In the morning, begin your Kerala adventure by exploring the historic city of Kochi. Start with a visit to Fort Kochi, where you can immerse yourself in the colonial charm of the area. Take a stroll along the picturesque Chinese Fishing Nets and witness local fishermen working their craft. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its stunning architecture and vibrant murals. As the evening sets in, head to the famous Jew Town, known for its antique shops and the iconic Paradesi Synagogue.
Fort Kochi: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Chinese Fishing Nets: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Ragam, a popular restaurant known for its traditional Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Rice Boat, a waterfront restaurant offering delicious seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at The Grand Pavilion, a fine-dining restaurant serving a wide range of Indian and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Restaurants
Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional Kerala breakfast at Sree Krishna Cafe. Start your day with some delicious dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about INR 100 per person.
Lunch: Indulge in a seafood feast at Fusion Bay. Treat your taste buds to a variety of fresh fish, prawns, and crab dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Dinner: Experience the flavors of Kerala at Dhe Puttu. Sample their signature dish, puttu, served with a variety of accompaniments. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Coffee Shop located in Thekkady. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly brewed coffees, delicious pastries, and hearty breakfast options. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about 150 INR per person.
Located near Periyar National Park, Spice Garden Restaurant is a great option for lunch. This restaurant serves traditional Kerala cuisine with an emphasis on aromatic spices. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about 250 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Bamboo Garden Restaurant, a charming eatery with a tranquil ambiance. This place specializes in seafood dishes and offers a selection of grilled fish, prawns, and lobster. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about 400 INR per person.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Kayees Rahmathulla Hotel. This popular local spot is known for its fluffy appams, crispy dosas, and aromatic biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Kashi Art Cafe, a charming eatery that also serves as an art gallery. Enjoy their eclectic menu featuring dishes like pasta, burgers, salads, and fresh fruit juices. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a mouthwatering seafood dinner at Oceanos Restaurant. Located near the waterfront, this restaurant offers a wide variety of grilled fish, prawns, and calamari, all cooked to perfection. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, September 30: Backwaters of Alleppey
On this day, get ready for a serene experience as you explore the backwaters of Alleppey. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and embark on a leisurely cruise through the tranquil backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy the scenic views and witness the local way of life along the banks. In the afternoon, savor a delicious lunch prepared onboard the houseboat, featuring fresh local cuisine. As the evening approaches, soak in the magical sunset over the backwaters before spending a peaceful night onboard.
Alleppey Houseboat Cruise: Cost Estimate - Starts from INR 6,000 (USD 80) per day, Time Spent - Full day
Sunday, October 1: Exploring Munnar's Tea Gardens
Wake up in the beautiful hill station of Munnar, known for its vast tea gardens. In the morning, visit the famous Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history and production process of tea. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding tea estates. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the tea gardens to witness the breathtaking landscapes and interact with local tea pickers. As the evening sets in, explore the local markets and indulge in some tea shopping.
On the final day of your Kerala adventure, head to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park. In the morning, go on an exciting wildlife safari in the national park, where you might spot elephants, tigers, and various other wildlife species. Take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake, surrounded by dense forests, during the afternoon, and keep an eye out for animals coming to the water's edge to quench their thirst. As the evening approaches, explore the local spice markets and indulge in some souvenir shopping.
Periyar National Park Safari: Cost Estimate - INR 1500 (USD 20), Time Spent - 3-4 hours
Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Cost Estimate - INR 225 (USD 3), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kerala, don't miss out on the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the offbeat village of Mararikulam, known for its pristine beaches and peaceful ambiance. Explore the enchanting Athirapally Waterfalls, often called the "Niagara Falls of India," and be mesmerized by the cascading waters amidst lush greenery. For a unique cultural experience, attend a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance-drama form, showcasing elaborate makeup and costumes. Make sure to savor the local cuisine, including delicious seafood dishes like the Malabar fish curry and traditional Kerala sadya (feast).