7-Day Scenic and Cultural Kerala Itinerary: Backwaters, Hill Stations, and Beaches

Day 1: Historic Kochi Discovery

Kochi, India on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this bohemian café known for its artisanal coffee and healthy breakfast options, perfect for a fresh start before exploring Kochi.
INR600, 1h0m

9:30am

Fort Kochi Walking Tour

Explore the colonial charm of Fort Kochi including Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace. The open-air walking tour will uncover the unique historical layers of Kochi.
INR200, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Fort House Restaurant

Savor authentic Kerala coastal cuisine with fresh seafood right on the waterfront, offering both great tastes and views.
INR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Mattancherry Palace Visit

Visit the Mattancherry Palace, also called Dutch Palace, famous for its beautiful Kerala murals and historical artifacts dating back to the 16th century.
INR50, 1h0m

4:00pm

Jew Town and Spice Market

Stroll through the vibrant spice market and historic Jew Town to shop for unique spices, antiques and souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ginger House Restaurant

Experience exquisite seafood and Kerala dishes in a beautiful garden setting inside the historic Pepper House.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 2: Munnar Hill Station

Munnar, India on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast available at your accommodation, ensuring energy for the mountain journey ahead.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Munnar from Kochi

Enjoy a scenic 4-hour drive from Kochi to Munnar showcasing lush tea plantations and rolling hills.
INR3500 for taxi, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Relish traditional Kerala meals with tasty local curries and rice in a friendly local ambiance.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Tea Museum

Explore the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea and see the processing techniques. Opens 9:00am-5:00pm.
INR50, 1h30m

4:00pm

Eravikulam National Park

Visit this famous park to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Open 8:00am-5:00pm.
INR350, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Have a comforting South Indian vegetarian meal with a variety of dosas and thalis in this popular chain.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 3: Nature and Adventure

Munnar, India on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fresh, energizing breakfast to prepare for a day of nature and hiking in Munnar's hills.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Hiking at Anamudi Peak

Trek near Anamudi, the highest peak in South India. This moderate hike takes in stunning vistas and wildlife spotting. Guided hikes recommended.
INR300, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Return to savor more local tastes with hearty Kerala cuisine in a cosy setting.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Attukal Waterfalls

Visit the scenic Attukal waterfalls for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by pristine nature. Entry is free and best visited till late afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Dine at your hotel to enjoy local and continental dishes after a day of exploring nature.
INR700, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Wildlife and Spice

Thekkady, India on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before heading towards Thekkady, the spice and wildlife hub.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Thekkady

Take a 3-hour drive to Thekkady, passing lush plantations and scenic landscapes.
INR3000 for taxi, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Spice Garden Restaurant

Enjoy lunch featuring local spices at this quaint restaurant surrounded by greenery.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

Take a 2-hour guided boat safari on Periyar Lake to see elephants, deer, and possibly tigers in their natural habitat. Opens 9:00am-3:00pm.
INR600, 2h0m

4:00pm

Spice Plantation Tour

Walk through spice plantations to learn about cardamom, pepper, clove and cinnamon cultivation. Tours usually last 1-1.5 hours.
INR400, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ambadi

Dine on traditional Kerala cuisine with a vegetable and seafood focus in Thekkady's good-value Ambadi restaurant.
INR700, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Backwaters Relaxation

Kumarakom, India on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with a peaceful breakfast before traveling to Kumarakom's famous backwaters.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Kumarakom

Drive 3 hours from Thekkady to Kumarakom, a serene village nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake.
INR3000 for taxi, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Coconut Lagoon

Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch using local fresh fish and spices in this scenic lakeside resort restaurant.
INR1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Backwater Houseboat Cruise

Board a luxury houseboat for a leisurely 3-4 hour cruise through the tranquil backwaters, observing rural life and lush landscapes.
INR5000, 4h0m

6:30pm

Dinner on Houseboat

Relish a freshly cooked Kerala dinner prepared on board your houseboat while enjoying the sunset on the backwaters.
Included in cruise, 1h0m
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Day 6: Alleppey Experience

Alleppey, India on May 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Houseboat

Start with a delicious breakfast on your houseboat to soak up the serene morning views.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Alleppey

Short 1-hour drive to Alleppey town to explore its lively markets and beaches.
INR700 for taxi, 1h0m

11:00am

Alleppey Beach Visit

Relax or swim at Alleppey Beach, a beautiful and peaceful stretch perfect for unwinding.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Halais Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and Kerala delicacies in this highly rated local restaurant near the beach.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Alleppey Market

Wander through the colorful local market to shop for spices, coir products, and handicrafts.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House

Experience a nostalgic and economical dinner at this iconic Kerala coffee house known for South Indian staples.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 7: Beachside Kovalam

Kovalam, India on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an energizing breakfast before heading south to Kovalam’s pristine beaches.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Kovalam

Drive 4 hours from Alleppey to Kovalam for some beachside relaxation and leisure.
INR3500 for taxi, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sea View Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and tropical drinks with a view of the Arabian Sea at this popular beachfront restaurant.
INR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at Kovalam Beach

Spend the afternoon sunbathing, swimming, or trying water sports at the famous Lighthouse Beach.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Visit Lighthouse and Sunset

Climb up the Kovalam lighthouse to get panoramic views of the beach and enjoy a beautiful sunset.
INR50, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Malabar Coast Restaurant

Savour authentic Kerala cuisine at this reputed restaurant with great ambiance and flavors.
INR900, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability