Welcome to Kerala! Start your adventure in the charming city of Kochi. In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue. In the evening, catch a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.
Fort Kochi: ₹100, 3 hours
Mattancherry Palace: ₹50, 1 hour
Paradesi Synagogue: ₹5, 1 hour
Kathakali Dance Show: ₹500, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Jubilee which offers a wide range of delicious pastries and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Oceanos Restaurant located near the beach, serving fresh seafood and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Malabar Junction, a fine dining restaurant offering an exquisite fusion of Indian and European cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, December 11: Munnar Tea Plantations
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station renowned for its tea plantations. Morning, explore the lush tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum and indulge in a tea-tasting session. Spend the evening leisurely exploring the local markets.
Munnar Tea Plantations: Free, 3 hours
Tea Museum: ₹150, 1 hour
Tea-Tasting Session: ₹200, 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Munnar is Café Lazeez, serving a variety of Indian and continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head over to Rapsy Restaurant, known for its delicious Kerala cuisine and seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner at Saravana Bhavan, a renowned vegetarian restaurant offering South Indian and North Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
Tuesday, December 12: The Backwaters of Alleppey
Today, head to Alleppey, known for its picturesque backwaters. Morning, embark on a houseboat cruise and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the backwaters. Feast on delicious Kerala cuisine prepared by the onboard chef. Spend the evening relaxing on the houseboat and taking in the serene surroundings.
A popular breakfast spot in Alleppey is Café Harmony, known for its delicious South Indian breakfast dishes like idli and vada. Average cost for a meal is about 100-150 rupees per person.
For lunch, try the laid-back atmosphere and fresh seafood at Sea View Restaurant. Enjoy dishes like grilled fish and prawn curry while taking in the beautiful view of the backwaters. Average cost for a meal is about 200-300 rupees per person.
In the evening, dine at the elegant Houseboat Restaurant, located on a traditional Kerala houseboat. Indulge in a variety of authentic Kerala dishes like Karimeen Pollichathu (spicy grilled fish) and Meen Curry (fish curry). Average cost for a meal is about 400-500 rupees per person.
Wednesday, December 13: Wildlife Adventure in Periyar
Continue your journey to Periyar, home to the Periyar National Park. Morning, take a boat safari on Periyar Lake and spot wildlife such as elephants and birds. In the afternoon, explore the spice plantations and learn about the region's rich biodiversity. Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the serene surroundings.
Boat Safari: ₹500, 3 hours
Spice Plantations: ₹100, 2 hours
Restaurants
Ginger Grove: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Ginger Grove, a cozy restaurant nestled in the lush greenery of Periyar. Indulge in traditional Kerala delicacies and international breakfast fare, with an average cost of about $10 per person.
Pepper Trails: Head to Pepper Trails for a delightful lunch experience. This restaurant offers a fusion of Kerala and international cuisines, using the freshest ingredients sourced from the nearby spice plantations. The average cost for a meal here is about $15 per person.
Spice Garden Restaurant: For a memorable dinner, visit the Spice Garden Restaurant, which boasts a charming ambience and authentic Kerala flavors. Delight in an array of traditional dishes alongside a variety of seafood options. The average cost for a meal at this restaurant is about $20 per person.
Thursday, December 14: Beach Bliss in Varkala
Travel to Varkala, a serene coastal town known for its stunning beaches and cliffs. Morning, relax on the golden sands of Varkala Beach and take a dip in the Arabian Sea. Afternoon, visit the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple and enjoy breathtaking views from the Varkala Cliff. Spend the evening watching the mesmerizing sunset.
Varkala Beach: Free, 3 hours
Janardanaswamy Temple: Free, 1 hour
Varkala Cliff: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
Have a delicious South Indian breakfast at Coffee Temple, located near Varkala Beach. Enjoy their famous dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Abba Restaurant, known for its mouthwatering seafood and stunning sea views. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a flavorful and aromatic dinner at Cafe del Mar, a popular beachfront restaurant offering a variety of international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, December 15: Thrissur Cultural Exploration
Head to Thrissur, known as the cultural capital of Kerala. Morning, visit the iconic Vadakkunnathan Temple and witness its architectural marvel. Explore the Thrissur Zoo and State Museum in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali performance, showcasing the traditional dance-drama of Kerala.
Vadakkunnathan Temple: Free, 1 hour
Thrissur Zoo: ₹20, 2 hours
State Museum: ₹20, 1 hour
Kathakali Performance: ₹300, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Hotel Bharat, a popular local eatery known for its delicious South Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, try Hotel Ramakrishna, a must-visit restaurant in Thrissur famous for its traditional Kerala thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For dinner, treat yourself to the mouthwatering seafood at Paragon Restaurant. Known for its fresh and flavorful dishes, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, December 16: Departure from Kochi
Conclude your Kerala adventure with a visit to the vibrant city of Kochi. Morning, explore the bustling markets of Broadway and indulge in some last-minute shopping. Afternoon, visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum to delve into the region's rich history. Bid farewell to Kerala as you depart from Kochi.
Broadway Market: Cost varies based on purchases, 2 hours
Indo-Portuguese Museum: ₹50, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Diem, a cozy coffee shop known for its delicious sandwiches and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, try Fusion Spice, a popular restaurant offering a wide range of flavorful Kerala dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the seafood specialties at Fort Cochin Seafood Restaurant, known for its fresh catch and delightful ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kerala, don't miss the opportunity to visit the lesser-known gems. Visit the charming village of Kumarakom to experience the serene beauty of the Vembanad Lake and indulge in authentic backwater village life. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Silent Valley National Park offers a chance to explore the pristine rainforests and spot rare wildlife species. These hidden gems provide a glimpse into the untouched beauty of Kerala.
Ready to plan your trip? Check out hotel and flight prices to find the best deals for your Kerala adventure!