Arrive at Kochi International Airport and transfer to your hotel. In the morning, visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi, and explore the charming streets lined with colonial-era buildings. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a leisurely cruise along the serene backwaters of Kochi, experiencing the picturesque landscapes. In the evening, witness a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Backwater Cruise: Cost - INR 1500 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 2 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: Cost - INR 300 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Cafe DuMond, known for their freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to the Malabar Junction restaurant, where you can indulge in a variety of traditional Kerala dishes with a contemporary twist. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
In the evening, dine at the Oceanos Restaurant, offering a splendid waterfront view and a delectable seafood menu. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Sunday, December 24: Munnar - Hill Station Delight
Start your day early and drive to the hill station of Munnar, known for its lush tea plantations and picturesque landscapes. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea. Afterward, explore the beautiful Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride on the tranquil Mattupetty Lake. In the evening, stroll through the aromatic spice gardens and indulge in a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.
Tea Museum: Cost - INR 150 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 1 hour
The Panoramic Café is a cozy breakfast spot offering stunning views of the Munnar hills. Enjoy a delicious South Indian breakfast here, with average costs of around 150 INR per person.
Rapsy Restaurant is a popular lunch destination known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Try the traditional Kerala thali for a variety of flavors, with an average cost of about 250 INR per person.
Silver Spoon Restaurant is a fantastic dinner option, offering a range of Indian and international dishes. Enjoy the rooftop seating and the lovely ambiance, with an average cost of approximately 400 INR per person for a meal.
Monday, December 25: Thekkady - Wildlife Exploration
Depart for Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park. Start your day with a thrilling boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you can spot a variety of wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and birds. Afterward, visit a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation and processing of various spices. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kerala martial arts performance called Kalaripayattu.
Periyar Boat Safari: Cost - INR 300 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 2 hours
Spice Plantation Visit: Cost - INR 100 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 1 hour
Kalaripayattu Performance: Cost - INR 200 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Mornings in Thekkady are made better with a visit to Café Cinnamon. Enjoy a delicious breakfast spread of freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and aromatic coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head over to Spice Garden Restaurant. Indulge in a delectable range of traditional Kerala cuisine prepared with locally sourced spices. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Periyar Rooftop Restaurant for a memorable dinner experience. Relish mouthwatering Kerala seafood dishes while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding hills. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 26: Alleppey - Backwater Paradise
Travel to Alleppey, famous for its mesmerizing backwaters. Board a traditional houseboat and embark on a scenic journey through the intricate network of canals and lagoons. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board as you cruise past picturesque landscapes. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Venice, located near the Alleppey backwaters. Indulge in their scrumptious South Indian dishes such as idli and dosa. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Curry Kitchen. This restaurant offers a wide variety of authentic Kerala cuisine, including seafood specialties like prawns and fish curry. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Dreamers Restaurant, known for its romantic ambiance and delectable Continental and Indian dishes. From grilled seafood to flavorful curries, the menu has something for everyone. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, December 27: Kovalam - Beach Delights
Head to Kovalam, a serene beach town renowned for its pristine beaches and Ayurvedic wellness centers. Spend the morning relaxing on the golden sands and taking a refreshing dip in the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, indulge in rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments at a wellness center. Enjoy a serene sunset view from the lighthouse beach in the evening.
Lighthouse Beach: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Thursday, December 28: Trivandrum - Cultural Exploration
Visit the vibrant city of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) in the morning and explore the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world. Discover the historical artifacts and artwork at the Napier Museum and relax in the serene surroundings of the Kanakakkunnu Palace. In the evening, take a stroll along the scenic Marine Drive.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Napier Museum: Cost - INR 20 per person (approx.), Time Spent - 1 hour
Kanakakkunnu Palace: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Marine Drive: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Friday, December 29: Departure
Check out from your hotel and bid farewell to Kerala. Depart from Trivandrum International Airport with unforgettable memories of the enchanting landscapes and warm hospitality.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the serene village of Kumarakom, located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Explore the lush green paddy fields, take a traditional canoe ride through the narrow canals, and savor authentic Kerala cuisine in a local home. Another hidden gem is the hill station of Wayanad, offering picturesque landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and tribal villages. Trek to the Chembra Peak for panoramic views or visit the Edakkal Caves to witness ancient rock art.