Exploring the Gems of Kerala: Munnar, Alleppey, Athirapally, Varkala
Saturday October 21: Arrival in Munnar
Welcome to Munnar, a picturesque hill station known for its sprawling tea plantations, misty mountains, and serene atmosphere. Start your day with a refreshing cup of locally grown tea and embark on a guided tour of the tea gardens in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the Mattupetty Dam for boating and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk through the aromatic spice markets in the town center.
Munnar Tea Gardens: Free, 2 hours
Mattupetty Dam: INR 10 per person for boating, 2 hours
Spice Markets: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. This popular restaurant offers a variety of dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant and enjoy a traditional Kerala thali. Indulge in a scrumptious spread of rice, sambar, aviyal, and other local delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Copper Castle Restaurant which serves a delightful array of Indian and Chinese dishes. Feast on flavorful curries, tandoori specialties, and mouthwatering desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Sunday October 22: Alleppey Backwaters
Travel to Alleppey, the Venice of the East, famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. In the morning, embark on a scenic backwater cruise and witness the enchanting beauty of the palm-fringed canals. After a delicious lunch on board, explore the traditional village life and interact with the locals. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset from your houseboat while enjoying a traditional Kerala-style dinner.
Backwater Cruise: INR 5,000 per houseboat (shared by 4 people), 6 hours
Interacting with Locals: Free, 2 hours
Sunset Dinner on Houseboat: Included in cruise cost, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Royale. This charming cafe offers a wide range of dishes including pancakes, omelettes, and South Indian specialties. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, head to Kream Korner. This restaurant serves a variety of Indian and Chinese delicacies, including biryani, noodles, and curries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Indulge in an authentic Kerala-style dinner at Cassava. This restaurant specializes in traditional Kerala cuisine, with dishes like appam, seafood curries, and thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Monday October 23: Athirapally Waterfalls
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Athirapally Waterfalls, one of the largest waterfalls in India. Start your day with a visit to the falls in the morning and enjoy the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding lush green forests and take a refreshing dip in the natural pools. As the evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Athirapally Waterfalls: INR 30 per person, 3 hours
Forest Exploration: Free, 2 hours
Dinner at a Local Restaurant: INR 500 per person, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Café Delight, located near Athirapally Waterfalls. Enjoy their wide variety of freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head over to Riverside Restaurant, situated by the tranquil river. Indulge in their authentic Kerala cuisine, featuring a combination of flavors and spices. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Chai and Spice. This restaurant offers a fusion of Indian and international dishes, with a cozy ambiance and friendly staff. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday October 24: Leisure Day in Munnar
Enjoy a relaxed day in Munnar at your own pace. Spend the morning exploring the Eravikulam National Park, home to endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Afterward, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea in the region. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage or indulge in some shopping for local handicrafts. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Blossom Hydel Park.
Eravikulam National Park: INR 200 per person, 2 hours
Tea Museum: INR 150 per person, 1 hour
Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,500 per person, 1 hour
Shopping for Handicrafts: Varies
Blossom Hydel Park: INR 30 per person, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. They offer a variety of dosas, idlis, and sambar vada. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant and enjoy a mix of Indian and Chinese dishes. Their menu includes favorites like chicken biryani and chili chicken. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Copper Castle Restaurant, known for its panoramic views and delicious Kerala seafood delicacies. Try their mouthwatering prawn curry or traditional fish fry. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday October 25: Varkala Beach
Head to Varkala, a beautiful coastal town known for its stunning cliffside views and pristine beaches. Spend the morning relaxing on the golden sands of Varkala Beach and taking a dip in the refreshing Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, explore the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple and witness the evening prayer ceremony. End your day with a mesmerizing sunset view from the iconic Varkala Cliff.
Varkala Beach: Free, 3 hours
Janardanaswamy Temple: Free, 1 hour
Sunset at Varkala Cliff: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Varkala is Coffee Temple, offering a variety of delicious breakfast options and a tranquil atmosphere. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Abba Restaurant which serves lip-smacking seafood dishes with a stunning view of the beach. The average cost for a meal is around 300-400 INR per person.
For dinner, enjoy a delightful meal at The Clay Oven, known for its authentic Indian and Kerala cuisine. The average cost for a meal is approximately 500-600 INR per person.
Thursday October 26: Heritage Walk in Fort Kochi
Travel to Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood known for its colonial architecture and cultural heritage. Start your day with a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Fort Kochi, visiting landmarks such as the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Jew Town and indulge in shopping for spices and antiques. Catch a Kathakali dance performance in the evening to experience the traditional art form of Kerala.
Heritage Walk in Fort Kochi: Free, 3 hours
Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1 hour
St. Francis Church: Free, 1 hour
Dutch Palace: INR 5 per person, 1 hour
Shopping in Jew Town: Varies
Kathakali Dance Performance: INR 200 per person, 2 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a delicious South Indian breakfast at Hotel Sri Krishna Inn, known for its fluffy idlis and crispy dosas. Average cost for a meal is about 150 rupees per person.
Treat yourself to a traditional Kerala lunch at Dhe Puttu, where you can relish authentic puttu served with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries. Average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
Indulge in a delectable seafood dinner at The Asian Kitchen, offering a wide range of fresh and flavorful dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
Friday October 27: Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to the enchanting land of Kerala and depart for your onward journey. Cherish the memories of your unforgettable trip and carry the essence of Kerala with you.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Explore the hidden gems and local favorites in Kerala by visiting the enchanting hill station of Ponmudi, known for its mist-covered hills and verdant landscapes. Take a hike through the scenic trails, visit the local tribal village, and enjoy a picnic amidst nature. Another off-the-beaten-path destination is Thenmala, India's first planned eco-tourism destination. Experience thrilling activities like rope bridge walking, ziplining, and boating in the serene surroundings of Thenmala Dam.