Six-Month Epic Journey from Kerala to Northeast India: A Cultural and Natural Exploration

Day 1: Kochi Arrival and Sightseeing

Kochi, Kerala on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe, famous for its fresh coffee and artisan baked goods, located in Fort Kochi.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Fort Kochi Walk

Explore the quaint streets of Fort Kochi, including the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, Dutch Palace, and St. Francis Church, rich in colonial history.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ginger House Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kerala seafood cuisine with a view over the water at Ginger House Restaurant.
INR800, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Mattancherry Palace

See the exquisite murals and architecture of Mattancherry Palace, open from 9am to 5pm daily.
INR20, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Rice Boat, Taj Malabar

Indulge in sumptuous Kerala delicacies at this upscale restaurant located by the backwaters, open till 10:30pm.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 2: Munnar Tea Country

Munnar, Kerala on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Munnar

Depart early from Kochi to Munnar by road, a scenic 4-5 hour journey through lush landscapes.
INR1500, 5h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Try authentic Kerala cuisine and fresh local vegetables and fish at this popular eatery in Munnar town.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tea Museum Visit

Discover the history and processing of tea at the Tata Tea Museum, open 9am to 5pm, showcasing equipment and plantations.
INR50, 1h30m

4:00pm

Eravikulam National Park

Explore the park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr; open till 4pm, so best to arrive earlier if possible next day.
INR125, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a vegetarian South Indian dinner at Saravana Bhavan, famed for its dosas and thalis.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 3: Munnar Nature & Departure

Munnar, Kerala on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Eravikulam National Park Morning Visit

Return early to Eravikulam National Park to hike and spot Nilgiri Tahr. Parks open from 7:30am to 4pm during season.
INR125, 3h0m

11:00am

Visit Top Station

Drive to Top Station (about 32 km), known for stunning panoramic views of tea hills and valleys.
INR200 (transport), 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan (en route)

Enjoy a quick lunch focusing on South Indian flavours before departure to next destination.
INR350, 1h0m

4:00pm

Travel to Chennai

Begin your overnight journey to Chennai by train or flight, preparing for next stage northwards.
INR1500-3000, 8-10h

Day 4: Chennai Culture

Chennai, Tamil Nadu on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, Chennai

Famous for its authentic Tamil and South Indian breakfast like idli, vada, and filter coffee.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this ancient Dravidian temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, vibrant with traditional architecture and rituals.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll at Marina Beach

Walk along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches globally, ideal for people watching and relaxation.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Sample Chettinad cuisine, known for its aromatic spices and traditional recipes.
INR700, 1h0m

4:00pm

Government Museum

Visit one of India’s oldest museums showcasing archaeology, numismatics, and art. Open till 5pm.
INR15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Flying Elephant

Enjoy multi-cuisine dishes in this trendy hotel restaurant for a refined dining experience.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 5: Fly to Kolkata

Kolkata, West Bengal on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Simple early breakfast to prepare for travel day.
INR300, 0h45m

9:00am

Flight to Kolkata

Catch a morning flight from Chennai to Kolkata, approximately 2.5-hour journey.
INR2500, 3h including airport time

12:30pm

Lunch at Oh! Calcutta

Savour authentic Bengali dishes like macher jhol and kosha mangsho at Oh! Calcutta, a renowned local chain.
INR900, 1h0m

2:00pm

Victoria Memorial Museum

Explore this iconic marble building and museum dedicated to British and Indian history, open till 5pm.
INR30, 2h0m

5:30pm

Walk through Park Street

Enjoy the buzz of Park Street with cafés, shops and colonial architecture in the evening.
Free, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Peter Cat

Try the famous Chelo Kebab and other delights in a colonial ambiance at Peter Cat.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 6: Journey to Assam

Guwahati, Assam on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before the travel day ahead.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight to Guwahati

Fly to Guwahati, Assam, gateway to the Northeast, around 2-hour flight from Kolkata.
INR3000, 3h including airport time

12:00pm

Lunch at Paradise Restaurant

Taste Assamese and local cuisines offering fresh river fish and bamboo shoot dishes.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kamakhya Temple

One of the most sacred Hindu shrines, this temple sitting atop Nilachal Hill offers spiritual ambiance and views; open till 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Boat Ride on Brahmaputra River

Evening boat ride to enjoy the scenic Brahmaputra views and sunset, available till dusk.
INR500, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Barbeque Nation

Enjoy a buffet of grilled meats and vegetarian starters, a popular dining option in Guwahati.
INR900, 1h30m

Day 7: Kaziranga Safari

Kaziranga National Park, Assam on May 22, 2025

6:00am

Drive to Kaziranga National Park

Early morning transfer (about 4 hours) to Kaziranga National Park, famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses.
INR2500, 4h0m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch

Check into a jungle lodge and have lunch, preparing for the afternoon safari.
INR1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Elephant Safari

Enjoy an elephant-back safari inside the park, providing a close and safer view of wildlife; safaris run till around 3:30pm.
INR1500, 1h30m

4:30pm

Leisure at Lodge

Relax at the lodge with optional nature walks or local cultural activities.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lodge

Dine on local Assamese and Indian dishes served at your lodge.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 8: Full Safari Kaziranga

Kaziranga National Park, Assam on May 23, 2025

6:00am

Jeep Safari

Morning jeep safari through Kaziranga, open 6am-10am and 3pm-6pm, for broader wildlife sightings including rhinos, tigers, and elephants.
INR2000, 3h0m

10:00am

Breakfast and Rest

Return to lodge for breakfast and some rest.
Included in lodge stay, 2h0m

1:00pm

Village Walk

Explore nearby ethnic villages to learn about the local culture and handicrafts.
INR300, 2h0m

3:30pm

Relax and Prepare for Departure

Afternoon at leisure before journey onwards to Meghalaya next day.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner

Enjoy another delicious dinner at your lodge featuring fresh Assamese cuisine.
INR1000, 1h30m