Ultimate 5-Day Kerala Friends Getaway: Backwaters, Beaches & Hill Stations

Day 1: Cultural Kochi

Kochi, India on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Enjoy a cozy breakfast featuring local Kerala coffee and fresh baked goods in this charming art-themed café in Fort Kochi. It's open from 8 am to 6 pm, perfect to start your day.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Explore Fort Kochi

Walk through the historic Fort Kochi area visiting iconic Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace while soaking in the colonial architecture and vibrant street scenes.
INR0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Oceanos

Taste authentic Kerala seafood dishes with a view of the Arabian Sea, open from 12 noon to 11 pm. Their prawn curry is highly recommended.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace

Visit these famous cultural landmarks that narrate Kochi's rich history and Jewish heritage. The Synagogue opens from 9 am to 5 pm and has no entry fee.
INR0, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset at Marine Drive

Relax at Marine Drive promenade to enjoy sunset views over the backwaters, a great spot for photos and unwinding before dinner.
INR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fusion Bay

Dine on a mix of Indian and continental dishes in a lively atmosphere, open till 11 pm. Try their Kerala-style fish fry.
INR700, 1.5h
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Day 2: Munnar Hillscapes

Munnar, India on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast of idlis and dosas at this popular chain that opens at 7 am.
INR250, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Munnar from Kochi

Drive approximately 4 hours through scenic Western Ghats hills to Munnar. Start early to make most of your day.
INR0 (car rental approx.), 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Famous for its simple, delicious Kerala meals served in a traditional way, open 11 am to 10 pm.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Tea Museum and Tea Estate

Explore the Tata Tea Museum and take a guided tour of lush tea plantations, open from 9 am to 5 pm.
INR50, 2h

5:00pm

Echo Point and Kundala Lake

Enjoy natural echo phenomena at Echo Point and take a pedal boat ride on serene Kundala Lake, boating available till 6 pm.
INR100, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Relish comforting South Indian meals in the cool hill station climate. Open till 10 pm.
INR350, 1h
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Day 3: Wildlife & Spice

Thekkady, India on June 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your accommodation to prepare for a day outdoors; most hotels serve from 7 am.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Thekkady

Short scenic 3-hour drive to Thekkady, gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
INR0 (car rental approx.), 3h

11:30am

Spice Plantation Tour

Experience guided tours of spice gardens, learning about cardamom, pepper and vanilla cultivation with free tastings. Open till 6 pm.
INR150, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Thekkady Café

Try Kerala and Tamil Nadu-style delicacies at this local favorite open 10 am to 9 pm.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

Enjoy a 1.5-hour boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, deer, and many bird species in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is open from 7 am to 6 pm.
INR250, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Our Place

Settle in for delicious Kerala home-style cooking, including appam and stew, open till 10 pm.
INR450, 1h
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Day 4: Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey, India on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a filling breakfast at your hotel to be ready for backwater adventures.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Alleppey

Morning 4-hour drive or private transfer to Alleppey, famed for its backwaters and houseboats.
INR0 (car rental approx.), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Thaff Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood and Kerala meals in a simple setting, open from 12 pm to 10 pm.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Houseboat Stay & Cruise

Board a traditional houseboat for a serene cruise through Alleppey’s iconic backwaters, enjoying delicious snacks and sunset views. Houseboat cruises typically last 3-4 hours and leave in the afternoon.
INR3500 per boat, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner on the Houseboat

Savour freshly prepared Kerala cuisine onboard your houseboat, a unique culinary and scenic experience.
Included in houseboat, 1.5h
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Day 5: Beach Fun & Relax

Kovalam, India on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast on Houseboat

Enjoy breakfast as you sail back to Alleppey jetty, soaking in the tranquil early morning views.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Kovalam

Travel approximately 5 hours south to the beautiful coastal town of Kovalam, famous for its beaches and ayurvedic spas.
INR0 (car rental approx.), 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Café Del Mar

Relax with a beachfront lunch of fresh seafood and tropical drinks, open 11am to 10pm.
INR600, 1h

3:30pm

Kovalam Lighthouse Beach

Spend afternoon sunbathing and swimming at the iconic Lighthouse Beach, known for its golden sands and clear waters.
INR0, 2h

6:00pm

Ayurvedic Massage at Oushadhi Centre

Book a relaxing Ayurvedic massage or spa treatment to soothe tired muscles, open till 7 pm. Booking ahead recommended.
INR1500, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at The Tides

End your trip with a seafood feast overlooking the Arabian Sea, featuring Kerala and international dishes, open till 11 pm.
INR700, 1.5h
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