8-Day Ultimate Kerala Nature Circuit: From Ernakulam to Trivandrum via Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey & Kovalam

Day 1: Ernakulam to Munnar

Ernakulam to Munnar, Kerala, India on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Depart Ernakulam by KSRTC bus

Start your journey early from Ernakulam on a comfortable KSRTC bus heading to Munnar for about 149 km, soaking in scenic views en route.
₹250, 3h

11:00am

Cheeyapara Waterfalls stop

Take a refreshing 30-minute break at the stunning Cheeyapara Waterfalls to enjoy the lush greenery and cascading waters.
Free, 30m

1:00pm

Arrive and check in at Munnar town

Check-in at a homestay or hostel in Old Munnar Town, ideally chosen for easy access to local sights and comfort.
₹600–900, 1h

1:15pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine and fresh local vegetables at Rapsy Restaurant, well-known for its spicy and flavorful meals.
₹250 approx., 45m

3:00pm

Blossom Hydel Park visit

Relax at Blossom Hydel Park, a nearby scenic spot perfect for a light walk and photos, just 2 km from town.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Attukad Waterfalls visit

Visit the tranquil Attukad Waterfalls, just 5 km away, a lovely spot for nature lovers to unwind and listen to the rushing water.
Free, 30m

5:00pm

Pothamedu Viewpoint

Head to Pothamedu Viewpoint, 8 km away, to enjoy breathtaking views of tea plantations and valleys during golden hour for perfect sunset photography.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Evening stroll and tea stalls in Munnar

Spend the evening casually exploring Munnar town markets and savoring local tea at quaint tea stalls to soak in the hill town atmosphere.
₹50–100 for tea, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a delicious South Indian vegetarian dinner at Saravana Bhavan, known for its dosas and filter coffee.
₹300 approx., 1h

Day 2: Munnar Gap Circuit

Munnar, Kerala, India on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Bike rental in Munnar

Pick up your rented bike from MG Road or KSRTC bus stand area to begin a self-guided circular tour of scenic Gap Road.
₹500, 30m

7:30am

Photo Point

Visit Photo Point, just 3 km away, an iconic scenic spot framed by rolling tea plantations and mountain backdrop, perfect for sunrise pictures.
Free, 45m

9:00am

Mattupetty Dam

Explore Mattupetty Dam area with boating and panoramic views; enjoy peaceful surroundings and cooler mountain air.
₹50 entrance + ₹100 boat ride, 1h

10:30am

Echo Point

Stop at Echo Point, about 2 km onwards, to experience interesting natural echo effects surrounded by lush green hills.
Free, 45m

11:30am

Kundala Lake

Relax at Kundala Lake, 8 km away, where you can enjoy pedal boating surrounded by serene water and hills.
₹100 for pedal boat, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan Munnar

Stop for a filling lunch with authentic South Indian thali and snacks to refuel for the rest of the ride.
₹350 approx., 45m

1:30pm

Top Station

Ride 12 km uphill to Top Station, the highest point offering panoramic views into Tamil Nadu and the Western Ghats.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Yellapatty

Visit Yellapatty Tea Estate, 15 km away, for gorgeous plantation views and tranquil scenery.
Free, 30m

4:00pm

Return via 2nd Mile and Munnar Town

Ride back through 2nd Mile Road with beautiful vistas and then to Munnar Town to return the bike and relax.
Free, 2.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Olive

Dine at Ristorante Olive for delicious Kerala and continental dishes in a cozy ambiance.
₹500 approx., 1h

Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady

Munnar to Thekkady, Kerala, India on April 28, 2025

4:30am

Early bike ride Munnar to Suryanelli

Start early to Suryanelli to catch dawn light on the mountain roads (22 km).
Free, 45m

5:15am

Jeep ride to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

From Suryanelli, board a jeep (₹500–600 round trip) for a sunrise tour and spectacular views at India’s highest tea estate.
₹600, 3h

9:00am

Ride to Bahubali Waterfalls

Bike 5 km and hike 1.5 km to peaceful Bahubali Falls before noon to enjoy the solitude and pristine nature.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Return to Munnar

Bike back to Munnar for lunch and prepare for onward journey to Thekkady.
Free, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with fresh local dishes and filter coffee before the long ride ahead.
₹300 approx., 45m

2:00pm

Ride Munnar to Thekkady

Begin scenic 110 km bike ride to spice town Thekkady, enjoying tea plantations and rolling hills.
Fuel approx. ₹250, 3.5h

5:30pm

Check-in at Thekkady hotel/homestay

Settle in at your accommodation in Kumily with good access to spice markets and sanctuary.
₹700–1,000, 30m

6:00pm

Evening spice market stroll

Explore vibrant Kumily spice market, pick up local spices and enjoy the aroma and colors.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Curry Town

Taste traditional Kerala and multi-cuisine dishes prepared with fresh spices.
₹350 approx., 1h

