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12-Day Enchanting Kerala Itinerary: Backwaters, Beaches, and Culture

Viewed by 65 travelers

Day 1: Cultural Immersion

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kashi Art Café, known for its vibrant ambiance and scrumptious pancakes.
Take a short walk to explore the local streets after breakfast.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tour of Fort Kochi

Wander through the historic streets of Fort Kochi, visiting the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church.
Walk around Fort Kochi, taking in the sights and enjoying the local art galleries.
INR200, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Rice Boat

Savour traditional Kerala cuisine at The Rice Boat, enjoying views of the harbour.
It's a short drive to the restaurant from Fort Kochi.
INR1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue

Explore the fascinating history in Jew Town, ending with a visit to the famous Paradesi Synagogue.
A short drive or a 15-minute walk will get you there.
INR500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Kochi Backwaters Boat Tour

Experience the serenity of Kerala's backwaters with a relaxing boat tour.
Head to the nearby boat dock for your scenic cruise.
INR1500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Spice Market Visit

Stroll through the local spice market to experience the vibrant aroma of various spices.
A quick 10-minute drive to the spice market.
FREE, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Brunton Boatyard

Indulge in a lovely seafood dinner at Brunton Boatyard, overlooking the water.
Drive back to the restaurant for a delightful meal.
INR1200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kochi

Day 2: Exploring the Arts

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffé Macondo

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast with great local coffee at Caffé Macondo.
Short walk from your hotel.
INR600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit to Mattancherry Palace

Discover the history of the Raj in the beautifully muraled Mattancherry Palace.
A quick 20-minute drive will take you there.
INR500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Traditional Kathakali Show

Experience the enchanting Kathakali dance performance, a storytelling art of Kerala.
Travel 15 minutes to the designated theatre.
INR800, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Feast on a vegetarian thali at this famed South Indian restaurant.
Drive back to the city centre for lunch.
INR700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Kerala Folklore Museum

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions at the Kerala Folklore Museum.
Drive to the museum, just a 20-minute ride.
INR300, 2 hours

5:30PM

Sunset at Fort Kochi Beach

Relax and enjoy the stunning sunset views at Fort Kochi Beach.
Short drive or walk back to the beach.
FREE, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Spice Route

Savour authentic Keralan cuisine prepared with local spices at Hotel Spice Route.
Quick commute to the restaurant.
INR1100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kochi

Day 3: Backwater Bliss

Alleppey, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty buffet breakfast at your hotel before heading to Alleppey.
30-minute drive to Alleppey.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Houseboat Check-In

Board your private houseboat for an unforgettable backwater experience on Vembanadu Lake.
Walk to the houseboat dock from your hotel.
INR8000 (includes meals), 1 hour

10:30AM

Houseboat Cruise

Enjoy a tranquil cruise through the pristine backwaters, witnessing lush landscapes.
Onboard your houseboat, relax and enjoy the journey.
Included, 4 hours

2:30PM

Lunch on Houseboat

Relish a delicious meal prepared by the onboard chef using local ingredients.
Served on the houseboat.
Included, 1 hour

3:30PM

Backwater Exploration

Visit small villages and interact with locals to experience their way of life.
Houseboat will dock periodically for experiences.
Included, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening Tea on Houseboat

Enjoy traditional Kerala tea while watching the sunset from your deck.
The houseboat provides a serene setting.
Included, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner on Houseboat

Savour a multi-course Keralan dinner prepared by your chef.
Served on your deck overlooking the backwaters.
Included, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Alleppey

Day 4: Nature's Harmony

Kumarakom, India

8:00AM

Breakfast on Houseboat

Enjoy a hearty breakfast on your houseboat before departing for Kumarakom.
Houseboat will head to the jetty for disembarking.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-out & Transfer to Kumarakom

Check out and transfer to Kumarakom, renowned for its serene backwaters.
20-minute drive to Kumarakom.
INR700, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Explore the picturesque bird sanctuary, home to numerous migratory birds.
Just a short drive from your hotel.
INR250, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Coconut Lagoon

