Nature Lover's 6-Day Itinerary in Kerala

1. Day 1: Munnar
   From Cochin International Airport, Munnar is a 3.5-hour drive (82 miles).

   Start your trip with a visit to Munnar, a picturesque hill station situated in the Western Ghats. Take a guided hike through the Eravikulam National Park to see the endangered Nilgiri tahr, or rent a bike and explore the scenic tea plantations.

2. Day 2: Thekkady
   From Munnar, Thekkady is a 3.5-hour drive (60 miles).

   Next on your itinerary is Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake to spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife or trek through the lush green forests.

3. Day 3: Alleppey
   From Thekkady, Alleppey is a 4.5-hour drive (87 miles).

   Experience the backwaters of Kerala by spending a day in Alleppey. Rent a houseboat to cruise through the serene backwaters, or take a canoe ride through the narrow canals to see the local way of life.

4. Day 4: Varkala
   From Alleppey, Varkala is a 3-hour drive (75 miles).

   Head to Varkala, a coastal town known for its stunning beaches and cliffs. Take a dip in the natural spring at the Janardanaswamy Temple or lounge on the Varkala Beach while watching the sunset.

5. Day 5: Wayanad
   From Varkala, Wayanad is a 7-hour drive (200 miles).

   Explore the lush green hills of Wayanad, home to the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary and the Chembra Peak. Take a guided trek to the heart-shaped lake on the Chembra Peak or visit the Edakkal Caves to see ancient rock art.

6. Day 6: Kochi
   From Wayanad, Kochi is a 7-hour drive (220 miles).

   End your trip with a visit to Kochi, a bustling port town with a rich cultural heritage. Stroll through the Jew Town to see the antique shops and the Paradesi Synagogue, or attend a Kathakali performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Eravikulam National Park (3 hours, INR 1200)
• Periyar National Park (3 hours, INR 1500)
• Houseboat rental in Alleppey (24 hours, INR 7000)
• Janardanaswamy Temple in Varkala (1 hour, free)
• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad (4 hours, INR 500)
• Edakkal Caves in Wayanad (2 hours, INR 30)
• Kerala Kathakali Centre in Kochi (2 hours, INR 400)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 10630