Welcome to Kerala! Start your nature-filled journey in Kochi, also known as Cochin. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood with colonial-era buildings and charming streets. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. In the afternoon, take a leisurely boat ride on the serene backwaters of Kochi. As the day comes to an end, witness a spectacular Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. This restaurant is known for its crispy dosas and fluffy idlis. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to the famous Dal Roti. Indulge in their mouthwatering North Indian dishes like butter chicken and paneer tikka. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a seafood extravaganza at Oceanos Restaurant. Enjoy their delicious grilled fish and prawn curry, while enjoying the stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Monday, November 13: Journey to Munnar
Leave Kochi and head towards Munnar, a picturesque hill station famous for its tea plantations. In the morning, take a scenic drive through the Western Ghats, enjoying the lush greenery and beautiful landscapes. Arrive in Munnar and visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, explore the stunning Eravikulam National Park, known for its endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a peaceful stroll around the Mattupetty Dam.
Tea Museum: INR 150 (est.), 2 hours
Eravikulam National Park: INR 400 (est.), 3 hours
Mattupetty Dam: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Saravana Bhavan, a popular vegetarian restaurant in Munnar. Enjoy a delicious South Indian breakfast like idli and dosa. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Rapsy Restaurant, known for its variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Try their flavorful biryani or freshly prepared seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Copper Castle, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Munnar valley. Indulge in their exquisite buffet spread featuring both local and international flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, November 14: Wildlife in Thekkady
Continue your nature adventure in Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park. Start your day with a thrilling boat ride on Lake Periyar, where you can spot various wildlife species. In the afternoon, take a guided trek through the lush forests of the national park, keeping an eye out for elephants, tigers, and birds. Unwind in the evening by attending a cultural performance by the local tribal community.
Boat Ride on Lake Periyar: INR 400 (est.), 2 hours
Guided Trek in Periyar National Park: INR 500 (est.), 3 hours
Cultural Performance: INR 200 (est.), 2 hours
Restaurants
Saravana Bhavan: A popular South Indian restaurant in Thekkady, serving delicious dosas and idlis for breakfast. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Silver Spoon Restaurant: Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at this multi-cuisine restaurant, offering a variety of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Bamboo Cafe: Experience a delightful dinner at this cozy cafe known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Try their seafood specialties like fish curry and Kerala-style prawns. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, November 15: Backwater Bliss in Alleppey
Embark on a mesmerizing journey to Alleppey, known for its enchanting backwaters. Board a traditional houseboat in the morning and cruise through the serene network of canals, witnessing the beauty of rural Kerala. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared onboard. In the afternoon, explore the village life and interact with the locals. As the sun sets, savor a delectable dinner while surrounded by the tranquil backwaters.
Houseboat Experience: INR 5,000 (est.), 6 hours
Village Exploration: Free, 2 hours
Evening Dinner on Houseboat: Included, 2 hours
Restaurants
Manna Dosa House: Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Manna Dosa House. This popular restaurant serves a variety of dosas, including masala dosa and ghee roast dosa. Average cost for a meal is about ₹100 ($1.40) per person.
Cassava Village: Indulge in a scrumptious lunch at Cassava Village, a quaint eatery known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Try their succulent prawn curry or appam with egg roast. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 ($4.20) per person.
Palmgrove Restaurant: Enjoy a delightful dinner at Palmgrove Restaurant, which offers a range of seafood and North Indian dishes. Try their special Malabar fish curry or chicken biryani. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 ($7) per person.
Thursday, November 16: Coastal Delights of Kovalam
Head towards the coastal town of Kovalam, famous for its pristine beaches. Spend the morning relaxing on the golden sands and taking a refreshing dip in the Arabian Sea. Indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage to experience the traditional healing therapies of Kerala. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset and enjoy a stroll along the lively promenade.
Kovalam Beach: Free, 3 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,500 (est.), 2 hours
Promenade Walk: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at The Terrace Restaurant. This charming eatery offers a range of traditional Kerala dishes like appam, dosa, and idli. Average cost for a meal is about 150 rupees per person.
For lunch, head to Curry Leaf Family Restaurant for a delightful seafood feast. Enjoy fresh catch of the day prepared in authentic Kerala style. Average cost for a meal is about 400 rupees per person.
In the evening, savor a scrumptious dinner at Fusion Bay. This rooftop restaurant offers a fusion of Indian and international cuisines with stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.
Friday, November 17: Cape Comorin at Kanyakumari
Embark on a day trip to Kanyakumari, also known as Cape Comorin, the southernmost tip of mainland India. Witness the convergence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue, offering panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. Explore the Kumari Amman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Devi Kanya Kumari. End the day with a mesmerizing sunset view.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial: INR 30 (est.), 2 hours
Thiruvalluvar Statue: INR 20 (est.), 1 hour
Kumari Amman Temple: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Seaview Cafe, located near the beach. Enjoy a variety of delicious breakfast dishes such as freshly baked croissants, omelettes, and local Kerala-style dosas. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 150 per person.
For lunch, try the Fisherman's Wharf, a popular seafood restaurant with a stunning waterfront view. Indulge in fresh catch of the day, prepared in traditional Kerala flavors. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
For dinner, dine at The Terrace Grill, a rooftop restaurant offering breathtaking views of the ocean. Savor a wide range of grilled dishes, including succulent kebabs and juicy steaks. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Saturday, November 18: Tranquility in Trivandrum
Conclude your Kerala adventure in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), the capital city of Kerala. In the morning, visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its architectural splendor. Explore the beautiful Napier Museum and the adjacent lush gardens in the afternoon. Take a leisurely stroll along the beaches of Trivandrum, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. Bid farewell to Kerala with a heart full of unforgettable natural experiences.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 2 hours
Napier Museum: INR 20 (est.), 2 hours
Beach Exploration: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Trivandrum is The Terrace, serving a variety of South Indian delicacies. Enjoy a hearty breakfast with traditional dosas and idlis. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch experience, head to Curry Leaf, which offers a wide range of Kerala cuisine. Indulge in their flavorful seafood dishes and aromatic curries. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner, visit Zam Zam, a local favorite known for its authentic Malabar cuisine. Enjoy their famous biryanis and succulent grilled kebabs. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For nature enthusiasts seeking off the beaten path attractions, a visit to the Silent Valley National Park is highly recommended. Located in the Nilgiri Hills, this pristine wilderness is home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species. Another hidden gem is the Vagamon Hill Station, known for its rolling green meadows, pine forests, and enchanting valleys. These lesser-known destinations offer tranquility and an immersive connection with nature.