5-Day Kerala Rail/Train Trip on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Exploring Kochi

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Fort Kochi Beach

Start your day with a visit to the picturesque Fort Kochi Beach, known for its Chinese fishing nets and beautiful views.
Fort Kochi Beach is a 30-minute drive from Kochi Railway Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Mattancherry Palace

Explore the historic Mattancherry Palace, showcasing Kerala's traditional architecture and art.
From Fort Kochi Beach, take a tuk-tuk to reach Mattancherry Palace in 20 minutes.
INR 5 for Indians, INR 100 for foreigners, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fusion Bay

Enjoy a delicious South Indian meal at Fusion Bay, a popular restaurant in Kochi.
Fusion Bay is a 10-minute walk from Mattancherry Palace.
INR 200 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Jew Town

Shop for souvenirs and antiques at Jew Town, known for its vibrant market and historical significance.
Jew Town is a 15-minute walk from Fusion Bay.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Catch a Kathakali Performance

End your day with a traditional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing Kerala's cultural heritage.
Take a tuk-tuk to the venue from Jew Town, approximately 25 minutes.
INR 300 per person, 2 hours
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Day 2: More of Kochi

Kochi, India

9:00AM

Dutch Palace

Visit the Dutch Palace, a historic landmark with a fascinating collection of murals and artifacts.
Dutch Palace is a 20-minute drive from your accommodation.
INR 5 for Indians, INR 100 for foreigners, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Shopping at Broadway

Explore the bustling shopping street of Broadway for local handicrafts and spices.
Broadway is a 15-minute walk from Dutch Palace.
Variable, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Dal Roti

Indulge in North Indian cuisine at Dal Roti, a popular restaurant in Kochi.
Dal Roti is a 10-minute walk from Broadway.
INR 150 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Marine Drive

Spend a leisurely afternoon by the scenic Marine Drive, enjoying the sea breeze and views of the backwaters.
Marine Drive is a 20-minute drive from Dal Roti.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Shri Krishna Cafe

Try local Kerala delicacies at Shri Krishna Cafe, known for its authentic flavors.
Shri Krishna Cafe is a 15-minute walk from Marine Drive.
INR 250 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Alleppey's Charm

Alleppey, India

8:00AM

Alleppey Backwaters Cruise

Embark on a serene backwaters cruise in Alleppey, experiencing the beauty of the tranquil waterways.
Travel from Kochi to Alleppey by train, approximately 1.5 hours.
INR 600 per person for a shared houseboat, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on Houseboat

Enjoy a traditional Keralite meal on the houseboat as you float along the backwaters.
Lunch is provided on the houseboat.
Included in cruise cost, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Alleppey Town

Take a stroll through Alleppey Town, known for its canals, coir industry, and vibrant local life.
Alleppey Town is a short walk from the houseboat docking point.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Thaff Restaurant

Savor seafood delicacies at Thaff Restaurant, a popular dining spot in Alleppey.
Thaff Restaurant is a 10-minute walk from Alleppey Town.
INR 300 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Kollam Exploration

Kollam, India

9:00AM

Ashtamudi Lake Boat Ride

Embark on a scenic boat ride on Ashtamudi Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquility.
Travel from Alleppey to Kollam by train, approximately 2 hours.
INR 300 per person for a shared boat ride, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Chakara Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine at Chakara Restaurant, known for its traditional flavors.
Chakara Restaurant is a 15-minute walk from the boat docking point.
INR 200 per person, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kollam Beach

Relax on the sandy shores of Kollam Beach, watching the waves and enjoying the coastal breeze.
Kollam Beach is a 20-minute walk from Chakara Restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Thangassery Lighthouse

Climb the Thangassery Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and historic surroundings.
Thangassery Lighthouse is a 10-minute drive from Kollam Beach.
INR 20 for Indians, INR 50 for foreigners, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Zam Zam

Indulge in Arabian cuisine at Zam Zam, a popular restaurant offering a variety of flavors.
Zam Zam is a 5-minute walk from Thangassery Lighthouse.
INR 250 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Thiruvananthapuram Highlights

Thiruvananthapuram, India

9:00AM

Napier Museum

Explore the Napier Museum, showcasing a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts.
Travel from Kollam to Thiruvananthapuram by train, approximately 1.5 hours.
INR 20 for Indians, INR 150 for foreigners, 2 hours

11:30AM

Kuthiramalika Palace

Visit the Kuthiramalika Palace, known for its unique horse-shaped ornamentation and exquisite architecture.
Kuthiramalika Palace is a 10-minute walk from Napier Museum.
INR 20 for Indians, INR 150 for foreigners, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Villa Maya

Dine in elegance at Villa Maya, a luxurious restaurant housed in a colonial-style mansion.
Villa Maya is a 5-minute walk from Kuthiramalika Palace.
INR 400 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Visit the renowned Padmanabhaswamy Temple, an architectural marvel and spiritual landmark of Thiruvananthapuram.
The temple is a 15-minute walk from Villa Maya.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Zam Zam

End your day with another delightful meal at Zam Zam, savoring their Arabian specialties.
Zam Zam is a 15-minute walk from Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
INR 250 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability