Exploring the Best of Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey, and Varkala
Sunday, November 19: Arrive in Kochi
Start your journey in the enchanting city of Kochi. In the morning, visit the historic Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and charming streets. Explore the famous Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride through the backwaters of Kochi to admire the scenic beauty. As the evening sets in, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.
Start your day in Kochi with a delicious breakfast at Oceanos Restaurant. This beachfront eatery offers a wide selection of breakfast options, from traditional Kerala cuisine to continental dishes. Enjoy a tasty meal while taking in the beautiful ocean views. The average cost for a breakfast at Oceanos Restaurant is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Kashi Art Cafe, a popular art gallery and cafe located in Fort Kochi. This cozy cafe serves a range of vegetarian and vegan options, including delicious salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Indulge in their homemade desserts and refreshing beverages. The average cost for a lunch at Kashi Art Cafe is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at The Rice Boat, a renowned restaurant specializing in authentic Kerala cuisine. Located on a houseboat, this unique restaurant offers a romantic setting and exquisite seafood dishes. Sample their famous Kerala-style fish curry and enjoy the serene backwaters views. The average cost for a dinner at The Rice Boat is about ₹800 per person.
Monday, November 20: Exploring Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Tea Museum, where you can learn about the tea-making process and taste some delicious tea. In the afternoon, explore the breathtakingly beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End your day by witnessing a mesmerizing sunset at the Top Station viewpoint.
Tea Museum: INR 200 (approx.), 2 hours
Eravikulam National Park: INR 120 (approx.), 3-4 hours
Top Station: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Royale. This cozy cafe offers a wide variety of breakfast options, including fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant, known for its mouthwatering South Indian cuisine. Indulge in traditional dishes like dosas and thalis. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For dinner, treat yourself to the culinary delights of Hotel Saravana Bhavan. This popular restaurant offers a range of vegetarian dishes inspired by the flavors of Kerala. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Adventurous Alleppey
Take a scenic drive to Alleppey, also known as the "Venice of the East," famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. In the morning, embark on a memorable houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery. Indulge in traditional Kerala cuisine on board. In the afternoon, explore the Alleppey Beach and enjoy a refreshing swim. End your day by witnessing a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.
Head to the coastal town of Varkala, known for its stunning cliffside views and pristine beaches. In the morning, visit the famous Varkala Beach, where you can relax, swim, and sunbathe. Explore the bustling Varkala Cliff, lined with shops and restaurants, in the afternoon. As the evening sets in, witness a breathtaking sunset from the cliff, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Varkala Beach: Free, 4 hours
Varkala Cliff: Free, 2 hours
Sunset View: Free, 1 hour
Thursday, November 23: Gap Road and Kolukkumalai Peak
Embark on an adventurous journey to Gap Road and Kolukkumalai Peak. Start early in the morning to witness a stunning sunrise at the Kolukkumalai Peak, the world's highest tea plantation. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Afterward, drive along the scenic Gap Road, offering panoramic views of the tea plantations and valleys. End your day with a visit to the Chinnakanal Waterfalls.
Kolukkumalai Peak: Free, 6-8 hours
Gap Road: Free, 2 hours
Chinnakanal Waterfalls: Free, 1 hour
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For those on a shoestring budget, make sure to explore Jew Town in Kochi, known for its antique shops and spice markets. Also, don't miss the opportunity to savor delicious street food in Kochi's local markets. In Munnar, consider visiting the offbeat Marayoor Sandalwood Forest, an idyllic spot for nature lovers. Lastly, in Varkala, take a serene walk to the Edava Beach, away from the tourist crowds, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Plan your trip seamlessly by checking hotel and flight prices on Kayak.