10-Day Kerala Exploration: Backwaters, Hill Stations & Cultural Delights

Day 1: Arrival and Sightseeing

Kochi, India on May 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Cafe

Start your day with fresh, healthy options like avocado toast and Kerala-style coffee in this quaint café open from 8am to 6pm.
INR500, 1h

10:30am

Fort Kochi Walk

Explore the charming streets of Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture, Chinese fishing nets, and vibrant art scene. A must-see to immerse in local history.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Fort House Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kerala seafood dishes with a view of the Arabian Sea. Open from 12pm to 9pm.
INR1000, 1.5h

4:00pm

Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace Visit

Visit two iconic cultural landmarks showcasing Kerala's rich history and art, open from 9am to 5pm.
INR150, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Malabar Junction

Savor authentic Malabar cuisine, famous for its flavorful biryanis and curries. Open 7pm - 11pm.
INR1200, 1.5h
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Day 2: Hill Station Exploration

Munnar, India on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty South Indian breakfast at your hotel before heading to Munnar.
Included in stay, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Munnar

Drive approximately 4 hours from Kochi to Munnar, enjoying scenic views of tea plantations and hills.
INR2500 (car hire), 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Try local Kerala delicacies such as appam and stew in this popular spot, open 11am - 9pm.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Eravikulam National Park

Explore this stunning park (open 8am-4pm), home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and rolling hills with panoramic views.
INR220, 3h

6:00pm

Tea Museum Visit

Discover the history and process of tea making in Munnar at the Tea Museum, open till 6pm.
INR50, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy vegetarian South Indian cuisine with quick service, open until 10pm.
INR400, 1h
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Day 3: More Munnar Nature

Munnar, India on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Relax with an included breakfast featuring local fruits and traditional dishes.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Mattupetty Dam and Boating

Visit Mattupetty Dam for scenic views and enjoy a 45-minute boat ride on the reservoir. Open 8am - 6pm.
INR150, 2h

11:30am

Echo Point

Short drive to Echo Point where you can experience natural acoustics and beautiful greenery.
INR20, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Delicious local comfort food enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Kundala Lake and Dam

Visit this serene spot for pedal boating and nature walks, open until 6pm.
INR150, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a quiet dinner at your hotel featuring traditional Kerala cuisine.
INR500, 1h
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Day 4: Wildlife and Spice Plantations

Thekkady, India on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for travel and activities.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Thekkady

Drive about 3 hours to Thekkady, located near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
INR2000 (car hire), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Thekkady Cafe

Enjoy Kerala and continental dishes in a cozy setting, open 11:30am - 9pm.
INR700, 1h

1:30pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Cruise

Take a 2-hour guided boat cruise on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, bison, and birds. Open 8am - 4pm.
INR350, 2h

4:00pm

Spice Plantation Tour

Guided walk through a spice garden to learn about cultivation of pepper, cardamom, and more. Open till 5pm.
INR200, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Curry Story

Dine on authentic Kerala specialties in a rustic ambiance. Open 7pm - 10:30pm.
INR900, 1.5h
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Day 5: Nature and Culture

Thekkady, India on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your morning meal with fresh local fruits and traditional dishes.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Trekking in Periyar Sanctuary

Join a guided trek on forest trails to learn about flora and fauna, arranged via the sanctuary office. Leaves by 8:30am, lasts approx 3 hours.
INR400, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Aroma Spice Garden

Taste freshly prepared Kerala dishes within a spice garden setting. Open 12pm - 9pm.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Visit to Kadathanadan Kalari Centre

Watch an impressive martial arts performance and learn about Kerala's traditional Kalari history. Shows generally at 3pm daily.
INR300, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Rest and rejuvenate with hotel amenities before dinner.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a calm dinner with choices ranging from continental to local specialties.
INR600, 1.5h
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Day 6: Backwaters Experience

Alleppey, India on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a fresh breakfast before heading to Alleppey.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Alleppey

Travel approximately 4 hours south to Alleppey, gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters.
INR2500 (car hire), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Halais Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of seafood dishes in this popular restaurant open 12pm - 10pm.
INR800, 1h

2:00pm

Houseboat Check-in

Board your traditional Kerala houseboat for overnight stay and cruise through the tranquil backwaters. Houseboats generally depart post 2pm.
INR8000, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner on Houseboat

Relish freshly cooked Kerala dishes prepared on board as you float through stunning waterways.
Included in houseboat fare, 1h
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Day 7: Backwater and Village Tour

Alleppey, India on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on Houseboat

Enjoy a calm breakfast with backwaters views as the boat cruises slowly.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Half-day Village Walk

Disembark and take a guided walking tour through local villages to see traditional lifestyles and handicrafts. Tours run 9am - 12pm.
INR300, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Alleppey Beach Restaurant

Relax with seafood and vegetarian dishes by the sea, open noon - 10pm.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Beach or Hotel

Enjoy some free time to rest, swim, or stroll on the beach.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Sunset Boat Ride

Take a boat trip along the backwaters to catch the sunset over the palm-lined canals.
INR400, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Abad Harmony

Dine on North and South Indian dishes in a serene environment. Open till 10pm.
INR800, 1.5h
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Day 8: Lake Resort Rest

Kumarakom, India on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Leisurely breakfast to start the day at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Kumarakom

Short 1-hour drive to Kumarakom, another beautiful backwater location with upscale resorts.
INR600 (car hire), 1h

11:00am

Check-in and Relax at Resort

Enjoy resort amenities like spa, swimming pools, and lake views.
Varies, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at The ZCoast

Tasty seafood and international cuisine in a stylish lakefront restaurant.
INR1000, 1.5h

4:00pm

Bird Sanctuary Visit

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary open 8am - 6pm to spot migratory birds and enjoy nature trails.
INR100, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Resort

Enjoy a peaceful dinner with Kerala specialities at your resort.
INR800, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Cultural and Village Experience

Kumarakom, India on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Enjoy a relaxed meal before the day’s activities begin.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Village Cycle Tour

Take a guided cycling tour through local villages and backwater paths to see rural Kerala life up close.
INR500, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Aveda Kumarakom

Dine in their famed resort restaurant with fresh local produce and spices.
INR900, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Resort or Spa

Relax with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage or by the pool.
Varies, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Resort

Final Kerala-themed dinner at your resort to savor local flavors one last time.
INR900, 1.5h
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Day 10: Departure

Kochi, India on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Light breakfast before checking out and driving to Kochi.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Kochi Airport

Approximately 1.5-hour drive from Kumarakom to Kochi Airport for departure flights.
INR800, 1.5h
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