How many days do you need in Kerala?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Kerala, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Kerala?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Kerala. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

5-Day Kerala Highlights Tour: Backwaters, Beaches, and Hills

Day 1: Culture and History

Kochi, India on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this charming café known for its artisanal coffees and fresh bakery items, giving a great taste of local and fusion flavours.

INR350, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fort Kochi

Explore Fort Kochi’s colonial architecture, including the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church, to soak in the rich history and vibrant streets.

INR0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fusion Bay

Enjoy a well-crafted seafood lunch with views of the harbour; their Kerala-style fish curry is a must try, providing an authentic local taste.

INR700, 1h

1:30pm

Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace

Visit these important historical landmarks within Mattancherry to appreciate Kerala’s multicultural heritage and impressive architecture.

INR100, 2h

4:00pm

Evening stroll at Marine Drive

Relax with a scenic walk along Marine Drive promenade, enjoying sunset views across the backwaters and vibrant street life.

INR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Rice Boat

Dine on exquisite Kerala cuisine in a unique setting aboard a boat-shaped restaurant that offers excellent seafood and traditional dishes.

INR1200, 1.5h

Find Hotels in Kochi

Day 2: Hill Station Retreat

Munnar, India on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Rřejměthy Tea Factory Café

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast paired with fresh tea while soaking in the tea plantation views.

INR300, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Munnar

Travel from Kochi to Munnar through scenic hills, approximately 4 hours by road.

INR2500 (taxi cost approx.), 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Have a hearty South Indian vegetarian meal at this popular restaurant known for its dosa and thali.

INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Tea Museum

Learn about the history and process of tea production in Munnar at the Tata Tea Museum, a fascinating and educational visit.

INR50, 1.5h

5:00pm

Eravikulam National Park

Explore the park open from 8:00am to 5:00pm, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

INR360, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant

Enjoy local Kerala cuisine in the heart of Munnar, with recommendations for the spicy Kerala beef fry or vegetable curry.

INR600, 1h

Find Hotels in Munnar

Day 3: Wildlife and Spice

Thekkady, India on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a simple but filling breakfast at your hotel before checking out.

Included in hotel, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Thekkady

A scenic 3-hour drive through spice plantations leads you to Thekkady, well known for its wildlife sanctuary.

INR1800 (taxi cost approx.), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Green Wood Restaurant

Sample Kerala dishes with many vegetarian and non-vegetarian options within a garden setting.

INR500, 1h

1:30pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

The sanctuary is open from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Enjoy a 2-hour boat safari in Periyar Lake to spot elephants, wild boars and diverse birds.

INR400, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Spice Plantation

Take a guided tour to learn about exotic spices like cardamom, black pepper, and cinnamon grown locally.

INR250, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pampa Restaurant

Try traditional Kerala meals served on banana leaves for an immersive cultural dining experience.

INR600, 1h

Find Hotels in Thekkady

Day 4: Backwaters Experience

Alleppey, India on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departure.

Included in hotel, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Alleppey

Journey of approximately 3 hours from Thekkady to the backwater town of Alleppey.

INR2000 (taxi cost approx.), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Halais Restaurant

Indulge in fresh seafood and traditional Kerala cuisine in the town centre.

INR600, 1h

1:30pm

Houseboat Cruise

Board a private houseboat from 1:30pm to sunset to explore the famous Kerala backwaters, experiencing rural village life, palm-lined canals and birdlife.

INR3500, 5h

7:00pm

Dinner on Houseboat

Savour a freshly prepared Kerala-style dinner served on the houseboat as you relax under the stars.

Included in houseboat fare, 1h

Find Hotels in Alleppey

Day 5: Beach Leisure

Kovalam, India on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on Houseboat

Enjoy an early breakfast on the houseboat before disembarking.

Included in houseboat fare, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Kovalam

Drive southwards for approximately 4 hours to reach the famous beach destination of Kovalam.

INR2500 (taxi approx.), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sea View Restaurant

Dine with stunning views of the Arabian Sea, enjoying fresh prawns and coconut-infused dishes.

INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Kovalam Beaches

Spend the afternoon relaxing on Lighthouse Beach and Hawa Beach, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and light water activities.

INR0, 3h

5:30pm

Ayurvedic Massage

Book a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage at a reputed centre open till 7:00pm to experience Kerala’s traditional wellness therapy.

INR1500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Hawah Beach Restaurant

Enjoy beachside dining with a relaxed atmosphere, ordering fresh fish curry and other local delicacies.

INR800, 1h

Find Hotels in Kovalam

Step 1 Outline Preview:

5-Day Kerala Highlights Tour: Backwaters, Beaches, and Hills

Day 1: Culture and History

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Hill Station Retreat

7:00am

8:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Wildlife and Spice

7:00am

8:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 4: Backwaters Experience

7:00am

8:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

7:00pm

Day 5: Beach Leisure

7:00am

8:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:30pm

7:30pm

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