Morning: Start your journey by arriving in the city of Kochi, known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful backwaters. Explore the historic Fort Kochi area, where you can visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India.
Afternoon: Head to the picturesque Mattancherry neighborhood and visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, which houses a fascinating collection of murals and artifacts.
Evening: Enjoy a stunning sunset cruise on the backwaters of Kochi and witness the mesmerizing sight of the Chinese Fishing Nets silhouetted against the orange sky.
For breakfast, head to Café Italiano located near the backwaters in Kochi. Indulge in their delicious and freshly brewed coffee along with a variety of breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
For lunch, visit Dhe Puttu, a popular restaurant offering traditional Kerala cuisine. Try their specialty dish, puttu, a steamed rice cake, served with a choice of accompaniments. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
For dinner, dine at Oceanos Restaurant, a waterfront restaurant known for its seafood delicacies. Enjoy the serene ambiance and savor delicious prawns, crabs, and fish dishes. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Sunday December 24: Munnar - The Hill Station
Morning: Travel to Munnar, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. Start your day by visiting the serene Attukad Waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery and offering breathtaking views.
Afternoon: Explore the Tata Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history and production of tea in the region. Enjoy a tea tasting session and indulge in some local snacks.
Evening: Take a leisurely walk through the aromatic tea plantations and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
Misty Mountain Resort - Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Misty Mountain Resort, located amidst the lush green hills of Munnar. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Kerala breakfast dishes like appam, dosa, and puttu. The average cost for a breakfast here is about 200 INR per person.
Rapsy Restaurant - For a satisfying lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant which is known for its delicious South Indian thali. Indulge in a flavorful meal consisting of rice, sambar, rasam, curd, various vegetable dishes, and papad. The average cost for a lunch here is about 300 INR per person.
Saravana Bhavan - End your day with a delightful dinner at Saravana Bhavan, a popular vegetarian restaurant in Munnar. Feast on mouthwatering dosas, idlis, and a variety of vegetarian curries and biryanis. The average cost for a dinner here is about 250 INR per person.
Monday December 25: Periyar National Park
Morning: Head to Periyar National Park, one of the most renowned wildlife sanctuaries in India. Embark on a boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and various species of birds in their natural habitat.
Afternoon: Explore the spice plantations surrounding the park and learn about the various spices grown in the region. Experience the enchanting aroma and flavors of Kerala's spices.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a classical dance form unique to Kerala, showcasing elaborate costumes and expressive movements.
For breakfast, head to Oottupura, a charming restaurant known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Enjoy traditional dishes like appam and puttu, with an average cost of about $8 per person.
For lunch, try Kayees Rahmathulla Café, a popular local eatery famous for its delicious biryani and seafood dishes. You can enjoy a satisfying meal here for around $12 per person.
For dinner, visit Paragon Restaurant, a legendary establishment known for its extensive menu of Kerala delicacies and seafood specialties. Indulge in the flavors of Kerala with an average dinner cost of about $15 per person.
Tuesday December 26: Alleppey Backwaters
Morning: Journey to Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. Board a traditional houseboat and embark on a relaxing cruise through the serene backwaters, witnessing the beauty of rural Kerala.
Afternoon: Experience the unique village life of Kuttanad, often referred to as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala." Witness the traditional farming methods and interact with the friendly locals.
Evening: Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala meal served on the houseboat as you soak in the peaceful ambiance of the backwaters.
Traditional Kerala Meal: Included in houseboat package
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day. Indulge in a variety of freshly brewed coffees and mouth-watering sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Curry House. Experience the flavors of Kerala with their authentic seafood dishes and fragrant rice preparations. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
End your day with an exquisite dinner at Paradise Restaurant. Sample their delectable Kerala-style biryanis and aromatic curries. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday December 27: Wayanad - Nature's Abode
Morning: Travel to Wayanad, a scenic region known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. Begin your day with a visit to the majestic Meenmutty Waterfalls and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Afternoon: Explore the ancient Edakkal Caves, famous for their prehistoric rock art. Learn about the fascinating history behind these caves and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Evening: Visit the tranquil Pookode Lake and take a relaxing boat ride amidst the serene surroundings. Enjoy the cool breeze and spot various species of birds.
The Breakfast Spot: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Flavours Café, located near Pookode Lake. Indulge in freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Lunch Delight: For a scrumptious lunch, head to The Green Leaf. This restaurant offers a variety of traditional Kerala dishes such as fish curry, appam, and thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Evening Dining: Savor a delightful dinner at Zest Bistro, known for its cozy ambiance and delectable multi-cuisine menu. From Indian to Chinese and Continental dishes, this restaurant has something for everyone. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For nature lovers, a hidden gem in Kerala is the Silent Valley National Park. Located in the Nilgiri Hills, this biodiverse park is home to numerous endangered species and offers incredible trekking opportunities. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach in Kannur, where you can drive your vehicle along the sandy shores. Locals also love the peaceful hill station of Ponmudi, known for its misty landscapes and scenic hiking trails.