In the morning, arrive at the Cochin International Airport and make your way to your accommodation in Kochi. Take a walk around the Fort Kochi area in the afternoon, exploring its colonial architecture and the iconic Chinese fishing nets. In the evening, visit the bustling Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue, a 16th-century Jewish synagogue.
Fort Kochi: Accommodation options. Estimated cost: Budget-friendly. Time spent: Half day.
Chinese fishing nets: Free. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue: Free. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
Restaurants
Breakfast: Le Coffee Shop - Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Le Coffee Shop with a wide selection of freshly brewed coffee, pastries, and breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 150 per person.
Lunch: Spice Garden Restaurant - Indulge in a flavorsome lunch at Spice Garden Restaurant, known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
Dinner: Dal Roti - Satisfy your taste buds with delicious North Indian cuisine at Dal Roti. From aromatic curries to fluffy naans, a meal here costs around INR 400 per person on average.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Delight which offers a wide range of delicious South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
If you're looking for a scrumptious lunch, try Kayees Biriyani. They serve authentic Kerala biriyani with flavorful spices. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit Paragon Restaurant. Known for its mouthwatering seafood specialties, their menu offers a variety of fresh and delicious dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Clouds Valley Restaurant, a cozy eatery located in Munnar. Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast with dishes like dosa, idli, and vada. The average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
When it's time for lunch, make sure to visit Rapsy Restaurant. Known for its delicious seafood dishes, this restaurant offers a wide variety of options including fish curry, prawn masala, and crab fry. The average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
In the evening, dine at Saravana Bhavan, a popular vegetarian restaurant in Munnar. Explore the flavors of Kerala with their authentic vegetarian dishes like masala dosa, thali meals, and sambar. The average cost for a meal is about INR 250 per person.
Restaurants
Joy's Breakfast Cafe: A cozy cafe serving delicious breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Green Leaf Restaurant: A popular lunch spot offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Spice Garden: A charming restaurant known for its authentic Kerala cuisine. Enjoy flavorful dishes like fish curry and appam. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Royale, a cozy café known for its delicious freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for breakfast is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try Rapsy Restaurant, a popular spot with a wide range of Kerala-style dishes including fish curry and appam. Average cost for lunch is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, dine at the Tree Top Restaurant, located amidst the tea gardens, and enjoy a candle-lit meal with stunning views of the hills. Average cost for dinner is about ₹500 per person.
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Start your day with a hearty meal at The Breakfast Club, located in the heart of Kochi. Enjoy their delicious breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes, eggs benedict, and fresh fruit smoothies. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Fort Kochi Cafe: For a satisfying lunch, head to Fort Kochi Cafe, known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious international cuisine. Indulge in their mouthwatering burgers, pizzas, and pasta dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Rasa Gurukul: For an authentic Kerala dinner experience, Rasa Gurukul is the perfect choice. Feast on traditional Kerala dishes like appam, puttu, and fish curry, prepared with fresh ingredients and aromatic spices. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, December 21: Munnar Hill Station
Start your day with a scenic drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations. In the morning, visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the process of tea production. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon exploring the beautiful tea gardens. In the evening, indulge in a warm cup of tea while enjoying the panoramic views of the rolling hills.
Tata Tea Museum: Entrance fee: Affordable. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
Munnar Tea Gardens: Free. Time spent: 2-3 hours.
Friday, December 22: Alleppey Backwaters
Embark on a mesmerizing backwater cruise in Alleppey. Spend the morning exploring the serene waterways, witnessing the traditional lifestyle of the people living along the backwaters. In the afternoon, enjoy a delicious Keralan lunch onboard the houseboat while admiring the lush green landscapes. In the evening, relax and soak in the tranquility of the backwaters.
Alleppey Backwater Cruise: Affordable. Time spent: Full day.
Saturday, December 23: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
Start your day with an exciting visit to the Periyar National Park in Thekkady. Take a morning boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you can spot various wildlife species, including elephants, tigers, and birds. In the afternoon, explore the spice plantations and learn about the rich flora of the region. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance showcasing traditional dance forms.
Periyar National Park: Entrance fee: Affordable. Time spent: Half day.
Spice Plantations: Entrance fee: Affordable. Time spent: 2-3 hours.
Sunday, December 24: Kovalam Beach
Spend a relaxing day at Kovalam Beach, one of Kerala's most popular beach destinations. In the morning, unwind on the golden sand and take a dip in the refreshing Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, indulge in some Ayurvedic massages or try out yoga on the beach. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing sunset while enjoying fresh seafood at one of the beachside shacks.
Kovalam Beach: Free. Time spent: Full day.
Monday, December 25: Wayanad Adventure
Embark on an adventurous day in Wayanad. In the morning, go trekking in the lush forests of Wayanad and visit the scenic viewpoints. In the afternoon, explore the ancient Edakkal Caves and learn about their historical significance. In the evening, witness the traditional tribal dance performances and savor local delicacies.
Trekking in Wayanad: Affordable. Time spent: Full day.
Edakkal Caves: Entrance fee: Affordable. Time spent: 2-3 hours.
Tuesday, December 26: Departure from Kerala
On your last day, bid farewell to Kerala. Take some time in the morning for souvenir shopping in the local markets. Afterward, head to the Cochin International Airport to catch your flight back home, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your shoestring budget trip to beautiful Kerala.
Shopping in Local Markets: Budget-friendly. Time spent: 2-3 hours.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For budget-friendly hidden gems and local favorites, consider visiting the quiet village of Marari Beach with its pristine shores and laid-back atmosphere. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the village of Kumarakom, renowned for its backwater beauty and serene bird sanctuary. Both these places offer a peaceful escape from the crowd and are perfect for travelers on a shoestring budget.