Kerala Nature Itinerary for August 2023

1. Day 1: Munnar
   3 hours (87 miles) from Kochi International Airport

   In the morning, visit the Eravikulam National Park to witness the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea in the region. In the evening, relax with a cup of tea and enjoy the stunning views of the tea plantations.

2. Day 2: Thekkady
   3.5 hours (92 miles) from Munnar

   Start the day with a boat ride at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, visit the Spice Plantation to learn about the cultivation of spices in Kerala. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

3. Day 3: Alleppey
   4 hours (91 miles) from Thekkady

   Take a morning drive to the Alleppey Backwaters, where you can enjoy a relaxing houseboat ride. In the afternoon, visit the Marari Beach to unwind and soak up the sun. In the evening, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant.

4. Day 4: Kollam
   2 hours (55 miles) from Alleppey

   Start the day with a visit to the Ashtamudi Lake, one of the largest lakes in Kerala. Take a boat ride to explore the lake and its surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Thangassery Lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. In the evening, relax at the Kollam Beach and enjoy the sunset.

5. Day 5: Varkala
   1.5 hours (37 miles) from Kollam

   In the morning, visit the Janardhana Swamy Temple, one of the oldest temples in Kerala. Take a dip in the holy waters of the Papanasam Beach, which is believed to wash away sins. In the afternoon, relax at the Varkala Beach and enjoy the stunning views. In the evening, watch the sunset from the cliff.

6. Day 6: Wayanad
   7 hours (250 miles) from Varkala

   Start the day with a visit to the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earth dam in India. Enjoy a boat ride and admire the beautiful surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Edakkal Caves to explore the prehistoric rock art. In the evening, take a nature walk in the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary to spot wildlife.

7. Day 7: Kochi
   6 hours (167 miles) from Wayanad

   In the morning, visit the Mattancherry Palace, which showcases the traditional Kerala architecture and history. In the afternoon, explore the Fort Kochi area and visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, the St. Francis Church, and the Santa Cruz Basilica. In the evening, watch a Kathakali dance performance.

Recommendations

You can also consider visiting the Athirapally Waterfalls, the Silent Valley National Park, and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. For side trips, you can visit the nearby cities of Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine and take part in the cultural activities.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Eravikulam National Park (4 hours, INR 400)
• Tea Museum (2 hours, INR 250)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 500)
• Spice Plantation (2 hours, INR 200)
• Kathakali Dance Performance (2 hours, INR 500)
• Houseboat Ride (5 hours, INR 10,000)
• Marari Beach (3 hours, free)
• Ashtamudi Lake (4 hours, INR 500)
• Thangassery Lighthouse (2 hours, INR 50)
• Janardhana Swamy Temple (2 hours, free)
• Papanasam Beach (2 hours, free)
• Banasura Sagar Dam (3 hours, INR 60)
• Edakkal Caves (2 hours, INR 40)
• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 100)
• Mattancherry Palace (2 hours, INR 50)
• Chinese Fishing Nets (1 hour, INR 100)
• St. Francis Church (1 hour, free)
• Santa Cruz Basilica (1 hour, free)
• Kathakali Dance Performance (2 hours, INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 12,200