Kerala Adventures: 7-Day Itinerary

Tuesday, October 24: Arrival in Kochi

Start your adventure in Kochi, the gateway to Kerala. Morning: Explore Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon: Visit the Mattancherry Palace and experience the vibrant Jew Town. Evening: Enjoy a Kathakali performance, a traditional dance-drama of Kerala.

• Fort Kochi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Mattancherry Palace: Estimated cost - INR 5 ($0.07), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Kathakali Performance: Estimated cost - INR 300 ($4), Time spent - 2-3 hours

Wednesday, October 25: Munnar Tea Gardens

Morning: Head to Munnar, known for its pristine tea gardens. Afternoon: Visit the Tata Tea Museum and learn about the history of tea production. Evening: Explore the aromatic spice and tea markets of Munnar.

• Munnar Tea Gardens: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Tata Tea Museum: Estimated cost - INR 100 ($1.35), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Spice and Tea Markets: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday, October 26: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Morning: Embark on a thrilling jungle safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Afternoon: Take a boat ride on Periyar Lake and spot wildlife. Evening: Explore the nearby spice plantations and learn about the spice trade.

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 450 ($6), Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Boat Ride on Periyar Lake: Estimated cost - INR 225 ($3), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Spice Plantations: Estimated cost - Free (optional guided tour available), Time spent - 1-2 hours

Friday, October 27: Alleppey Backwaters

Morning: Cruise through the famous backwaters of Alleppey on a traditional houseboat. Afternoon: Explore the serene villages and canals of the backwaters. Evening: Enjoy a mesmerizing sunset over the water.

• Alleppey Houseboat Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 5000 ($68) for 24 hours (shared by 5 people), Time spent - Overnight
• Explore Backwater Villages: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Sunset Watching: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Alleppey is Café Delight. Their menu offers a variety of delicious South Indian dishes such as idli and dosa. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For a tasty lunch, head to Annakoot Restaurant. They serve authentic Kerala cuisine with a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• Indulge in a delightful dinner at Dreamers Restaurant, known for its cozy ambience and delectable seafood. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Saturday, October 28: Wayanad Adventure

Morning: Head to Wayanad, a nature lover's paradise. Afternoon: Trek through the lush forests and visit the mesmerizing Soochipara Waterfalls. Evening: Explore the ancient Edakkal Caves and witness prehistoric rock art.

• Trek in Wayanad Forests: Estimated cost - INR 500 ($7), Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Soochipara Waterfalls: Estimated cost - INR 50 ($0.68), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Edakkal Caves: Estimated cost - INR 40 ($0.54), Time spent - 2-3 hours

Sunday, October 29: Varkala Beach

Morning: Relax and unwind at Varkala Beach, known for its stunning cliffs and golden sand. Afternoon: Indulge in various water activities like surfing and parasailing. Evening: Witness a breathtaking sunset by the Arabian Sea.

• Varkala Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Full day
• Water Activities: Estimated cost - INR 1000 ($14) (depending on activities chosen), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Sunset Watching: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Monday, October 30: Trivandrum City Tour

Morning: Explore the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum. Visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Afternoon: Discover the rich cultural heritage at the Napier Museum and the Kerala Museum. Evening: Stroll along the vibrant streets of Trivandrum and indulge in local delicacies.

• Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Napier Museum: Estimated cost - INR 20 ($0.27), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Kerala Museum: Estimated cost - INR 30 ($0.41), Time spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For adventure seekers, don't miss the opportunity to go bamboo rafting in the dense forests of Silent Valley National Park. Trekking enthusiasts can explore the challenging trails of Chembra Peak in Wayanad. Kayaking in the backwaters of Alappuzha and scuba diving in Kovalam are also highly recommended for thrilling experiences.

Check hotel and flight prices on kayak.com.