Welcome to Kochi, a city known for its rich history and stunning waterfront. Start your morning with a visit to Fort Kochi, where you can explore the colonial architecture and charming streets. In the afternoon, head to the Chinese Fishing Nets and witness the traditional fishing technique. End your day with a visit to the famous Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace.
Fort Kochi: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Chinese Fishing Nets: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Mocha Art Café: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Mocha Art Café, known for their artistic ambiance and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Rice Boat: For a memorable dinner experience, visit Rice Boat and savor authentic Kerala cuisine while cruising through the backwaters of Kochi. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Sunday, September 24: Exploring Munnar
Today, venture into the lush green tea plantations of Munnar. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Mattupetty Dam and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. In the evening, explore the vibrant local markets where you can find aromatic spices and handmade crafts.
Local Markets: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Munnar is Saravana Bhavan, known for its delicious South Indian dishes like idli and dosa. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant which offers a wide range of Indian and Chinese cuisine. Their biryani and noodles are highly recommended. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
In the evening, indulge in a seafood feast at Rice Bowl Restaurant. They serve a variety of fresh fish and prawn dishes along with traditional Kerala curries. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, September 25: Wildlife Safari in Thekkedy
Embark on an exciting adventure in Thekkedy, home to the Periyar National Park. Begin your day with a morning boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you can spot various wildlife species in their natural habitat. Afterward, visit the Elephant Junction, where you can interact with elephants and even take a ride on them. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Periyar Lake Boat Safari: Estimated Cost - INR 225, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
For a delicious breakfast in Thekkedy, head to Hotel Ambadi. They serve a variety of South Indian dishes such as dosas and idlis. The average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
If you're looking for a satisfying lunch, try Bamboo Cafe. They offer a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including biryani and curry dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
For a sumptuous dinner experience, visit Peppergrinder. They specialize in traditional Kerala cuisine, with dishes like appam and fish curry. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Tuesday, September 26: Backwaters of Allepy
Experience the serene backwaters of Allepy today. Start your morning with a relaxing houseboat cruise, gliding through the tranquil canals and witnessing the local way of life. In the afternoon, explore the Allepy Beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset. End your day with a visit to the historic St. Mary's Forane Church.
Houseboat Cruise: Estimated Cost - INR 5,000 (shared between 2 people), Time Spent - 4-5 hours
St. Mary's Forane Church: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Situated by the backwaters, ABC Cafe offers a delicious breakfast menu with a diverse range of options. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, XYZ Restaurant serves authentic Kerala cuisine with a blend of traditional flavors. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner with a stunning view, PQR Rooftop Restaurant is the place to be. Enjoy a variety of seafood dishes while taking in the breathtaking sunset. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Wednesday, September 27: Explore Kochi's Cultural Heritage
Return to Kochi for a deeper exploration of its cultural heritage. In the morning, visit the Jewish Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth. Afterward, wander through the bustling spice markets of Jew Town and savor the local flavors. In the afternoon, take a ferry to explore the picturesque Bolgatty Island and its beautiful gardens.
On your last day, bid farewell to the beautiful landscapes of Kerala. Take some time to relax and reflect on your memorable journey before heading to the airport for your departure.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kochi, don't miss the opportunity to visit the lesser-known attraction, Kashi Art Cafe. This charming cafe not only offers delicious food and beverages but also showcases local art and hosts cultural events. Another hidden gem is the tranquil Hill Palace Museum in Tripunithura, where you can learn about the history of Kerala's royal families. Locals also love to spend their evenings at Marine Drive, a picturesque promenade offering stunning views of the backwaters.
Hotel and Flight Prices
For the best hotel and flight prices during your trip, you can check out this link.