10-Day South Kerala Exploration: Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Kovalam, Poovar & Alleppey Itinerary

Day 1: Cochin Old Town

Cochin, India on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Start your day with delicious coffee and Mediterranean-style breakfast at this charming café located in Fort Kochi. Opens at 8am.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Fort Kochi

Visit historic sites including the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace to get a glimpse of Kochi's rich colonial past. Most sites open by 9am.
INR100, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fusion Bay

Enjoy fresh seafood and Kerala delicacies at Fusion Bay, a popular sea-facing restaurant in Fort Kochi. Open from 12pm to 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Jewish Synagogue & Jew Town

Learn about the Jewish community’s history and explore charming antique shops and spice markets in Jew Town. The synagogue is open from 10am to 5pm.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening walk along Marine Drive

Relax with a pleasant stroll along Marine Drive promenade, enjoy sunset views over the backwaters, and see local life.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Dine at The Rice Boat inside the Taj Malabar Resort for exquisite traditional Kerala seafood and ambiance by the water. Open till 11pm.
INR1200, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cochin Museums & Markets

Cochin, India on May 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Ginger House

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local and continental options in a heritage property in Fort Kochi. Opens at 8am.
INR350, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Kerala Folklore Museum

Discover Kerala’s traditional arts, crafts, and cultural artifacts in this popular museum. Opens from 9am to 6pm.
INR150, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Malabar Junction

Taste traditional Kerala cuisine in a cozy restaurant located in a historic building. Open from noon.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping at Broadway Market

Explore this bustling local market for souvenirs, spices, textiles, and gifts. Open till late afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Travel to Munnar

Depart Cochin for Munnar by road, approximately 4-5 hour scenic drive through hills and tea plantations.
INR3000 (taxi), 5h0m

9:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Spice Grove

Enjoy a relaxing dinner with garden views and local flavors at your Munnar hotel.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 3: Munnar Tea Tours

Munnar, India on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Rapsy Restaurant

Start your day with traditional South Indian breakfast including idli, dosa, and fresh tea. Opens from 7am.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Tea Plantations & Tea Museum

Take a guided tour of lush tea estates and learn about tea production history and processes. Tea Museum open 9am-5pm.
INR150, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy authentic vegetarian South Indian meals at this popular chain in Munnar town, open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Top Station Visit

Drive to Top Station to get panoramic views of Western Ghats and the valley below.
INR300 (taxi), 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel

Return to hotel and enjoy the peaceful mountain environment.
Free, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Try local Kerala fish curry or vegetarian thali with freshly brewed tea.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 4: Munnar Nature & Waterfalls

Munnar, India on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before a day of exploration.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Eravikulam National Park

Explore the national park, home to Nilgiri Tahr and stunning hill landscapes. Park open 8am-5pm.
INR450, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Refuel with South Indian meals at this local favorite.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Attukal Waterfalls

Short trek to scenic waterfall surrounded by tea gardens, perfect for photos and relaxation.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore local spice gardens

Visit a spice plantation to see how cardamom, pepper, and other spices are grown.
INR100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a light dinner of dosa and filter coffee before bedtime.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 5: Thekkady Wildlife & Spice

Thekkady, India on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast to prepare for your journey to Thekkady.
Included, 0h45m

7:45am

Travel to Thekkady

Drive to Thekkady (approx 3.5 hours) through scenic hill roads.
INR2000 (taxi), 3h30m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch at hotel

Settle in and enjoy a traditional Kerala meal at your hotel.
INR700, 1h0m

1:00pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Safari

Take a boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, deer, and diverse wildlife. Boat rides operate from 9am to 4pm.
INR400, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit a spice plantation

Tour a spice garden to see and smell the spices cultivated in the region including cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper.
INR100, 1h0m

6:00pm

Evening cultural show

Watch a traditional Kathakali or Kalaripayattu (martial art) performance at local cultural center. Shows usually start around 6pm.
INR500, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at spice-themed restaurant

Dine at a local restaurant offering spiced Kerala cuisine dishes.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 6: Kovalam Beach Relax

Kovalam, India on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing for Kovalam.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Kovalam

Drive approximately 4-hours to Kovalam Beach on the Arabian Sea coast.
INR3000 (taxi), 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Malabar Café

Dine at this casual beachside café known for fresh seafood and Kerala specialties. Open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at Lighthouse Beach

Spend the afternoon enjoying the sun and surf at the iconic Lighthouse Beach, known for its scenic views and calm waters.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Hawa Beach

Walk to nearby Hawa Beach to catch the beautiful sunset and lively beach vibe.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Tides

Enjoy dinner at this fine dining beach restaurant serving diverse Kerala and international cuisine. Open till 11pm.
INR1200, 1h30m
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Day 7: Poovar & Kovalam Nature

Poovar & Kovalam, India on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a leisurely breakfast at your Kovalam hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Boat Tour to Poovar Island

Take a scenic boat ride through estuaries and backwaters to Poovar Island and enjoy the pristine beaches and natural beauty. Boat tours operate from 9am to 4pm.
INR500, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Poovar Beach Resort

Enjoy a delicious lunch with sea views at the resort's restaurant serving fresh seafood and local cuisine.
INR800, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Kovalam & Spa

Relax with Ayurvedic massage or spa treatment in Kovalam, renowned for healing therapies. Many spas open till evening.
INR1500, 2h0m

6:30pm

Evening stroll & shopping

Explore Kovalam’s local shops for handicrafts and souvenirs along the beach promenade.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Café Del Mar

Enjoy light meals and cocktails at this popular beachfront spot open until late.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 8: Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey, India on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast before departure to Alleppey.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Alleppey

Drive approx 3 hours from Kovalam to Alleppey, gateway to Kerala backwaters.
INR2500 (taxi), 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in & Lunch at Hotel

Relax and enjoy lunch at your houseboat or hotel with traditional Kerala dishes.
INR800, 1h0m

1:30pm

Houseboat Cruise

Embark on a half-day houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters, passing lush paddy fields and villages. Cruises operate daily from 12pm to 6pm.
INR3500, 4h30m

6:00pm

Evening relaxation on shore

Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel or on the banks of the backwaters.
Free, Evening

8:00pm

Dinner onboard or local restaurant

Enjoy freshly cooked Kerala cuisine prepared on the houseboat or at a local restaurant in Alleppey.
INR1000, 1h0m
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Day 9: Alleppey Village Tour

Alleppey, India on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a peaceful breakfast overlooking the backwaters.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Alleppey Market & Local Village

Explore the bustling morning market and then take a guided bicycle tour through nearby villages to experience rural Kerala life.
INR500, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Thaff Restaurant

Enjoy a popular South Indian seafood meal at this well-known Alleppey eatery.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax or optional canoe ride

Spend leisure time relaxing or undertake an optional canoe ride into smaller canals of backwaters.
INR300, 2h0m

5:00pm

Depart for Cochin or next destination

Arrange transport for onward journeys or rest for the night if staying in Alleppey.
Varies, Flexible

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel or local eatery

Savor your last Kerala meal with local specialties.
INR700, 1h0m
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