14-Day Ultimate Kerala Itinerary: Explore God's Own Country from North to South

Day 1: Arrival and Kochi Exploration

Kochi, Kerala on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Enjoy a healthy and artistic breakfast at this popular café known for its coffee and pancakes, setting a relaxed start to your Kerala journey.
INR500, 1h

9:30am

Explore Fort Kochi

Walk through Fort Kochi to see the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace, taking in the rich colonial heritage.
INR100, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dal Roti

Savor authentic North Indian and Kerala cuisine in a cozy setting, perfect to refuel after your morning walk.
INR700, 1h

2:30pm

Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue Visit

Visit the historic Jewish quarter and the 16th-century synagogue, filled with antique artifacts and vibrant culture.
INR150, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at Marine Drive

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade and watch the sunset over the backwaters.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Dine on exquisite Kerala seafood served on a traditional boat-shaped restaurant overlooking the water.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 2: Alappuzha Backwaters

Alappuzha, Kerala on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Kerala breakfast including appam and stew to energize for the backwater journey.
Included with stay, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Alappuzha

Travel approx 1.5 hours by car to Alappuzha, the gateway to Kerala's famous backwaters.
INR1500 (taxi), 1h30m

10:00am

Houseboat Check-in and Cruise

Embark on a deluxe houseboat cruise through the tranquil backwaters, passing lush paddy fields, villages, and wildlife.
INR6000/day, 6h

1:00pm

Lunch on Houseboat

Delight in freshly cooked Kerala cuisine including fish curry and tropical fruits prepared on-board.
Included, 1h

4:30pm

Houseboat Relaxation

Unwind on the deck enjoying the serene sunset over the backwaters.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner on Houseboat

Experience an authentic Kerala dinner featuring local specialties under the stars.
Included, 1h

Day 3: Munnar Hill Station

Munnar, Kerala on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on Houseboat

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before checkout, including idli, dosa, or Kerala parathas.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Alappuzha to Munnar

Embark on a scenic 4-hour drive ascending to the cool hills of Munnar, known for its tea plantations.
INR3500 (taxi), 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Taste rustic Kerala dishes and South Indian classics at this local favorite.
INR600, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Tea Museum

Explore the historic tea plantations and learn about tea processing at the Tata Tea Museum.
INR150, 2h

4:00pm

Walk in Tea Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful walk through sprawling tea estates with panoramic views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Relish flavorful vegetarian South Indian dishes in a clean and welcoming environment.
INR400, 1h

Day 4: Thekkady Wildlife & Spice Gardens

Thekkady, Kerala on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a filling Kerala-style breakfast such as puttu and kadala curry.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Thekkady

Travel 3 hours by road to Thekkady, famous for its Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
INR2500 (taxi), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Green Wood Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Kerala and continental dishes in a garden setting.
INR700, 1h

1:30pm

Spice Plantation Tour

Discover Kerala's spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon during a guided walk.
INR250, 1h30m

3:30pm

Periyar Wildlife Boat Cruise

Take a 2-hour boat ride on Periyar Lake spotting elephants, deer, and diverse birdlife.
INR2600, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Our Place

Savor local Kerala cuisine with fresh ingredients in a cozy ambiance.
INR800, 1h

Day 5: Wayanad Nature & Adventure

Wayanad, Kerala on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with dosa or appam and vegetable stew before your journey.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Wayanad

Journey north to the lush hills of Wayanad, approximately 3.5 hours by road.
INR3000 (taxi), 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at 1980's A Nostalgic Restaurant

Experience nostalgic Kerala meals in a themed setting reflecting the 1980s era.
INR600, 1h

1:30pm

Edakkal Caves Trek

Explore ancient petroglyphs inside the Edakkal Caves after a moderate 1-hour trek.
INR50, 3h

5:00pm

Visit Pookode Lake

Relax by this scenic freshwater lake with boating options and walking trails.
INR25, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy local and North Indian dishes at your accommodation’s restaurant.
INR700, 1h

Day 6: Kumarakom Backwaters

Kumarakom, Kerala on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

A wholesome Kerala-style breakfast to start your day.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Kumarakom

Head southwards for approximately 4 hours to the relaxed backwater destination of Kumarakom.
INR4000 (taxi), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort

Dine on fresh seafood and Kerala delicacies with lake views.
INR1200, 1h

2:00pm

Bird Sanctuary Visit

Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary famous for migratory and native birds, open 8am to 5pm.
INR20, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a calm evening boat trip on the Vembanad Lake watching the sunset.
INR1500, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Sample traditional Kerala cuisine prepared with local spices in a relaxing ambiance.
INR1000, 1h

Day 7: Varkala Beach Leisure

Varkala, Kerala on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before traveling to the coast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Varkala

Travel 3 hours south to Varkala, known for its cliff-side beach and ayurvedic centers.
INR3500 (taxi), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Clafouti

This charming café offers fresh bakery items and delicious continental meals with a beach vibe.
INR700, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Varkala Beach

Spend the afternoon sunbathing, swimming, or exploring beachside shops on the cliff.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Visit Janardanaswamy Temple

