Welcome to Kerala! Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Kochi. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Visit the Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue in the afternoon. In the evening, witness a stunning Kathakali dance performance.
Fort Kochi: INR 50, 3 hours
Mattancherry Palace: INR 5, 1 hour
Jewish Synagogue: INR 5, 1 hour
Kathakali Dance Performance: INR 300, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Kashi Art Café, a charming artsy café offering a variety of breakfast options including freshly baked goods and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Malabar Junction, a popular South Indian restaurant known for its delectable seafood and traditional Kerala dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit The Rice Boat, a waterfront restaurant serving authentic Kerala cuisine with a focus on seafood. Enjoy the serene atmosphere while savoring the mouthwatering dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, December 9: Munnar Tea Gardens
Head to Munnar, renowned for its lush tea plantations. In the morning, visit the beautiful Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Spend the afternoon exploring the tea gardens and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea. Witness a mesmerizing sunset at Top Station in the evening.
Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park: INR 120, 4 hours
Munnar Tea Gardens: INR 50, 3 hours
Top Station: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Saravana Bhavan located in Munnar town. Enjoy a delicious South Indian breakfast of idli, dosa, or vada. Average cost for a meal is about INR 100 per person.
For lunch, try Rapsy Restaurant and Bakery near Munnar bus stand. Indulge in their wide variety of Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For dinner, visit Copper Castle Restaurant in Chithirapuram, Munnar. Relish their mouthwatering North Indian cuisines and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
Sunday, December 10: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Travel to Periyar, where the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary awaits. Take a morning boat ride to spot wildlife, including elephants and tigers. Afterward, embark on a spice plantation tour and learn about Kerala's rich spice trade. Enjoy an evening cultural show showcasing traditional dance forms.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 450, 4 hours
Spice Plantation Tour: INR 100, 2 hours
Cultural Show: INR 300, 2 hours
Monday, December 11: Backwaters of Alleppey
Make your way to Alleppey, known for its picturesque backwaters. Start the day with a peaceful houseboat cruise and witness the scenic beauty of the backwaters. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, explore the local villages and engage in activities like fishing and toddy tapping.
Houseboat Cruise: INR 7,500 (shared by 4 people), 5 hours
Head to Varkala, a coastal town famous for its pristine beaches. Spend the morning relaxing on the golden sands of Varkala Beach and taking a dip in the crystal-clear Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, visit the 2,000-year-old Janardhanaswamy Temple and indulge in delicious seafood at one of the beachside restaurants.
Varkala Beach: Free, 4 hours
Janardhanaswamy Temple: Free, 1 hour
Seafood Lunch: INR 500, 2 hours
Wednesday, December 13: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Travel to Wayanad, home to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Start your day with a thrilling jungle safari in the morning to spot various wildlife species. Trek to the magnificent Meenmutty Falls in the afternoon and take a refreshing dip in the natural pool. Enjoy a serene evening at Pookode Lake.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 300, 4 hours
Meenmutty Falls: Free, 3 hours
Pookode Lake: INR 20, 2 hours
Thursday, December 14: Athirapally Waterfalls
Conclude your Kerala adventure with a visit to the breathtaking Athirapally Waterfalls. Spend the morning marveling at the cascading water and enjoy the surrounding lush greenery. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Vazhachal Waterfalls and take a nature walk through the Sholayar Forest. Return to Kochi in the evening.
Athirapally Waterfalls: INR 30, 3 hours
Vazhachal Waterfalls: INR 20, 2 hours
Sholayar Forest: Free, 2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For nature lovers seeking off the beaten path attractions, make sure to visit the idyllic Marari Beach in Alleppey. It offers tranquility and raw natural beauty, perfect for unwinding. Another local favorite is the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the high peaks of the Western Ghats, known for its diverse flora and fauna.