Welcome to Kerala, known as "God's Own Country"! Start your trip with a visit to Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood filled with colonial architecture. In the morning, explore the charming streets and visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. In the afternoon, visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum to learn about the region's rich cultural heritage. In the evening, watch a Kathakali dance performance, a classical Indian dance-drama.
Fort Kochi: Entrance fee: ₹30 per person, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Indo-Portuguese Museum: Entrance fee: ₹50 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Kathakali Dance Performance: Ticket cost: ₹200-500 per person, Time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Papaya which offers a cozy atmosphere and serves delicious local breakfast dishes like appam and idiyappam. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Paragon Restaurant located in Fort Kochi. They serve a variety of Kerala cuisine including seafood and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Oceanos Restaurant which offers a beautiful rooftop dining experience with a view of the Arabian Sea. They specialize in seafood dishes and the average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Thursday, December 21: Exploring the Backwaters
Embark on a memorable backwater cruise in Alleppey. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and cruise through the tranquil backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a delicious Kerala-style lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore the charming villages along the backwaters. In the evening, indulge in a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.
Backwater Houseboat Cruise: Starting from ₹6,000 per night, Time spent: Full day
Ayurvedic Massage: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Friday, December 22: Wildlife Adventure in Periyar National Park
Embark on a wildlife safari in Periyar National Park. In the morning, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you can spot elephants, birds, and if you're lucky, even a tiger. After lunch, enjoy a guided nature walk through the forest trails. In the evening, participate in a tribal cultural program.
Periyar Lake Boat Ride: Entrance fee: ₹150 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Guided Nature Walk: Fee: ₹250 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Tribal Cultural Program: Fee: ₹100 per person, Time spent: 1 hour
Saturday, December 23: Beach Day in Kovalam
Head to Kovalam, a beautiful coastal town known for its pristine beaches. In the morning, relax on the sandy shores and take a dip in the turquoise waters. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Kovalam Art Gallery and explore the vibrant local markets. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular sunset view from the lighthouse.
Kovalam Beach: Free, Time spent: Full day
Kovalam Art Gallery: Entrance fee: ₹10 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Lighthouse Viewpoint: Entrance fee: ₹20 per person, Time spent: 1 hour
Sunday, December 24: Cultural Heritage in Munnar
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Munnar's tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history and process of tea production. Explore the lush tea gardens and enjoy a tea tasting session. In the afternoon, visit the Mattupetty Dam and indulge in some adventurous activities like boating or hiking. In the evening, witness a stunning Kathakali performance.
Tata Tea Museum: Entrance fee: ₹75 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Tea Tasting: Cost varies, Time spent: 1 hour
Mattupetty Dam: Entrance fee: ₹10 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Kathakali Performance: Ticket cost: ₹200-500 per person, Time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Royale in Munnar, where you can enjoy a variety of delicious South Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try the Bamboo Hut Restaurant located near the Mattupetty Dam. This restaurant offers a delectable selection of Kerala cuisine and the average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Sree Saravana Bhavan in Munnar, known for its authentic vegetarian South Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
Monday, December 25: Adventure in Wayanad
Explore the natural wonders of Wayanad. In the morning, visit the magnificent Meenmutty Waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing swim. After lunch, embark on a wildlife safari at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot elephants, deer, and various bird species. In the evening, enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Pookode Lake.
Meenmutty Waterfalls: Entrance fee: ₹50 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Entrance fee: ₹80 per person, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Pookode Lake: Entrance fee: ₹10 per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Tuesday, December 26: Departure
Say goodbye to Kerala with wonderful memories. Spend the morning exploring the local markets and picking up some souvenirs. Afternoon checkout from the hotel and departure to the airport.
Shopping: Cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While in Kerala, don't miss the opportunity to visit the village of Kumbalangi. Experience traditional rural life and interact with the friendly locals. You can learn traditional fishing techniques or even try your hand at crab farming. It's a unique cultural experience that truly brings you closer to the local way of life.