7-Day Nature Itinerary in Cochin, Athirapally, Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon, Alleppey, Moonroe Island, Varkala, and Trivandrum

Wednesday, November 15: Cochin

Start your trip in Cochin by exploring Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. In the morning, visit the St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride through the backwaters, and in the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance.

• Fort Kochi: Check Hotel Prices, 4-6 hours
• Backwater Boat Ride: Estimated cost INR 500, 2-3 hours
• Kathakali Dance Performance: Estimated cost INR 300, 1-2 hours

Thursday, November 16: Athirapally

Start your day by visiting the Athirapally Waterfalls, a majestic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. In the afternoon, take a nature walk in the nearby Sholayar Forests, home to various wildlife species. Enjoy the evening by relaxing at the Vazhachal Waterfalls.

• Athirapally Waterfalls: Estimated cost INR 50, 3-4 hours
• Sholayar Forests: Estimated cost INR 200, 2-3 hours
• Vazhachal Waterfalls: Free entry, 2-3 hours

Friday, November 17: Munnar

Explore the picturesque hill station of Munnar. Start your day with a visit to the Tea Museum to learn about the tea production process. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the beautiful tea gardens and enjoy the panoramic views. End your day by watching the sunset at the Top Station viewpoint.

• Tea Museum: Estimated cost INR 150, 2-3 hours
• Munnar Tea Gardens: Free entry, 2-3 hours
• Top Station: Free entry, 1-2 hours

Saturday, November 18: Thekkady

Embark on an adventure in Thekkady by exploring the Periyar National Park. In the morning, take a boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot wildlife. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the various spices grown in the region. Enjoy an evening Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performance.

• Periyar National Park: Estimated cost INR 250, 4-5 hours
• Spice Plantation: Estimated cost INR 100, 2-3 hours
• Kathakali and Kalaripayattu Performance: Estimated cost INR 400, 1-2 hours

Sunday, November 19: Vagamon

Discover the tranquil beauty of Vagamon. In the morning, visit the Vagamon Meadows for a peaceful walk amidst lush green hills. In the afternoon, trek to the famous Suicide Point for breathtaking views. End your day with a visit to the Kurisumala Ashram, a spiritual retreat.

• Vagamon Meadows: Free entry, 2-3 hours
• Suicide Point Trek: Free entry, 2-3 hours
• Kurisumala Ashram: Free entry, 1-2 hours

Monday, November 20: Alleppey and Moonroe Island

Experience the backwaters of Alleppey and Moonroe Island. In the morning, take a houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters, enjoying the scenic views. In the afternoon, visit Moonroe Island and explore the small village on a canoe ride. End your day by watching the sunset over the backwaters.

• Alleppey Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost INR 6,000, 6-8 hours
• Moonroe Island Canoe Ride: Estimated cost INR 500, 2-3 hours
• Backwater Sunset: Free, 1-2 hours

Tuesday, November 21: Varkala and Trivandrum

Visit the coastal town of Varkala and the capital city of Trivandrum. Start your day by exploring the beautiful beaches of Varkala and enjoying a swim in the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, known for its stunning architecture. End your day by strolling along the Kovalam Beach.

• Varkala Beach: Free entry, 2-3 hours
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Estimated cost INR 100, 1-2 hours
• Kovalam Beach: Free entry, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For nature lovers, explore the Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Another off the beaten path attraction is the Palaruvi Waterfalls in Kollam, offering a serene and secluded experience amidst nature.