7-Day Adventure Itinerary for Kerala in August 2023

1. Day 1: Munnar
   2 hours 30 minutes (65.7 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   In the morning, visit the Eravikulam National Park for a chance to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the afternoon, take a hike to the top of Anamudi Peak for breathtaking views. In the evening, explore the tea gardens and learn about tea-making at the Tea Museum.

2. Day 2: Thekkady
   3 hours 20 minutes (88.3 miles) from Munnar

   Start the day with a bamboo rafting adventure along the Periyar River. In the afternoon, visit the Periyar National Park and take a jungle safari to spot wild elephants and other wildlife. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

3. Day 3: Varkala
   4 hours 10 minutes (96.1 miles) from Thekkady

   Spend the morning sunbathing and swimming at Varkala Beach. In the afternoon, hike up to the Varkala Cliff for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage or take a yoga class.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   2 hours 40 minutes (63.5 miles) from Varkala

   Take a morning backwater tour on a traditional houseboat and enjoy the scenic views of the palm-fringed canals and lagoons. In the afternoon, visit the Krishnapuram Palace to see its beautiful mural paintings and antique sculptures. In the evening, catch a Kathakali dance performance at the Punnamada Resort.

5. Day 5: Kovalam
   2 hours 30 minutes (85.2 miles) from Alleppey

   Start the day with a surfing lesson at Kovalam Beach. In the afternoon, visit the Halcyon Castle for a glimpse into the colonial past. In the evening, watch the sunset at the Lighthouse Beach.

6. Day 6: Wayanad
   7 hours (215 miles) from Kovalam

   Spend the morning hiking to the Chembra Peak and visit the heart-shaped lake on top. In the afternoon, visit the Edakkal Caves to see the ancient petroglyphs. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire and stargazing at the Pookode Lake.

7. Day 7: Athirappilly Falls
   5 hours (103.7 miles) from Wayanad

   Start the day with a visit to the Athirappilly Falls, the largest waterfall in Kerala. Take a dip in the pool and enjoy the scenic views. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Vazhachal Falls. In the evening, relax and enjoy the natural beauty before departing from Cochin International Airport.

Recommendations

Consider taking a side trip to the hill station of Wagamon for paragliding and trekking. For a unique experience, visit the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and go birdwatching. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine, especially the Kerala-style fish curry. Don't forget to purchase some spices and tea to take home as souvenirs.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Eravikulam National Park (3 hours, INR 500)
• Anamudi Peak (4 hours, INR 1,000)
• Bamboo rafting (3 hours, INR 1,000)
• Periyar National Park (4 hours, INR 500)
• Kathakali dance performance (2 hours, INR 500)
• Ayurvedic massage (1 hour, INR 1,000)
• Backwater tour (5 hours, INR 6,000)
• Krishnapuram Palace (1 hour, INR 100)
• Surfing lesson (2 hours, INR 2,500)
• Halcyon Castle (1 hour, INR 200)
• Hiking to Chembra Peak (3 hours, INR 500)
• Edakkal Caves (2 hours, INR 100)
• Athirappilly Falls (2 hours, INR 50)
• Vazhachal Falls (1 hour, INR 50)
• Total Estimated Costs (7 days): INR 14,600 (excluding accommodation and transportation)