7-Day Nature Itinerary in Kerala

1. Day 1: Periyar National Park
   Recommended stay: Thekkady
   2 hours 45 minutes (96.5 km) from Cochin International Airport

   Explore the wildlife sanctuary, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake, and watch a Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

2. Day 2: Munnar Tea Plantations
   Recommended stay: Munnar
   3 hours 10 minutes (92.2 km) from Thekkady

   Visit the tea museum, trek to the Meesapulimala Peak, and watch the sunset at Top Station.

3. Day 3: Athirapally Waterfalls
   Recommended stay: Athirapally
   3 hours 50 minutes (130 km) from Munnar

   Explore the scenic falls, take a dip in the natural pool, and visit the nearby Vazhachal Falls.

4. Day 4: Varkala Beach
   Recommended stay: Varkala
   4 hours 15 minutes (146 km) from Athirapally

   Relax on the beach, take a dip in the Arabian Sea, and enjoy the cliff-top view of the sunset.

5. Day 5: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
   Recommended stay: Kumarakom
   2 hours 20 minutes (80 km) from Varkala

   Spot exotic birds, take a boat ride on Vembanad Lake, and indulge in ayurvedic spa treatments.

6. Day 6: Marari Beach
   Recommended stay: Mararikulam
   45 minutes (17.7 km) from Kumarakom

   Spend a relaxed day on the beach, take a cycling tour of the village, and experience a traditional Kerala-style lunch.

7. Day 7: Alleppey Backwaters
   Recommended stay: Alleppey
   1 hour (23.5 km) from Mararikulam

   Cruise through the backwaters on a houseboat, visit the Krishnapuram Palace, and enjoy a Kathakali performance in the evening.

Recommendations

You can also consider visiting Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Chembra Peak, and Silent Valley National Park for more nature experiences. A side trip to Kovalam Beach or a visit to Fort Kochi for its colonial history is also recommended. To maximize your fun, try local cuisine like appam and stew or fish curry. Don't forget to try some spice shopping at Munnar and Thekkady.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Periyar National Park (1 day, INR 450 per person)
• Munnar Tea Plantations (1 day, INR 500 per person)
• Athirapally Waterfalls (1 day, INR 50 per person)
• Varkala Beach (1 day, free)
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (1 day, INR 50 per person)
• Marari Beach (1 day, free)
• Alleppey Backwaters (1 day, INR 5000 for a houseboat)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 6050 per person