Savour authentic Keralan cuisine in a picturesque setting at Coconut Lagoon.
10-minute drive from the sanctuary.
INR1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Backwater Canoeing

Experience Kumarakom’s backwaters with a traditional canoe ride.
Arrange with local operators near the hotel.
INR1000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Local Craft Village

Discover local handicrafts and art at the nearby craft village.
Short drive or walk from your canoe ride location.
INR200, 1 hour

6:00PM

Relaxing at Hotel Pool

Spend your evening unwinding at your hotel pool or taking a stroll along the backwaters.
Back to the hotel.
FREE, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at the Hotel

Enjoy dinner at your hotel, experiencing more Keralan flavours.
Onsite dining at the hotel restaurant.
INR900, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kumarakom

Day 5: Wildlife Adventure

Thekkady, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in a wholesome breakfast before heading to Thekkady.
Check out and take a car ride to Thekkady.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Transfer to Thekkady

Travel to Thekkady, famous for its wildlife sanctuary.
A 3-hour drive through scenic landscapes.
INR2400, 3 hours

11:00AM

Check-in & Refresh

Check in at your hotel and take some time to freshen up.
Onsite at hotel.
Included, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Spice Garden Restaurant

Enjoy a flavourful lunch at this local eatery known for its spices.
Short walk from the hotel.
INR800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

Embark on a guided tour of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its elephants and rich flora.
Arrange with your hotel for transport to the sanctuary.
INR1500, 3 hours

5:00PM

Evening Tea at Hotel

Enjoy tea and snacks at your hotel while relaxing in the garden.
Back to your hotel after the tour.
INR500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Cultural Show at Hotel

Watch an engaging traditional cultural performance at your hotel.
Stay at the hotel premises for the show.
INR700, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy dinner at the hotel, sampling more of the local dishes.
Onsite dining.
INR900, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Thekkady

Day 6: Hill Station Escape

Munnar, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast before heading to Munnar.
Check out and drive to Munnar.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Munnar

Travel to Munnar, famous for its tea plantations and cool climate.
A scenic 3-hour drive through the hills.
INR2400, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check-in & Refresh

Check in at your hill station hotel amidst the tea gardens.
Hotels are plentiful in Munnar.
Included, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty meal at this renowned local eatery known for its fresh ingredients.
5-minute walk from your hotel.
INR600, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Tea Museum Visit

Visit the Tea Museum to learn about Munnar's famous tea heritage.
A 15-minute drive to the museum.
INR300, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Tea Plantation Tour

Explore a tea estate and witness the tea-making process.
Arranged through local operators.
INR1200, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening Scenic Viewpoints

Visit scenic viewpoints and enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Munnar.
Drive to nearby viewpoints.
FREE, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Dine at your hotel restaurant, enjoying the local flavours.
Convenient onsite dining.
INR800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 7: Nature's Crown

Munnar, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before your adventure into the hills.
Onsite dining.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Eravikulam National Park Visit

Explore Eravikulam National Park, known for its scenic beauty and Neelakurinji flowers.
30-minute drive to the park entrance.
INR200, 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit Rajamalai

Explore the beautiful Rajamalai hills and spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
Guided tours available on-site.
Included in park fee, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Hillview

Enjoy lunch at Hotel Hillview, overlooking lush scenery.
Drive back to your hotel.
INR700, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Spice Plantations

Visit a local spice plantation and learn about various spices grown in Kerala.
Short drive from hotel.
INR600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit to Mattupetty Dam

Enjoy scenic views at the famous Mattupetty Dam, known for its picturesque lake.
15-minute drive to the dam.
FREE, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Relish dinner at your hotel, wrapping up the day's adventures.
Onsite restaurant.
INR800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 8: Coastal Relaxation

Varkala, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast before departing for Varkala Beach.
Check out and set off to Varkala.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Varkala

Drive to Varkala, a beachfront paradise known for its cliffs.
A 4-hour drive by road.
INR2800, 4 hours

12:30PM

Check-in & Refresh

Check in at your beach resort, enjoying the ocean views.
Onsite at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at God’s Own Country Kitchen

