Kottayam-Alappuzha 2-Day Itinerary - September 29-30, 2023

Friday, September 29: Exploring Kottayam

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the famous Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Marvel at the intricate architecture and take part in the morning prayers and rituals. Afterward, head to Kumarakom, a scenic village known for its backwaters and bird sanctuary. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the serene backwaters and keep an eye out for local bird species.

• Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Kumarakom Backwaters: Estimated Cost - INR 300 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Afternoon: Indulge in the delicious local cuisine of Kottayam by having a traditional Kerala meal at a local restaurant. Feast on dishes like appam, puttu, and fish curry, which are popular in this region. After lunch, visit the Bay Island Driftwood Museum, showcasing a unique collection of intricately carved driftwood sculptures.

• Kerala Cuisine Lunch: Estimated Cost - INR 500 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Bay Island Driftwood Museum: Estimated Cost - INR 100 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Evening: Explore the vibrant local markets of Kottayam, such as Baker Junction Market and Kottayam Market. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, browse through local handicrafts, spices, and traditional textiles. For a peaceful end to your day, take a relaxing sunset cruise on the Vembanad Lake, enjoying the breathtaking views.

• Baker Junction Market: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Kottayam Market: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Sunset Cruise on Vembanad Lake: Estimated Cost - INR 500 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• The Lighthouse Cafe is a charming breakfast spot in Kottayam offering a variety of delicious options, such as fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• Peninsular Kitchen is a must-visit for lunch in Kottayam, serving authentic Kerala cuisine with a modern twist. Try their signature fish curry or Kerala thali for a flavorful experience. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
• For a memorable dinner in Kottayam, head to BTH Sarovaram, a waterfront restaurant specializing in traditional Kerala seafood dishes. Savor the flavors of prawn curry, karimeen pollichathu, and other delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Kottayam is Hotel Aida. This restaurant serves delicious South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and appam. The average cost of a meal here is about 100 INR per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, try the renowned Meenachil Restaurant. They specialize in traditional Kerala cuisine, including flavorful curries and seafood dishes. The average cost of a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
• In the evening, head to The Windsor Castle for a memorable dinner experience. This restaurant offers a mix of Indian and international cuisines, prepared with high-quality ingredients. The average cost of a meal here is about 800 INR per person.

Saturday, September 30: Exploring Alappuzha

Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the Alappuzha Beach, also known as Alleppey Beach, to catch the beautiful sunrise. Take a leisurely stroll along the sandy shore, listen to the calming sounds of the waves, and watch local fishermen at work. Next, visit the Krishnapuram Palace, a historical palace showcasing traditional Kerala architecture and housing a museum.

• Alappuzha Beach: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Krishnapuram Palace: Estimated Cost - INR 20 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Afternoon: Embark on a memorable houseboat cruise through the famous backwaters of Alappuzha. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala lunch on board while floating through the tranquil canals and witnessing the scenic beauty. Learn about the local life and culture as you pass by small villages and paddy fields.

• Houseboat Cruise: Estimated Cost - INR 6,000-8,000 per boat (6-8 hours), Time Spent - 4-6 hours

Evening: Experience the vibrant culture of Alappuzha at the Mullakkal Street Market, where you can shop for local spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. End your day with a mesmerizing sunset at the Alappuzha Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the city and backwaters.

• Mullakkal Street Market: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Alappuzha Lighthouse: Estimated Cost - INR 20 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For nature enthusiasts, a visit to Pathiramanal Island is a must. This small island on Vembanad Lake is a birdwatcher's paradise, known for its diverse avian population. You can take a boat ride and spend some peaceful time exploring the scenic island.

Another hidden gem is the Marari Beach, located a short distance from Alappuzha. This pristine beach is less crowded and offers a tranquil atmosphere where you can relax and soak in the natural beauty. It's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the serenity.

Before finalizing your travel plans, check hotel and flight prices on Kayak to ensure you get the best deals for your Kottayam-Alappuzha trip.