8-Day Ultimate Itinerary in Kerala: Discover Tranquil Backwaters and Breathtaking Landscapes

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi

Kochi, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Start your day at the iconic Indian Coffee House enjoying freshly brewed coffee and crisp dosas.
Located within Fort Kochi, it’s a perfect starting point for your adventure.
INR300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Fort Kochi

Wander through quaint streets filled with colonial architecture and visit the famous St. Francis Church.
You can explore on foot or rent a bicycle; both options provide a fantastic way to see the area.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ginger House Restaurant

Indulge in Kerala’s seafood specialties while enjoying views of the backwaters at this charming restaurant.
Located in Fort Kochi, this is a delightful lunch spot before heading back into the city.
INR800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Chinese Fishing Nets

Witness the remarkable traditional method of fishing that has been around for centuries.
A short walk from the restaurant, this iconic site affords stunning views of the waterfront.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Kochi Marine Drive

Stroll along the picturesque Marine Drive, taking in sunset views over the water.
Take a tuk-tuk from the Chinese Fishing Nets to reach this scenic promenade.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Dine at this exquisite restaurant known for its fusion of Kerala cuisine with modern elements.
Located in the Taj Malabar Resort, it’s a fitting end to your first day.
INR1500, 2 hours
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Day 2: Travel to Munnar

Munnar, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Enclave

Fuel up for a day of travel with a hearty breakfast featuring fresh fruits and homemade bread.
This hotel is a comfortable local pick near the main area of Kochi.
INR600, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Munnar

Embark on a scenic drive up into the Western Ghats, surrounded by lush landscapes and tea plantations.
The drive takes approximately 4 hours, so settle in and enjoy the beautiful views.
INR3000 (taxi), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Savor traditional South Indian thali, rich in flavors and an array of dishes.
A popular spot in Munnar, perfect to recharge after your journey.
INR600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Tea Museum

Discover the history of tea in Munnar and enjoy tea tastings as you explore the curated exhibits.
Located a short distance from central Munnar, it's easily accessible by car.
INR200, 2 hours

5:00PM

Pakuthipalam Waterfall

Visit this beautiful waterfall and enjoy the serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
A short drive from the tea museum, it offers fantastic photo opportunities.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Hillview

Unwind with a buffet dinner featuring local Kerala delicacies and international favorites.
The hotel’s restaurant boasts spectacular valley views.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Exploring Munnar

Munnar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Hillview

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet with options ranging from traditional Indian to continental.
Start your day right at your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Eravikulam National Park

Trek through this stunning park known for its rolling hills and the Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat native to the region.
It’s about a 30-minute drive from your hotel.
INR1250, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Ambadi

Enjoy a delicious meal featuring traditional Kerala cuisine in a rustic setting.
This eatery is not far from Eravikulam National Park, making it ideal post-exploration.
INR700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Mattupetty Dam

Visit this picturesque dam where you can enjoy boating or simply relax amidst nature.
Just a short drive from the restaurant, it offers beautiful views.
INR200, 2 hours

5:30PM

Tea Plantation Tour

Engage with local tea pickers and learn about the tea production process on this interactive tour.
This can usually be arranged through your hotel or local tour operators.
INR500, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Spice Tree

Revel in a gourmet dining experience featuring local and organic ingredients.
Located within your hotel, perfect for convenience after a long day.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Thekkady

Thekkady, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Hillview

Have another hearty breakfast with great views of the mountains.
Begin your day with energy before heading towards Thekkady.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Thekkady

Enjoy the scenic drive through lush forests and hills to Thekkady, known for its national park.
The journey takes around 3 hours.
INR2500 (taxi), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Spices Village

Indulge in regional dishes served in a charming open-air dining area.
Located centrally in Thekkady, it’s an excellent stop after arriving.
INR800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Embark on a nature walk or a boat ride to see diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.
Book in advance through your hotel for a streamlined experience.
INR1000, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Thekkady Heritage Hotel

Enjoy a rustic dinner experience featuring local flavors in a cozy atmosphere.
Close to the national park, making it very convenient.
INR700, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Alleppey & Houseboat Experience

Alleppey, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Thekkady Heritage Hotel

