Kerala: A Nature-Lover's Paradise

1. Day 1: Athirapally Waterfalls
   1 hour 10 minutes (32 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   In the morning, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Athirapally Waterfalls, which are amidst the lush green forests of Sholayar. Afternoon would be a perfect time to take a nature walk, enjoy bird watching or visit the nearby Vazhachal Falls. In the evening, you can relax by the river and enjoy the sunset.

2. Day 2: Munnar Tea Plantations
   3 hours 40 minutes (93 miles) from Athirapally Waterfalls

   Start your day by visiting the tea plantations in Munnar. Take a stroll in the vast tea gardens and learn about the process of tea making. In the afternoon, visit the Eravikulam National Park and spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the evening, relax in your hotel or take a walk through the local markets.

3. Day 3: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
   3 hours 30 minutes (87 miles) from Munnar Tea Plantations

   Early morning, go for a boat ride on the Periyar Lake and spot the rare and endangered species of flora and fauna including tigers, elephants, deer, and monkeys in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, go for a jungle walk or an elephant ride. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kerala cultural show.

4. Day 4: Alleppey Backwaters
   3 hours 15 minutes (87 miles) from Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary

   Start the day by taking a houseboat ride through the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the lush green paddy fields, coconut trees and the local village life. In the afternoon, visit the Marari Beach and enjoy the sun, sand and sea. In the evening, relax on the houseboat and enjoy the calmness of the backwaters.

5. Day 5: Varkala Beach
   3 hours 40 minutes (85 miles) from Alleppey Backwaters

   Start the day by visiting the Varkala Beach and enjoy the beautiful view of the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, take a dip in the natural mineral water spring at the Janardana Swamy Temple. In the evening, go for a cliff walk and enjoy the beautiful sunset view from the top.

6. Day 6: Kovalam Beach
   2 hours 15 minutes (39 miles) from Varkala Beach

   Start the day by visiting the iconic Kovalam Beach and enjoy the sun, sand and sea. In the afternoon, head to the Lighthouse Beach and savour some local delicacies at the shacks. In the evening, take a stroll through the local markets and buy some souvenirs for your loved ones.

Recommendations

Visit the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary for an offbeat wildlife experience. If you have an extra day, visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to some of the rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. Don't forget to indulge in some local cuisine like appam, puttu, and fish curry. Take a side trip to the nearby cities of Cochin and Trivandrum for a cultural extravaganza.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Athirapally Waterfalls (4 hours, INR 350)
• Munnar Tea Plantations (6 hours, INR 500)
• Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary (7 hours, INR 1000)
• Alleppey Backwaters (8 hours, INR 1200)
• Varkala Beach (6 hours, INR 800)
• Kovalam Beach (4 hours, INR 600)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 4450