Day 4: Thekkady Nature

Thekkady, Kerala, India on April 29, 2025

6:00am

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Trek and Boat

Enjoy a guided trek or boat ride in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary watching out for elephants, deer and birds. Open 6AM-10AM.
₹300–500, 4h

7:00am

Bamboo Rafting or Forest Walk

Optional bamboo rafting or walking trail through spice and forest landscapes offering an immersive nature experience.
₹200–300, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ambadi Restaurant

Savor tasty Kerala meals including seafood and vegetarian options in a garden setting.
₹400 approx., 1h

3:00pm

Elephant ride in spice plantation

Take an elephant ride through spice plantations nearby to see cultivation practices firsthand until 4:30 PM.
₹200–400, 1.5h

6:00pm

Kathakali & Kalaripayattu Shows

Witness traditional Kerala art forms Kathakali dance and Kalaripayattu martial arts during evening cultural shows.
₹200–300 each, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Thekkady Café Coffee Day

Unwind with light meals and coffee after a packed day in nature.
₹200 approx., 30m

Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey

Thekkady to Alleppey, Kerala, India on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Depart Thekkady to Kottayam

Begin your 110 km journey to Kottayam, a convenient midway point en route to backwaters town Alleppey.
Fuel approx. ₹250, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at local dhaba near Kottayam

Enjoy a quick Kerala-style lunch with rice and curries at a local roadside eatery.
₹150 approx., 30m

1:00pm

Arrive Alleppey and check-in

Check in to a guesthouse near the backwaters for easy access to boat tours and beach.
₹600–900, 30m

2:00pm

Backwater boat cruise

Enjoy a serene boat cruise through Alleppey’s famous backwaters from 2 to 5pm seeing village life and lush palms.
₹500–1,500 depending on boat, 3h

5:30pm

Sunset at Alleppey Beach

Relax and watch the beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea at Alleppey Beach nearby.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Halais Restaurant

Savor seafood specialities and Kerala delicacies in this popular Alleppey eatery.
₹400 approx., 1h

Day 6: Alleppey to Trivandrum

Alleppey to Trivandrum, Kerala, India on May 1, 2025

6:00am

Early departure from Alleppey to Trivandrum

Catch a train or KSRTC bus to Trivandrum for wedding festivities, estimated travel 4–5 hours.
₹200–300, 5h

11:00am

Wedding festivities

Immerse yourself in the cultural experience and celebration of the wedding in Trivandrum.
Varies, All day

8:00pm

Dinner with wedding hosts

Enjoy traditional feast and sweets as part of the wedding banquet.
Included, 1.5h

Day 7: Trivandrum to Kovalam

Trivandrum to Kovalam via Varkala, Kerala, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Bus/Taxi from Trivandrum to Varkala

Travel 50 km north to Varkala, a laid-back coastal town famous for cliffs and beaches.
₹150, 1.5h

8:30am

Varkala Cliff Walk & cafés

Stroll along Varkala Cliff enjoying cafés with fresh Kerala coffee, sea views, and handicraft shops.
Free to stroll; ₹200 for coffee/snacks, 1.5h

10:00am

Papanasam Beach and Janardhana Temple visit

Visit peaceful Papanasam Beach followed by the historic Janardhana Swamy Temple, an architectural gem.
Free, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Coffee Temple Varkala

Relax with delicious coffee and light South Indian snacks famed in this café.
₹250 approx., 45m

12:30pm

Travel Varkala to Jatayu Earth Center

Drive 35 km to visit the Jatayu Earth Center, a giant rock sculpture with cable car access to breathtaking views.
₹450 entry + cable car ticket, 4h

5:00pm

Jatayu to Kovalam

Drive 60 km south to Kovalam tourist beach town to catch the sunset.
₹400 taxi fare approx., 1h

5:30pm

Sunset at Kovalam Lighthouse Beach

Relax and watch the spectacular sunset, a perfect way to unwind after the day's exploration.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Seagull Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood specialties in a casual setting by the beach.
₹500 approx., 1h

Day 8: Kovalam to Trivandrum

Kovalam to Trivandrum via Poovar, Kerala, India on May 3, 2025

6:30am

Travel Kovalam to Poovar

Short 20 km trip to coastal Poovar village known for its serene backwater estuary and mangrove forest.
₹200 taxi, 45m

7:15am

Poovar backwater estuary cruise & mangrove views

Take a 2-hour early morning cruise through mangroves and estuaries at Poovar for wildlife spotting and peace.
₹500 approx., 2h

9:15am

Poovar Beach sunrise stroll

Enjoy a quiet 15-minute walk along the peaceful beach witnessing the morning waves and sunrise.
Free, 15m

9:30am

Poovar to Trivandrum Central/Airport

Head to Trivandrum, only 35 km away, for your onward train or flight connections.
₹300 taxi fare approx., 1h

10:30am

Arrival at Trivandrum Railway Station/Airport

Conclude your spectacular Kerala nature circuit, ready for onward travel or return journey.
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