Kerala Highlights: Kochi to Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kumarakom and Return - 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Kochi exploration

Kochi, India on December 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe, popular for its coffee and continental dishes in a cosy, artistic setting.
INR500, 1h0m

10:30am

Fort Kochi sightseeing

Explore historical Fort Kochi, visiting Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Dutch Palace to soak in rich Portuguese and Dutch heritage.
INR200, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Fusion Bay

Enjoy authentic Kerala seafood delicacies at Fusion Bay, a well-reviewed restaurant known for fresh and flavourful dishes.
INR800, 1h0m

3:30pm

Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue

Visit the nearby Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue, both offering insight into the multicultural history of Kochi.
INR150, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Dine at The Rice Boat, known for its exquisite Kerala coastal cuisine served in a unique boat-shaped restaurant setting.
INR1200, 1h30m
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Day 2: Munnar Tea Gardens

Munnar, India on December 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Kochi

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before heading out to Munnar.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Munnar

A scenic 4-5 hour drive from Kochi to Munnar through lush hill roads and tea plantations.
INR2500 (car hire), 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Try traditional Kerala meals at Rapsy Restaurant, famous for its banana leaf meals and friendly atmosphere.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Tea Museum

Explore the Tata Tea Museum to learn about tea processing and the history of tea plantations in Munnar.
INR80, 1h0m

4:30pm

Photo stop at Echo Point

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural echoes at this scenic spot surrounded by hills and lakes.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Relish a variety of vegetarian South Indian dishes at the popular Saravana Bhavan in Munnar for a comforting dinner.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 3: Thekkady Wildlife Experience

Thekkady, India on December 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Munnar

Have a hearty breakfast before the drive to Thekkady.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Thekkady

Depart to Thekkady (approx 3-4 hours), known for its Periyar Tiger Reserve and spice plantations.
INR1800 (car hire), 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Green Wood Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of Kerala and continental cuisine in a calm surroundings near Thekkady town.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat cruise

A peaceful boat ride on Periyar Lake offers great chances to spot elephants, deer, wild boars, and various birds. Cruise operates till 4:00pm.
INR1500, 2h0m

5:00pm

Attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance

Experience vibrant Kerala classical dance and facial makeup at a local cultural centre. Performances usually start around 5:00pm and last 1.5 hours.
INR400, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bamboo Grove Restaurant

Savour traditional Kerala cuisine with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in a rustic setting.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 4: Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey, India on December 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departure to Alleppey.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Alleppey

Travel approximately 3-4 hours to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters.
INR1500 (car hire), 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Thaff Restaurant

A must-try for authentic Keralan fish curry and seafood delicacies in a simple setting.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Houseboat backwater cruise

Board a traditional houseboat for an enchanting cruise through the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. Cruise options typically last 2 to 4 hours, ideal to see village life and tropical scenery.
INR3500 (per person), 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House

End your day with simple, budget-friendly Keralan vegetarian dishes and coffee at the historic Indian Coffee House.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 5: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary & Relax

Kumarakom, India on December 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Alleppey

Start the day with a filling breakfast before heading to Kumarakom.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Kumarakom

A short 1-hour drive to Kumarakom, home to the famous bird sanctuary and relaxing backwater resorts.
INR800 (car hire), 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Explore the sanctuary (open 9:00am to 5:00pm), spotting species such as herons, kingfishers, and migratory birds in a beautiful natural setting.
INR100, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Zuri Kumarakom

Enjoy a luxurious lunch with a waterside view at The Zuri Kumarakom’s restaurant featuring local and international cuisine.
INR1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at resort / optional Ayurveda spa

Spend your afternoon resting at your resort or indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage, highly recommended in this region.
INR2000 (spa), 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cayenne Pepper

Dine on well-prepared Kerala classics and fresh seafood with friendly service close to your stay.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 6: Return to Kochi

Kochi, India on December 29, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and checkout

Have an early breakfast and check out of your accommodation, preparing for your journey back to Kochi.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Kochi Airport

Travel back to Kochi airport (approximately 1.5 hours) for your flight departure, allowing sufficient time for international check-in.
INR1200 (car hire), 1h30m
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