Explore this historic Hindu temple dating back over 2000 years, close to the beach.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Mellow Olive

Enjoy Mediterranean and Kerala flavored dishes in a relaxing outdoor setting.
INR900, 1h

Day 8: Kovalam Beach & Ayurveda

Kovalam, Kerala on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a healthy breakfast including fresh fruit and South Indian specialties.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Kovalam

Short 1-hour drive south to Kovalam, famous for its crescent-shaped beaches and Ayurveda centers.
INR1000 (taxi), 1h

10:30am

Ayurvedic Massage

Book a rejuvenating traditional Ayurvedic massage at a reputable center like Ayurveda Yoga Villa.
INR2000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at the Tides

Enjoy fresh seafood and Indian fusion dishes near the beach.
INR1000, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Lighthouse Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon swimming or lounging near the iconic Kovalam lighthouse.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Sunset at Hawa Beach

Enjoy the sunset with fewer crowds at this quieter beach section.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Lalit

Dine on modern Kerala and international cuisine in a chic beach resort.
INR1200, 1h

Day 9: Trivandrum City Tour

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a Kerala-style meal including puttu and banana.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Trivandrum City

Short 30-minute drive from Kovalam to the state capital for cultural exploration.
INR600, 30m

9:45am

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Discover one of the richest Hindu temples in the world, open to non-Hindus for the outer courtyard visits only, open from 5:00am - 12:00pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Napier Museum and Zoo

Explore the eclectic collection of art and natural history exhibits at the museum and then visit the adjoining zoo.
INR10, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Villa Maya

Dine in a beautifully restored colonial mansion offering Kerala fusion cuisine.
INR1500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Shanghumugham Beach

Relax or stroll along this peaceful beach famous for its massive reclining Shiva statue.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zanzi Bar & Kitchen

Enjoy Indian and international dishes while experiencing live music.
INR1000, 1h

Day 10: Kollam and Ashtamudi Lake

Kollam, Kerala on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Trivandrum

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast before check-out.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Kollam

Travel approximately 1.5 hours north to Kollam, a historic port city by Ashtamudi Lake.
INR1200 (taxi), 1h30m

10:00am

Boat Ride on Ashtamudi Lake

Take a leisurely boat ride exploring the vast and scenic lake with its interconnected canals.
INR800, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Halcyon Restaurante

Enjoy fresh seafood specialties and Kerala flavors at this lakefront restaurant.
INR1000, 1h

2:00pm

Jatayu Earth Center

Visit the giant bird sculpture and adventure park with cable cars and trekking trails, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
INR250, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Relax and enjoy a peaceful dinner featuring local cuisine.
INR700, 1h

Day 11: Kochi Return and Shopping

Kochi, Kerala on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Kollam

Begin with a traditional Kerala breakfast to prepare for the trip back to Kochi.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Kochi

Travel 3 hours back to Kochi for your final days in the city.
INR3000 (taxi), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kylin Experience

Enjoy exquisite Pan-Asian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
INR1200, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping in MG Road and Broadway

Shop for spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs in Kochi's vibrant markets.
Varies, 3h

6:30pm

Kerala Kathakali Performance

Witness the mesmerizing traditional dance drama at Kerala Kathakali Centre starting at 7pm.
INR600, 2h

9:30pm

Dinner at Ginger House Restaurant

Dine on authentic Kerala cuisine in an elegant historic setting.
INR1000, 1h

Day 12: Cherai Beach Relaxation

Kochi, Kerala on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring Kerala coffee and snacks.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Cherai Beach

Short 45-minute drive to the calm and scenic Cherai Beach to unwind.
INR500 (taxi), 45m

10:30am

Beach Activities

Swim, sunbathe, or enjoy beachside seafood shacks at the pristine coastline.
Free, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at Sea Breeze Restaurant

Fresh seafood and Kerala specialities served with a beachfront view.
INR900, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Kochi

Drive back to Kochi for your last evening in the city.
INR500, 45m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Fort House Restaurant

Savor your final Kerala dinner focusing on authentic seafood dishes in a heritage ambiance.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 13: Day Trip to Athirappilly Waterfalls

Athirappilly, Kerala on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early meal to prepare for the day trip.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Athirappilly Falls

Travel approximately 2 hours to the famous Athirappilly Waterfalls, known as the Niagara of India.
INR2500 (taxi), 2h

10:00am

Explore Athirappilly Falls

Experience the breathtaking waterfall and surrounding rainforest trails, park open 8am to 6pm.
INR50, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Silver Storm

Enjoy lunch at a nearby resort offering local cuisine with waterfall views.
INR800, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Kochi

Drive back to Kochi to relax after your nature excursion.
INR2500, 2h

7:30pm

Light Dinner at Hotel

Casual dinner and rest at your accommodation.
INR700, 1h

Day 14: Departure Day

Kochi, Kerala on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Final Kerala breakfast to say goodbye to the flavors of the region.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Leisure time or last-minute shopping

Spend your remaining time picking up souvenirs or relaxing before departure.
Varies, 2h

12:00pm

Check-out and Transfer to Kochi Airport

Ensure timely transfer to the airport for your flight home.
INR1500, 1h