Kerala 5-Day Itinerary in August 2023

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   1 hour (8.6 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   In the morning, explore the Mattancherry Palace which was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663. In the afternoon, visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and then head to the Chinese fishing nets to see the sunset and experience the local fishing culture.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours and 30 minutes (94 miles) from Fort Kochi

   In the morning, visit the Top Station viewpoint to witness the sunrise over the hills. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea in the region. In the evening, take a stroll through the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3 hours and 30 minutes (91 miles) from Munnar

   In the morning, go on a hike in the Periyar National Park to spot native wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and Indian bison. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation to learn about the cultivation and use of various spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cloves. In the evening, take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   3 hours and 30 minutes (98 miles) from Thekkady

   In the morning, take a leisurely walk along the Alleppey beach and watch the fishermen bring in their catch. In the afternoon, take a traditional houseboat ride on the backwaters of Kerala. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance which is a form of classical dance-drama that originated in Kerala.

5. Day 5: Kovalam
   3 hours and 30 minutes (101 miles) from Alleppey

   In the morning, visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple which is one of the richest temples in the world and a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture and history. In the afternoon, relax on the famous Kovalam Beach and enjoy water sports such as parasailing and jet skiing. In the evening, take a stroll along the beach promenade and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many beachside restaurants.

Recommendations

Don't miss a visit to the Athirapally Waterfalls which is a stunning waterfall located about 2 hours from Kochi. For a side trip, visit the backwaters of Kumarakom which are known for their natural beauty and bird sanctuary. To maximize your fun, consider taking a cooking class to learn how to cook traditional Kerala cuisine or take a yoga and meditation class to rejuvenate your body and mind. Other suggestions include visiting the Hill Palace Museum, the Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village, and the Varkala Beach.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mattancherry Palace (1-2 hours, INR 20)
• St. Francis Church (30 minutes, Free)
• Chinese Fishing Nets (1 hour, Free)
• Tea Museum (1-2 hours, INR 135)
• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (2-3 hours, INR 1000)
• Periyar National Park (3-4 hours, INR 450)
• Spice Plantation (1-2 hours, INR 200)
• Periyar Lake Boat Ride (1-2 hours, INR 225)
• Alleppey Beach (1-2 hours, Free)
• Houseboat Ride (8-10 hours, INR 10,000)
• Kathakali Dance Performance (2-3 hours, INR 300)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
• Kovalam Beach (2-3 hours, Free)

Total Estimated Costs: INR 12,630