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
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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
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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
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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
View Hotel Availability

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
View Hotel Availability

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
View Hotel Availability

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
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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
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