Choose from a selection of Indian and continental dishes to prepare for the day ahead.
Start your day at the hotel before heading towards Alleppey.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Alleppey

Enjoy a 4-hour drive to Alleppey, renowned for its beautiful backwaters.
Easily accessible by taxi, arrange for your transport the night prior.
INR3000 (taxi), 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch aboard the Houseboat

Relax as you enjoy a delicious meal of Kerala-style fish curry, served on your private houseboat.
Cruising on Vembanad Lake enhances the relaxed atmosphere.
INR1500 (included), 1 hour

2:30PM

Houseboat Cruise

Spend your afternoon drifting through picturesque backwaters, experiencing local life along the canals.
Your houseboat captain will guide you through the most scenic routes.
Part of houseboat package, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner aboard the Houseboat

Dinner under the stars with more local dishes like appam and kadala curry.
Your on-board dining experience makes for a unique evening.
INR1500 (included), 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Relaxation in Kumarakom

Kumarakom, India

8:00AM

Breakfast on the Houseboat

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as your houseboat continues its gentle cruise along the backwaters.
Take in the serene views while enjoying home-cooked breakfast items.
Included in stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Travel to Kumarakom

Embark on a short boat ride to reach Kumarakom, a calm and picturesque village.
The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Included in stay (included with houseboat), 30 minutes

11:00AM

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Explore one of the best birdwatching spots, home to a vast range of migrating birds.
Situated close to the heart of Kumarakom, it’s easy to navigate on foot.
INR250, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Coconut Lagoon

Dine in the open air with dishes crafted using fresh ingredients from local sources.
This resort is easily accessible and offers a unique dining experience.
INR1000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Vembanad Lake

Spend a leisurely afternoon taking a boat ride through the calm waters of Lake Vembanad.
Rent a canoe or kayak from local vendors for an immersive experience.
INR600 (rent), 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Waterside

Conclude your day with a delightful meal overlooking the scenic waters of the lake.
It’s a great way to enjoy local flavors with stunning views.
INR900, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Beach Day at Varkala

Varkala, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Waterside

Savor a delightful breakfast with fresh juices and healthy options to energize for the day.
Enjoy the views one last time before heading to the beach.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Varkala

Make your way to Varkala, renowned for its stunning beach cliffs, via a 4-hour journey.
Arrange your taxi the night before for a smooth transition.
INR3000 (taxi), 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Cafe Del Mar

Enjoy a laid-back lunch with a variety of options from seafood to vegetarian dishes, all with ocean views.
Located near the main beach area, making for a great post-travel stop.
INR700, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Varkala Beach

Spend the afternoon on stunning Varkala Beach, known for its cliffs and vibrant beach culture.
Easily accessible from the restaurant, just a quick walk down to the sands.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Visit The Janardhana Swami Temple

Explore this ancient temple located a short walk from the beach, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
A quick jaunt up the cliff path, offering a calm escape from the beach bustle.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Beach Resort Restaurant

Indulge in an exquisite dinner featuring a mix of continental and Indian cuisines while overlooking the ocean.
Finish an amazing day with sunset views.
INR1000, 2 hours
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Day 8: Return to Kochi

Kochi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Beach Resort

Start your final day in Kerala with a delicious breakfast featuring local flavors.
Enjoy ocean views one last time before heading back.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel Back to Kochi

Begin your journey back to Kochi, taking about 4 hours to reach the city.
Arrange a taxi in advance for convenience.
INR3000 (taxi), 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Fort Kochi

Revisit Fort Kochi for a final taste of Kerala; try local delicacies at a restaurant of your choice.
From the city center, you can take a local bus to reach this historic area.
INR800, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Explore local shops for handmade crafts, spices, and clothing to take a piece of Kerala home.
Fort Kochi is full of artisan shops making it easy to find unique treasures.
Varies, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Evening at Marine Drive

Spend your final evening at Marine Drive, watching the sunset over the water and reflecting on your journey.
You can take a tuk-tuk to Marine Drive from your shopping destinations.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Rice Boat

Experience a memorable farewell dinner with exquisite dishes that celebrate local flavor before departing.
Ensure to book in advance due to its popularity.
INR2000, 2 hours
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