Efficient 6-Day Kerala Itinerary: Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Alleppey & Return

Day 1: Arrival and Kochi highlights

Kochi, India on December 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe

Begin your Kerala adventure with coffee and freshly baked goods at this artistic cafe in Fort Kochi.
INR500, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Fort Kochi

Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Dutch Palace to immerse in colonial history.
INR200, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Fusion Bay

Relish fresh Kerala seafood and traditional dishes at this popular Fort Kochi restaurant.
INR800, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue

Discover the multicultural heritage of Kochi through these historical landmarks near Fort Kochi.
INR150, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Enjoy a luxurious dinner of Kerala coastal cuisine in a unique boat-shaped restaurant by the water.
INR1200, 1h30m

Day 2: Munnar tea plantations

Munnar, India on December 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with an early breakfast at your Kochi hotel before travelling to Munnar.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Munnar

Travel to Munnar on a picturesque 4-hour drive with rolling hills and tea gardens.
INR2500 (car hire), 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Sample authentic Kerala banana leaf meals in a relaxed environment.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tata Tea Museum

Explore tea processing techniques and the history of Munnar’s tea plantations.
INR80, 1h0m

3:00pm

Stop at Echo Point

Enjoy natural echoes and scenic views at this tranquil location amidst hills and lakes.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a vegetarian South Indian dinner at this popular, affordable eatery.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 3: Thekkady and Periyar Wildlife

Thekkady, India on December 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast at your Munnar hotel before a short trip to Thekkady.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Thekkady

A scenic 2.5-hour drive to Thekkady, with spice plantations along the way.
INR1800 (car hire), 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the sanctuary’s walking trails or check-in at your hotel to relax before activities.
INR200, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Green Wood Restaurant

Enjoy Kerala and continental fare in a peaceful setting near Thekkady town.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Periyar Lake boat cruise

Take a 2-hour boat cruise to spot wildlife including elephants and various birds on Periyar Lake.
INR1500, 2h0m

6:00pm

Kathakali dance performance

Attend a traditional cultural performance featuring colourful costumes and storytelling dance.
INR400, 1h30m

7:45pm

Dinner at Bamboo Grove Restaurant

Savour authentic Kerala dishes in a cosy ambience.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 4: Kumarakom bird sanctuary

Kumarakom, India on December 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at Thekkady hotel before the drive to Kumarakom.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Kumarakom

Drive approximately 3 hours to Kumarakom, avoiding backtracking to Alleppey before proceeding south.
INR2100 (car hire), 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Zuri Kumarakom

Relish waterside views and exquisite Kerala and international cuisine at this top resort.
INR1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Spend 2 hours exploring this peaceful sanctuary open 9am-5pm observing native and migratory birds.
INR100, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at resort or Ayurveda spa

Unwind with a spa treatment or relax at your resort in the heart of tranquil backwaters.
INR2000 (optional spa), 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cayenne Pepper

Enjoy a casual dinner with authentic Kerala flavours nearby your accommodation.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 5: Alleppey backwaters cruise

Alleppey, India on December 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

After breakfast, take a short 1-hour drive to Alleppey for the famed backwater experience.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Alleppey

Proceed to Alleppey for your backwaters houseboat stay or cruise.
INR800 (car hire), 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch onboard or local restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood or Keralan cuisine during your houseboat cruise or at a local eatery if on day cruise.
INR800, 1h0m

1:00pm

Houseboat backwater cruise

Spend 3-4 hours leisurely cruising Kerala’s iconic backwaters admiring lush greenery and village life.
INR3500 (per person), 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House

Savour simple vegetarian dishes and coffee to end your day affordably in historic surroundings.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 6: Return to Kochi

Kochi, India on December 29, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and checkout

Enjoy breakfast and check out of your Alleppey accommodation before heading to the airport.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Kochi Airport

Travel 1.5 hours to Kochi airport for your departure, ensuring ample time for check-in.
INR1200 (car hire), 1h30m