A Nature Lover's Paradise: 7 Day Kerala Itinerary

  • Day 1: Munnar
    4-5 hours (94 km) from Cochin International Airport

    Surrounded by rolling hills, lush tea plantations, and serene waterfalls, Munnar is a nature lover's paradise. Spend the day exploring the Eravikulam National Park, which is home to rare wildlife species like the Nilgiri Tahr and the Neelakurinji flower. Sip on some refreshing tea while enjoying the stunning views at the Tata Tea Museum.

  • Day 2: Thekkady
    3-4 hours (91 km) from Munnar

    Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Thekkady, known for its Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Take a jungle safari to spot tigers, elephants, and other exotic wildlife. Refresh at the Periyar Lake with boating facilities.

  • Day 3: Kumarakom
    4-5 hours (133 km) from Thekkady

    Known for its idyllic backwaters and rich avian population, Kumarakom is a perfect spot for relaxing amidst natural beauty. Enjoy a houseboat cruise on the serene backwaters and spot various species of birds at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

  • Day 4: Alleppey
    30 minutes (18 km) from Kumarakom

    Alleppey is the heart of the backwaters and is known for its lush greenery and picturesque canals. Spend the day enjoying the scenery while cruising around in a traditional Kettuvallam (houseboat) or take a refreshing swim in the Marari Beach.

  • Day 5: Varkala
    4-5 hours (113 km) from Alleppey

    Known for its stunning beaches, scenic cliffs, and serene atmosphere, Varkala is a great spot to unwind. Visit the Janardhana Swami Temple and spend the day relaxing at the Varkala Beach.

  • Day 6: Wayanad
    7-8 hours (300 km) from Varkala

    Wayanad is a nature lover's paradise, with stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and tea plantations. Visit the Meenmutty Falls or explore the Chembra Peak for breathtaking views. Enjoy a cup of tea at the Wayanad Tea Museum.

  • Day 7: Cochin
    5-6 hours (258 km) from Wayanad

    Explore the historic city of Cochin, which is a blend of tradition and modernity. Visit the Fort Kochi, which is home to many historic buildings from the British colonial era. Witness the famous Chinese fishing nets and the St. Francis Church. End the day by catching a live performance at the Kathakali Centre.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Eravikulam National Park (4 hours, INR 400)
  • Tata Tea Museum (1 hour, INR 100)
  • Periyar National Park (3 hours, INR 500)
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 50)
  • Kettuvallam (4 hours, INR 6,000)
  • Janardhana Swami Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Meenmutty Falls (2 hours, INR 30)
  • Chembra Peak (3 hours, INR 500)
  • Kathakali Centre (2 hours, INR 500)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 8,080

Transportation

Travelers can hire taxis for transportation between different cities. The approximate cost is INR 2,000-2,500 per day. Travel time between cities can range from 2-8 hours depending on the distance.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Athirapally Waterfalls or the Silent Valley National Park. For a lesser duration, you can skip Varkala or Wayanad depending on your preferences.

Airports

The nearest airport to Kerala is Cochin International Airport (COK), located around 25 km from the city center. It is well-connected to major Indian cities, as well as international destinations like Dubai, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi.

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