Savour delicious local seafood dishes at a vibrant beach shack.
Walking distance from your resort.
INR800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax on Varkala Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of Varkala Beach, soaking in the sun.
Just steps away from your resort.
FREE, 3 hours

6:00PM

Sunset on the Cliff

Watch the breathtaking sunset from the cliffs of Varkala.
Walk to the cliff area for stunning views.
FREE, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Cafe del Mar

Enjoy a vibrant dinner at Café del Mar, with fusion dishes and seafood options.
A short walk from the cliffs back to the restaurant.
INR1000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Varkala

Day 9: Beach Bliss

Kovalam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast at your beachfront hotel.
Stay within the hotel premises.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kovalam

Drive to Kovalam Beach, famous for its lighthouses and serene beaches.
A scenic 1-hour drive.
INR1200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Relax at Lighthouse Beach

Spend the morning lounging at Lighthouse Beach.
Just steps away from your parking area.
FREE, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The German Bakery

Enjoy a meal at the German Bakery known for its pastries and local dishes.
A short walk from the beach.
INR700, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Samudra Beach

Take a leisurely walk along the scenic shores of Samudra Beach.
10 minutes drive from Lighthouse Beach.
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Hawah Beach

Enjoy the golden sands at Hawah Beach, popular for its enchanting views.
A quick 10-minute drive from Samudra Beach.
FREE, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Leela

End the day with dinner at the luxurious Leela Kovalam, offering gourmet dining.
Short drive from the beach.
INR3000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kovalam

Day 10: Cultural Capital

Trivandrum, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Relish breakfast before exploring the cultural capital of Kerala.
Onsite dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its stunning architecture.
A short drive from your hotel.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Napier Museum Tour

Discover Kerala's rich heritage at the Napier Museum and its art gallery.
Short drive to the museum.
INR300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Spice Route

Savour culinary delights at The Spice Route, offering a mix of Keralan and Indian dishes.
10-minute drive from the museum.
INR1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Kuthira Malika Palace

Step into history at the Kuthira Malika Palace, known for its intricate architecture.
15-minute drive from the restaurant.
INR300, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Kovalam Beach

Spend your afternoon at the famous Kovalam Beach, unwinding from your explorations.
Travel back to Kovalam Beach, it’s a 30-minute drive.
FREE, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Spice Village

Celebrate your last dinner in Kerala at Spice Village, offering a beautiful outdoor setting.
Return to your hotel for dinner.
INR1500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Trivandrum

Day 11: Cultural Experiences

Trivandrum, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before visiting local attractions.
Onsite dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Kanakakunnu Palace

Visit the historical Kanakakunnu Palace, showcasing beautiful architecture and gardens.
Short drive from the hotel.
FREE, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Art Gallery at VJT Hall

Discover diverse art displays at VJT Hall, painting a picture of local culture.
5-minute drive from the palace.
FREE, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Aryas

Savour a delicious meal at Hotel Aryas, known for its traditional Indian cuisines.
Return to the hotel for lunch.
INR700, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Zoo & Museum Complex

Explore children-friendly areas at the Zoo; it’s one of the oldest in India.
Short drive from the hotel.
INR500, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Sree Chitra Art Gallery

View captivating artworks at Sree Chitra Art Gallery that showcase Kerala's culture.
Close to the zoo.
INR300, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at MG Road

Explore local shops and purchase souvenirs at MG Road.
A short drive will take you there.
Variable, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Villa Maya

End your day with a delightful dinner at Villa Maya, known for its exquisite menu.
Short drive back to the restaurant.
INR1500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Trivandrum

Day 12: Farewell Kerala

Trivandrum, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before checking out.
Onsite dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Leisure Time

Enjoy some leisure time, relax at the pool or explore nearby attractions.
Stay at or near the hotel.
Variable, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check-out & Departure Preparations

Prepare for your departure, double-check your belongings.
Time to wind up your Kerala trip.
Variable, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Fusion Bay

Enjoy a delightful meal at Fusion Bay before your journey ends.
Short drive from the hotel.
INR800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Final Departures

Transfer to airport/railway station for your departure from Kerala.
Arrange transport from the hotel for your journey home.
Variable, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Trivandrum
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