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A Week in Kerala: Shoestring Budget Travel

Friday September 8: Arrive in Kochi

Start your Kerala adventure by arriving in Kochi, a city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a charming neighborhood with colonial architecture and iconic Chinese fishing nets. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Dutch Palace to learn about the region's past. In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll along Marine Drive, a picturesque promenade offering stunning views of the backwaters. As the evening sets in, head to the vibrant Broadway Market to savor local street food and shop for souvenirs.

  • Fort Kochi: Free, 3 hours
  • St. Francis Church: Free, 1 hour
  • Dutch Palace: ₹5 (approx. $0.07), 1 hour
  • Marine Drive: Free, 2 hours
  • Broadway Market: ₹200 (approx. $2.70) for food, shopping expenses as per preference, 2 hours
Restaurants
  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Papaya, located in Fort Kochi. This cozy cafe offers a variety of fresh and healthy options, including smoothie bowls and avocado toast. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
  • For lunch, head to Dal Roti, a popular restaurant in Kochi serving authentic North Indian cuisine. Indulge in flavorful curries and aromatic tandoori dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
  • In the evening, enjoy dinner at Oceanos Restaurant, situated near Marine Drive. This seafood restaurant specializes in delectable coastal delicacies, such as grilled fish and prawn curry. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Saturday September 9: Munnar Tea Plantations

Embark on a scenic journey to Munnar, a hill station famous for its lush tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history and process of tea production. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea amidst the picturesque plantations. In the afternoon, explore the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Take a leisurely nature walk and soak in the beauty of the Western Ghats. In the evening, take a stroll through the vibrant local markets to buy aromatic spices and handicrafts.

  • Tata Tea Museum: ₹100 (approx. $1.35), 2 hours
  • Eravikulam National Park: ₹120 (approx. $1.62), 3 hours
  • Local Markets: Expenses as per preference, 2 hours
Restaurants
  • For breakfast, head to Cafe Royale, a cozy cafe known for its delicious continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
  • For lunch, try Rapsy Restaurant, a popular spot that serves authentic Kerala cuisine. Don't miss their fish curry and appam. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
  • For dinner, visit The Ranch, a charming restaurant known for its sizzling steaks and BBQ dishes. With a lively atmosphere and live music, it's a great place to unwind. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Sunday September 10: Alleppey Backwaters

Experience the serene beauty of the famous backwaters of Alleppey. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and cruise along the tranquil backwaters, passing through scenic landscapes and local villages. Enjoy delicious traditional Kerala cuisine prepared onboard. In the afternoon, disembark and explore the Alleppey Beach, known for its golden sand and coconut groves. Witness a mesmerizing sunset over the Arabian Sea. As the evening approaches, stroll through the local markets and try some lip-smacking street food.

  • Houseboat Cruise: ₹1,500 (approx. $20.25) per person, 5 hours
  • Alleppey Beach: Free, 2 hours
  • Local Markets: Expenses as per preference, 2 hours
Restaurants
  • For breakfast, head to Cafe Catamaran, a charming cafe located in Alleppey. Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a variety of dishes including freshly baked bread, eggs, and local Kerala specialties. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
  • For lunch, try Kayees Biryani Centre, a popular restaurant known for its mouthwatering biryanis. Indulge in flavorful biryanis made with fragrant spices and tender meat. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
  • For dinner, visit Kream Korner Art Cafe, a cozy restaurant famous for its fusion cuisine. Savor innovative dishes that blend traditional Kerala flavors with international influences. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Monday September 11: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the wilderness of Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. In the morning, embark on a guided nature walk through the sanctuary, where you can spot various species of birds, elephants, and if lucky, even tigers. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake, offering a unique opportunity to observe wildlife from the water. Explore the spice plantations in the area and learn about the region's rich biodiversity. In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing Kerala's classical art form.

  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: ₹35 (approx. $0.47) for entry, ₹200 (approx. $2.70) for nature walk, 4 hours
  • Periyar Lake Boat Ride: ₹250 (approx. $3.37), 2 hours
  • Spice Plantations: Expenses as per preference, 2 hours
  • Kathakali Dance Performance: ₹250 (approx. $3.37), 1.5 hours
Tuesday September 12: Kovalam Beach Relaxation

Indulge in a day of relaxation at Kovalam Beach, one of Kerala's most popular coastal destinations. In the morning, enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage and spa treatment, known for their therapeutic benefits. Bask in the sun and swim in the clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the palm-fringed shores and try some mouthwatering seafood delicacies at the beachside shacks. As the evening sets in, witness a mesmerizing sunset while sipping on coconut water.

  • Ayurvedic Massage: ₹1,000 (approx. $13.50), 2 hours
  • Beach Activities: Free, 4 hours
  • Seafood at Beachside Shacks: Expenses as per preference, 2 hours
Wednesday September 13: Varkala Cliff & Beach

Visit the coastal town of Varkala, known for its scenic cliffs and beautiful beach. In the morning, explore the vibrant Varkala Cliff, lined with shops, cafes, and yoga centers. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in one of the cliffside restaurants. In the afternoon, relax at the Papanasam Beach, famous for its mineral-rich waters believed to have medicinal properties. Take a dip in the natural spring at the cliff base for a refreshing experience. As the evening approaches, witness a mesmerizing sunset from the cliff while savoring delicious seafood.

  • Varkala Cliff: Free, 3 hours
  • Papanasam Beach: Free, 2 hours
  • Seafood at Cliffside Restaurants: Expenses as per preference, 2 hours
Thursday September 14: Return to Kochi and Departure

Return to Kochi for your departure. In the morning, visit the famous Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Explore the Jew Town area, known for its antique shops and spice markets. In the afternoon, take a ferry to the nearby Willingdon Island and visit the Maritime Museum, showcasing the maritime history of Kochi. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Kerala cuisine. Bid adieu to this enchanting land as you head to the airport for your departure.

  • Paradesi Synagogue: ₹5 (approx. $0.07), 1 hour
  • Jew Town: Free, 2 hours
  • Maritime Museum: ₹30 (approx. $0.40), 1 hour
  • Farewell Dinner: ₹500 (approx. $6.74), 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Explore the off the beaten path attractions in Kerala by visiting the enchanting village of Kumarakom. This serene backwater destination offers a tranquil escape from the tourist crowds. Take a country boat ride through the narrow canals, spot colorful birds, and visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Another hidden gem is the village of Athirapally, known for its stunning waterfalls. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the surrounding lush greenery. These hidden gems are perfect for nature enthusiasts and can be explored on a shoestring budget.

To check hotel and flight prices in Kerala, visit KAYAK.

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