Start your trip in Kochi, also known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." In the morning, visit the picturesque Fort Kochi, where you can explore the charming streets lined with colonial-era buildings and visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. In the afternoon, head to Mattancherry and visit the historic Dutch Palace and the vibrant Jew Town. As the evening sets in, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.
Fort Kochi: INR 100, 4 hours
Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1 hour
Dutch Palace: INR 10, 2 hours
Kathakali Performance: INR 300, 2 hours
Restaurants
Sun Rise Restaurant: Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Sun Rise. This popular spot offers a wide range of idlis, dosas, and vadas. Average cost for a meal is about 80 INR per person.
Asian Kitchen: For lunch, head to Asian Kitchen for a delectable spread of Chinese, Thai, and Malaysian cuisine. Enjoy their flavorful curries, stir-fries, and aromatic rice dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
The Rice Boat: Indulge in a seafood feast at The Rice Boat for dinner. This waterfront restaurant serves fresh and delicious Kerala-style seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, November 20: Munnar - The Hill Station
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a charming hill station nestled amidst lush green tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a refreshing cup of locally-grown tea. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town and enjoy the cool mountain air.
Tea Museum: INR 150, 2 hours
Eravikulam National Park: INR 120, 3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Saravana Bhavan. This popular restaurant offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes such as idli, vada, dosa, and uttapam. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Rapsy Restaurant and enjoy a variety of North Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. The restaurant offers a relaxed and cozy ambiance, perfect for a mid-day meal. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Eastend Munnar, known for its delectable seafood dishes and authentic Kerala specialties. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a memorable dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Thekkady - Wildlife Adventure
Travel to Thekkady, known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. In the morning, take a boat cruise on Periyar Lake and spot various animals and birds in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation and processing of spices. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage to relax and rejuvenate.
Periyar Lake Boat Cruise: INR 500, 2 hours
Spice Plantation: INR 100, 2 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1500, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Treetop located near Thekkady. This cozy cafe offers a range of freshly brewed coffee and delicious breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try the Bamboo Garden Restaurant. This outdoor eatery offers a variety of traditional Kerala dishes, including spicy curries and seafood specialties. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
In the evening, dine at Spice Village Restaurant. This rustic restaurant serves authentic Kerala cuisine prepared with freshly ground spices. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Wednesday, November 22: Alleppey - Backwater Delight
Head to Alleppey, known for its enchanting backwaters. In the morning, embark on a private houseboat and cruise through the picturesque backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore the village life and interact with the locals. As the evening approaches, witness a beautiful sunset over the backwaters.
Private Houseboat: INR 5000 (approx.), 6 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe del Mar located in Alleppey. Enjoy their wide range of breakfast options from pancakes to omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, head to Dreamers Restaurant and try their authentic Kerala cuisine. Indulge in mouthwatering seafood dishes like fish curry and prawns biryani. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 400 per person.
In the evening, dine at Mushroom Restaurant for a delightful dinner experience. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of continental and Indian dishes. Don't miss their flavorful butter chicken. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Thursday, November 23: Varkala - Beach Bliss
Travel to Varkala, a serene coastal town famous for its pristine beaches and stunning cliffs. In the morning, relax on the golden sands of Varkala Beach and take a refreshing dip in the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple and explore the bustling Varkala Cliff, lined with shops, cafes, and yoga centers. As the evening sets in, witness a spectacular sunset from the cliff.
Varkala Beach: Free, 4 hours
Janardanaswamy Temple: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Head to Cafe del Mar for a scrumptious breakfast overlooking the beach. Enjoy the delicious pancakes, eggs benedict, or a traditional South Indian breakfast. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a mouthwatering lunch with a view, visit Abba Restaurant. Indulge in their fresh seafood dishes or try some authentic Kerala cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Clafouti. This cozy restaurant offers a wide range of international and Indian dishes. Don't miss their wood-fired pizzas and delectable desserts. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, November 24: Kovalam - Beach Retreat
Head to Kovalam, a popular beach destination in Kerala. In the morning, relax on the beautiful beaches of Kovalam and indulge in water sports activities like surfing or kayaking. In the afternoon, visit the iconic lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. As the evening approaches, savor delicious seafood at a beachfront restaurant.
Kovalam Beach: Free, 4 hours
Kovalam Lighthouse: INR 20, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day located near Kovalam beach. They offer a wide range of breakfast options like sandwiches, pancakes, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
For lunch, visit Sky Grill Restaurant which is known for its stunning rooftop views of the beach. They serve a variety of Indian and international cuisines including seafood. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
For dinner, try the Malabar Cafe located at the Leela Raviz Kovalam. It offers a fine dining experience with a menu featuring traditional Kerala cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Saturday, November 25: Wayanad - Nature's Paradise
Travel to Wayanad, a serene hill station known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. In the morning, visit the majestic Meenmutty Falls and enjoy the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, take a jeep safari in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and spot elephants, deer, and various bird species. As the evening sets in, explore the Edakkal Caves, famous for their prehistoric rock art.
For breakfast, try The Bakehouse, a charming cafe known for its freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 150 rupees per person.
For lunch, visit Claypot Restaurant, which offers a diverse menu of traditional Kerala cuisine with a modern twist. The average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
For dinner, indulge in the exquisite flavors of Malabar cuisine at Malabar Palace Restaurant. Known for its seafood delicacies, the average cost for a meal is about 600 rupees per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
If you're a nature enthusiast, make sure to visit Silent Valley National Park, tucked away in the Nilgiri Hills. This pristine wilderness is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. Another offbeat attraction is the beautiful Athirappilly Falls, often referred to as the "Niagara Falls of India." Explore the surrounding lush forests and enjoy the stunning views of the cascading waterfall. Locals also love the tranquil village of Kumarakom, situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Experience the serene backwaters, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and indulge in authentic Keralan cuisine.