7-Day Itinerary for Kerala in July 2023

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   1 hour 5 minutes (24.6 miles) from Cochin International Airport

   Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, Chinese Fishing Nets, and Mattancherry Palace. The evening can be spent shopping for souvenirs at Jew Town.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours 30 minutes (94.7 miles) from Fort Kochi

   Drive through lush tea plantations to reach Munnar. Visit the Tea Museum, see the scenic Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. Take a nature walk along the scenic trails of the Pothamedu viewpoint.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3 hours 10 minutes (76.6 miles) from Munnar

   Take a boat ride through Periyar National Park to see elephants, tigers and other wildlife. Visit spice plantations and enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

4. Day 4: Kumarakom
   3 hours 45 minutes (83.6 miles) from Thekkady

   Take a relaxing backwater cruise on a houseboat, admiring the scenic beauty. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to see local and migratory birds. Enjoy local Kerala cuisine for dinner.

5. Day 5: Kovalam Beach
   4 hours 15 minutes (111.5 miles) from Kumarakom

   Spend the day relaxing on the beach or indulge in water sports like surfing or kayaking. Explore the Kovalam lighthouse and enjoy a seafood dinner by the beachside.

6. Day 6: Thiruvananthapuram
   30 minutes (9.1 miles) from Kovalam Beach

   Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world. Explore the Kerala State Museum and stroll around the Napier Museum. Spend the evening shopping at Chalai Bazaar.

7. Day 7: Varkala Beach
   1 hour 20 minutes (30.1 miles) from Thiruvananthapuram

   Relax at the scenic Varkala Beach, famous for its high cliffs and mineral springs. Take a dip in the natural water spas and enjoy a stunning sunset. End the day with a dinner at the beachside shacks.

Recommendations

Other notable attractions that can be added to the itinerary are Athirapally Falls, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Bekal Fort. To maximize your fun, you can also indulge in Ayurvedic massages or take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Kerala dishes.

Time and Costs Estimates

• St. Francis Church (1 hour, Free)
• Chinese Fishing Nets (1 hour, Free)
• Mattancherry Palace (1 hour, INR 5)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, INR 120)
• Mattupetty Dam (1 hour, INR 10)
• Echo Point (1 hour, INR 20)
• Periyar National Park (3 hours, INR 200)
• Kathakali Dance Performance (1 hour, INR 300)
• Backwater Cruise (5 hours, INR 10,000 for a houseboat)
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 50)
• Kovalam Lighthouse (1 hour, Free)
• Kerala State Museum (2 hours, INR 30)
• Napier Museum (2 hours, INR 20)
• Athirapally Falls (2 hours, INR 15)
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 150)
• Bekal Fort (2 hours, INR 20)
• Ayurvedic Massage (1 hour, INR 1000)
• Cooking Class (3 hours, INR 2000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 13,020