7-Day Budget Nature Adventure in Kerala

Day 1: Explore Kochi

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kayani and Co.

Start your day at this iconic café known for its delicious masala chai and butter toast.
Walk to Fort Kochi after breakfast, approximately 20 minutes.
INR100, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Fort Kochi

Stroll through the historic streets, admire the Dutch-colonial buildings and the famous Chinese fishing nets.
Continue walking in Fort Kochi.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe du Mahe

Enjoy a budget-friendly seafood platter with a view of the beach.
5-minute walk from Fort Kochi.
INR300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Kerala Folklore Museum

Discover Kerala's rich culture and heritage through an impressive collection of artefacts.
Take a local bus or walk for around 30 minutes.
INR100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset at Fort Kochi Beach

Unwind by the beach watching the stunning sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Walk to the beach.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Shappu Curry

Savour Kerala's traditional curries at this local eatery.
Short tuk-tuk ride from Fort Kochi.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 2: Munnar Mountain Retreat

Munnar, India

6:00AM

Travel to Munnar

Catch an early morning bus to reach Munnar by 10 AM, which is famous for its tea plantations.
Board a local bus from Kochi.
INR600, 4 hours

10:30AM

Check into Hostel

Check in at a budget hostel such as Zostel Munnar.
Short walk from the bus station.
INR500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at City View Hotel

Indulge in a traditional Kerala meal with rice and curry.
Walk to the nearby hotel.
INR250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Tea Plantations

Visit the lush tea plantations and take a guided tour to learn about tea processing.
Nearby tea estates by local transport.
INR150, 3 hours

4:30PM

Hike to the Top Station

Embark on a rejuvenating trek to Top Station for breathtaking panoramic views.
Local transport to the foot of the trek and then hike.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Hillview

Try your hand at some authentic Keralan fish curry.
Return to Munnar town via local transport.
INR300, 1 hour
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Day 3: Adventure in Munnar

Munnar, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Fuel up with a traditional South Indian breakfast at your hostel.
Within the hostel.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Eravikulam National Park

Spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr while hiking through the stunning landscapes.
Local bus to the park entrance.
INR200, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kerala Harvest

Savour healthy meals with locally sourced ingredients.
Walk to the nearby restaurant.
INR350, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Attukal Waterfalls

Swim in the refreshing waters and enjoy nature's tranquility.
Hire an auto-rickshaw from Munnar town.
INR100, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Spices & Aroma Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner with a mix of continental and Indian cuisine.
Short walk from Attukal Waterfalls.
INR300, 1 hour
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Day 4: Backwaters of Alleppey

Alleppey, India

8:00AM

Travel to Alleppey

Catch a bus to Alleppey to explore the enchanting backwaters.
Board a local bus from Munnar.
INR250, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check In to Houseboat

Experience the tranquillity of backwaters on a budget houseboat.
Book a package at the gate.
INR2000 (for shared boat), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch on the Houseboat

Enjoy a freshly prepared Keralan lunch served on the boat.
Prepared by the crew.
Included, 1 hour

2:30PM

Backwater Exploration

Sail through the serene waters, witness local life, and admire lush landscapes.
Continue on the houseboat.
Included, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner on the Houseboat

Relish a delightful dinner with a variety of traditional Kerala dishes.
Prepared by the crew.
Included, 1 hour

8:00PM

Relax on Deck

Unwind with stunning starlit skies on the deck of the houseboat.
On the houseboat.
Free, Rest of evening
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Day 5: Beach Time in Varkala

Varkala, India

8:00AM

Travel to Varkala

After breakfast on the houseboat, take a bus to Varkala Beach.
Disembark and catch a local bus.
INR300, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check into Backpackers Hostel

Find a budget hostel near the beach for a comfortable stay.
Walking distance from Varkala Beach.
INR500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at God's Own Country Kitchen

Taste the authentic taste of Kerala with local dishes at this quaint restaurant.
Easy walk from the hostel.
INR250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Varkala Cliff

Hike along the beautiful cliff side with stunning views of the ocean.
Stroll to the cliff from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Varkala Beach

Spend the evening soaking up the sun and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
Down to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Clifftop Grill

Have a laid-back dinner with a sunset view overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Restaurant is on the west cliff.
INR350, 1 hour
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Day 6: Nature in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, India

8:00AM

Travel to Thiruvananthapuram

Catch a morning train from Varkala.
Take a short walk to the railway station.
INR150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Explore the renowned temple, noted for its intricate architecture.
Short walk from the train station.
Free for Indian citizens, INR250 for foreigners., 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Napier Museum

Delve into Kerala's rich cultural heritage displayed in this museum.
5-minute tuk-tuk ride from the temple.
INR20, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ariya Nivas

Try the delicious vegetarian buffet at this local eatery.
Walking distance from the museum.
INR300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Enjoy a guided nature walk to see native flora and fauna.
Local transport to the sanctuary.
INR50, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Café 1730

Savour international and local dishes in a cosy ambience.
Return to the city via local bus.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 7: Return to Kochi

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Morning Travel to Kochi

Travel back to Kochi by train, reliving your memories of Kerala.
Walk to the railway station.
INR150, 1 hour

10:00AM

Breakfast at Italian Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked goods and coffee to kickstart your day.
5-minute walk from the railway station.
INR200, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Bolgatty Palace

Explore the palace and the gardens, providing a glimpse of colonial history surrounded by nature.
Short ferry ride or local bus from the café.
INR20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Dosa Cat

Feast on various dosa options in a popular local setting for lunch.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR250, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Kudakkachira Lake

Wrap up with a peaceful walk along the lake while enjoying the natural beauty.
Local transport to the lake.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Café Kerala

Enjoy the last meal of your trip with delectable Kerala dishes.
Return to Cochin by local bus.
INR400, 1 hour
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