Start your trip by arriving in Kochi, the gateway to Kerala. Spend the morning exploring the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its charming colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise along the serene backwaters of Alleppey, admiring the picturesque landscapes and traditional houseboats. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a classical dance form unique to Kerala.
Fort Kochi: Free, 3 hours
Alleppey Backwaters Cruise: Approx. $25, 4 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: Approx. $10, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Kayees Rahmathulla Café in Mattancherry. This local gem is known for its delicious Malabar cuisine, including fluffy appams and rich chicken stew. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Fusion Bay in Fort Kochi. This restaurant offers a blend of Indian and international flavors, with a wide range of seafood options. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, treat yourself to a meal at The Rice Boat in Taj Malabar Resort. Located by the backwaters, this restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood. The average cost for a meal here is about 1500 INR per person.
Saturday, September 30: Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations and breathtaking valleys. In the morning, visit a tea museum to learn about the history and process of tea production. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the tea gardens in the afternoon, taking in the fresh mountain air and stunning views. End the day with a visit to the picturesque Mattupetty Dam and boating on the tranquil lake.
Tea Museum: Approx. $5, 2 hours
Munnar Tea Gardens: Free, 3 hours
Mattupetty Dam: Approx. $2, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Rapsy Restaurant, renowned for its South Indian fare. Indulge in traditional delicacies like idli, dosa, vada, and filter coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a delightful lunch, head to Saravana Bhavan, a popular vegetarian restaurant serving a wide range of authentic Kerala dishes. Don't miss their thali, which includes an assortment of flavorful curries, rice, and bread. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Savor a delectable dinner at Hotel Sri Nivas, known for its mouthwatering seafood specialties. Feast on fresh catch of the day, prepared in various local styles, ensuring a memorable culinary experience. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, October 1: Thekkady
Head to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, famous for its wildlife and spice plantations. Spend the morning exploring the park on a guided jungle safari, where you may spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation and processing of spices. Enjoy a serene boat ride on Periyar Lake in the evening, surrounded by lush greenery.
Periyar National Park Safari: Approx. $15, 4 hours
Spice Plantation Visit: Approx. $5, 2 hours
Boat Ride on Periyar Lake: Approx. $10, 2 hours
Restaurants
Saravana Bhavan: Enjoy a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, known for its authentic flavors and wide range of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Ginger House Restaurant: For lunch, head to Ginger House Restaurant and savor the delightful Kerala cuisine, with a variety of seafood dishes and traditional flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Grandma's Kitchen: Indulge in a scrumptious dinner at Grandma's Kitchen, where you can relish traditional Kerala dishes prepared with age-old recipes and fresh local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, October 2: Alleppey
Travel to Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East, for a relaxing houseboat experience on the backwaters. Spend the day cruising along the tranquil canals, surrounded by lush green paddy fields and coconut groves. Indulge in delicious Keralan cuisine prepared by the onboard chef. Enjoy the serene evening scenery as you drift along the backwaters, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Alleppey Houseboat Experience: Approx. $150 per night, full day
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Catamaran, a cozy cafe located by the backwaters of Alleppey. Enjoy their delicious traditional Indian breakfast dishes like idli, dosa, and appam. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try the seafood specialties at Halais Restaurant, situated near Alleppey Beach. Feast on fresh catch-of-the-day dishes like fish curry, prawn masala, and squid roast. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Dreamers Restaurant and Bamboo Cafe, a picturesque riverside restaurant offering a romantic ambiance and stunning views of the backwaters. Indulge in Kerala's famous Syrian Christian cuisine, featuring dishes like duck roast, beef fry, and appam with stew. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 3: Kovalam
Head to Kovalam, a beautiful beach destination known for its sandy shores and tranquil atmosphere. Spend the morning relaxing on the golden beaches, soaking up the sun and enjoying the gentle waves. Indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage in one of the many wellness centers along the coast. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and savor delicious seafood at one of the beachside restaurants.
Kovalam Beach: Free, full day
Ayurvedic Massage: Approx. $30, 2 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast at The Ocean Cafe, located right on the beachfront. This cozy cafe offers a variety of fresh fruit smoothies, homemade granola bowls, and traditional Kerala breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Curry Leaf Restaurant, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine and stunning ocean views. Indulge in mouthwatering seafood dishes like fish curry and prawn masala, served with fragrant rice and traditional accompaniments. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at the rooftop restaurant at The Leela Kovalam. Enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Sea while savoring a delectable selection of international dishes and seafood specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 1200 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 4: Trivandrum
Conclude your trip with a visit to Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Explore the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the morning, known for its intricate architecture and religious significance. Visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery in the afternoon, housing a vast collection of historical artifacts and artwork. End the day by relaxing at the beautiful Shanghumukham Beach, watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 3 hours
Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Approx. $2, 2 hours
Shanghumukham Beach: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Sarwaa for delicious South Indian dishes like dosas and idlis. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch at Villa Maya, a stunning heritage restaurant housed in a 19th-century Dutch mansion. Enjoy a range of cuisines including Indian, Mediterranean, and Thai. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Buhari Hotel, a popular spot known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Try their mouthwatering biryanis and seafood dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, consider visiting the tranquil village of Varkala, known for its stunning cliff-side views and peaceful beaches. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the serene village of Kumarakom, where you can relax amidst the serene backwaters and explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Locals also love the laid-back charm of Marari Beach, a quiet and pristine stretch of sand perfect for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of Kerala.
For hotel and flight booking, you can check prices on Kayak.com.