Discovering Kerala in July 2023

1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
   1 hour 20 minutes (38.3 km) from Cochin International Airport

   In the morning, visit the St. Francis Church, which is the oldest European church in India. Continue to the Chinese Fishing Nets and the beach for a refreshing breeze. In the afternoon, explore the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, and its beautiful murals. End the day with a Kathakali dance performance at the Cochin Cultural Centre.

2. Day 2: Munnar
   4 hours 30 minutes (126 km) from Fort Kochi

   Start the day with a visit to the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea. Continue to the Mattupetty Dam for a scenic boat ride and stunning views of the surrounding hills. In the afternoon, explore the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. End the day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

3. Day 3: Thekkady
   3 hours 30 minutes (91.6 km) from Munnar

   Take a nature walk in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and observe the diverse flora and fauna, including elephants and tigers. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the cultivation of pepper, cardamom, and other spices. End the day by watching a traditional martial arts performance known as Kalaripayattu.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   4 hours 30 minutes (125 km) from Thekkady

   In the morning, enjoy a tranquil backwater cruise on a traditional houseboat. Relax and take in the beautiful scenery of palm trees, rice paddies, and coconut groves. In the afternoon, cycle around the villages and interact with the friendly locals. End the day with a delicious seafood dinner.

5. Day 5: Varkala
   4 hours (110 km) from Alleppey

   Start the day with a yoga session on the beach and enjoy the calming sound of the waves. In the afternoon, visit the Janardanaswamy Temple, which is over 2,000 years old and admire its unique architecture. End the day with a sunset view of the Arabian Sea from the Varkala Cliff.

6. Day 6: Kovalam
   1 hour 30 minutes (52.6 km) from Varkala

   Relax on the picturesque Kovalam Beach and take a dip in the clear waters. In the afternoon, visit the Halcyon Castle, a beautiful restored palace that was built in the 1930s. End the day with a seafood dinner at one of the beachside restaurants.

7. Day 7: Trivandrum
   30 minutes (10 km) from Kovalam

   In the morning, visit the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the most famous temples in Kerala with a stunning architecture. Continue to the Napier Museum and Art Gallery to admire its impressive collection of ancient and modern art. End the day with some souvenir shopping at the Chalai Market.

Recommendations

Consider taking a side trip to the hill station of Wayanad to explore its coffee and tea plantations and visit the Edakkal Caves. Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare some of the delicious Kerala dishes.

Time and Costs Estimates

• St. Francis Church (1 hour, free)
• Chinese Fishing Nets and Beach (1 hour, free)
• Mattancherry Palace (1.5 hours, ₹5 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners)
• Kathakali dance performance (2 hours, ₹500-₹1000)
• Tea Museum (1 hour, ₹120 for adults, ₹90 for children)
• Mattupetty Dam (1.5 hours, ₹400 per person)
• Eravikulam National Park (2 hours, ₹120 for Indians, ₹400 for foreigners)
• Ayurvedic massage (1 hour, ₹1500-₹3000)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, ₹50 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners)
• Spice plantation visit (2 hours, ₹100 per person)
• Kalaripayattu performance (1 hour, ₹200-₹500)
• Backwater cruise (4 hours, ₹8000-₹10000 for a houseboat)
• Cycling tour (2 hours, ₹500 per person)
• Janardanaswamy Temple (1.5 hours, free)
• Halcyon Castle (1 hour, ₹250 per person)
• Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple (2 hours, free)
• Napier Museum and Art Gallery (2 hours, ₹20 for Indians, ₹150 for foreigners)
• Chalai Market (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs (excluding flights, accommodation, transport, and meals): ₹18,875-₹22,750