7-Day Kerala Exploration: Backwaters, Culture, and Nature

Day 1: Welcome to Kochi

Kochi, Kerala, India on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe

Enjoy fresh local and continental breakfast in a lovely artsy café known for its cozy ambiance.
INR500, 1h

9:30am

Explore Fort Kochi

Walk through the charming streets of Fort Kochi, exploring colonial architecture, the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and St. Francis Church, open 9am-5pm.
Free, 2h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Fort House Restaurant

Savor delicious Kerala seafood dishes in a seaside setting with views of the harbor.
INR800, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Mattancherry Palace

Discover local history and murals at this 16th-century palace, open 9:30am-5pm.
INR10, 1h

3:30pm

Jewish Synagogue Walkthrough

Explore the historic Paradesi Synagogue and stroll through the antique market nearby.
INR5, 1h

6:00pm

Evening by Marine Drive

Relax along Marine Drive promenade and enjoy the sunset views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Malabar Junction

Relish authentic Kerala cuisine with a modern twist in this atmospheric restaurant.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 2: Munnar Tea Gardens

Munnar, Kerala, India on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a traditional South Indian breakfast at your hotel before traveling to Munnar.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Munnar

Drive approximately 4 hours from Kochi to Munnar through scenic hills and tea plantations.
INR2500 (taxi fare approx.), 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes at this popular local restaurant.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Tea Museum Visit

Explore the Tata Tea Museum open from 9am-4:30pm to learn about tea processing and history.
INR25, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Mattupetty Dam

Enjoy boating on the dam and beautiful lake views during the golden hour, open till 6pm.
INR150, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Try local Kerala delicacies like Malabar parotta and chicken curry at this cozy eatery.
INR600, 1h

Day 3: Nature & Hills

Munnar, Kerala, India on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast with views of the hills and refreshing mountain air.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Eravikulam National Park

Visit the park (8am-5:30pm) famous for Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
INR150, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Refuel with traditional Kerala dishes such as Kerala fish curry and appam.
INR600, 1h

1:30pm

Green Tea Plantation Walk

Take a guided walk through lush tea gardens to understand tea cultivation and scenic landscapes.
INR100, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at your hotel

Rest and enjoy the cool climate after an active day.
Free, Rest of evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Sample local specialties in your hotel’s cozy setting to end the day comfortably.
INR700, 1h

Day 4: Thekkady Wild Experience

Thekkady, Kerala, India on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing for Thekkady.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Thekkady

Travel around 3 hours from Munnar to Thekkady through scenic roads.
INR1500 (taxi fare approx.), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Thekkady Cafe

Delight in freshly prepared South Indian and Kerala dishes in a casual setting.
INR500, 1h

1:30pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

Take a 1.5-hour boat cruise (9am-4:30pm) across Periyar Lake to spot wildlife like elephants and birds.
INR200, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Spice Plantations

Explore nearby spice gardens to see and smell cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon plants in bloom.
INR100, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Wisteria Restaurant

Dine on authentic Kerala and Indo-Chinese cuisine in this charming eatery.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 5: Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey, Kerala, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before traveling to Alleppey.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Alleppey

Travel approximately 4 hours from Thekkady to Alleppey along picturesque routes.
INR2000 (taxi fare approx.), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Thaff Restaurant

Enjoy Kerala specialties and fresh seafood in this well-known Alleppey spot.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Houseboat Check-in

Board a traditional Kerala houseboat for a scenic overnight cruise in the backwaters.
INR5000 approx. per night, Rest of day

5:00pm

Cruise Backwaters

Relax while cruising calm canals lined with palm trees, rural villages, and paddy fields, witnessing sunsets and local life.
Included, Ongoing till dinner

7:30pm

Dinner on Houseboat

Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala-style meals on board as you drift along tranquil waters.
Included, 1h

Day 6: Kumarakom Relaxation

Kumarakom, Kerala, India on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Houseboat Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast on the houseboat with views of the backwaters and morning mist.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Kumarakom

A short 30-minute transfer to Kumarakom, known for its bird sanctuary and tranquil environment.
INR500, 30m

10:00am

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Visit

Visit this haven for migratory birds and enjoy serene boat rides through the sanctuary, open 9am-5pm.
INR50, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cayenne Pepper Restaurant

Relish exquisite Kerala dishes and fresh seafood in a peaceful garden restaurant setting.
INR700, 1h30m

2:30pm

Relax at Kumarakom Resort

Spend the afternoon unwinding by the pool or indulging in an Ayurvedic spa treatment.
Spa INR1500 approx., 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Resort

Dine on fine Kerala cuisine prepared with local ingredients in a serene environment.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 7: Back to Kochi

Kochi, Kerala, India on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Enjoy your last Kerala morning with a fresh breakfast at the resort.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive back to Kochi

About a 1.5-hour drive to Kochi for departure or further travel.
INR500 (taxi fare approx.), 1h30m

10:30am

Shopping and Leisure in Kochi

Spend remaining time shopping for spices, souvenirs, and handicrafts in the markets around Broadway before your onward journey.
Varies, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe

Enjoy a farewell lunch featuring fusion Kerala and continental dishes in an artsy atmosphere.
INR600, 1h