7-Day Scenic Kerala Road Trip from Chennai: Beaches, Backwaters, and Hill Stations

Day 1: Travel to Kochi

Chennai to Kochi, Kerala, India on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Start from Chennai

Begin your journey early morning by flight or train from Chennai to Kochi to maximize sightseeing time.
INR5000 approx (flight), 2h

10:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe

Enjoy a delicious organic breakfast at this cozy cafe in Fort Kochi known for fresh coffee and healthy options.
INR300, 1h

11:00am

Check-in hotel in Fort Kochi

Settle in your accommodation to refresh and prepare for exploring the historic town.
INR3500 per night, 1h

12:00pm

Explore Fort Kochi

Walk around the charming colonial streets featuring Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace.
Free, 3h

3:00pm

Visit Jewish Synagogue

Discover the heritage and artifacts at one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth.
INR50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dal Roti

Savor North Indian and Mughlai dishes at this popular restaurant in Fort Kochi.
INR600, 1.5h
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Day 2: Kochi Sightseeing

Kochi, Kerala, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ginger House Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kerala breakfast including appam and stew in a garden setting.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Stephen’s Church and Santa Cruz Basilica

Visit two of Fort Kochi’s prominent churches showcasing impressive colonial architecture.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kettuvallam Restaurant

Taste authentic Kerala seafood and vegetarian delicacies near the waterfront.
INR500, 1h

1:30pm

Kerala Folklore Museum

Learn about Kerala’s rich art, culture and traditions through exquisite exhibits and artifacts.
INR150, 2h

4:00pm

Sunset at Fort Kochi Beach

Relax at the beach and watch the sunset with views of the iconic Chinese fishing nets.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Fusion Bay

Dine on fusion international and Kerala delicacies with live music in a vibrant setting.
INR700, 1.5h
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Day 3: Travel to Munnar

Munnar, Kerala, India on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your Kochi hotel before heading to Munnar.
Included in room, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Kochi to Munnar

Enjoy scenic views along the approximately 4-5 hour drive through Western Ghats mountain ranges.
INR4000 (private taxi), 5h

1:00pm

Check-in hotel and lunch

Relax at your hill station resort and have a traditional Kerala lunch featuring tapioca and curry.
INR1500, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Tea Museum

Explore the history of tea plantations, processing and tasting at the Tata Tea Museum, open till 5pm.
INR50, 2h

6:00pm

Evening walk in tea gardens

Take a calming stroll through the lush tea gardens surrounding Munnar and enjoy the fresh air.
Free, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Try authentic Kerala dishes and fresh trout fish from nearby rivers at this popular eatery.
INR600, 1h
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Day 4: Explore Munnar

Munnar, Kerala, India on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Begin with a fresh breakfast at your resort to fuel up for an active sightseeing day.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Visit Eravikulam National Park

Spot the Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy panoramic views from this park (open 8:30am to 5pm).
INR300, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sarvana Bhavan

Enjoy pure vegetarian South Indian dishes in a clean and family-friendly environment.
INR350, 1h

1:30pm

Mattupetty Dam and Boating

Go boating at the serene lake near Mattupetty Dam and enjoy scenic mountain views.
INR250, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Blossom Hydel Park

Relax or enjoy light walks in this peaceful garden decorated with flowers and sculptures.
INR20, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Mud Coffee Shop

Experience unique blends of coffee with light snacks and desserts in a cozy setting.
INR450, 1h
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Day 5: Thekkady Wildlife

Thekkady, Kerala, India on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then prepare for check-out and travel to Thekkady.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive Munnar to Thekkady

Travel approximately 3 hours through lush hill country to reach Thekkady.
INR3000, 3h

11:00am

Check-in hotel and lunch

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a flavorful Kerala-style lunch.
INR1200, 1.5h

2:00pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

Take a guided boat cruise on Periyar Lake to view elephants, deer, and other wildlife (3pm to 5pm).
INR350, 2h

6:30pm

Attend Kalaripayattu Martial Arts Show

Watch an evening performance of Kerala’s traditional martial art known for combat agility.
INR150, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Thekkady Cafe

Relish spicy Kerala dishes or continental food at a well-reviewed local restaurant.
INR500, 1.5h
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Day 6: Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala, India on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and checkout

Have an early breakfast and get ready for the drive to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive Thekkady to Alleppey

Travel approximately 4 hours to Alleppey while enjoying the changing landscape.
INR3500, 4h

12:00pm

Check-in Houseboat & Lunch

Board a traditional Kerala houseboat and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch as you cruise.
INR6000 (per boat per day), 3h

3:00pm

Cruise Alleppey Backwaters

Relax and admire the lush palm-fringed canals, rural villages and birdlife from the boat.
Included, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner onboard houseboat

Feast on a traditional Kerala multi-course dinner served onboard surrounded by nature.
Included, 1.5h
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Day 7: Kovalam & Return

Kovalam Beach and back to Chennai, India on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on houseboat and checkout

Enjoy your final breakfast on the houseboat before departing Alleppey.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive Alleppey to Kovalam

Travel roughly 4 hours south to Kerala’s famous Kovalam beach for relaxation.
INR4000, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sea View Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood and Kerala specialties with a sunny beach view.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Kovalam Beach

Swim, sunbathe, or stroll along the crescent-shaped coastline with its lighthouse landmark.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Drive back to Trivandrum airport and fly/train to Chennai

Retire to Trivandrum approximately 30 minutes away for your return journey to Chennai.
INR4000 (flight approx.), 3h
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