7-Day South India Itinerary: Kochi, Alleppey, Thekkady, Kodaikanal, Munnar, Ooty, Coimbatore

Saturday, December 23: Kochi

Start your trip in the beautiful city of Kochi. In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area with its colonial buildings and Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue. In the evening, watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

• Fort Kochi: INR 0, 3 hours
• Mattancherry Palace: INR 5, 1 hour
• Jewish Synagogue: INR 10, 1 hour
• Kathakali Dance Performance: INR 500, 2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Indian Coffee House. This popular local spot offers a variety of traditional South Indian breakfast dishes such as dosa and idli. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Kashi Art Cafe. This cozy cafe is known for its delicious sandwiches, salads, and homemade desserts. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Fort House Restaurant. Located in a historic building overlooking the Arabian Sea, this restaurant offers a wide range of Indian and international cuisines. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.

Sunday, December 24: Alleppey

Head to Alleppey, known for its serene backwaters. In the morning, take a traditional houseboat cruise through the backwaters, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the Alleppey Beach and indulge in some local seafood delicacies. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters.

• Houseboat Cruise: INR 6,000, 4 hours
• Alleppey Beach: INR 0, 2 hours

Monday, December 25: Thekkady

Travel to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park. In the morning, go for a jungle safari in the national park and spot unique wildlife. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake, surrounded by lush greenery. In the evening, explore the local spice markets and try some authentic Kerala cuisine.

• Periyar National Park Safari: INR 500, 3 hours
• Periyar Lake Boat Ride: INR 150, 2 hours

Tuesday, December 26: Kodaikanal

Head to the hill station of Kodaikanal. In the morning, visit the beautiful Kodaikanal Lake and take a peaceful boat ride. In the afternoon, explore the Coaker's Walk and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills. In the evening, visit the Bryant Park and witness the stunning floral displays.

• Kodaikanal Lake: INR 20, 2 hours
• Coaker's Walk: INR 10, 1 hour
• Bryant Park: INR 30, 1 hour

Wednesday, December 27: Munnar

Travel to Munnar, famous for its tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Eravikulam National Park and spot endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the tea gardens and enjoy the scenic beauty.

• Tata Tea Museum: INR 100, 2 hours
• Eravikulam National Park: INR 120, 3 hours
• Tea Garden Walk: INR 0, 1 hour

Thursday, December 28: Ooty

Head to the charming hill station of Ooty. In the morning, take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Ooty Botanical Gardens. In the evening, visit the Ooty Lake and enjoy a boat ride.

• Nilgiri Mountain Railway: INR 205, 2 hours
• Ooty Botanical Gardens: INR 30, 2 hours
• Ooty Lake: INR 15, 1 hour

Friday, December 29: Coimbatore

End your journey in the vibrant city of Coimbatore. In the morning, visit the Marudamalai Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan. In the afternoon, explore the ancient Gass Forest Museum, housing a unique collection of forest-related artifacts. In the evening, indulge in shopping at Brookefields Mall.

• Marudamalai Temple: INR 10, 1 hour
• Gass Forest Museum: INR 50, 2 hours
• Brookefields Mall: INR 0 (Shopping expenses vary), 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Kochi, don't miss the chance to visit the charming Jew Town and explore its antique shops. In Thekkady, go for a nature walk in the peaceful Gavi Forest and spot exotic birds. In Kodaikanal, take a trek to Dolphin's Nose for breathtaking views. In Munnar, visit the offbeat Kolukkumalai Tea Estate for a unique tea tasting experience. In Coimbatore, explore the serene Kovai Kutralam Falls and rejuvenate yourself in nature's lap.

For checking hotel and flight prices, visit https://kayak.com/in?a=kan_252520_563153&p=v1&lc=en&url=%2Fstays.