Kerala 7-Day Itinerary on a Low Budget

Explore the beautiful region of Kerala with this 7-day itinerary that offers a mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and delicious cuisine, all while staying within a low budget. Check here for hotel and flight prices.

Restaurants

• The Fat Fish Cafe: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Fat Fish Cafe, located near Kovalam Beach. They offer a variety of dishes, including traditional Kerala breakfast items. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
• Indian Coffee House: For lunch, head to Indian Coffee House in Trivandrum. This iconic restaurant is known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. Try their dosas and filter coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
• Jasmine Bay: For a delicious dinner experience, visit Jasmine Bay located near Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This restaurant offers a range of seafood dishes and traditional Kerala delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.

Restaurants

• For breakfast, try The Kerala Cafe, known for its traditional South Indian breakfast dishes like dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Curry Leaf Restaurant, which offers a variety of authentic Kerala cuisine including fish curry, appam, and aviyal. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit The Paragon Restaurant, a popular eatery famous for its delicious seafood dishes like karimeen pollichathu and prawn roast. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.

Wednesday, October 18: Arrive in Kochi

Welcome to Kerala! After arriving in Kochi, start your trip by exploring Fort Kochi in the morning. Wander through its charming streets lined with colonial-era buildings, visit the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, and explore the local cafes and art galleries. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Vypeen Island and spend some time on Cherai Beach, known for its pristine sands. End your day by watching a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.

• Fort Kochi: Free, 3-4 hours
• Vypeen Island: Ferry ticket cost, 2-3 hours
• Kathakali performance: Entry fee, 2 hours

Thursday, October 19: Munnar Tea Estates

Travel to Munnar, a hill station famous for its tea plantations. Start your day by visiting the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea production. Enjoy a refreshing walk through the lush green tea gardens and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride on the reservoir. End your day by witnessing the serene beauty of the Attukad Waterfalls.

• Tata Tea Museum: Entry fee, 2-3 hours
• Munnar Tea Gardens: Free, 2-3 hours
• Mattupetty Dam: Free, 1-2 hours
• Attukad Waterfalls: Free, 1-2 hours

Friday, October 20: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary

Head to Thekkady to explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Start your day with a guided nature walk through the sanctuary, where you can spot various species of animals and birds. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake, surrounded by dense forests. Experience the fascinating martial art form of Kalaripayattu in the evening, known for its dynamic moves and traditions.

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Entry fee, 3-4 hours
• Periyar Lake boat ride: Boat ticket cost, 2-3 hours
• Kalaripayattu performance: Entry fee, 2 hours

Saturday, October 21: Alleppey Backwaters

Travel to Alleppey, known for its picturesque backwaters. Start your day by exploring the backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Enjoy the scenic beauty, watch the local life along the canals, and indulge in delicious Kerala-style cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Marari Beach, known for its tranquility and soft sands. Spend the evening experiencing a Kathakali performance at a local cultural center.

• Backwater houseboat: Affordable houseboat packages available, full day
• Marari Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
• Kathakali performance: Entry fee, 2 hours

Sunday, October 22: Kovalam Beach & Trivandrum

Head to Kovalam, a popular beach destination. Start your day by relaxing on the beautiful Kovalam Beach, known for its golden sands and clear waters. Indulge in water sports activities or simply unwind under the sun. In the afternoon, visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery in Trivandrum to explore its impressive collection of art and historical artifacts. Wrap up the day by visiting the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

• Kovalam Beach: Free, full day
• Napier Museum: Entry fee, 2-3 hours
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours

Monday, October 23: Wayanad Adventure

Embark on an adventurous journey to Wayanad. Start your day with a visit to the Edakkal Caves, known for their ancient rock art. Trek to the caves and soak in the breathtaking views from the top. In the afternoon, explore the stunning Soochipara Falls and take a refreshing dip in the natural pool. End your day by visiting the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India, surrounded by lush green valleys.

• Edakkal Caves: Entry fee, trekking charges, 3-4 hours
• Soochipara Falls: Entry fee, 2-3 hours
• Banasura Sagar Dam: Entry fee, 1-2 hours

Tuesday, October 24: Athirapally Waterfalls

Conclude your Kerala journey with a visit to the majestic Athirapally Waterfalls. Witness the grandeur of these cascading falls amidst the lush greenery. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the surrounding forests and spot various species of birds. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Vazhachal Waterfalls, known for their scenic beauty. Spend your evening strolling through the local markets and savoring some delicious street food.

• Athirapally Waterfalls: Entry fee, 3-4 hours
• Vazhachal Waterfalls: Entry fee, 2-3 hours
• Local street food: Affordable, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Kerala, make sure to visit the hidden gems and local favorites. Explore the offbeat destination of Munroe Island, known for its serene backwaters and unique lifestyle. Discover the charm of the sleepy town of Nelliampathy, surrounded by tea and spice gardens. Don't miss a visit to the village of Kumbalangi, where you can experience the traditional village life and enjoy activities like fishing and crab farming.