7-Day Itinerary in Kerala

Friday September 29: Arrival in Kochi

Start your Kerala trip by arriving in Kochi, also known as Cochin. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood with colonial-era buildings and the famous Chinese Fishing Nets. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, a Portuguese palace with beautiful murals. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of art in Kerala.

• Fort Kochi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Mattancherry Palace: Estimated cost - INR 5 (approximately $0.07 USD), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Kathakali Dance Performance: Estimated cost - INR 500-1000 (approximately $7-14 USD), Time spent - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Cafe Durga: Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at Cafe Durga, known for its unique fusion menu blending traditional Kerala flavors with international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
• Loafers Corner: For lunch, head to Loafers Corner, a popular vegetarian restaurant offering a wide range of healthy and delicious dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
• TechChef: End your day with dinner at TechChef, a contemporary restaurant serving innovative dishes with a fusion of Indian and international flavors. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.

Saturday September 30: Munnar

On the second day, travel to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy panoramic views. Afternoon is the perfect time to explore the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End your day with a visit to the scenic Mattupetty Dam.

• Tea Museum: Estimated cost - INR 150 (approximately $2.10 USD), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: Estimated cost - INR 120 (approximately $1.70 USD), Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: Estimated cost - INR 10 (approximately $0.14 USD), Time spent - 1-2 hours

Sunday October 1: Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, a nature lover's paradise famous for Periyar National Park. Start your day with a boat cruise on the Periyar Lake, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the spice plantations and learn about the various spices grown in the region. Take an evening walk through the bustling spice markets.

• Periyar Lake Boat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 250-500 (approximately $3.50-7 USD), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Spice Plantations: Estimated cost - Free (guided tours available for a fee), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Spice Markets: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Monday October 2: Alleppey

Experience the famous backwaters of Kerala by traveling to Alleppey. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and cruise along the tranquil backwaters, passing through picturesque villages and lush greenery. Enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala-style lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, explore the local paddy fields and interact with the friendly villagers.

• Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 5000-10000 (approximately $70-140 USD) for a day cruise, Time spent - Full day
• Exploring Paddy Fields: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Tuesday October 3: Kovalam

Head to the coastal town of Kovalam, known for its beautiful beaches. Spend the morning relaxing on the sandy shores of Kovalam Beach, taking a dip in the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and enjoy the stunning views from the lighthouse. End your day by indulging in delicious seafood at a beachfront restaurant.

• Kovalam Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Lighthouse Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Seafood Dinner: Estimated cost - INR 500-1000 (approximately $7-14 USD), Time spent - 1-2 hours

Wednesday October 4: Trivandrum

Explore the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), on your sixth day. In the morning, visit the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture and religious significance. In the afternoon, explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a stunning collection of ancient artifacts and artworks. Take a leisurely evening stroll along the beautiful Kovalam Beach.

• Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Estimated cost - INR 10 (approximately $0.14 USD), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Evening Walk on Kovalam Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday October 5: Departure from Kochi

On the last day of your Kerala trip, head back to Kochi for your departure. Spend the morning exploring the vibrant markets of Kochi, where you can shop for spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. In the afternoon, visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum to learn about the history and cultural influences in the region. Say goodbye to Kerala with a memorable sunset cruise on a traditional Kerala boat.

• Shopping in Kochi Markets: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Indo-Portuguese Museum: Estimated cost - INR 10 (approximately $0.14 USD), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Sunset Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 500-1000 (approximately $7-14 USD), Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Kerala, don't miss the off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals. Visit the beautiful hill station of Vagamon, known for its meadows, pine forests, and stunning landscapes. Explore the lesser-known backwater destinations like Kumarakom and Kozhikode for a peaceful and authentic experience. Don't forget to indulge in the mouthwatering local cuisine, including appam, puttu, and Kerala-style fish curry.