How many days do you need in Kerala?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Kerala, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Kerala?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Kerala. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Exploring the Beauty of Kerala

Day 1: City Vibes and Cultural Delights

Kochi, Kerala

8:00AM

Visit Mattancherry Palace

Start your day by exploring the historical Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to admire its exquisite murals.

INR 5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Fort Kochi

Take a leisurely walk around the charming lanes of Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant art scene.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe

Indulge in a delicious fusion of local and international flavours at Kashi Art Cafe, a popular cultural hub in Fort Kochi.

INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets

Witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets in action and learn about this ancient fishing technique from the local fishermen.

INR 100 for a boat ride, 1 hour

5:00PM

Kathakali Performance

Experience the captivating traditional dance-drama of Kerala, Kathakali, at a local cultural centre.

INR 300, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Oceanos Restaurant

Relish a sumptuous seafood dinner at Oceanos Restaurant, overlooking the Arabian Sea.

INR 800, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kochi

Day 2: Backwaters and Houseboat Experience

Alleppey, Kerala

8:00AM

Travel to Alleppey

Embark on a scenic drive to Alleppey, known as the 'Venice of the East' for its mesmerising backwaters.

INR 500 by taxi, 3 hours

11:00AM

Houseboat Cruise

Board a traditional houseboat and cruise along the tranquil backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery and quaint villages.

INR 3000 for a 4-hour cruise, 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch on Houseboat

Enjoy a freshly prepared Keralan meal as you glide through the serene backwaters on the houseboat.

Included in houseboat package, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax and Unwind

Spend the evening relaxing on the houseboat, taking in the beautiful sunset and the peaceful surroundings.

Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Houseboat

Delight in a delectable dinner prepared by the onboard chef, featuring fresh local ingredients and traditional flavours.

Included in houseboat package, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Alleppey

Day 3: Hill Station Retreat in Munnar

Munnar, Kerala

9:00AM

Visit Tea Gardens

Begin your day with a visit to the lush tea gardens of Munnar, where you can witness the process of tea plucking and processing.

INR 100 for entry, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Mattupetty Dam

Head to the picturesque Mattupetty Dam, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and an optional boat ride on the reservoir.

INR 25 for entry, INR 300 for boat ride, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Savour a traditional South Indian thali at Saravana Bhavan, known for its authentic vegetarian dishes and warm hospitality.

INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Top Station

Drive to the stunning Top Station viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats and the plains of Tamil Nadu.

INR 50 for entry, 2 hours

6:00PM

Relax at the Resort

Unwind at your hillside resort, surrounded by tranquil nature and enjoy the cool mountain air.

Free, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Indulge in a hearty dinner at Rapsy Restaurant, known for its delicious local delicacies and warm ambiance.

INR 600, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 4: Beach Bliss in Varkala

Varkala, Kerala

9:00AM

Relax at Varkala Beach

Spend a leisurely morning soaking up the sun and enjoying the serene beauty of Varkala Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs and golden sands.

Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Darjeeling Cafe

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Darjeeling Cafe, a charming seaside eatery serving a variety of fresh seafood and international cuisine.

INR 700, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Ayurvedic Massage

Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage at one of the wellness centres along the cliff, overlooking the Arabian Sea.

INR 2000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset Views at Varkala Cliff

Head to the Varkala Cliff to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Arabian Sea, offering stunning panoramic views of the coastline.

Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Abba Restaurant

Dine at the popular Abba Restaurant, known for its delectable seafood dishes and relaxed ambience by the cliffside.

INR 800, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Varkala

Day 5: Cultural Heritage in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

9:00AM

Visit Napier Museum

Explore the Napier Museum, a beautifully designed 19th-century building housing a rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts.

INR 20 for entry, 2 hours

11:30AM

Discover Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Visit the iconic Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance.

Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Villa Maya

Indulge in a sophisticated dining experience at Villa Maya, housed in a colonial-era mansion and serving a fusion of traditional and contemporary cuisine.

INR 1000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Kuthira Malika (Puthen Malika) Palace

Visit the Kuthira Malika Palace, an elegant wooden palace adorned with exquisite carvings, unique artifacts, and royal memorabilia.

INR 50 for entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at Chalai Market

Enjoy some leisurely shopping at Chalai Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide variety of traditional items, spices, and textiles.

Depends on purchases, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Zam Zam

Conclude your Kerala journey with a delightful dinner at Zam Zam, savouring their speciality Malabar biryani and other authentic local dishes.

INR 600, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Exploring the Beauty of Kerala

Day 1: City Vibes and Cultural Delights

8:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 2: Backwaters and Houseboat Experience

8:00AM

11:00AM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Hill Station Retreat in Munnar

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 4: Beach Bliss in Varkala

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 5: Cultural Heritage in Thiruvananthapuram

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

3:30PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

More About Kerala

Plan Your Kerala Trip