How many days do you need in Kerala for?

This itinerary covers 8 days in Kerala for, 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 for?

Plan your perfect 8 days trip to Kerala for. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

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

Find Hotels in Kochi

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

Find Hotels in Munnar

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

Find Hotels in Munnar to Thekkady

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

Find Hotels in Thekkady

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

Find Hotels in Thekkady to Kumarakom

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

Find Hotels in Kumarakom

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

Find Hotels in Alleppey

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

Find Hotels in Kochi

Step 1 Outline Preview:

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

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Kochi

3:00pm

4:30pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Munnar Tea Gardens

7:30am

9:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady

7:30am

9:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 4: Thekkady Wildlife & Culture

7:30am

9:00am

1:00pm

3:00pm

7:00pm

Day 5: Thekkady to Kumarakom

7:30am

9:00am

1:00pm

3:00pm

6:30pm

8:30pm

Day 6: Kumarakom Backwaters

7:30am

9:00am

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 7: Alleppey Backwaters

7:30am

9:00am

10:30am

12:30pm

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 8: Departure from Kochi

7:00am

9:00am

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