7-Day Adventure Itinerary in Kerala, August 2023

1. Day 1: Kochi
   30 minutes (20.3 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Start the day with a visit to the Fort Kochi area, a historic neighborhood with charming European architecture and a bustling spice market. After lunch, head to the Athirappilly Waterfalls for a refreshing swim and stunning views. End the day with a sunset cruise on the backwaters of Kochi.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours (130 km) from Kochi

   In the morning, drive to the tea plantations of Munnar. Take a guided hike through the plantations and learn about the tea-making process. After lunch, visit the Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride on the serene lake. End the day with a visit to the Top Station viewpoint, known for its panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3.5 hours (91 km) from Munnar

   Start the day with a visit to the Periyar National Park, home to elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. Take a guided trek through the park and spot some of the animals in their natural habitat. After lunch, head to the Spice Garden to learn about the fragrant spices that Kerala is famous for. End the day with a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   3.5 hours (138 km) from Thekkady

   Take an early morning drive to Alleppey and board a houseboat for a leisurely cruise through the backwaters. Enjoy the scenic views of lush paddy fields and coconut trees. In the evening, watch the sunset over the backwaters while enjoying a delicious traditional Kerala meal on board.

5. Day 5: Kovalam
   4 hours (159 km) from Alleppey

   Head to the beautiful beaches of Kovalam. Spend the morning relaxing on the beach, swimming and sunbathing. After lunch, visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a stunning Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. End the day with a visit to the Kovalam Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the coastline.

6. Day 6: Varkala
   1 hour (43 km) from Kovalam

   Start the day with a visit to the Varkala Beach, known for its stunning cliffs and golden sands. Take a dip in the cool waters and relax on the beach. In the evening, hike up to the Varkala Cliff for a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea. End the day with a seafood dinner at one of the many beachside restaurants.

7. Day 7: Thiruvananthapuram
   1 hour (42 km) from Varkala

   In the morning, visit the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the most revered temples in Kerala. After lunch, head to the Napier Museum, a stunning 19th-century building that houses a vast collection of Indian art and artifacts. End the day with a visit to the Kuthira Malika Palace, a beautiful example of traditional Kerala architecture.

Recommendations

Consider taking a side trip to Wayanad, a beautiful hilly region that's home to wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls, and coffee plantations. You could also try some adventure activities like trekking, kayaking, or paragliding. For a unique experience, consider staying in a treehouse or a houseboat overnight.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Fort Kochi (2 hours, free)
• Athirappilly Waterfalls (3 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Sunset cruise on Kochi backwaters (2 hours, INR 800 per person)
• Munnar tea plantations hike (4 hours, INR 700 per person)
• Mattupetty Dam boat ride (1 hour, INR 300 per person)
• Top Station viewpoint (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Periyar National Park guided trek (4 hours, INR 1,500 per person)
• Spice Garden visit (1 hour, INR 100 per person)
• Kathakali dance performance (1 hour, INR 300 per person)
• Alleppey houseboat cruise (6 hours, INR 9,000 for two people)
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple visit (1 hour, free)
• Kovalam Lighthouse visit (1 hour, INR 20 per person)
• Varkala Beach (2 hours, free)
• Varkala Cliff hike (2 hours, free)
• Seafood dinner (1 hour, INR 500 per person)
• Napier Museum visit (2 hours, INR 150 per person)
• Kuthira Malika Palace visit (1 hour, INR 100 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 13,370 per person