8-Day Kerala Road Trip Itinerary Exploring Nature, Culture & Cuisine

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Kochi

Kochi, India on May 26, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival at Kochi International Airport

Arrive and pick up your vehicle. Settle into your hotel and prepare for an exciting journey through Kerala.
INR0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Explore Fort Kochi

Walk around Fort Kochi to see historic sites such as the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and iconic Chinese fishing nets. The area offers a blend of colonial history and local culture.
INR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kashi Art Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed dinner here known for artisan coffee and delicious Kerala-inspired dishes. Recommended dishes include Kerala beef fry and appam.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 2: Munnar Tea Gardens

Munnar, India on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, Kochi

Start your day with traditional South Indian breakfast favorites like idli, dosa, and filter coffee.
INR300, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Munnar

Enjoy a scenic 4-hour drive through the Western Ghats to reach the lush hill station of Munnar. The route offers picturesque landscapes and hill views.
INR0, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant, Munnar

Try local Kerala dishes like fish curry, vegetable thali, and spicy chicken fry in this popular local eatery.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Tea Museum

Explore the Tata Tea Museum to learn about tea processing and history with displays and guided tours. Open 9am to 5pm.
INR50, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Tea Plantations

Take a stroll through picturesque tea plantations surrounding Munnar. The cool climate and greenery are captivating.
INR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan, Munnar

Enjoy South Indian cuisine featuring dosas, vadas, and fresh juices in a comfortable setting.
INR400, 1h30m
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Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady

Munnar to Thekkady, India on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Munnar

Have a hearty breakfast with tropical fruits and local Kerala specialties before the journey to Thekkady.
INR0, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Thekkady

Enjoy a 3-hour journey to Thekkady, known for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations.
INR0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Thekkady Cafe

Savor Kerala's rich flavors with dishes such as spicy Kerala prawn fry and rice.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Join a guided boat cruise on Periyar Lake (open 8am - 5pm) to spot elephants, deer, and birds in their natural habitat.
INR1500, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Spice Plantations

Take a short guided walk through Thekkady spice plantations to learn about cardamom, pepper, and vanilla cultivation.
INR200, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Athidhi Restaurant

Dine on authentic Kerala cuisine with specialties like beef fry and kali curry.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 4: Thekkady Wildlife & Culture

Thekkady, India on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Kerala breakfast including puttu and kadala curry.
INR0, 1h0m

9:00am

Early Morning Jungle Trek

Join a guided trek inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with chances to see wildlife and rare birds. Trekking permits required.
INR800, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ambadi Restaurant

Try Kerala-style biryani and other flavorful dishes in a casual atmosphere.
INR450, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Elephant Junction

Interact with elephants and learn about their care at this popular sanctuary open until 6pm.
INR600, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner & Kathakali Show

Have dinner at a restaurant offering authentic Kerala cuisine followed by a classical Kathakali dance-show from 8pm to 9:30pm.
INR1000, 2h0m
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Day 5: Thekkady to Kumarakom

Thekkady to Kumarakom, India on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Thekkady

Enjoy a filling breakfast with appams and stew.
INR0, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Kumarakom

Travel 3.5 hours to the backwater paradise of Kumarakom, known for houseboats and bird sanctuaries.
INR0, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kumarakom Lake Resort

Savor fresh seafood and Kerala vegetarian specialties with lake views.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Vembanad Lake Bird Sanctuary Visit

Spend the afternoon bird watching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (open 7am to 6pm), spotting migratory species and native birds.
INR100, 2h0m

6:30pm

Sunset Cruise on Vembanad Lake

Take a tranquil boat ride in the evening to witness the stunning sunset over the backwaters.
INR800, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at The Backwater Cafe

Enjoy traditional Kerala meals including karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish) in a rustic setting.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kumarakom Backwaters

Kumarakom, India on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in fresh tropical fruits and masala chai to start your day.
INR0, 1h0m

9:00am

Houseboat Cruise

Board a traditional Kerala houseboat for a day-long cruise through the serene backwaters, observing villages, coconut groves, and waterways.
INR4500, 6h0m

3:00pm

Lunch on Houseboat

Enjoy a freshly cooked Kerala-style lunch on board featuring fish curry, rice, and local vegetables.
Included, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hotel & Relax

Unwind by the lake or enjoy spa services at your resort.
Variable, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Savor a calm dinner with local Kerala dishes like thalassery biryani in your hotel restaurant.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 7: Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey, India on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Check-Out from Kumarakom

Enjoy a light breakfast before driving to Alleppey.
INR0, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Alleppey

A short one-hour drive brings you to Alleppey, Kerala’s Venice of the East.
INR0, 1h0m

10:30am

Check-in & Houseboat Stay

Board a houseboat for an overnight cruise through the stunning Alleppey backwaters.
INR6000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on Houseboat

Freshly prepared Kerala cuisine served on board as you drift along canals lined with palm trees and local homes.
Included, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Alleppey Beach

Enjoy a relaxed stroll and sunset views at Alleppey Beach.
INR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner on Houseboat

Enjoy a traditional Kerala meal served aboard your overnight vessel.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure from Kochi

Kochi, India on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Houseboat Disembark & Breakfast

Fresh breakfast served before check-out from your houseboat.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Kochi Airport

Drive back to Kochi International Airport (approx 1.5 hours) for your onward journey.
INR0, 1h30m
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