon Restaurant: Treat yourself to a satisfying lunch at Silver Spoon, known for its variety of South Indian dishes and seafood specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Niraamaya Restaurant: Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Niraamaya, offering a fine dining experience with a blend of Kerala and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Sunday, October 22: Thekkady
Head to Thekkady, a nature lover's paradise nestled in the Periyar National Park. Morning, enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. Afternoon, explore the spice plantations and learn about the various spices grown in the region. In the evening, attend a traditional martial arts performance.
Martial Arts Performance: Estimated Cost: INR 200-500, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Spice Village. This restaurant offers a wide variety of traditional Kerala dishes, such as puttu and appam, along with continental options. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Coffee Garden, a cozy restaurant known for its mouthwatering Kerala-style biryani and seafood delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Bamboo Cafe for a unique dining experience. This open-air restaurant serves authentic Kerala cuisine, including delicious seafood and vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Monday, October 23: Alleppey
Travel to Alleppey, known for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. Morning, embark on a relaxing houseboat journey through the scenic backwaters, enjoying the tranquility of nature. Afternoon, visit the Alleppey Beach and witness a mesmerizing sunset. In the evening, indulge in a delicious seafood dinner.
Houseboat Cruise: Estimated Cost: INR 5000-8000, Time Spent: 6-8 hours
Alleppey Beach: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Seafood Dinner: Estimated Cost: INR 500-1000, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Coconut Cafe is a popular breakfast spot in Alleppey, offering a variety of traditional Kerala dishes such as appam and idiyappam. An average meal here costs about 150 INR per person.
Rosewood Restaurant is a great choice for lunch, serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Their thali meals are highly recommended, and the average cost for a meal is around 250 INR per person.
For dinner, Mullackal Biryani House is a must-visit restaurant known for its flavorful biryanis and kebabs. A meal here would cost around 350 INR per person on average.
Tuesday, October 24: Varkala
Continue your journey to Varkala, a coastal town known for its stunning cliffs and sandy beaches. Morning, explore the Papanasam Beach and take a dip in its sacred waters. Afternoon, visit the Janardanaswamy Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine. In the evening, relax and unwind at one of the cliffside cafes while enjoying the breathtaking sunset views.
Papanasam Beach: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Janardanaswamy Temple: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Cliffside Cafe: Estimated Cost: INR 500-1000, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Tibetan Kitchen: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Tibetan Kitchen, known for its authentic Tibetan cuisine. Enjoy dishes like momos and thukpa while overlooking the beautiful cliffs. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Abba Restaurant: For a satisfying lunch, head to Abba Restaurant, where you can indulge in a variety of fresh seafood dishes. From grilled fish to prawn curry, this restaurant offers a delightful taste of the local cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Kovalam
Head to Kovalam, a popular beach destination with beautiful sandy shores. Morning, relax on the pristine beaches and soak up the sun. Afternoon, visit the iconic lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. In the evening, indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa session.
Kovalam Beaches: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Kovalam Lighthouse: Estimated Cost: INR 20-50, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Ayurvedic Spa: Estimated Cost: INR 1000-2000, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Kovalam is Coffee Temple, known for its freshly brewed coffee and delicious breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
If you're looking for a great lunch spot, try Curry Leaf Restaurant, which offers a wide variety of traditional Kerala dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
For dinner, head to Malabar Cafe, a cozy restaurant that serves authentic Malabar cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about ₹600 per person.
Thursday, October 26: Trivandrum
Conclude your Kerala nature adventure in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Morning, visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a magnificent Hindu temple known for its intricate architecture. Afternoon, explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing a rich collection of artifacts and artworks. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Kovalam Beach promenade.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Estimated Cost: INR 20-50, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Kovalam Beach Promenade: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Saravana Bhavan: A popular South Indian restaurant serving delicious breakfast items like dosa, idli, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Villa Maya: A charming restaurant located in a restored 18th-century Dutch manor, offering a fusion of Indian and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Spice Route: A delightful restaurant known for its delectable Kerala cuisine served in a beautiful setting inspired by the ancient Spice Route. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Silent Valley National Park, located in the Palakkad district, is highly recommended. This untouched wilderness is a haven for rare and endangered plant and animal species. Another hidden gem is the Vagamon hill station, offering stunning views, lush meadows, and opportunities for adventure activities like trekking and paragliding.
For a more offbeat experience, explore the lesser-known Munroe Island, a serene backwater destination, where you can immerse yourself in the local way of life and take a canoe ride through narrow canals. Don't miss the chance to visit the idyllic Bekal Fort, located on the Malabar Coast, which offers a glimpse into Kerala's rich history and panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Check out Kayak for the best hotel and flight prices for your Kerala nature adventure.