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A Week in Kerala: Exploring God's Own Country

Sunday, December 10: Arrival in Kochi (Cochin)

Welcome to Kerala! Start your trip by arriving at Cochin International Airport and checking into your hotel in Kochi. In the morning, explore the historic Fort Kochi area, known for its Chinese fishing nets and Dutch colonial architecture. Visit the iconic St. Francis Church and the Mattancherry Palace. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride through the scenic backwaters of Kochi. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

  • Fort Kochi: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: Half-day
  • St. Francis Church: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
  • Mattancherry Palace: Estimated Cost: INR 5 (approximately $0.07), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Backwater boat ride: Estimated Cost: INR 300-500 (approximately $4-$7), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Kathakali Performance: Estimated Cost: INR 300-500 (approximately $4-$7), Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • For breakfast, head to Kashi Art Cafe located in Fort Kochi. This artsy cafe offers a variety of delicious dishes like pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. Enjoy their serene courtyard setting. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
  • For lunch, try Fusion Bay located near Fort Kochi Beach. This restaurant serves a fusion of Indian and international cuisines, offering dishes like biryani, pasta, and seafood. Enjoy their relaxing beachside ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
  • For dinner, visit Malabar Junction located in Fort Kochi. This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its cozy atmosphere and authentic Malabari cuisine. Sample dishes like appam with stew and fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Monday, December 11: Munnar's Natural Beauty

Leave Kochi and head towards Munnar, a hill station famous for its lush tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, visit the Kundala Dam and enjoy a serene boat ride on the Kundala Lake. Afterward, explore the Mattupetty Dam and take a leisurely walk through the tea gardens. In the evening, watch the sunset from the Top Station viewpoint.

  • Kundala Dam: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Mattupetty Dam: Estimated Cost: INR 10 (approximately $0.14), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Tea Gardens: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Top Station: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Tuesday, December 12: Exploring Periyar National Park

Travel from Munnar to Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar National Park. In the morning, take a guided wildlife safari through the park, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. Afterward, visit the spice plantations and indulge in some spice shopping. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance.

  • Periyar National Park: Estimated Cost: INR 450 (approximately $6), Time Spent: 3-4 hours
  • Spice Plantations: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Kalaripayattu Performance: Estimated Cost: INR 200-300 (approximately $3-$4), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Wednesday, December 13: Backwaters of Alleppey

Head to Alleppey, known for its enchanting backwaters and houseboat cruises. In the morning, board a houseboat and embark on a leisurely cruise through the iconic Kerala backwaters. Enjoy the serene beauty of rural Kerala, passing by paddy fields, coconut groves, and charming villages. In the evening, relax and unwind on your floating accommodation.

  • Houseboat Cruise: Estimated Cost: INR 6,000-10,000 (approximately $80-$140) for 24 hours, Time Spent: Full-day
  • Backwater Village Exploration: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Thursday, December 14: Kovalam Beach Retreat

Leave Alleppey and head to Kovalam, a popular beach destination in Kerala. In the morning, relax on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach and take a dip in the Arabian Sea. Indulge in delicious seafood at one of the beachside shacks for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Vizhinjam Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance.

  • Kovalam Beach: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: Half-day
  • Vizhinjam Lighthouse: Estimated Cost: INR 20 (approximately $0.28), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Kathakali Performance: Estimated Cost: INR 300-500 (approximately $4-$7), Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Friday, December 15: Cultural Extravaganza in Thrissur

Travel from Kovalam to Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala. In the morning, explore the ancient Vadakkunnathan Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visit the nearby Kerala Kalamandalam, a renowned institution for Indian performing arts. In the afternoon, witness a thrilling Theyyam performance, a unique Kerala ritual art form. In the evening, stroll through the bustling streets of Thrissur and sample local delicacies.

  • Vadakkunnathan Temple: Estimated Cost: INR 15 (approximately $0.21), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Kerala Kalamandalam: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Theyyam Performance: Estimated Cost: INR 100-200 (approximately $1.4-$2.8), Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Saturday, December 16: Wayanad's Natural Wonders

Leave Thrissur and head to Wayanad, a mesmerizing hill station in Kerala. In the morning, embark on a thrilling trek through the lush green forests of the Western Ghats. Visit the magnificent Edakkal Caves, famous for its ancient rock art. In the afternoon, relax by the serene Pookode Lake and take a boat ride. In the evening, witness a traditional tribal dance performance.

  • Trek in Western Ghats: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 4-5 hours
  • Edakkal Caves: Estimated Cost: INR 40 (approximately $0.56), Time Spent: 2-3 hours
  • Pookode Lake: Estimated Cost: INR 10 (approximately $0.14), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
  • Tribal Dance Performance: Estimated Cost: INR 200-300 (approximately $3-$4), Time Spent: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Kerala is full of off-the-beaten-path attractions and places beloved by the locals. Explore the quiet village of Mararikulam near Alleppey, where you can unwind on pristine beaches away from the tourist crowd. Immerse yourself in the traditional art forms of Kalamezhuthu and Theyyam in the northern districts of Kerala. Visit the charming village of Thrikkaipetta in Wayanad and experience rural life by staying in a homestay and getting involved in local agricultural activities.

For hotel and flight prices in Kerala, check here.

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