How many days do you need in Kerala?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Kerala, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Kerala?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Kerala. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

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

Find Hotels in Kochi

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

Find Hotels in Munnar

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

Find Hotels in Munnar

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

Find Hotels in Thekkady

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

Find Hotels in Kumarakom

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

Find Hotels in Alleppey

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

Find Hotels in Kovalam

Step 1 Outline Preview:

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

Day 1: Historic Kochi Discovery

8:00am

9:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 2: Munnar Hill Station

7:00am

8:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 3: Nature and Adventure

7:30am

8:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

6:30pm

Day 4: Wildlife and Spice

7:00am

8:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 5: Backwaters Relaxation

7:30am

8:30am

12:00pm

2:00pm

6:30pm

Day 6: Alleppey Experience

8:30am

9:30am

11:00am

1:30pm

3:00pm

7:30pm

Day 7: Beachside Kovalam

7:30am

8:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

6:00pm

7:30pm

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