Efficient Kerala Itinerary: Kochi, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Munnar, Thekkady and Return - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrival and Kochi exploration

Kochi, India on December 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe, famous for good coffee and fresh continental options.
INR500, 1h0m

10:30am

Fort Kochi sightseeing

Visit key heritage sites in Fort Kochi including Chinese Fishing Nets, Dutch Palace, and St. Francis Church to immerse yourself in the colonial history.
INR200, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Fusion Bay

Savour fresh Kerala seafood at Fusion Bay, renowned for its authentic flavours and waterfront views.
INR800, 1h0m

3:30pm

Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue

Explore Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue, highlighting Kochi's cultural diversity.
INR150, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Enjoy exquisite Kerala cuisine at The Rice Boat, famed for its unique ambience and fresh coastal dishes.
INR1200, 1h30m
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Day 2: Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey, India on December 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Kochi

Have an early breakfast before departing to Alleppey.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Alleppey

A short 1.5-hour drive from Kochi to Alleppey, reducing travel time compared to heading to Munnar first.
INR1200 (car hire), 1h30m

10:00am

Houseboat backwater cruise

Embark on a scenic houseboat cruise in the Alleppey backwaters lasting 3 hours, to enjoy the tranquil canals and villages.
INR3500, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Thaff Restaurant

Relish authentic Kerala fish curry and fresh seafood at Thaff, a local favourite.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Alleppey town

Take a stroll through Alleppey town, visit local markets and the nearby beach.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House

End the day with simple Keralan vegetarian dishes at the historic Indian Coffee House.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 3: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom, India on December 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Alleppey

Breakfast at your hotel before a short drive to Kumarakom.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Kumarakom

A brief 1-hour drive to Kumarakom, saving time and reducing backtracking.
INR800 (car hire), 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Explore the bird sanctuary (open 9:00am-5:00pm), spotting herons, kingfishers and seasonal migratory birds.
INR100, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Zuri Kumarakom

Enjoy a scenic and relaxing lunch overlooking the backwaters at The Zuri Kumarakom resort.
INR1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at resort or Ayurveda spa

Spend a restful afternoon with a spa treatment or unwind at your resort, making the most of Kumarakom’s tranquil location.
INR2000 (spa), 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cayenne Pepper

Savour Kerala specialties and seafood for dinner in a friendly local restaurant near Kumarakom.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 4: Munnar Tea Plantations

Munnar, India on December 27, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast and checkout

Breakfast and early departure to Munnar to avoid afternoon traffic and allow more time in the hill station.
Included, 1h0m

7:30am

Drive to Munnar

A longer drive of approximately 4 hours from Kumarakom to Munnar, now direct and efficient.
INR2500 (car hire), 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kerala meals at Rapsy Restaurant, famous for its banana leaf meals.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tea Museum

Discover Munnar’s tea heritage and processing at the Tata Tea Museum open till 5:00pm.
INR80, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Echo Point

Relax and take scenic photos at Echo Point, famous for its natural sound echoes.
Free, 0h45m

5:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy comforting South Indian vegetarian dishes at Saravana Bhavan in Munnar.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 5: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary

Thekkady, India on December 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Munnar

Start the day with breakfast before a morning drive to Thekkady.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Thekkady

Drive about 3 hours from Munnar to Thekkady, entering the spice and wildlife region.
INR1800 (car hire), 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Green Wood Restaurant

Enjoy Kerala and continental style dishes in Thekkady before your wildlife activities.
INR700, 1h0m

1:00pm

Periyar Lake boat cruise

Experience a 2-hour boat cruise on Periyar Lake spotting wildlife such as elephants and deer. Cruise runs till 4:00pm.
INR1500, 2h0m

5:30pm

Kathakali dance performance

Enjoy a traditional cultural Kathakali performance lasting approximately 1.5 hours.
INR400, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bamboo Grove Restaurant

Sample traditional Kerala dishes in a relaxing environment at Bamboo Grove.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 6: Return to Kochi

Kochi, India on December 29, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and checkout

Breakfast and prepare for the journey back to Kochi airport.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Kochi Airport

Drive approximately 3.5 hours to Kochi airport for your departure flight, allocating plenty of time for check-in.
INR2200 (car hire), 3h30m
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