7-Day Nature Exploration Itinerary in Kochi, Kerala

Day 1: Backwaters and Bird Sanctuary

Kochi, Kerala, India on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe

Enjoy a fresh, healthy breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe, known for its organic coffees and local Kerala breakfast fare, setting the tone for a nature-focused day.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

Explore this urban mangrove forest sanctuary right in Kochi, home to various migratory birds and a tranquil green space in the city, ideal for bird watching and nature walks.
INR20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dal Roti

Taste North Indian vegetarian delicacies with a homely vibe, perfect for refueling after a morning in nature.
INR400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat ride in Kochi Backwaters

Take a relaxing boat ride to see the local aquatic ecosystem, traditional fishing methods, and lush palm-lined waterways, experiencing Kerala’s famous backwaters.
INR600, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Malabar Junction

Enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine in a cozy setting, featuring fresh seafood and spices from the region.
INR700, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Beach and Coastal Exploration

Cherai, Kochi, Kerala, India on April 18, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Avenue Regent

Have a wholesome South Indian breakfast with dosas and filter coffee, ideal for starting the day before beach exploration.
INR350, 1 hour

9:00AM

Cherai Beach

Spend the morning at this scenic beach famous for its clean sand and occasional dolphin sightings, perfect for swimming and relaxing in nature.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Seagull

Savor fresh seafood with a sea view, offering local Kerala flavors with a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
INR800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Athirappilly Waterfalls

Travel to Athirappilly, enjoying the scenic 2-hour drive to see Kerala's largest waterfall, surrounded by tropical forests, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
INR50 entry, 3 hours (including travel)

7:30PM

Dinner at a local roadside eatery near Athirappilly

Enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine in a local setting, featuring freshly cooked local dishes after the waterfall visit.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 3: Bird Watching and Nature Reserve

Thattekad, Kerala, India on April 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast with local and continental options to prepare for the bird sanctuary visit.
INR300, 1 hour

8:00AM

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Explore the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary (Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary), Kerala’s first bird sanctuary offering rich biodiversity and excellent opportunities for bird spotting and guided nature walks.
INR10, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a local homestay

Experience authentic Kerala home-style cooking in the outskirts of Thattekad, focusing on fresh and organic ingredients.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the nearby Periyar National Park

Take a short drive to Periyar National Park for nature trails and scenic views, possibly a boat ride if time permits, known for elephants and lush forests.
INR125 (entry), INR250 (boat ride optional), 3 hours

6:30PM

Return to Kochi and Dinner at Fusion Bay

Enjoy waterfront dining with a blend of Kerala and continental dishes, a perfect way to end the nature-filled day.
INR750, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Tea Gardens and Hill Walks

Munnar, Kerala, India on April 20, 2025

6:00AM

Early breakfast and drive to Munnar

Light breakfast followed by an early scenic 4-hour drive to Munnar, Kerala’s hill station famous for tea gardens and cool climate.
INR250 (breakfast), Transport at private car cost, 5 hours (including breakfast & travel)

11:00AM

Visit Tea Museum

Explore the Tea Museum to understand tea processing and history amidst the scenic tea plantations.
INR20, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy traditional South Indian vegetarian cuisine, ideal for a wholesome meal in the hills.
INR400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Nature walk at Eravikulam National Park

Take a guided walk in this national park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and rich biodiversity, with stunning views of hills.
INR100, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Dine on local Kerala cuisine and enjoy the serene hill station atmosphere.
INR600, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Waterfalls and Plantations

Munnar, Kerala, India on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast focusing on local Kerala flavors.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Attukal Waterfalls

Enjoy the serene beauty of Attukal Waterfalls nestled amidst the hills with easy walking trails around.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit a spice plantation

Take a guided tour of a nearby spice plantation to learn about Kerala’s famous spices and their cultivation.
INR150, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Refuel with another delicious South Indian meal, ideal for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
INR400, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax and stroll through tea gardens

Take an easy hike or stroll through scenic tea plantations surrounding Munnar, perfect for photographs and nature breathing.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel restaurant

Enjoy a quiet dinner with a view of the hills and locally inspired dishes.
INR600, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Back to Kochi and Houseboat

Kochi, Kerala, India on April 22, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel in Munnar

Enjoy a filling breakfast before the journey back to Kochi.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive back to Kochi

Scenic 4-hour drive descending from the hills to coastal Kerala, preparing for the backwater experience.
Private car fare, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe (Kochi)

Relax and enjoy a light lunch of fresh local ingredients upon arrival back in Kochi.
INR350, 1 hour

3:00PM

Houseboat experience on Vembanad Lake

Board a traditional houseboat for an afternoon and overnight cruise on Vembanad Lake, enjoying water views, birdlife, and sunset over the backwaters.
INR2500, 6 hours

7:00PM

Dinner on houseboat

Savor freshly cooked Kerala cuisine on board the houseboat while cruising through peaceful backwaters.
Included in houseboat fare, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Backwaters and Departure

Kochi, Kerala, India on April 23, 2025

6:00AM

Morning houseboat cruise and breakfast

Enjoy a serene early morning cruise with a Kerala-style breakfast served on board, taking in the tranquil surroundings.
Included in houseboat fare, 2 hours

8:30AM

Disembark houseboat and return to Kochi

Return to the Kochi jetty and prepare for your onward journey.
Included in houseboat fare, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit to Hill Palace Museum Grounds

Stroll the hill palace gardens known for their greenery and open spaces, great for easy nature walks and historical insights.
INR20, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ginger House Restaurant

Dine on traditional Kerala dishes in a garden setting, perfect for your last meal immersed in nature.
INR700, 1 hour

2:00PM

Prepare for departure

Head to airport or train station for your onward travels with fond memories of Kerala's natural beauty.
Transport fare, Varies
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