Welcome to Kerala! Arrive at Kochi International Airport and check into your hotel. In the morning, explore the historic city of Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Visit the iconic St. Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride through the serene backwaters, enjoying the lush greenery and watching village life unfold. In the evening, witness a spectacular Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form of Kerala.
Fort Kochi: Approx. cost: INR 1000, Time spent: 4 hours
For breakfast, head to Mocha Art Cafe located in Fort Kochi, which offers a cozy atmosphere with delicious breakfast options such as pancakes and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try Kashi Art Cafe, a popular spot known for its art gallery and organic food. Enjoy a variety of salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, visit Oceanos Restaurant, nestled near the beach, offering a beautiful ambiance and a wide selection of seafood delicacies. Indulge in their fresh catches and delectable grilled dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Friday, December 15: Munnar's Tranquil Beauty
Depart for Munnar, a scenic hill station nestled amidst tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy breathtaking views as you drive towards Top Station, the highest point in Munnar. In the afternoon, explore the tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process in a tea museum. Witness the mesmerizing beauty of the Mattupetty Dam and the Echo Point. In the evening, stroll through the charming streets of Munnar and indulge in local delicacies.
Eravikulam National Park: Approx. cost: INR 500, Time spent: 3 hours
Tea Gardens and Museum: Approx. cost: INR 300, Time spent: 2 hours
Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point: Approx. cost: Free, Time spent: 2 hours
Local Street Food: Approx. cost: INR 500, Time spent: 1 hour
Saturday, December 16: Backwater Bliss in Alleppey
Travel to Alleppey, known for its serene backwaters. In the morning, board a traditional houseboat and cruise along the enchanting backwaters, passing through picturesque villages and lush landscapes. Enjoy a delicious traditional Kerala lunch prepared on board. In the afternoon, disembark on an island and explore the village life. Experience a relaxing Ayurvedic massage in a traditional spa. Witness a mesmerizing sunset over the backwaters before returning to your hotel.
Houseboat Cruise: Approx. cost: INR 5000, Time spent: 6 hours
Village Island Visit: Approx. cost: INR 1000, Time spent: 2 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: Approx. cost: INR 2000, Time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
A cozy café located by the backwaters, offering a variety of traditional South Indian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 rupees per person.
A waterfront restaurant with stunning views, serving fresh seafood and local delicacies for lunch. Average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
A rustic restaurant nestled in the village, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine and warm ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
Sunday, December 17: Thekkady's Wildlife Wonder
Head to Thekkady, home to the Periyar National Park. In the morning, embark on a thrilling jungle safari, where you might spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species. Take a peaceful boat ride on Periyar Lake, surrounded by the lush Western Ghats. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the spice trade. Explore the vibrant local market to buy spices and souvenirs. In the evening, savor a delicious South Indian dinner.
Periyar National Park Safari: Approx. cost: INR 1500, Time spent: 3 hours
Boat Ride on Periyar Lake: Approx. cost: INR 500, Time spent: 2 hours
Local Market Shopping: Approx. cost: Varies, Time spent: 1 hour
Dinner: Approx. cost: INR 800, Time spent: 1 hour
Monday, December 18: Relaxation in Kovalam
Travel to the beautiful beach town of Kovalam for a day of relaxation. In the morning, unwind on the pristine sandy beaches, taking a dip in the warm Arabian Sea. Indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatment. In the afternoon, visit the iconic lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. Explore the local shops for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. In the evening, savor a seafood feast at a beachfront restaurant.
Beach Relaxation: Approx. cost: Free, Time spent: 4 hours
Lighthouse Visit: Approx. cost: INR 100, Time spent: 1 hour
Shopping: Approx. cost: Varies, Time spent: 1 hour
Seafood Dinner: Approx. cost: INR 1000, Time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Café Pio. This charming café offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Seafood Paradise. This waterfront restaurant specializes in seafood delicacies, serving mouthwatering dishes like grilled fish and shrimp curry. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Sunset Grill. Known for its stunning sunset views, this rooftop restaurant offers a diverse menu with options like grilled steaks and Asian-inspired dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
In addition to the popular attractions, don't miss out on exploring some hidden gems and local favorites in Kerala. Visit the offbeat village of Mararikulam, known for its tranquil beaches and fishing villages. Take a backwater kayaking tour in Kottayam to discover hidden canals and enjoy the serene surroundings. If you're interested in Ayurveda, consider a wellness retreat in Palakkad, where you can experience the healing treatments and therapies the region is known for.