7-Day Itinerary for Kerala in June 2023

1. Day 1: Kochi
   24-minute drive (12.3 km) from Cochin International Airport

   In the morning, visit the Mattancherry Palace, a 16th-century Portuguese palace with Hindu murals. In the afternoon, check out the Chinese fishing nets and stroll along Fort Kochi Beach. In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4-hour drive (130 km) from Kochi

   Start the day with a visit to the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea in India. In the afternoon, go on a trek to the top of Lakkam Waterfalls, where you can enjoy a swim in the refreshing water. In the evening, relax and enjoy the sunset at Echo Point.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3-hour drive (91 km) from Munnar

   Spend the morning exploring the Periyar National Park, one of the largest wildlife reserves in India, where you can see elephants, tigers, and other wild animals. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake to spot some of the park's wildlife from the water. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Keralan meal at the Spice Village Resort.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   3-hour drive (138 km) from Thekkady

   In the morning, take a stroll through the Alleppey Beach and enjoy the sunrise. In the afternoon, take a relaxing cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey on a houseboat. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner at the Vembanad Restaurant.

5. Day 5: Kovalam
   3-hour drive (159 km) from Alleppey

   Spend the morning exploring the Kovalam Beach and try some of the water sports available. In the afternoon, visit the Halcyon Castle, a beautiful historical building, and learn about its history. In the evening, indulge in some delicious seafood at the Bait Restaurant.

6. Day 6: Varkala
   1-hour drive (51 km) from Kovalam

   Spend the morning exploring the Varkala Beach and enjoy the beautiful views from the cliff top. In the afternoon, visit the Janardhana Swamy Temple, an ancient Hindu temple, and learn about its history and mythology. In the evening, take a walk along the Varkala Beach and enjoy the sunset.

7. Day 7: Thiruvananthapuram
   1-hour drive (44 km) from Varkala

   Spend the morning exploring the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, an ancient Hindu temple known for its intricate architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, which showcases a collection of ancient art and artifacts. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on the Kalaripayattu martial arts performance in Thekkady. You can also consider a side trip to the Athirappilly Waterfalls near Kochi. To maximize your fun, try some of the local snacks such as banana chips and kappa (tapioca). A visit to a spice plantation is also highly recommended.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mattancherry Palace (1-2 hours, INR 5)
• Chinese fishing nets (1 hour, free)
• Kathakali dance performance (2-3 hours, INR 500-1000)
• Tata Tea Museum (1-2 hours, INR 100)
• Lakkam Waterfalls trek (2-3 hours, INR 200)
• Periyar National Park (3-4 hours, INR 250-450)
• Periyar Lake boat ride (1-2 hours, INR 350-550)
• Houseboat cruise (4-5 hours, INR 8000-15000)
• Halcyon Castle (1-2 hours, INR 100)
• Janardhana Swamy Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (2-3 hours, free)
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery (2-3 hours, INR 20-50)
• Sunset cruise (1-2 hours, INR 500-1000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 10,225-16,550