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 Itinerary: From Kollam to Kochi - Beaches, Backwaters, and Culture

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Kollam, India on May 15, 2025

3:00pm

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your accommodation in Kollam to refresh after your arrival. Recommended: The Quilon Beach Hotel for sea views and comfort.

INR3000, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Thangassery Lighthouse

Explore the iconic Thangassery Lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and admire the rich history of Kollam's coastal trading past. Open until 6:00pm.

INR20, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Paravur Railway Cafe

Taste authentic Kerala seafood dishes at this popular local spot, known for its fresh catch and cozy atmosphere.

INR500, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Kollam

Day 2: Backwaters and Canals

Alappuzha (Alleppey), India on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Kerala breakfast with appam and stew available at your hotel.

Included in room, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Alappuzha

Drive (approx. 1.5 hours) to Alappuzha, the gateway to Kerala’s famed backwaters.

INR1500 by taxi, 1.5h

11:00am

Houseboat Cruise

Embark on a private houseboat cruise through the picturesque backwaters of Alappuzha, witnessing lush greenery and traditional village life. Duration options vary from half-day to full-day.

INR5000, 4h

3:30pm

Lunch on Board

Relish freshly prepared Kerala cuisine served on the houseboat, featuring seafood and vegetarian delicacies.

Included, 1h

6:30pm

Evening Walk at Alappuzha Beach

Stroll along the serene Alappuzha Beach and enjoy the sunset views.

Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Thaff Restaurant

Dine on traditional Kerala and South Indian cuisines in a relaxed setting open till 10 pm.

INR600, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Alappuzha (Alleppey)

Day 3: Bird Sanctuary and Village

Kumarakom, India on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Resort

Start your day with a sumptuous Kerala-style breakfast at Kumarakom Lake Resort.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Kumarakom

Short scenic drive from Alappuzha to Kumarakom (30 mins).

INR700 by taxi, 0.5h

10:00am

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Explore the peaceful bird sanctuary known for migratory birds and native wildlife. Open till 5 pm.

INR50, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Coconut Lagoon

Enjoy fresh, local Kerala cuisine in a traditional setting overlooking the backwaters.

INR700, 1.5h

3:00pm

Village Visit & Canoe Ride

Visit nearby villages and experience a peaceful canoe ride through narrow backwater channels.

INR1500, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Your Resort

Relax with a quiet dinner at your accommodation featuring Kerala specialities.

INR800, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Kumarakom

Day 4: Wildlife and Spice

Thekkady, India on May 18, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Quick breakfast to head out early to Thekkady.

Included, 30m

7:00am

Travel to Thekkady

Travel by car approx. 3.5 hours to Thekkady, famed for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

INR2500 by taxi, 3.5h

11:00am

Boat Safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Enjoy a thrilling boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, bison and birds in their natural habitat. Open daily 8 am - 5 pm.

INR1500, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Rani’s Restaurant

Taste freshly cooked Kerala and South Indian dishes in a comfortable atmosphere.

INR600, 1h

3:30pm

Spice Garden Visit

Explore a guided tour of a spice plantation to learn how local spices are grown and harvested.

INR300, 1.5h

6:00pm

Kathakali Dance Performance

Watch a captivating traditional Kathakali dance show showcasing Kerala’s classical art. Performances usually start around 6 pm and last 1.5 hours.

INR400, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Your Hotel

Relax with traditional Kerala cuisine at the hotel.

INR700, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Thekkady

Day 5: Hill Station Exploration

Munnar, India on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for travel to Munnar.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Munnar

Scenic 3-hour journey to the cool hills of Munnar.

INR2800 by taxi, 3h

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch

Check into your hotel and enjoy lunch at Saravana Bhavan, famous for South Indian vegetarian fare.

INR400, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Tea Museum

Learn about the history and process of tea making at the Tata Tea Museum. Open 9 am - 5 pm.

INR50, 1.5h

4:00pm

Turmeric and Cardamom Plantations

Short tour of nearby spice plantations to understand hill spices cultivation.

INR500, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy Munnar’s local delicacies and fresh trout fish dishes in a popular restaurant.

INR700, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 6: Nature & Waterfalls

Munnar, India on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Eravikulam National Park

Explore the parks to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy beautiful hill landscapes. Open 7 am - 4 pm.

INR350, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sarita’s Cafe

Enjoy local vegetarian and South Indian meals in a rustic ambience.

INR350, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Attukal Waterfalls

A short trek leading to a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Best visited in monsoon and post-monsoon.

Free, 2h

6:30pm

Relax at Hotel

Rest and freshen up after a day of exploring nature.

Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a peaceful dinner with multi-cuisine options available at your hotel.

INR800, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 7: Cultural Kochi

Kochi, India on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & Check-out

Enjoy your last breakfast in Munnar and prepare for departure to Kochi.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Kochi

3.5 hour drive to the bustling city of Kochi.

INR3000, 3.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe

Dine in this artistic café known for fusion Kerala and continental dishes.

INR700, 1.5h

2:00pm

Explore Fort Kochi

Walk through Fort Kochi to see colonial architecture, the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church (open till 5 pm), and the vibrant streets.

Free, 3h

5:30pm

Visit Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue

Explore the Dutch Palace and the nearby Jewish Synagogue showcasing Kerala history and culture. Open till 6 pm.

INR50, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Fort House Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kerala seafood specialties in a charming heritage house setting by the waterfront.

INR900, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Kochi

Day 8: Departure Day

Kochi, India on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast to start your final day in Kerala.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Last Minute Shopping and Sightseeing

Visit local markets around MG Road and browse for souvenirs like spices, tea, and handicrafts.

Varies, 2h

11:30am

Check-out and Travel to Kochi International Airport

Head to the airport for your departure. The drive takes about 1 hour.

INR1000 by taxi, 1h

Find Hotels in Kochi

Step 1 Outline Preview:

8-Day Kerala Itinerary: From Kollam to Kochi - Beaches, Backwaters, and Culture

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

3:00pm

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 2: Backwaters and Canals

7:30am

9:00am

11:00am

3:30pm

6:30pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Bird Sanctuary and Village

7:30am

9:00am

10:00am

12:30pm

3:00pm

7:00pm

Day 4: Wildlife and Spice

6:30am

7:00am

11:00am

1:30pm

3:30pm

6:00pm

8:00pm

Day 5: Hill Station Exploration

7:00am

8:00am

11:30am

2:00pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 6: Nature & Waterfalls

7:30am

9:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

6:30pm

8:00pm

Day 7: Cultural Kochi

7:00am

8:00am

12:00pm

2:00pm

5:30pm

7:30pm

Day 8: Departure Day

7:00am

9:00am

11:30am

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