9-Day Kerala and Wayanad Exploration: A Tropical Backwater and Hill Station Journey

Day 1: Kochi Arrival & Exploration

Kochi, India on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at this popular café known for artisanal coffee and fresh, healthy choices in Fort Kochi.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Explore Fort Kochi

Stroll through the historic Fort Kochi area to see the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church & Dutch Palace. Perfect for history and culture lovers.
INR150, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Fusion Bay

Savour fresh seafood at Fusion Bay, a highly recommended spot for authentic Kerala and coastal dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.
INR700, 1h

2:30pm

Jew Town Visit

Explore the antique shops and spice markets in Jew Town, a culturally rich area known for its unique heritage.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Kathakali Performance

Witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance at Kerala Kathakali Centre. Shows typically start at 6:00pm, showing Kerala’s classical storytelling art.
INR500, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ginger House

Dine at Ginger House, set in a charming heritage home, offering a great atmosphere and authentic Kerala cuisine.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 2: Munnar Tea Hills

Munnar, India on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel

Start early with a traditional Kerala or continental breakfast included at your hotel in Kochi before heading out to Munnar.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Munnar

Drive from Kochi to Munnar, approx. 4-5 hour scenic journey through the Western Ghats.
Private car cost approx. INR3500, 5h

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

After arrival & check-in, enjoy a south Indian vegetarian lunch at this well-known chain, loved for dosa and thali meals.
INR400, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Tea Museum

Explore the Munnar Tea Museum by Tata Tea to learn about the history and process of tea cultivation in this lush region.
INR50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Tea Garden Walk

Take a gentle walk through the sprawling tea plantations near town, admiring the green hill slopes and mild climate.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Try local Kerala dishes in a casual environment, famous for fish curry and appam.
INR600, 1h

Day 3: Munnar Nature & Adventure

Munnar, India on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your hotel's breakfast with local and international options to fuel your active day ahead.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Eravikulam National Park

Visit the Eravikulam National Park to see the Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy panoramic views from the Anamudi peak, open 7:30am to 4:30pm.
INR300, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sree Krishna Kafe

Relish vegetarian Kerala cuisine near the park entrance with fresh ingredients and homely preparation.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Mattupetty Dam & Boating

Enjoy a boat ride at Mattupetty Dam reservoir, surrounded by hills and lush greenery, open until 5:00pm.
INR150, 2h

4:00pm

Echo Point Visit

Nearby, visit Echo Point to try out the famous natural echoes and enjoy a short refreshing nature walk.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant

Sample a variety of dishes from Kerala and international cuisine in relaxed surroundings at your hotel.
INR700, 1h

Day 4: Thekkady Wildlife

Thekkady, India on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and check-out

Have a nourishing breakfast and prepare for the drive to Thekkady, the heart of Kerala's spice gardens and wildlife sanctuaries.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Thekkady

A 3-4 hour drive through scenic hill roads to Thekkady, famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Private taxi approx. INR2500, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Raga Residency

Enjoy local Kerala dishes with fresh herbs and spices near the town center.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

Take an afternoon boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, gaur, and other wildlife near the forest edge. The sanctuary is open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
INR300, 2h

5:00pm

Spice Plantation Visit

Walk through spice plantations nearby to learn about the cultivation of pepper, cardamom and cinnamon.
INR100, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Athidhi Restaurant

Dine on delicious Kerala meals in a relaxed and authentic setting.
INR700, 1h

Day 5: Thekkady Forest Trek

Thekkady, India on June 5, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Have an early breakfast before setting off on your guided forest trek in Periyar Reserve.
Included, 1h

7:00am

Guided Jungle Trek

Join a 3-4 hour trek through Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with a guide to safely spot flora and fauna. Book in advance.
INR1000, 4h

11:30am

Lunch at Hotel

After trekking, enjoy a hearty lunch back at your hotel or a nearby restaurant like Thekkady Cafe.
INR600, 1h

1:30pm

Ayurvedic Spa Treatment

Experience authentic Ayurvedic treatments and massages offered at many Thekkady resorts, excellent for relaxation.
INR1500, 2h

4:00pm

Explore local markets

Visit local shops around Thekkady town to buy spices, souvenirs and handicrafts.
Free to browse, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Traditional Kerala cuisine with fresh ingredients served in your comfortable hotel dining room.
INR700, 1h

Day 6: Arrive in Wayanad

Wayanad, India on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and check-out

Fuel up with breakfast before a scenic 3 to 4 hour drive from Thekkady to Wayanad.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Wayanad

Drive through beautiful landscapes and hills as you journey to the hill district of Wayanad.
Private taxi approx. INR3000, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at 1980’s A Nostalgic Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kerala flavours in a rustic setting celebrating the 1980s vibe popular in Wayanad.
INR500, 1h

2:30pm

Soochipara Waterfalls

Visit Soochipara Falls where you can enjoy the natural beauty and take a refreshing dip (weather permitting).
INR50, 2h

5:00pm

Pookode Lake

Visit the picturesque freshwater Pookode Lake for boating and walking around its peaceful surroundings. Opens till 6pm.
INR100, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a warm and cozy dinner at your hotel, featuring traditional and multi-cuisine options.
INR700, 1h

Day 7: Wayanad Historical & Nature

Wayanad, India on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a fulfilling breakfast for a day full of exploration, including local breakfast specialities.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Edakkal Caves

Hike to the Edakkal Caves to see prehistoric petroglyphs, a unique archaeological site open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR50, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gigi's Cafe

Taste a fusion mix of Kerala and Continental dishes in a beautiful garden setting.
INR600, 1h

1:30pm

Banasura Sagar Dam

Visit the largest earth dam in India and enjoy boating and panoramic mountain views. Open till 6:00pm.
INR50, 2h

4:00pm

Wayanad Heritage Museum

Explore local history, culture, and tribal artifacts in this excellent museum in Ambalavayal, open till 5:00pm.
INR30, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Relax and enjoy your last evening in Wayanad with a delicious Kerala meal at your hotel.
INR700, 1h

Day 8: Wayanad to Kozhikode

Kozhikode, India on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and check-out

Enjoy a tasty breakfast before departing for the coastal city of Kozhikode (Calicut).
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Kozhikode

Travel approx. 3-hour drive downhill to Kozhikode, known for its beaches and spice trade history.
Private taxi approx. INR2000, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Paragon Restaurant

Dine at the iconic Paragon Restaurant, famous for Malabar biryani and seafood delicacies.
INR700, 1h

1:30pm

Kozhikode Beach

Relax and stroll along Kozhikode Beach, witnessing local life and enjoying sunset views.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Mananchira Square

Visit this historic park with a large pond and surrounding colonial structures, perfect for a calming walk.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy your farewell dinner at a renowned hotel restaurant with a variety of Kerala and international dishes.
INR800, 1h

Day 9: Departure Day

Kozhikode, India on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before check-out and transfer to Kozhikode Airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Departure

Transfer to Kozhikode Airport (approx. 30 minutes) or train station.
Transport cost approx. INR500, 30m