Start your Kerala adventure by arriving in Kochi, a vibrant city known for its historic charm and beautiful backwaters. In the morning, explore the iconic Fort Kochi area, filled with colonial architecture and quaint streets. Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets and stroll along the picturesque Fort Kochi Beach. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kerala by visiting the Folklore Museum. As the evening sets in, don't miss the famous Kathakali dance performance, showcasing the traditional art form of the region.
Fort Kochi: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
Folklore Museum: Entrance fee around INR 100, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Kathakali Performance: Ticket prices start from INR 300, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Kayees Rahmathullah Hotel, a popular restaurant in Kochi known for its delicious Malabar-style breakfast. Indulge in their signature dish, appam with chicken stew, and enjoy a hearty meal for around 150 INR per person.
If you're looking for a satisfying lunch, visit Fort House Restaurant. This waterfront eatery offers a delightful mix of Kerala and international cuisines. Try their traditional Kerala thali, complete with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, for an average price of 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at The Rice Boat, a renowned seafood restaurant housed in a traditional Kerala houseboat. Indulge in their mouthwatering seafood specialties, such as lobster, crab, and prawns, for an average cost of 800 INR per person.
Thursday, September 28, 2023: Munnar Tea Plantations
Embark on a scenic journey to Munnar, famous for its lush green tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea production and enjoy panoramic views. Explore the picturesque Mattupetty Dam in the afternoon and take a boat ride in the serene waters. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely walk through the enchanting tea gardens and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Tata Tea Museum: Entrance fee around INR 100, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Mattupetty Dam: Entrance fee around INR 10, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Tea Gardens: Free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Head to Saravana Bhavan for breakfast, known for its delicious South Indian vegetarian food. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, dine at Rapsy Restaurant which offers a variety of Indian and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
In the evening, indulge in a scrumptious dinner at Eastend Munnar Restaurant, renowned for its delectable seafood and traditional Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Friday, September 29, 2023: Alleppey Backwaters
Experience the magical backwaters of Alleppey by spending a day cruising on a traditional houseboat. In the morning, board your houseboat and relax as you sail through the serene backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery and charming villages. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala lunch served onboard. In the afternoon, explore the narrow canals in a small canoe, witnessing the local way of life. As the evening sets in, enjoy a peaceful sunset view from the houseboat.
Alleppey Houseboat: Prices start from INR 5000 per night, estimated time spent: 24 hours
Canoe Ride: Prices start from INR 500, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Start your day at The Breakfast Club, a charming cafe serving a variety of delicious breakfast options including fluffy pancakes, eggs benedict, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
The Spice Route: For lunch, head to The Spice Route, a traditional Kerala restaurant offering a range of aromatic and flavorful dishes inspired by the local cuisine. Try their mouthwatering fish curry or vegetarian thali. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
The Seafood Shack: Indulge in a delightful seafood dinner at The Seafood Shack, a cozy restaurant located by the backwaters. Feast on freshly caught crab, prawns, and fish, cooked to perfection. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Saturday, September 30, 2023: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
Visit Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its diverse flora and fauna. In the morning, take a guided boat tour in Periyar Lake, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. Explore the spice plantations in the afternoon and learn about the cultivation of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. As the evening approaches, indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage, a traditional healing practice of Kerala.
Periyar Boat Tour: Entrance fee around INR 250, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Spice Plantations: Entrance fee around INR 100, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: Prices start from INR 1000, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try the charming Cafe Mocha, located near Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly brewed coffee, delicious sandwiches, and delectable pastries. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Spice Garden Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. This restaurant serves mouthwatering dishes made from locally sourced spices and ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a delightful dining experience at Periyar Mist Food Court. This restaurant offers a wide range of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Enjoy the pleasant ambiance and delectable food at an average cost of about ₹400 per person.
Sunday, October 1, 2023: Kovalam Beach
Head to the coastal town of Kovalam, famous for its pristine beaches and relaxed vibes. In the morning, spend your time soaking up the sun and enjoying the gentle waves at the beautiful Kovalam Beach. Indulge in various water activities such as swimming, surfing, or simply lounging by the shore. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Vizhinjam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline. As the evening sets in, explore the local markets and try some delicious seafood.
Kovalam Beach: Free, estimated time spent: 4-5 hours
Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Entrance fee around INR 20, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Local Market: Prices vary, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to the Beach Hotel in Kovalam. Enjoy a delicious South Indian breakfast with dishes like idli, dosa, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, try the Curry Leaf Restaurant in Kovalam. They serve a wide range of authentic Kerala dishes including seafood curries, biryani, and thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit the Fusion Bay in Kovalam. This restaurant offers a fusion of Indian and international cuisines, with a special focus on seafood. Enjoy dishes like tandoori prawns, fish curry, and pasta. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, October 2, 2023: Trivandrum City Tour
End your Kerala journey by exploring the capital city, Trivandrum. In the morning, visit the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture and religious significance. Explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery in the afternoon, showcasing a vast collection of ancient artifacts and artwork. As the evening approaches, take a relaxing walk along the picturesque Marine Drive and enjoy the stunning sunset views.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free entry, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Entrance fee around INR 20, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Marine Drive: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Izzy's Breakfast House: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Izzy's Breakfast House. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of delicious breakfast options, including fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit. The average cost for a meal here is about $10 per person.
Curry Bowl: For a tasty and affordable lunch, head to Curry Bowl. This restaurant serves authentic Kerala cuisine with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The average cost for a meal here is about $8 per person.
Cafe di Roma: Enjoy a delightful dinner at Cafe di Roma, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious Italian dishes. From homemade pasta to wood-fired pizzas, this restaurant offers a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds. The average cost for a meal here is about $15 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path adventures in Kerala, consider visiting the unexplored village of Vagamon. This serene hill station offers breathtaking views, lush green meadows, and pleasant weather. You can also explore the lesser-known Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam, known for its backwaters and traditional houseboat experiences. Don't miss the opportunity to try authentic local cuisine at small roadside eateries, where you can savor flavorsome dishes at affordable prices.