7-Day Itinerary for Kerala

1. Day 1: Kochi
   30 minutes (21.6 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets in the morning followed by a tour of the historic Fort Kochi, where you can see the Dutch Palace and St Francis Church. Spend the afternoon exploring the Jew Town and its antique shops. In the evening, watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

2. Day 2: Alleppey
   1 hour 30 minutes (53.7 km) from Kochi

   Take a scenic drive to Alleppey and board a private houseboat for a backwater cruise. Enjoy the stunning views of paddy fields, coconut trees, and local villages while savoring delicious Kerala cuisine. Spend the night on the houseboat and experience peaceful slumbers.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   4 hours (142.6 km) from Alleppey

   Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the morning and take a guided boat tour of the Periyar Lake to spot wild animals and birds. After lunch, go for a spice plantation tour where you can learn about various spices and how they are grown. In the evening, enjoy a traditional martial arts performance.

4. Day 4: Munnar
   3 hours 30 minutes (88.6 km) from Thekkady

   Start your day visiting the Tea Museum to learn about the history and processing of tea. Head to the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and enjoy a scenic trek to the peak. After lunch, visit the Mattupetty Dam for boating and horse riding.

5. Day 5: Varkala
   4 hours (157.6 km) from Munnar

   Drive to the coastal town of Varkala, famous for its beautiful beaches and cliffs. Spend the morning sunbathing and swimming at the Papanasam Beach followed by lunch at a seaside restaurant. In the evening, take a stroll along the cliff, watch the sunset and indulge in some shopping.

6. Day 6: Kovalam
   1 hour 30 minutes (50.3 km) from Varkala

   Visit the Kovalam Beach, famous for its pristine sands and picturesque lighthouse. Enjoy water sports activities such as surfing, parasailing, and skiing. After lunch, visit the Halcyon Castle, a beautiful palace on a hilltop, and the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary for a trek and exploring the nature park.

7. Day 7: Trivandrum
   30 minutes (15.5 km) from Kovalam

   Visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the wealthiest temples in the world. Head to the Trivandrum Zoo and see various animals and birds. After lunch, visit the Napier Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing a beautiful collection of Indian art and artifacts. In the evening, visit the Shanghumukham Beach to relax and watch the sunset.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to experience Ayurvedic massages and treatments, which Kerala is famous for. You can also consider visiting the Athirappilly Waterfalls or the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary for some additional wildlife experiences.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Chinese Fishing Nets (1 hour, free)
• Kathakali Performance (2 hours, INR 500)
• Private Houseboat (24 hours, INR 10,000)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 500)
• Spice Plantation Tour (2 hours, INR 500)
• Eravikulam National Park (4 hours, INR 200)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, INR 150)
• Boating at Mattupetty Dam (1 hour, INR 300)
• Water Sports Activities (2 hours, INR 1500)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple (1 hour, free)
• Trivandrum Zoo (2 hours, INR 50)
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery (2 hours, INR 20)
• Shanghumukham Beach (2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 12,770