Shoestring Budget itinerary for Kerala Tour

1. Day 1: Cochin
   30 minutes (28 km) from Cochin Airport

   Explore the historic Fort Kochi, its colonial buildings, and the famous Chinese fishing nets in the morning. Visit the popular Jewish synagogue and the nearby spice markets in the afternoon. Watch a Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

2. Day 2: Athirapally
   2 hours 20 minutes (73 km) from Cochin

   Visit the majestic Athirapally waterfalls in the morning. Take a dip in the waterfall pool. Enjoy a jungle safari in the afternoon at the nearby Sholayar forest range. Relax in the evening by the river Chalakudy.

3. Day 3: Munnar
   3 hours 30 minutes (130 km) from Athirapally

   Visit the scenic hill station Munnar in the morning. Trek to the Echo Point and enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains. Visit the tea estates and learn about the tea-making process in the afternoon. Watch the sunset from the Pothamedu viewpoint in the evening.

4. Day 4: Alleppey
   4 hours (151 km) from Munnar

   Take a houseboat cruise in the serene backwaters of Alleppey in the morning. Enjoy the local cuisine and the scenic beauty of the backwaters. Visit the nearby beaches in the afternoon. Relax by the beach and watch the sunset in the evening.

5. Day 5: Thekkady
   3 hours (138 km) from Alleppey

   Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the morning. Take a boat ride in the sanctuary to see the wild animals. Visit the nearby spice plantations in the afternoon. Experience the Ayurvedic massage in the evening.

6. Day 6: Kovalam and Varkala
   4 hours (157 km) from Thekkady

   Visit the famous Kovalam beach in the morning. Take a dip in the sea and enjoy the water sports. Visit the nearby Vizhinjam lighthouse and the ancient rock-cut temple. Relax by the beach in the afternoon. Visit the scenic Varkala beach in the evening and watch the sunset.

7. Day 7: Kanyakumari and Thiruvananthapuram
   2 hours 30 minutes (95 km) from Varkala

   Visit the southernmost tip of India at Kanyakumari in the morning. Visit the Vivekananda Rock and the Thiruvalluvar Statue. Enjoy the scenic view of the sunrise and the sunset. Visit the Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram in the afternoon. Explore the city and its museums in the evening.

Recommendations:

You can consider visiting the hill stations of Wayanad and Vagamon for a day trip. You can also experience the traditional Kerala houseboat stay in Kumarakom. Don't forget to taste the local seafood delicacies and shop for souvenirs at the local markets.

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