Start your Kerala adventure by arriving in Kochi. Explore the historic Fort Kochi area in the morning, with its charming streets, colonial buildings, and Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its stunning murals. As the evening sets in, catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a classical Indian dance-drama.
Vintage Tea House: Enjoy a traditional English breakfast at this charming tea house in Fort Kochi. They offer a variety of breakfast options including eggs, toast, and pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Kashi Art Cafe: Have a delicious lunch at this cozy cafe located in the heart of Fort Kochi. They serve a range of salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes, as well as freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Thursday, November 16: Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy panoramic views. After lunch, explore the lush greenery of the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a visit to the picturesque Top Station viewpoint.
Tea Museum: INR 100 (approx. $1.40), 1-2 hours
Eravikulam National Park: INR 120 (approx. $1.70), 3-4 hours
Top Station: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Diem which offers a wide range of options including freshly brewed coffee, fluffy pancakes, and eggs cooked to perfection. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Indulge in their lip-smacking seafood dishes like Kerala fish curry and prawn masala. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Alibaba & 41 Dishes, a popular spot for Middle Eastern and Indian fusion cuisine. Enjoy their flavorful kebabs, biryanis, and shawarmas. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Friday, November 17: Thekkady
Head to Thekkady, a nature lover's paradise. Start the day with a boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Periyar Tiger Reserve and take part in a guided jungle trek to discover the region's diverse flora and fauna. End the day with a visit to the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre to witness a thrilling martial arts performance.
Periyar Lake Boat Safari: INR 450-700 (approx. $6-10), 2-3 hours
For breakfast, head to The French Toast for a delicious spread of pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, try the Spice Garden Restaurant which offers a range of traditional Kerala dishes such as appam, fish curry, and thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the authentic flavors of Kerala at Curry Leaf Restaurant. Enjoy dishes like Malabar biryani, coconut-based curries, and seafood specialties. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Saturday, November 18: Alleppey Backwaters
Travel to Alleppey, famous for its serene backwaters. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and cruise along the picturesque backwaters, enjoying the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. Relish a delicious lunch prepared onboard. Spend the afternoon exploring the charming villages and lush paddy fields that dot the backwater landscape.
Alleppey Houseboat Cruise: INR 5,000-10,000 (approx. $70-140) for a private boat, 6-8 hours
Exploring Villages: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Head to "Palmgrove Restaurant" for breakfast, where you can indulge in a variety of local Kerala delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, visit "Hot Chimney Restaurant" which offers a range of seafood dishes, including freshly caught fish. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, dine at "Dreamers Restaurant" known for its cozy ambiance and delectable Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, November 19: Kovalam Beach
Make your way to Kovalam, a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches. Spend the morning relaxing on the golden sands or taking a dip in the clear waters of Kovalam Beach. In the afternoon, visit the iconic lighthouse at the beach and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. Indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage for a soothing and rejuvenating experience.
The Lonely Planet Cafe is a quaint beachfront cafe offering a delicious breakfast menu with options like fluffy pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about Rs 200 per person.
The Fisherman's Wharf is a popular seafood restaurant located near Kovalam Beach. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch of freshly caught seafood dishes, such as the spicy fish curry and grilled prawns. Average cost for a meal is about Rs 500 per person.
The Seaview Restaurant is a rooftop dining spot with panoramic views of the beach. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Kerala with their traditional dinner options like the mouthwatering Malabar biryani and creamy coconut stew. Average cost for a meal is about Rs 400 per person.
Monday, November 20: Varkala
Travel to Varkala, a coastal town renowned for its stunning cliffs and pristine beaches. Begin the day by exploring the magnificent Varkala Beach, popular among both tourists and pilgrims. Afterward, visit the iconic Varkala Cliff, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Relax and unwind at the natural mineral springs at the Papanasam Beach, believed to have therapeutic properties.
Varkala Beach: Free, 3-4 hours
Varkala Cliff: Free, 1-2 hours
Papanasam Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Varkala is Café Del Mar, known for its delicious pancakes and fresh fruit smoothies. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Darjeeling Café, a charming restaurant near the cliff. They serve a variety of dishes including Tibetan momos and Indian thalis. The average cost for a lunch meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, enjoy a meal at Abba Restaurant, a waterfront restaurant offering a range of seafood delicacies. Don't miss their famous grilled fish. The average cost for a dinner meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Wayanad
Conclude your Kerala journey in Wayanad, a lush green district known for its wildlife sanctuaries and trekking trails. Start the day by exploring the breathtaking Edakkal Caves, known for their ancient rock art. Afterward, visit the serene Pookode Lake, surrounded by lush forests. End the day with a visit to the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earth dam in India.
The Green Leaf Cafe is a charming breakfast spot offering a variety of healthy options such as fresh fruit bowls and avocado toast. Average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Hotel Prabha where you can indulge in traditional Kerala cuisine including flavorful curries and dosas. Average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit The Woods Restaurant nestled in the midst of nature. Enjoy their delicious barbecue dishes and panoramic views of Wayanad. Average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For nature enthusiasts, consider visiting the silent valley national park, a pristine wilderness home to a variety of flora and fauna. Explore the stunning Athirappilly Waterfalls, one of the largest waterfalls in India. For a unique experience, head to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, known for its diverse bird population. These off-the-beaten-path attractions offer a closer look at Kerala's natural beauty.