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8-Day Kerala Adventure: Explore the Backwaters, Hills, and Wildlife

Viewed by 71 travelers

Day 1: Cultural Immersion

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Start your day with a mouthwatering breakfast at Kashi Art Café, famous for its fresh juices and homemade bread.
Located in Fort Kochi, just a short walk from many attractions.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fort Kochi

Explore the historical Fort Kochi area, visiting St. Francis Church and the Chinese Fishing Nets.
Walking distance from Kashi Art Café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Rice Boat

Savor local seafood delicacies at The Rice Boat, nestled at the Taj Malabar hotel.
Drive or walk depending on your proximity.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Jew Town and The Synagogue

Stroll through Jew Town, filled with antique shops, and visit the historic Paradesi Synagogue.
A short drive or taxi ride.
INR 300, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Kochi Biennale

If visiting during the Biennale (December – March), witness contemporary art installations and exhibitions.
Taxis available in the area.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fort House Restaurant

Indulge in traditional Kerala cuisine with a view of Fort Kochi's waterfront.
Walk back to the restaurant.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kochi

Day 2: Scenic Hill Station

Munnar, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day ahead.
At your hotel in Kochi.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Munnar

Leave Kochi and head towards the lush green hills of Munnar, famous for its tea plantations.
About 4 hours drive.
INR 500 for fuel, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Experience authentic South Indian cuisine with a vegetarian twist at Saravana Bhavan.
In Munnar town, nearby tourist spots.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tea Museum

Learn about the history of tea production in Munnar and enjoy tastings.
Short drive from the restaurant.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Eravikulam National Park

Spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy scenic views from Anamudi Peak.
30 minutes drive from the tea museum.
INR 200, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

CA cozy setting offers delicious local dishes and fresh seafood.
In Munnar town.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 3: Relaxing in Nature

Munnar, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy another delightful breakfast, this time try the local appam with stew.
At your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Mattupetty Dam

Spend the morning at Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy boating and stunning views.
15 minutes drive from hotel.
INR 300 for boating, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Hillview

Eat at Hillview, which boasts scenic views and a variety of Indian and Chinese dishes.
Short 20-minute drive.
INR 700, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Top Station

Top Station is a spectacular viewpoint located 33 km from Munnar, offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.
Follow the Munnar-Kodaikanal Highway.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Tea Plantation Tour

Experience the serenity of Munnar's tea plantations by taking a guided tour.
Return to Munnar town for starting point.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Spice Tree

End your day with a sumptuous dinner at Spice Tree, with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Located nearby in Munnar.
INR 900, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 4: Wildlife and Culture

Thekkady, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast with views of the mountains before embarking on your journey.
At your Munnar hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Thekkady

Journey to Thekkady, known for its wildlife and spice plantations.
Roughly 3 hours drive.
INR 400 for fuel, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Grandma's Restaurant

A home-style restaurant offering an array of Kerala dishes.
Near the entrance of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
INR 700, 1 hour

1:00PM

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Enjoy an afternoon boat ride on Periyar Lake where you can spot elephants and other wildlife.
Inside the sanctuary premises.
INR 1200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Spice Plantation

Take a guided tour of a spice plantation and learn about the various spices grown in the region.
Nearby the sanctuary.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Spice Garden Restaurant

Dine at Spice Garden for an authentic experience with local flavors.
Located in Thekkady.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Thekkady

Day 5: Backwater Bliss

Alleppey, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel with local specialties and fresh fruits.
At your hotel in Thekkady.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey, also known as the 'Venice of the East'.
2 hours drive.
INR 300 for fuel, 2 hours

10:30AM

Houseboat Check-in

Begin your houseboat experience on the backwaters of Alleppey.
Boarding point nearby.
INR 8000 for houseboat (full day), 30 minutes

11:00AM

Backwaters Cruise

Cruise through the picturesque backwaters, immersing yourself in nature.
On the houseboat.
Included in houseboat rental, 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch on the Houseboat

Enjoy a freshly cooked Kerala meal prepared by your houseboat chef.
Continues on the cruise.
Included in houseboat rental, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Local Villages

Explore charming villages along the backwaters and interact with the local community.
Part of the houseboat tour.
Included, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner on the Houseboat

End your day with a wonderful dinner under the stars on the deck of the houseboat.
On the houseboat.
Included in houseboat rental, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Alleppey

Day 6: Lush Greenery

Kumarakom, India

7:30AM

Breakfast on the Houseboat

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the deck as you continue to cruise through the backwaters.
On the houseboat.
Included in houseboat rental, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-out and Drive to Kumarakom

Leave the houseboat and head to Kumerakom, famous for its bird sanctuary.
Short drive from the houseboat docking area.
INR 300 for fuel, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Spend the morning spotting migratory birds and enjoying the natural beauty.
At the sanctuary.
INR 150, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Coconut Lagoon

Experience exquisite Kerala cuisine at this acclaimed restaurant surrounded by lush greenery.
Near the Bird Sanctuary.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Ayurvedic Spa Therapy

Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Ayurvedic massage at a local spa.
Located in Kumarakom.
INR 2000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Local Backwaters

Optional canoe ride through the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom.
Nearby rental facilities.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Bungalow

Enjoy fine dining at The Bungalow, known for its stunning views and delicious food.
Close to the bird sanctuary.
INR 1800, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kumarakom

Day 7: Beaches and Cliffs

Varkala, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast by the backwaters and prepare for a beach day.
At your Kumarakom hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Varkala

Embark on a scenic drive towards the coastal town of Varkala, known for its stunning cliffs.
Around 1.5 hours drive.
INR 200 for fuel, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Varkala Beach

Spend time relaxing on the gorgeous beach, sunbathing or swimming.
Walking distance from parking.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Juice Shack

Savor fresh juices and healthy meals at this popular beachside café.
At Varkala Beach.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Janardhana Swamy Temple

Explore this ancient temple that has attracted pilgrims for centuries.
Walking distance from beach.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore the Cliff Top

Walk along the cliff-top path for breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.
Simply walk along the cliff.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Cliff Restaurant

End your day with dinner overlooking the sea, enjoying fresh seafood.
On the cliff-top.
INR 1200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Varkala

Day 8: Sun, Sand, and Relaxation

Kovalam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, with a view of the ocean.
At your Varkala hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Kovalam

Travel to Kovalam, a beach destination known for its golden sands.
About 1 hour drive.
INR 200 for fuel, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Lighthouse Beach

Spend the morning at Lighthouse Beach, swimming and soaking up the sun.
Parking available nearby.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The German Bakery

Enjoy healthy and tasty meals in a laid-back atmosphere at this popular spot.
Short walk from the beach.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Vizhinjam Lighthouse

Climb up the lighthouse for panoramic views of the coast.
20-minute walk from the beach.
INR 50, 1 hour

5:00PM

Enjoy Sunset on the Beach

Catch a beautiful sunset on the beach, a perfect way to end your trip.
Back at Lighthouse Beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at The Leela Kovalam

Indulge in a luxurious dinner with a stunning view of the ocean at this renowned resort.
Located at Kovalam.
INR 2500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kovalam
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