Start your trip by arriving in Kochi, also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. In the afternoon, visit the Kerala Folklore Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the state. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk along Marine Drive, a scenic promenade offering beautiful views of the backwaters.
Fort Kochi: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Kerala Folklore Museum: Cost Estimate: INR 100 per person, Time Spent: 2 hours
Marine Drive: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Kashi Art Cafe, a charming cafe known for its delicious breakfast options like pancakes and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Dal Roti, a popular restaurant serving authentic North Indian cuisine. Don't miss their flavorful curries and freshly baked bread. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Oceanos Restaurant, a waterfront restaurant offering a wide range of seafood dishes like fish curry and grilled prawns. Enjoy the serene ambiance while savoring your meal. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, November 14: Munnar
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations and picturesque landscapes. In the morning, visit the Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride amidst the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the sprawling tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process at a local tea factory. End your day with a visit to the Top Station viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
Mattupetty Dam: Cost Estimate: INR 10 per person, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Tea Gardens and Factory: Cost Estimate: Free (factory visit may have a nominal fee), Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Top Station: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Munnar is Café Paprika, known for its freshly baked pastries and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a tasty lunch option, head to Rapsy Restaurant, which offers a variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
In the evening, dine at Copper Castle Restaurant, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine and stunning views of the surrounding hills. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Wednesday, November 15: Thekkady
Head to Thekkady, known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. In the morning, take a boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and birds. In the afternoon, visit a spice garden and learn about the spices that make Kerala cuisine unique. Wrap up your day with a Kathakali dance performance, a classical Indian dance form known for its elaborate costumes and storytelling.
Periyar Lake Boat Safari: Cost Estimate: INR 300 per person, Time Spent: 3 hours
Spice Garden Visit: Cost Estimate: Free (excluding any purchased spices), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Kathakali Performance: Cost Estimate: INR 200-300 per person, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Spice Village Restaurant, located near Thekkady. Enjoy a variety of traditional Kerala breakfast dishes such as appam and puttu. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about Rs 150 per person.
For lunch, visit Abad Green Forest Restaurant, situated in the heart of Thekkady. Indulge in a buffet-style lunch with a range of Kerala delicacies like fish curry and avial. The average cost for a lunch meal is about Rs 300 per person.
For dinner, try Bamboo Café, a charming restaurant known for its tranquil ambience and authentic Kerala flavors. Savor dishes like Malabar biryani and karimeen pollichathu. The average cost for a dinner meal is about Rs 500 per person.
Thursday, November 16: Alleppey
Travel to Alleppey, famously known for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. In the morning, board a houseboat and sail through the tranquil backwaters, enjoying the lush greenery and traditional village life. In the afternoon, visit the Alleppey Beach for some relaxation and beachside activities. Spend the evening enjoying a traditional Kerala dinner aboard the houseboat.
Houseboat Cruise: Cost Estimate: Starts at INR 5,000 per night (for a family-sized boat), Time Spent: Overnight
Alleppey Beach: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Traditional Kerala Dinner: Cost Estimate: Included in houseboat package, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
An excellent breakfast spot in Alleppey is Café Katamaran, offering a wide range of South Indian delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Dreamers Multi-Cuisine Restaurant, which offers a variety of Indian and international dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Kream Korner Art Cafe, known for its cozy ambience and delicious seafood. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, November 17: Kovalam
Proceed to Kovalam, a popular beach destination with pristine sandy shores. In the morning, relax on the Kovalam Beach and soak up the sun. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters and try some water sports activities. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach and enjoy panoramic views from the lighthouse. Explore the local markets for souvenirs and indulge in delicious seafood for dinner.
Kovalam Beach: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Lighthouse Beach: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Shopping and Seafood Dinner: Cost Estimate: Varies, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Saturday, November 18: Varkala
Travel to Varkala, a coastal town known for its cliffs, beaches, and religious significance. In the morning, visit the Janardanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and take in the stunning views from the nearby cliffs. In the afternoon, relax at the Varkala Beach and enjoy the therapeutic properties of the mineral-rich waters. Witness a mesmerizing sunset by the beach and savor traditional Kerala cuisine for dinner.
Janardanaswamy Temple: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Varkala Beach: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Sunset Watching and Dinner: Cost Estimate: Varies, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Sunday, November 19: Departure from Kochi
Conclude your trip by departing from Kochi. Spend the morning exploring the local markets and picking up souvenirs. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Kochi Harbour and enjoy the scenic views. Bid farewell to Kerala with memories of its natural beauty and warm hospitality.
Local Market Visit: Cost Estimate: Varies, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Kochi Harbour: Cost Estimate: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Kochi is Art Cafe. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and scrumptious sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Oceanos Restaurant. This seafood restaurant serves a delicious range of grilled fish and prawns. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Malabar Junction, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. The restaurant offers a diverse menu with flavorful dishes like appam and fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Kerala is not just about popular tourist destinations. To experience the local way of life, consider visiting Pathiramanal Island, a lesser-known gem in the backwaters of Alappuzha. This untouched island is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Another hidden gem is Poovar Island, located near Kovalam, where you can explore the tranquil backwaters and relax on pristine beaches. These offbeat attractions offer a unique glimpse into the natural beauty and serenity of Kerala, perfect for a family-friendly getaway.