Welcome to Kerala! Begin your journey in the captivating city of Kochi, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi, where you can witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets and stroll through the quaint streets lined with colonial-era buildings. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, which showcases beautiful murals and artifacts. As the evening approaches, head to the famous Marine Drive promenade to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Fort Kochi: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Kayees Rahmathulla Cafe. Known for its fluffy appam and flavorful chutneys, this cozy restaurant offers a great breakfast experience. Average cost for a meal is about 80 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Dhe Puttu, a popular restaurant that specializes in serving different varieties of puttu, a traditional Kerala dish made with rice flour and grated coconut. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Kerala cuisine at this casual eatery. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at the Malabar Junction. This charming restaurant offers a blend of traditional Kerala and international cuisine in a stylish setting. From seafood delicacies to succulent kebabs, the menu is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Friday, September 22: Munnar - The Hill Station Paradise
Embark on a scenic journey to the picturesque hill station of Munnar. In the morning, visit the Tea Museum to learn about the region's tea cultivation and processing. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea while taking in the breathtaking views of the lush tea plantations. Afterward, explore the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the enchanting Munnar town, where you can shop for aromatic spices and handmade chocolates.
For breakfast, head to Café Royale for a delightful start to your day. This charming café offers a range of freshly baked pastries and breads, along with a variety of hot and cold beverages. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, make your way to Dhe Puttu, a popular restaurant known for its traditional Kerala cuisine. Indulge in their signature dish, Puttu, a steamed rice cake served with a choice of delectable curries. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about 250 INR per person.
For dinner, you can't go wrong with a visit to The Rice Boat. This waterfront restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a focus on Kerala's famous seafood dishes. Enjoy dishes like karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish) and meen moilee (fish curry) while soaking in the beautiful views. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about 700 INR per person.
Saturday, September 23: Alleppey - Discover the Backwaters
Experience the tranquility of the backwaters as you travel to Alleppey. In the morning, embark on a houseboat cruise through the scenic backwaters, surrounded by lush green paddy fields and coconut groves. Enjoy a traditional lunch onboard prepared by the boat's crew. In the afternoon, explore the quaint village of Kumarakom, known for its serene bird sanctuary. As the sun starts to set, indulge in a relaxing Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate your senses.
Houseboat Cruise: Cost Estimate - Starting from INR 8,000 (approximately $112) for a private boat, Time Spent - Full day
Ayurvedic Massage: Cost Estimate - Starting from INR 1,500 (approximately $21), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Sunday, September 24: Thekkady - Wildlife Encounter
Immerse yourself in the wilderness of Thekkady, famous for its wildlife sanctuary. In the morning, embark on a thrilling jungle safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. After the safari, take a peaceful boat ride on Periyar Lake, surrounded by dense forests. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation of aromatic spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. Enjoy a traditional Kerala dinner in the evening.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Cost Estimate - INR 450 (approximately $6.30) for the safari, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Cost Estimate - INR 225 (approximately $3.15), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Conclude your Kerala adventure in the idyllic beach town of Kovalam. In the morning, relax on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach and take a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the Arabian Sea. Indulge in a scrumptious seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the famous Vizhinjam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline. Enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic spa session in the evening, revitalizing your body and mind.
Ayurvedic Spa Session: Cost Estimate - Starting from INR 1,500 (approximately $21), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kerala, make sure to visit the enchanting hill station of Wayanad, known for its lush green landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and breathtaking waterfalls. Discover the lesser-known village of Mararikulam, where you can experience the traditional lifestyle of Kerala's coastal communities. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the delicious Malabar cuisine, which offers a unique blend of flavors and spices. Take part in a Kathakali dance performance to witness the vibrant art form of Kerala. These hidden gems and local favorites will surely add a touch of authenticity to your Kerala experience.