How many days do you need in Kerala?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Kerala, 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?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Kerala. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

5-Day Cultural and Natural Exploration of Kerala, India

Day 1: Historic Kochi

Kochi, India on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at this cozy café known for its great coffee and artistic ambiance, perfect to start your day in Kochi.

INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Fort Kochi Walking Tour

Explore Fort Kochi's colonial heritage including the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Jewish Synagogue, immersing in the multicultural history of the area.

INR0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kerala Café

Savor authentic Kerala cuisine with dishes like fish curry and appam, providing a flavorful local dining experience.

INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Mattancherry Palace

Discover the heritage and art inside the Dutch Palace featuring murals and royal artifacts from Kerala's past.

INR50, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Jew Town and Antique Shops

Wander through charming Jew Town, famous for its antiques, spice markets, and quaint cafés.

INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Fort House Restaurant

Dine by the waterfront enjoying fresh seafood and Kerala specialties in a colonial-style setting.

INR1000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Kochi

Day 2: Tea Gardens of Munnar

Munnar, India on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Start early with traditional South Indian breakfast like dosa and idli at this popular vegetarian restaurant.

INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Munnar

Scenic 4-hour drive from Kochi to Munnar through lush landscapes and winding mountain roads.

INR2000 (taxi), 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy local Kerala cuisine with a cozy setting and views of the hills.

INR500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Tea Museum

Learn about tea production and history at the Tata Tea Museum; tasting included.

INR50, 1h30m

5:30pm

Walk through Tea Plantations

Take a guided walk amid sprawling tea plantations to witness the beautiful terrain and learn about tea picking.

INR200, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan Munnar

Experience authentic vegetarian South Indian dinner specializing in dosa and thali meals.

INR400, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 3: Wildlife in Thekkady

Thekkady, India on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hotel buffet breakfast featuring South Indian and continental options.

Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Thekkady

1.5-hour drive to Thekkady, gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

INR1200 (taxi), 1h30m

11:00am

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

Enjoy a 2-hour boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, bison, and various birds in their natural habitat.

INR1500, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Thekkady Café

Casual dining with local Kerala dishes and fresh spices in a relaxed setting.

INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Spice Plantations

Guided tour through fragrant spice gardens to learn about cardamom, pepper, and vanilla cultivation.

INR300, 1h30m

6:30pm

Attend a Kathakali Dance Performance

Experience traditional Kerala dance drama with colorful costumes and storytelling.

INR500, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Peppercorn Restaurant

Dine on delicious Kerala and continental cuisine with excellent ambiance.

INR800, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Thekkady

Day 4: Backwaters of Alleppey

Alleppey, India on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before the day's water journey.

Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Alleppey

2.5-hour drive from Thekkady through scenic routes to reach the famous backwaters.

INR1500 (taxi), 2h30m

11:00am

Board Houseboat for Backwater Cruise

Set sail on a traditional Kerala houseboat for a serene 6-hour cruise through picturesque canals, lakes, and villages.

INR3500 (day cruise), 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch on Houseboat

Relish freshly prepared Kerala-style lunch on board featuring fish curry, rice, and local vegetables.

Included in cruise, 1h0m

5:00pm

Disembark and Relax at Hotel

Check into a hotel by the backwaters and unwind with sunset views.

Varies, Rest of evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Halais Restaurant

Enjoy an inviting dinner featuring coastal dishes and Kerala staples in Alleppey town.

INR700, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Alleppey

Day 5: Beach and Ayurveda in Kovalam

Kovalam, India on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

A refreshing hotel breakfast to begin the day near the coast.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Kovalam

2-hour drive south from Alleppey to the beach resort town of Kovalam.

INR1200 (taxi), 2h0m

11:00am

Relax at Lighthouse Beach

Spend a few hours sunbathing or swimming at the popular Kovalam Lighthouse Beach with calm waters and scenic views.

INR0, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at The Tides

Dine with sea views enjoying fresh seafood and Kerala specialties in a stylish beachside restaurant.

INR900, 1h0m

4:00pm

Ayurvedic Massage and Wellness Treatment

Unwind with a traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage session at a reputable wellness center open till 7pm.

INR2000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Baywatch Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring diverse cuisine and chilled drinks right by the beach.

INR800, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Kovalam

Step 1 Outline Preview:

5-Day Cultural and Natural Exploration of Kerala, India

Day 1: Historic Kochi

8:00am

9:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

3:30pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Tea Gardens of Munnar

7:00am

9:30am

2:00pm

3:30pm

5:30pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Wildlife in Thekkady

7:30am

9:00am

11:00am

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:30pm

8:30pm

Day 4: Backwaters of Alleppey

7:00am

8:00am

11:00am

1:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 5: Beach and Ayurveda in Kovalam

7:30am

9:00am

11:00am

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

More About Kerala

Plan Your Kerala Trip