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Kerala 7-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Backwaters and Cultural Delights

Friday, September 1: Arrival in Kochi

Start your Kerala adventure by arriving in Kochi, the gateway to this beautiful state. In the morning, visit the historic Fort Kochi, where you can explore the charming streets dotted with colonial-era buildings and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise on the backwaters and witness the mesmerizing sunset. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance performance to experience the vibrant traditional art form of Kerala.

  • Fort Kochi: Cost: Free, Time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Backwater Cruise: Cost: INR 500-1000 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Kathakali Dance Performance: Cost: INR 300-500 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Saturday, September 2: Munnar's Tea Gardens

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, known for its lush tea gardens and stunning landscapes. In the morning, explore the tea estates and learn about the tea-making process. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea while surrounded by picturesque hills. After lunch, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a visit to the Mattupetty Dam and enjoy boating in the serene reservoir.

  • Munnar Tea Gardens: Cost: Free, Time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Eravikulam National Park: Cost: INR 120 per person (Indian), INR 400 per person (Foreigner), Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Mattupetty Dam: Cost: INR 10 per person (Indian), INR 50 per person (Foreigner), Time spent: 1-2 hours
Sunday, September 3: Alleppey's Backwater Experience

Head to Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, for an enchanting backwater experience. In the morning, embark on a traditional houseboat and cruise along the serene backwaters, witnessing the rustic charm of the villages and lush greenery. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared on board. In the afternoon, explore the local villages and interact with the friendly locals. Witness a breathtaking sunset over the backwaters before spending the night on the houseboat.

  • Alleppey Houseboat: Cost: INR 8000-12000 per night, Time spent: Overnight
  • Local Village Visit: Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Backwater Sunset: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Monday, September 4: Thekkady's Wildlife Safari

Travel to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park, famous for its wildlife and spice plantations. In the morning, embark on a thrilling jungle safari in the national park and spot elephants, tigers, and various other wildlife species. After lunch, visit a spice plantation and learn about the aromatic spices grown in the region. Enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage in the evening to relax and rejuvenate.

  • Periyar National Park Safari: Cost: INR 450 per person (Indian), INR 1500 per person (Foreigner), Time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Spice Plantation Visit: Cost: INR 100-200 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Ayurvedic Massage: Cost: INR 1000-2000 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Tuesday, September 5: Kumarakom's Backwater Retreat

Make your way to Kumarakom, another scenic backwater destination. In the morning, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for bird lovers where you can spot a variety of migratory birds. Afterward, indulge in a traditional Kerala-style lunch. In the afternoon, relax and unwind at a luxurious backwater resort, enjoying the serene surroundings and perhaps taking a traditional Ayurvedic spa treatment.

  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Cost: INR 50 per person (Indian), INR 100 per person (Foreigner), Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Backwater Resort Stay: Cost: INR 5000-10000 per night, Time spent: Overnight
  • Ayurvedic Spa Treatment: Cost: INR 2000-4000 per treatment, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Wednesday, September 6: Kovalam Beach Relaxation

Travel to Kovalam, a popular beach destination in Kerala. In the morning, relax on the sandy shores of Kovalam Beach, take a dip in the Arabian Sea, or try out some water sports. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the famous Vizhinjam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline. Spend the evening strolling along the promenade and witnessing a stunning sunset.

  • Kovalam Beach: Cost: Free, Time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Cost: INR 20 per person (Indian), INR 200 per person (Foreigner), Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Beachside Dinner: Cost: INR 500-1000 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Thursday, September 7: Thiruvananthapuram's Cultural Heritage

Conclude your Kerala journey with a visit to Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. In the morning, explore the grandiose Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a magnificent Hindu shrine. Afterward, visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery to admire its impressive collection of ancient artifacts and artwork. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the serene Kanakakkunnu Palace and its beautiful gardens.

  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Cost: INR 20 per person (Indian), INR 150 per person (Foreigner), Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Kanakakkunnu Palace: Cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, head to the enchanting town of Varkala, known for its stunning cliffs and pristine beaches. Explore the Varkala Cliff, visit the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple, and take a dip in the natural springs believed to have therapeutic properties. Another hidden gem is Wayanad, a verdant district offering scenic trekking trails, wildlife sanctuaries, and breathtaking waterfalls. Don't miss the chance to visit the scenic Meenmutty Falls and explore the prehistoric Edakkal Caves.

For more details on hotel and flight prices, check out Kayak.

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