Kerala on a Shoestring Budget - 6 Day Itinerary in May 2023

1. Day 1: Kochi
   30 minutes (22 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Explore the Fort Kochi Beach and its famous Chinese fishing nets. Visit the Mattancherry Palace to see beautiful Kerala murals and check out the quaint shops in Jew Town. End your day with a Kathakali dance performance.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours (127 km) from Kochi

   Visit the lush Munnar Tea Gardens and learn about the tea-making process. Hike to the Lakkam Waterfalls and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Take a scenic drive to the Eravikulam National Park and spot the endangered Nilgiri Thar.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3 hours 15 minutes (91 km) from Munnar

   Take a boat ride in the Periyar National Park and spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. Watch a traditional martial arts performance at the Kalari Centre. Visit the Mangala Devi Temple and learn about the local culture.

4. Day 4: Kumarakom
   4 hours (141 km) from Thekkady

   Take a relaxing Kerala Backwaters cruise and soak in the scenic beauty of the area. Visit the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall and enjoy the serene surroundings. Learn about the local farming practices at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

5. Day 5: Kovalam
   4 hours 30 minutes (213 km) from Kumarakom

   Relax on the beautiful Kovalam Beach and soak in the sun. Visit the Hawa Beach and enjoy the water sports activities. Take a walk to the Vellayani Lake and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

6. Day 6: Thiruvananthapuram
   30 minutes (16 km) from Kovalam

   Visit the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture. Explore the Napier Museum and its collection of ancient artifacts. End your day by watching a sunset at the beautiful Shanghumukham Beach.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Fort Kochi Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Mattancherry Palace (1.5 hours, INR 5)
• Kathakali dance performance (1 hour, INR 300)
• Munnar Tea Gardens (2 hours, Free)
• Lakkam Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 20)
• Eravikulam National Park (3 hours, INR 120)
• Periyar National Park boat ride (2 hours, INR 450)
• Kalari Centre (1.5 hours, INR 200)
• Mangala Devi Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Kerala Backwaters cruise (4 hours, INR 500)
• Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall (2 hours, Free)
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 50)
• Kovalam Beach (3 hours, Free)
• Hawa Beach water sports activities (2 hours, INR 600)
• Vellayani Lake (1 hour, Free)
• Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Napier Museum (1.5 hours, INR 20)
• Shanghumukham Beach (1 hour, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,715