Budget-Friendly 5-Day Kerala Adventure from Bengaluru via Local Transport and Bike Rentals

Day 1: Explore Kochi

Kochi, Kerala, India on May 23, 2025

6:00am

Travel from Bengaluru to Kochi by train

Catch an early budget-friendly train from Bengaluru to Kochi, approximately 10-12 hours journey costing around INR 400-600 for second class sleeper.
INR 500, 10h0m

4:00pm

Check-in to Fort House Guesthouse

Affordable and charming stay in Fort Kochi area with rates around INR 600 per night, close to key attractions.
INR 600, 0h30m

5:00pm

Bike rental and local sightseeing

Rent a bike for about INR 300 per day to explore Fort Kochi’s famous sites like Chinese Fishing Nets and Mattancherry Palace.
INR 300, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dal Roti

Enjoy delicious North Indian cuisine within budget; open till 10pm, perfect for first-day dinner.
INR 200, 1h0m

Day 2: Munnar Hills

Munnar, Kerala, India on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Bus from Kochi to Munnar

Budget local bus journey costing about INR 150, scenic ride approximately 4-5 hours.
INR 150, 5h0m

12:00pm

Check-in at Toms Resort

Affordable stay with scenic views costing around INR 700, ideal base for exploring tea gardens.
INR 700, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Simple Kerala vegetarian thali costing approx INR 120; enjoy fresh local flavors near market area.
INR 120, 1h0m

2:30pm

Bike rental and visit Tea Gardens and Eravikulam Park

Rent a bike for INR 250 and explore lush tea gardens plus the entry to Eravikulam National Park is INR 100, open till 5pm for a refreshing nature walk.
INR 350, 3h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy budget South Indian delicacies open till 9pm costing about INR 150.
INR 150, 1h0m

Day 3: Varkala Beach

Varkala, Kerala, India on May 25, 2025

6:30am

Bus from Munnar to Varkala

Early bus trip with a transfer at Kochi, total cost around INR 250 and about 7 hours journey.
INR 250, 7h0m

1:30pm

Check-in at Clafouti Beach Resort

Budget beachside stay for approx INR 600 per night with easy access to the cliff and beach.
INR 600, 0h30m

2:30pm

Lunch at Café del Mar

Enjoy affordable delicious seafood and Kerala cuisine with beautiful cliff views for around INR 200.
INR 200, 1h0m

4:00pm

Rent a bike and explore Varkala beach and cliffside shops

Rent a bike for INR 250 to easily explore and relax along Varkala beach and nearby shops until sunset.
INR 250, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Local Beach Shacks

Taste affordable Kerala dishes and fresh snacks at local beach shacks from INR 150 upwards.
INR 150, 1h0m

Day 4: Trivandrum Culture

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Bus from Varkala to Trivandrum

Short and inexpensive local bus ride for around INR 50, about 1.5 hours travel.
INR 50, 1h30m

8:30am

Check-in at Budget Stay- Hotel Horizon

Affordable accommodation for roughly INR 500 per night near city center for easy access to attractions.
INR 500, 0h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Enjoy traditional South Indian filter coffee and snacks for around INR 100, open from 8am.
INR 100, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Napier Museum

Explore the famous temple (free entry but dress code applies) and visit the heritage-rich Napier Museum, open till 5pm with nominal entry fees around INR 20.
INR 20, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sree Arul Jyothi

Budget-friendly vegetarian meals and thalis for about INR 150 near the city center.
INR 150, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Shanghumugham Beach

Free public beach ideal for afternoon relaxation and watching the sunset.
INR 0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Arya Bhavan

Enjoy affordable multi-cuisine dishes open till 9pm for roughly INR 200.
INR 200, 1h0m

Day 5: Return to Bengaluru

Trivandrum to Bengaluru, India on May 27, 2025

6:00am

Travel back to Bengaluru by train

Early morning train ride costing around INR 600; about 12-13 hours journey on a sleeper class ticket back to the city.
INR 600, 12h0m