Budget-Friendly 7-Day Kerala Itinerary: Explore God's Own Country Within ₹20,000

Day 1: Arrival and Sightseeing

Kochi, India on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Start your day with an affordable, traditional South Indian breakfast featuring dosa and filter coffee at this historic café open from 7:30am to 11am.
INR 100, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fort Kochi

Explore the colonial charm with landmarks like St. Francis Church and the iconic Chinese fishing nets. The area is open all day and is great for walking.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kashi Art Café

Enjoy light and budget-friendly Kerala meals and fresh juices in this quaint café open 10am-6pm.
INR 300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Mattancherry Palace

Discover Kerala’s rich history in this Portuguese palace open 9am to 5pm; entry fee is nominal.
INR 15, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk around Jew Town and spice markets

Experience local culture and buy spices and souvenirs. Open all day, no cost.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Fort House Restaurant

Dine on authentic Kerala seafood at affordable prices, open till 10pm.
INR 500, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Hill Station Munnar

Munnar, India on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a simple breakfast included in budget hotels or local eateries in Munnar.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Munnar (4-5 hours by bus or shared taxi)

Journey to the scenic hill town known for tea plantations, priced economically by bus.
INR 300, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Sri Nivas Restaurant

Taste affordable traditional Kerala cuisine with veg and non-veg options, open 10am-9pm.
INR 250, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Tea Gardens and Tea Museum

Explore the lush tea plantations and a small museum detailing tea processing. Open 9am-6pm, entry INR 20.
INR 20, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening walk around town

Enjoy the cool climate and local markets without cost.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Popular local eatery offering budget meals and local flavors, open till 10pm.
INR 300, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nature and Adventure

Munnar, India on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or local bakery

Simple and economical breakfast options at local bakeries or your stay.
Included/INR 50, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Eravikulam National Park

Explore famous for Nilgiri Tahr and beautiful hills. Park open 7:30am-4pm; entry rate approx INR 50.
INR 50, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at a local eatery

Affordable North Indian and Kerala cuisine near Munnar main town.
INR 200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Attukal Waterfalls

A refreshing spot suitable for picnics and nature lovers, free entry.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax in town

Stroll local streets and markets to pick affordable souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Famous vegetarian chain known for budget South Indian meals, open till 10pm.
INR 250, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Wildlife and Spice Plantations

Thekkady, India on May 17, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast and Travel to Thekkady

Start with a quick meal then travel approx 3-4 hours by bus to Thekkady.
INR 300, 4h30m

11:00am

Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore wildlife sanctuary known for elephant and tiger sightings; open 6am-6pm, entry approx INR 75.
INR 75, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at a local restaurant

Enjoy local Kerala dishes around Thekkady center, budget around INR 250.
INR 250, 1h0m

3:30pm

Spice Plantation Visit

Guided affordable tours to see and smell spices like cardamom, pepper, and vanilla; free or tip-based.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening boat ride on Periyar Lake

Scenic boat ride available till 6pm, approx INR 150, watch for animals along shore.
INR 150, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Local Eatery

Affordable meals featuring Kerala staples near your stay.
INR 300, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Backwaters Experience

Alleppey, India on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Travel to Alleppey

Simple breakfast followed by 3-4 hours journey by bus to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters.
INR 300, 4h0m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch

Check into budget homestay and enjoy traditional Kerala lunch for INR 250.
INR 250, 1h0m

1:00pm

Houseboat Day Trip

Affordable shared houseboat cruise on the backwaters (~₹1500 split per person if group), or opt for local boat rides (~₹300) to experience serene canals balancing budget.
INR 300, 3h0m

4:30pm

Explore Alleppey Beach

Relax by the sea and enjoy sunset, free entry.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Seafood Joint

Taste fresh, inexpensive seafood with local spices.
INR 400, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Beach and Relaxation

Kovalam, India on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Travel to Kovalam

Depart early by bus or shared taxi for a 4-5 hour scenic ride to Kovalam Beach.
INR 400, 5h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hotel or Beach Shack

Try budget-friendly seafood and vegetarian dishes popular around Kovalam, open till late afternoon.
INR 300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Relax at Kovalam Beach

Spend your afternoon lounging or swimming at this famous beach, free access.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Lighthouse Beach

Walk to iconic light house and enjoy panoramic coastal views, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Curry Leaf Restaurant

End your day with affordable Kerala and continental dishes, open till 9pm.
INR 350, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Trivandrum Departure

Trivandrum, India on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

A simple breakfast before heading out for sightseeing or departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Explore Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Visit the famous Hindu temple known for its architecture, open 3:30am-11am; entry is free but dress code applies.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Napier Museum and Zoo

Enjoy cultural artifacts and greenery; open 10am-5pm, entry INR 15.
INR 15, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Buhari Hotel

Budget-friendly meals featuring Kerala biryanis and more.
INR 250, 1h0m

3:00pm

Departure

Head to Trivandrum airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Varies, N/A
View Hotel Availability