7-Day Itinerary for Exploring the Beauty of Kerala

• Day 1: Head to Kochi (Cochin) and spend time exploring its diverse mix of cultures and landmarks. Visit the Fort Kochi Beach to experience the serene sunset view and explore the antique Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, and Jew Town.
• Day 2: Embark on a day trip to the stunning Munnar hills, known for its rolling tea plantations and breathtaking natural beauty, and visit Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, and Kundala Lake.
• Day 3: Take a rejuvenating break in Thekkady, which presents the best of nature experiences with opportunities for ecotourism and wildlife tourism. Take a jungle trek in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or indulge in a boating tour to spot wild elephants.
• Day 4: Get whisked away to the quaint town of Alleppey, known for its serene backwaters and lush greenery. Stay overnight in a houseboat and experience the enchanting beauty of Alleppey up-close.
• Day 5: Head to the astoundingly picturesque Wayanad district, famous for its green hills and historic caves like Edakkal Caves and Banasura Sagar Dam.
• Day 6: Spend a day in Kovalam, known for its stunning beaches like Lighthouse Beach and Hawah Beach. Take in the sunset at the Valiathura Pier and pamper yourself with a traditional Ayurvedic massage.
• Day 7: Visit the historically rich town of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Take a stroll around the vibrant Napier Museum, Shangumukham Beach and Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Fort Kochi Beach (2 hours) - Free Entry
• Munnar Hills (Full Day) - INR 2000 (Transportation)
• Eravikulam National Park (4 hours) - INR 100 (Entry Fees)
• Thekkady (Full Day) - INR 2000 (Transportation)
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours) - INR 335 (Entry Fees + Boating Services)
• Alleppey (Full Day) - INR 4000 (Houseboat stay and transportation)
• Wayanad (Full Day) - INR 2500 (Transportation)
• Kovalam (Full Day) - INR 1500 (Transportation and Massage)
• Thiruvananthapuram (Full Day) - INR 2000 (Transportation and Entry Fees)

Total Estimated Costs: INR 16535

Transportation

While planning your travel in Kerala, keep in mind that transportation options may vary depending on your itinerary. You can choose between hiring a private vehicle, taking public transport like buses, or using cab and auto-rickshaws. In general, transportation cost for a full day starts from INR 2000. Make sure to book in advance, especially if you're arriving during the peak tourist season. Factoring in travel time is crucial, to make sure you have enough time to enjoy each attraction.

Useful Tips

If you have more days to spare, you can extend your stay in different locations for a more in-depth experience of Kerala. Ensure to carry light cotton clothes, comfortable shoes, and mosquito repellent, while avoiding synthetic clothing. Travelling during monsoon season can be a bit of a challenge, so plan accordingly. If you have fewer days, consider skipping some of the attractions and focus only on the ones that you consider essential to your trip. Make sure to pack sufficient legal currency and be aware that Kerala is a no-smoking state.