How many days do you need in Kerala?

This itinerary covers 9 days in Kerala, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Kerala?

Plan your perfect 9 days trip to Kerala. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

9-Day Itinerary for Exploring Kerala: God's Own Country

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi

Kochi, India

11:00AM

Cochin International Airport Arrival

Arrive in the vibrant city of Kochi, known for its rich blend of cultures.

INR2000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Fort Kochi

Indulge in authentic Kerala cuisine at the famous 'Oceanos Restaurant' with its fresh seafood.

INR600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Fort Kochi

Stroll around Fort Kochi, visiting the historic Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church.

Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Savor a delightful dinner with a view of the backwaters at 'The Rice Boat'.

INR800, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kochi

Day 2: Scenic Drive to Munnar

Munnar, India

8:00AM

Drive to Munnar

Set off on a stunning drive to Munnar, surrounded by lush hills and tea plantations.

INR3000, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a delicious South Indian meal at the well-known 'Saravana Bhavan' in Munnar.

INR500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Tea Estates Visit

Visit the expansive tea gardens and enjoy a tour of the Tea Museum.

INR200, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Check into your hotel and relax while enjoying the stunning views.

INR4000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Highrange Sabor

Dine at 'Highrange Sabor' and savor some local delicacies while overlooking the mountains.

INR700, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 3: Munnar Exploration

Munnar, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet at your hotel before heading out.

INR400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Eravikulam National Park Visit

Visit Eravikulam National Park and catch a glimpse of the Nilgiri Tahr and stunning landscapes.

INR150, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cliff Garden Restaurant

Have lunch at 'The Cliff Garden Restaurant' with picturesque views of the valleys.

INR600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Mattupetty Dam

Enjoy boating at Mattupetty Dam, surrounded by scenic mountains.

INR800, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Spice Tree Restaurant

Relish local spiced dishes at 'Spice Tree Restaurant' reflecting Kerala's culinary heritage.

INR750, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 4: Travel to Thekkady

Thekkady, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a breakfast of local specialties before departing.

INR400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Thekkady

Travel to Thekkady, a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

INR2000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Thekkady

Have lunch at 'Thekkady Spice Garden', where you can indulge in delicious local dishes.

INR700, 1 hour

2:00PM

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Set off for a guided jungle tour in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for some wildlife spotting.

INR1200, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at your Hotel

Return for dinner at your hotel restaurant to unwind after an adventurous day.

INR800, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Thekkady

Day 5: Houseboat Experience in Alleppey

Alleppey, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Kerala breakfast at your hotel to start the day.

INR400, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Alleppey

Leave for Alleppey, a beautiful city known for its backwaters.

INR2200, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Check-in at Houseboat

Experience a luxurious houseboat stay, gliding through the tranquil backwaters.

INR7000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch on Houseboat

Savor freshly prepared Kerala meals right on the houseboat with local ingredients.

INR1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Backwaters Exploration

Cruise the backwaters while enjoying the serene views and local villages around.

Included in houseboat package, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner on Houseboat

Continuing your culinary journey with a delicious dinner prepared by the onboard chef.

Included in houseboat package, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Alleppey

Day 6: Beach Day at Varkala

Varkala, India

7:00AM

Breakfast on Houseboat

Enjoy breakfast prepared onboard while appreciating the moving landscapes.

Included in houseboat package, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Varkala

Arrive at Varkala, famous for its stunning cliffs and clean beaches.

INR3000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Beach Relaxation

Enjoy sunbathing and swimming at Varkala Beach, known for its red cliffs.

Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Juice Shack

Savor fresh juices and light meals at 'The Juice Shack' overlooking the beach.

INR500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Ayurvedic Spa Treatment

Relax and rejuvenate with a signature Ayurvedic massage at a local spa.

INR2000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Cliff House

Dinner at 'The Cliff House', enjoying seaside views and delicious seafood.

INR800, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Varkala

Day 7: Cultural Tour in Trivandrum

Trivandrum, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading out for the day's exploration.

INR400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Trivandrum

Travel to the capital city of Kerala, home to rich history and culture.

INR2000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore the renowned Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a beautiful example of Kerala's architecture.

Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at People’s Park Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of local dishes at the popular 'People’s Park Restaurant'.

INR600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Napier Museum

Discover Kerala's history at the Napier Museum and its intriguing collection.

INR100, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Ananda Bhavan

Dine at 'Ananda Bhavan' for a taste of local flavors in a cozy setting.

INR700, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Trivandrum

Day 8: Relaxation at Kovalam

Kovalam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast with an ocean view at your hotel.

INR400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Beach Time at Lighthouse Beach

Experience relaxation at the famous Lighthouse Beach, enjoying the sun and sea.

Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Leela Restaurant

Savor a luxurious lunch at 'The Leela Restaurant', overlooking the Arabian Sea.

INR1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Ayurvedic Treatment

Pamper yourself with another soothing Ayurvedic treatment at a renowned spa.

INR2500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset at Kovalam Beach

Witness a breathtaking sunset at Kovalam Beach, a perfect ending to your day.

Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Palm Tree Leaf

Enjoy a cozy dinner at 'Palm Tree Leaf' featuring local seafood dishes.

INR800, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kovalam

Day 9: Return to Kochi

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a final breakfast at your hotel, soaking in the last moments of Kerala.

INR400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Kochi

Begin your journey back to Kochi for your departure.

INR3000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Take time to shop for souvenirs at local markets in Kochi prior to your departure.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dwaraka Restaurant

Enjoy a farewell meal at 'Dwaraka Restaurant' known for its seafood delicacies.

INR800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Departure from Cochin International Airport

Head to the airport for your departure, carrying memories of Kerala.

INR2000, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Kochi

Step 1 Outline Preview:

9-Day Itinerary for Exploring Kerala: God's Own Country

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Scenic Drive to Munnar

8:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Munnar Exploration

7:00AM

9:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Travel to Thekkady

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Houseboat Experience in Alleppey

7:00AM

8:00AM

10:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Beach Day at Varkala

7:00AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 7: Cultural Tour in Trivandrum

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

Day 8: Relaxation at Kovalam

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 9: Return to Kochi

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

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