5-Day Budget-Friendly Road Trip in Kerala: Nature, Culture, and Food

Day 1: Explore Kochi

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Kashi Art Café, known for its fresh salads and local coffee.
Take a local bus or walk to Fort Kochi.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Fort Kochi

Stroll through this historic area, savour the multi-cultural heritage reflected in the architecture and the iconic Chinese fishing nets.
Continue walking or hire a bicycle.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dal Roti

Enjoy authentic Indian cuisine at Dal Roti, famous for its delicious rotis and curries.
A short walk from Fort Kochi.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Jew Town and Synagogue

Explore the rich Jewish heritage of Kochi, visiting the Paradesi Synagogue and the antique shops in Jew Town.
Walk to Jew Town.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Kathakali Performance

Experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance in the evening, showcasing the culture of Kerala.
Take an auto-rickshaw to the performance venue.
INR 600, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Sea View

Dine on fresh seafood with a view of the ocean at Sea View; try their fish curry.
Short auto-rickshaw ride.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Munnar Mountains

Munnar, India

7:00AM

Travel to Munnar

Depart early for a scenic drive to Munnar, enjoying the lush landscapes along the way.
Approx. 4-hour drive from Kochi.
INR 1,000 (shared taxi), 4 hours

11:30AM

Breakfast at Hill Spice Restaurant

Enjoy delicious local breakfast options surrounded by stunning hill views.
10-minute walk from your drop-off point.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Tea Garden Visit

Explore the famous tea gardens, learn about tea production and enjoy some sampling.
Local bus or walk around the area.
INR 100, 2 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Indulge in a vegetarian feast at this popular spot known for its dosas and thalis.
10-minute walk from the tea garden.
INR 350, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Mattupetty Dam

Enjoy leisure time at Mattupetty Dam, rent a paddleboat or simply relax by the water.
Take a local bus or tuk-tuk.
INR 50, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Ramaswami Kannan Restaurant

Finish the day with healthy local cuisine at Ramaswami Kannan, famous for their evening specials.
Short local bus ride.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Thekkady Adventures

Thekkady, India

7:00AM

Travel to Thekkady

Head to Thekkady for a wildlife adventure; enjoy the scenic ride through forests of Munnar.
Approx. 3-hour drive from Munnar.
INR 300 (shared taxi), 3 hours

10:00AM

Breakfast at Coffee Garden Restaurant

Start your day with a fresh and filling meal with an upcountry flair.
Close to the bus station.
INR 350, 1 hour

11:30AM

Periyar National Park

Immerse yourself in nature with a guided nature walk or boat ride; keep an eye out for elephants!
Take a tuk-tuk to the park entrance.
INR 1,000, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Thekkady Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch that showcases the local spices in the culinary creations.
Walk from the park entrance.
INR 400, 1 hour

5:00PM

Spice Plantation Tour

Join a tour of a local spice plantation to learn about various spices and their uses.
Short auto-rickshaw ride to a nearby plantation.
INR 500, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Bar-B-Que

Relish grilled dishes and local specials at Bar-B-Que, a favourite among locals.
Easy walking distance from your stay.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey, India

7:00AM

Travel to Alleppey

Depart for Alleppey and enjoy a serene ride through picturesque landscapes.
Approx. 4-hour drive from Thekkady.
INR 400 (shared taxi), 4 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Dreamers Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast while enjoying views of the backwater canals.
Close to the boat docks.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Backwater Boat Tour

Experience the mesmerizing backwaters of Alleppey with a local kayak or houseboat ride.
Book your ride through a local tour guide.
INR 1,500, 3 hours

4:00PM

Lunch at Ganesh Restaurant

Sample Kerala's famous fish curry or vegetarian thali while enjoying local hospitality.
Easily accessible by foot from the boat tour.
INR 400, 1 hour

6:00PM

Explore Alleppey Town

Wander the streets of Alleppey, visit local shops and markets to experience daily life.
Walk around the town centre.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Aishwarya

Savor traditional Keralite dishes cooked to perfection at Hotel Aishwarya.
Short tuk-tuk ride from town.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Beach Relaxation

Kovalam, India

7:00AM

Travel to Kovalam

Head towards Kovalam, a serene beach destination known for its picturesque coastline.
Approx. 1-hour drive from Alleppey.
INR 300 (shared taxi), 1 hour

8:30AM

Breakfast at Supradanam Restaurant

Start your mornings with a delicious South Indian breakfast like idli or upma.
Near the lighthouse beach.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:00AM

Relax at Kovalam Beach

Spend your day basking in the sun or swimming at the famous Kovalam Beach.
Direct access from your breakfast spot.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Fisherman’s Cafe

Savour seafood lovers' delights with fresh catches grilled to perfection at The Fisherman’s Cafe.
Short walk from the beach.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Ayurvedic Spa Treatment

Indulge yourself in an authentic Ayurvedic treatment to rejuvenate your body and mind.
Book through a local spa.
INR 1,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset at Lighthouse Beach

Enjoy the stunning sunset at Lighthouse Beach, a perfect way to end your Kerala journey.
Short walk to Lighthouse Beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at the Beach City Restaurant

End your day with a delightful dinner featuring local specialties with a view of the ocean.
Walking distance from your sunset spot.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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