5-Day Itinerary: Varkala, Alleppey - City Experiences on a Low Budget
Thursday, September 28: Exploring Varkala
Start your trip in Varkala by immersing yourself in the serene atmosphere of the Varkala Beach. In the morning, take a relaxing stroll along the beach, enjoying the beautiful coastline and the soothing sound of the waves. In the afternoon, visit the Janardanaswamy Temple, a popular Hindu pilgrimage site known for its architectural beauty. As the evening sets in, explore the Varkala Cliff, lined with shops, cafes, and stunning sunset views.
Varkala Beach: Low cost, 2-3 hours
Janardanaswamy Temple: Low cost, 1-2 hours
Varkala Cliff: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, visit Cafe Italiano for a delicious spread of Italian breakfast dishes like croissants, pastries, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
If you're looking for a quick and affordable lunch option, head to Darjeeling Cafe for some mouthwatering Tibetan momos and noodles. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Abba Restaurant for a taste of authentic Kerala cuisine, including seafood and traditional curries. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Friday, September 29: Backwater Cruise in Alleppey
Embark on a memorable backwater experience in Alleppey. In the morning, take a leisurely cruise along the serene backwaters of Alleppey, passing through picturesque villages and lush green landscapes. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and get a glimpse of the local way of life. In the afternoon, visit the Alappuzha Beach, known for its beautiful sandy shores. As the evening approaches, explore the local markets and savor some delicious traditional Kerala cuisine.
Backwater Cruise: Budget-friendly, 4-5 hours
Alappuzha Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Local Markets: Varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Bamboo Cafeteria: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bamboo Cafeteria, known for its fresh and healthy options. Enjoy a variety of local dishes and international flavors. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Poovizhi Restaurant: For a satisfying lunch, head to Poovizhi Restaurant, which offers a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Indulge in delectable South Indian cuisine with a mix of spices and flavors. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Saturday, September 30: Explore Fort Kochi
Head to Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood known for its colonial charm. In the morning, wander through the narrow streets and admire the well-preserved Portuguese and Dutch architecture. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and watch the fishermen in action. In the afternoon, explore the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, showcasing Kerala's traditional art and artifacts. As the evening sets in, attend a Kathakali performance, a classical dance-drama unique to Kerala.
Fort Kochi: Low cost, 3-4 hours
Chinese Fishing Nets: Free, 1-2 hours
Mattancherry Palace: Budget-friendly, 1-2 hours
Kathakali Performance: Affordable, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Kashi Art Cafe: A charming art cafe located in the heart of Fort Kochi. Enjoy a delicious breakfast with a variety of options including pancakes, sandwiches, and fresh juices. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Vinayaka Hotel: A popular local eatery known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Try their delicious traditional thali meals with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Taste of Bharath: A rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of Fort Kochi. Experience a blend of Indian and international flavors with their curated menu. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Sunday, October 1: Marvel at Athirappilly Falls
Embark on an adventure to Athirappilly Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala. In the morning, drive to Athirappilly Falls and witness the majestic beauty of the cascading water. Take a nature walk around the falls and relish the lush greenery. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Vazhachal Falls, known for its scenic beauty. As the evening approaches, return to Varkala and relax by the beach or indulge in some Ayurvedic treatments.
Athirappilly Falls: Affordable, 4-5 hours
Vazhachal Falls: Low cost, 1-2 hours
Beach Relaxation or Ayurvedic Treatments: Varies
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Italias, a charming cafe known for its delicious breakfast options such as pancakes and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Trattorias, a popular Italian restaurant offering a range of pasta, pizza, and seafood dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, Zephyr Seafood Restaurant is a great choice, serving fresh and flavorful seafood dishes. Enjoy their grilled fish or prawns along with some tasty sides. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, October 2: Explore Kollam and Ashtamudi Lake
Head to Kollam, a charming town famous for its backwaters and historic significance. In the morning, explore the historic Thangassery Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Take a stroll along the Kollam Beach and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, embark on a boat tour of the scenic Ashtamudi Lake, known for its backwater beauty. As the evening sets in, visit the Mahatma Gandhi Beach and witness a beautiful sunset.
Thangassery Lighthouse: Low cost, 1-2 hours
Kollam Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Ashtamudi Lake Boat Tour: Budget-friendly, 3-4 hours
Mahatma Gandhi Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Cafe Italiano - a charming cafe known for its delicious Italian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Zam Zam Restaurant - a local favorite known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, visit Abba Restaurant - a popular spot for seafood lovers, offering a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Varkala and Alleppey, make sure to visit the Anjengo Fort near Varkala, a hidden gem with its colonial architecture and scenic views. Locals also love the Kappil Beach, situated between Varkala and Alleppey, where you can enjoy a peaceful beach experience away from the crowds. Don't miss the opportunity to savor authentic Kerala cuisine at local eateries, such as the Toddy Shops, serving delicious seafood and traditional delicacies.
For hotel and flight bookings, check out the prices on Kayak.