Exploring the Beauty of Kerala

Day 1: Thursday, September 28, 2023

Start your Kerala adventure by arriving at Cochin International Airport. After checking into your hotel, spend the morning exploring Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its exquisite murals and antiques. In the evening, head to Marine Drive, a scenic promenade, for a leisurely walk along the waterfront.

• Fort Kochi: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Mattancherry Palace: Estimated Cost - INR 5 (approx. $0.07), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Marine Drive: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Saravana Bhavan, a popular South Indian restaurant known for its delicious idlis and dosas. The average cost for a meal here is about 100 INR per person.
• If you're looking for a satisfying lunch, check out Rapsy Restaurant. This vegetarian restaurant offers a variety of Kerala delicacies like appam with vegetable stew and puttu with kadala curry. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
• End your day with a delightful dinner at Paragon Restaurant, famous for its seafood dishes. Try their prawn roast or karimeen pollichathu (grilled fish). The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.

Restaurants

• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Qissa Cafe, a charming restaurant in Fort Kochi. Indulge in their delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Ginger House Restaurant, located near Mattancherry Palace. Try their traditional Kerala thali, a flavorful platter of rice, curries, and side dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• Savor a delectable dinner at Oceanos Restaurant, known for its mouthwatering seafood dishes. Enjoy their grilled prawns and fish curry while overlooking the scenic views of the Arabian Sea. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Day 2: Friday, September 29, 2023

On your second day, explore the picturesque hill station of Munnar. Start your morning with a visit to the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the region's tea heritage. Enjoy a scenic drive through the tea plantations and stop at Echo Point for stunning views. In the afternoon, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a visit to the beautiful Attukad Waterfalls.

• Tata Tea Museum: Estimated Cost - INR 100 (approx. $1.40), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Echo Point: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: Estimated Cost - INR 120 (approx. $1.70), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Attukad Waterfalls: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Day 3: Saturday, September 30, 2023

Embark on a backwater cruise in Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, on this day. Start your morning by boarding a traditional houseboat and sail through the serene backwaters of Kerala. Enjoy the scenic views of lush green paddy fields and coconut groves. Indulge in delicious Kerala cuisine served on the houseboat. Spend the night on the houseboat for a unique experience.

• Backwater Cruise: Estimated Cost - INR 7,000 (approx. $97) per night for a houseboat (prices may vary), Time Spent - Overnight

Day 4: Sunday, October 1, 2023

Explore the cultural city of Thrissur on your fourth day. Begin your morning by visiting the Vadakkunnathan Temple, a beautiful ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Take a stroll through the vibrant streets of Thrissur and visit the Kerala Kalamandalam, a premier institution for Indian performing arts. In the evening, attend a Kathakali performance, a classical dance-drama of Kerala, to witness the captivating storytelling through intricate movements and expressions.

• Vadakkunnathan Temple: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Kerala Kalamandalam: Estimated Cost - INR 100 (approx. $1.40), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Kathakali Performance: Estimated Cost - INR 300-500 (approx. $4.20-$7), Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Day 5: Monday, October 2, 2023

End your Kerala journey by visiting the Athirappilly Waterfalls, one of the largest waterfalls in India. Start your morning with a drive to the waterfalls and take a refreshing dip in the natural pool. Spend some time admiring the breathtaking views and surrounding lush forests. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Vazhachal Waterfalls, known for its scenic beauty. Wrap up your trip by enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and serenity of the waterfalls before heading back to Cochin for your departure.

• Athirappilly Waterfalls: Estimated Cost - INR 50 (approx. $0.70), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Vazhachal Waterfalls: Estimated Cost - INR 50 (approx. $0.70), 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 peaceful village of Kumarakom, situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, to experience the tranquility of Kerala's backwaters. Take a houseboat ride in Kumarakom to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and enjoy birdwatching. Another off the beaten path attraction is the idyllic village of Varkala, known for its stunning cliffside beach, where you can relax and rejuvenate amidst the peaceful surroundings.

Check here for the best hotel and flight prices for your Kerala trip.