Day 1: Thursday, September 21, 2023 - Arrive in Kochi
In the morning, arrive at Kochi International Airport and check into your hotel in Fort Kochi. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic neighborhood, visiting attractions like the Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional form of Kerala art.
Fort Kochi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4-5 hours
Chinese Fishing Nets: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
St. Francis Church: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe, located in Fort Kochi. This artistic cafe serves delectable breakfast items like pancakes, eggs benedict, and freshly baked bread. Expect to spend around 200 INR per person for a meal.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Dosa Junction in Fort Kochi. This cozy restaurant specializes in South Indian cuisine, serving a variety of dosas like masala dosa and paneer dosa. Enjoy a delicious meal here for approximately 150 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Oceanos Restaurant, situated in Fort Kochi. This seafood restaurant offers a wide selection of freshly caught seafood dishes, including prawns, fish, and lobster. The average cost for a meal at Oceanos is around 500 INR per person.
Day 2: Friday, September 22, 2023 - Munnar's Natural Beauty
Start early and head to Munnar, a scenic hill station known for its lush tea plantations. Spend the morning exploring the tea gardens and learning about the tea-making process at a tea museum. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a boat ride on the lake. End the day with a visit to Echo Point, where you can hear your voice echo through the mountains.
Cafe Delight: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cafe Delight, located in the heart of Munnar. They offer a variety of breakfast options including fresh pastries, sandwiches, and traditional South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Silver Spoon: Indulge in a flavorful lunch at Silver Spoon, a popular restaurant known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. From spicy seafood curries to vegetarian thalis, they have a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Royal Spice: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner experience at Royal Spice, a fine dining restaurant offering a blend of Indian and international flavors. Their elegant ambiance and extensive menu of gourmet dishes will surely delight your senses. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Day 3: Saturday, September 23, 2023 - Wildlife Adventure in Thekkady
Travel to Thekkady, known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. Start the day with a thrilling boat safari in Periyar National Park, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation of spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.
Periyar National Park: Estimated cost - INR 450-600, Time spent - 3 hours
Day 4: Sunday, September 24, 2023 - Backwaters of Alleppey
Head to Alleppey and embark on a houseboat cruise along the backwaters of Kerala. Spend the day leisurely cruising through the narrow canals, witnessing the scenic beauty of paddy fields and coconut groves. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala lunch prepared onboard. In the evening, watch the mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.
Alleppey Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 8,000-12,000 (per night), Time spent - Full day
Day 5: Monday, September 25, 2023 - Relaxing in Kovalam
Travel to Kovalam, a popular beach destination. Spend the day relaxing on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach and enjoying the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. Indulge in water sports activities like swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. In the evening, take a stroll along the promenade and savor delicious seafood at one of the beachside restaurants.
Kovalam Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Full day
Water Sports Activities: Estimated cost - INR 500-1000, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Day 6: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - Exploring Thrissur's Cultural Heritage
Head to Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala. Visit the iconic Vadakkunnathan Temple, known for its ancient architecture and religious significance. Explore the Kerala Kalamandalam, a renowned institution for traditional Indian arts, and witness a Kathakali or Mohiniyattam dance performance. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city's main market, where you can shop for local handicrafts and spices.
Kerala Kalamandalam: Estimated cost - INR 200-300, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Shopping at Thrissur Market: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Day 7: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Departure from Kochi
It's time to bid farewell to Kerala. Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time to explore Kochi further. Visit the historic Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its exquisite mural paintings. Take a walk along Marine Drive, a picturesque promenade offering stunning views of the backwaters. Finally, depart from Kochi International Airport, taking back beautiful memories of your Kerala adventure.
As a hidden gem, consider visiting the village of Kumarakom, known for its serene backwaters and bird sanctuary. Take a houseboat ride through the narrow canals and spend a night in one of the traditional homestays to experience Kerala's rural charm.
Locals love spending time at the Athirappilly Falls, a scenic waterfall located near Thrissur. Enjoy the breathtaking views, go for a refreshing swim, and relish a picnic amidst nature.