5-Day Relaxation and Nature Itinerary in Kerala, India on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Exploring Kochi

Kochi, India on September 12, 2024

08:00 AM

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Start your day with a delicious breakfast featuring local flavors like masala dosa and fresh juices.
Walk from your accommodation to the nearby café.
INR 200, 1 hour

09:30 AM

Visit Fort Kochi

Immerse yourself in the colonial history of Kerala while exploring the quaint streets and historic buildings of Fort Kochi.
15 minute walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Chinese Fishing Nets

Witness the iconic fishing nets in action and chat with local fishermen about their daily life.
5 minute walk from Fort Kochi.
Free, 30 minutes

12:30 PM

Lunch at Fusion Bay

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch of seafood and Kerala specialties like fish curry and rice at this charming eatery.
10 minute walk from the fishing nets.
INR 300, 1 hour

02:00 PM

St. Francis Church

Explore one of the oldest European churches in India, famous for being the burial site of Vasco da Gama.
15 minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

03:30 PM

Mattancherry Palace

Visit the palace known for its unique architecture and beautifully preserved murals depicting Hindu mythology.
15 minute auto-rickshaw ride (INR 100) from the church.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

05:30 PM

Evening stroll at Marine Drive

Enjoy the sunset views along the waterfront promenade and connect with locals enjoying their evening.
30 minute auto-rickshaw ride (INR 150) from the palace.
Free, 1.5 hours

07:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel Annapoorna

Savor a hearty dinner of vegetarian thali to end your first day on a delicious note.
15 minute walk from Marine Drive.
INR 250, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nature in Munnar

Munnar, India on September 13, 2024

07:00 AM

Travel to Munnar

Catch a public bus from Kochi to Munnar, enjoying the scenic hills along the way.
Head to the nearest bus terminal (INR 50 transport).
INR 600, 3 hours

10:00 AM

Breakfast at Munnar Tea Museum

Once in Munnar, enjoy a light breakfast of tea and snacks while learning about tea production.
10 minute walk from the bus station.
INR 150, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Tea Gardens

Take a lovely walk amidst the lush green tea plantations, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
30-minute local bus ride (INR 50) to the tea estates.
Free, 2 hours

01:00 PM

Lunch at Sarvana Bhavan

Try the authentic South Indian thali for lunch at this popular local restaurant.
20 minute local bus ride back to Munnar town (INR 50).
INR 300, 1 hour

02:30 PM

Visit Eravikulam National Park

Explore this national park known for its rolling hills, breathtaking views, and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
20-minute local bus ride (INR 50) from the lunch spot.
INR 125, 3 hours

05:30 PM

Relax at your accommodation

Return to your budget hotel and relax with a cup of tea, reflecting on your day surrounded by nature.
30 minute local bus ride back to Munnar town (INR 50).
NA, 1 hour

06:30 PM

Dinner at Hotel Hillview

Enjoy a simple yet satisfying dinner with local dishes and delightful ambiance.
15-minute walk from your accommodation.
INR 250, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Wildlife and Culture in Thekkady

Thekkady, India on September 14, 2024

07:00 AM

Travel to Thekkady

Catch an early morning local bus from Munnar to Thekkady and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Walk to the bus station (15 minutes).
INR 150, 2.5 hours

09:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Ambadi

Have a hearty breakfast featuring local favorites in the charming setting of this hotel.
Walk 10 minutes from the bus station.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Embark on a guided nature walk or boat tour to spot elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Auto-rickshaw ride (INR 100) to the sanctuary entrance.
INR 300, 3 hours

02:00 PM

Lunch at Bamboo Café

Indulge in some delectable Indian cuisine overlooking the scenic mountains.
Auto-rickshaw ride back to Thekkady town (INR 100 a ride).
INR 250, 1 hour

03:30 PM

Cultural Show at Kadathanadan Kalari Centre

Experience the rich tradition of Kerala with a mesmerizing Kalaripayattu martial arts performance.
Walk from the café to the center (15 minutes).
INR 500, 1 hour

05:00 PM

Relax at the local park

Spend some leisurely time at a nearby park, enjoying fresh air and nature.
15-minute walk from the center.
Free, 1.5 hours

06:30 PM

Dinner at Spice Garden Restaurant

End the day with a delicious meal showcasing the complexity of South Indian cuisine.
Short taxi ride (INR 100) from the park.
INR 300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Houseboat Experience in Alleppey

Alleppey, India on September 15, 2024

08:00 AM

Travel to Alleppey

Catch a local bus from Thekkady to Alleppey while enjoying views of the backwaters.
Walk from your accommodation to the bus station (15 minutes).
INR 350, 3 hours

11:30 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Toddy

Enjoy a delicious breakfast of traditional Kerala dishes like appam and stew.
Walk from the bus station (5 minutes).
INR 180, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Houseboat Check-In

Check into your budget houseboat, where you'll experience the serene backwaters of Alleppey.
Prepare for your houseboat stay.
INR 3000 for 1 night (shared economy houseboat), 1 hour

01:30 PM

Houseboat Lunch

Enjoy a freshly prepared meal onboard while cruising along the beautiful backwaters.
Food included in houseboat stay.
Included, 1 hour

02:30 PM

Sightseeing in Alleppey

Relax and enjoy the picturesque views of coconut groves, paddy fields, and quaint villages from your houseboat.
Cruising experience continues.
Included, 3 hours

05:30 PM

Relax on the Deck

Take in the sunset views from the deck of the houseboat while sipping on some freshly brewed tea.
On the houseboat.
Free, 1.5 hours

07:00 PM

Dinner on the Houseboat

End the day with a sumptuous dinner consisting of local delicacies, cooked by the boat crew.
Onboard.
Included, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Relaxation in Kumarakom

Kumarakom, India on September 16, 2024

08:00 AM

Breakfast on the Houseboat

Wake up to the sound of water and enjoy a hearty breakfast on your houseboat before disembarking.
Onboard.
Included., 1 hour

09:00 AM

Travel to Kumarakom

Take a local boat ride (INR 100) from Alleppey to reach Kumarakom and its beautiful backwaters.
Book via your houseboat crew.
INR 150, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature while watching migratory birds in this picturesque sanctuary.
Short walk from the boat docking point.
INR 100, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at the Bird Sanctuary Café

Savor a light meal with a view of the lake while soaking in the serene ambiance.
At the sanctuary grounds.
INR 250, 1 hour

02:00 PM

Relax by Vembanad Lake

Spend your afternoon lounging by the beautiful waters of Vembanad Lake, enjoying personal reflections.
15-minute walk from the café.
Free, 2.5 hours

04:30 PM

Visit local craft shops

Explore local craft shops and pick up some souvenirs as mementos from Kerala.
Short auto-rickshaw ride (INR 100).
Free (shopping optional), 1 hour

06:00 PM

Dinner at Kerala Café

Conclude your journey with a final dinner of flavorful Kerala cuisine at this cozy café.
Walk back to the café (10 minutes).
INR 300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability