7-Day Itinerary in Kerala

Saturday, December 23: Arrival in Kochi

Start your trip in Kochi, also known as Cochin, by exploring the historic Fort Kochi area in the morning. Take a stroll along the picturesque Chinese fishing nets and visit the iconic St. Francis Church. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, known for its stunning murals and artifacts. As the evening sets in, explore the vibrant Jew Town and indulge in some shopping for spices and handicrafts.

• Fort Kochi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Mattancherry Palace: Estimated cost - INR 5 for Indians, INR 100 for foreigners, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Jew Town: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Head to Annette's Cafe for a delicious breakfast with options like fluffy pancakes and hearty omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, dine at Malabar Junction and savor their extensive menu of traditional Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
• Enjoy a memorable dinner at The Rice Boat, a luxury restaurant offering delectable seafood dishes cooked with authentic Kerala flavors. Average cost for a meal is about ₹1000 per person.

Sunday, December 24: Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar in the morning, known for its tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy a visit to the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history and production of tea. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely walk through the aromatic tea gardens and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

• Tea Museum: Estimated cost - INR 150 for adults, INR 75 for children, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: Estimated cost - INR 120 for adults, INR 90 for children, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Tea Gardens: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Monday, December 25: Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park, in the morning. Take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake, where you can spot various wildlife including elephants and birds. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the different spices grown in the region. As the evening sets in, enjoy a cultural performance showcasing traditional Kerala art forms.

• Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Estimated cost - INR 225 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Spice Plantation Visit: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Cultural Performance: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Tuesday, December 26: Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey in the morning and embark on a relaxing houseboat cruise through the backwaters. Marvel at the scenic beauty and tranquility of the backwaters, and enjoy delicious traditional Kerala cuisine on board. In the afternoon, explore the narrow canals and visit the nearby villages. As the evening approaches, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.

• Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - Varies based on package, Time spent - 6-7 hours
• Backwater Village Exploration: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Sunset View: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Wednesday, December 27: Kovalam

Head to the beautiful coastal town of Kovalam in the morning. Relax and soak up the sun on the golden beaches. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and enjoy water activities such as swimming and surfing. As the evening sets in, explore the local markets and savor fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.

• Lighthouse Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Water Activities: Estimated cost - Varies based on activity, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Local Markets: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday, December 28: Thiruvananthapuram

Visit the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, in the morning. Explore the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture and religious significance. In the afternoon, visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a rich collection of artifacts and artwork. As the evening approaches, take a relaxing walk along the beautiful Shangumugham Beach.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery: Estimated cost - INR 20 for Indians, INR 150 for foreigners, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Shangumugham Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Friday, December 29: Departure

Spend your last morning in Kerala exploring local markets and picking up souvenirs. In the afternoon, bid farewell to the beautiful state of Kerala and depart for your onward journey.

• Local Markets: Estimated cost - Varies based on purchases, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Departure: Estimated cost - Varies based on flight prices

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting the village of Mararikulam, located near Alleppey. This serene and less crowded beach destination offers a peaceful escape from the usual tourist spots. Another local favorite is the village of Varkala, known for its stunning cliffs and beautiful beach. It's a great place to relax, enjoy yoga sessions, and indulge in Ayurvedic treatments.

Check hotel and flight prices here.