5-Day Budget-Friendly Kerala Trip from Chennai under ₹20,000

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Chennai to Kochi, Kerala on June 18, 2025

6:00AM

Train to Kochi

Board a budget-friendly train from Chennai to Kochi early morning. Trains like the Chennai-Coimbatore Express are affordable and take about 10-12 hours to reach Kochi.
₹700, 10h0m

6:00PM

Check-in Budget Hotel

Check into a budget hotel or homestay in Kochi, close to Fort Kochi to save transport costs and enjoy local atmosphere.
₹800, Overnight

7:30PM

Dinner at Kashi Art Cafe

Dine at the popular budget-friendly Kashi Art Cafe offering vegetarian meals with local flavours, perfect to unwind on your first day.
₹250, 1h0m

Day 2: Kochi Exploration

Kochi, Kerala on June 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fort Kochi Beachside Café

Enjoy a simple South Indian breakfast of idli and filter coffee with a sea view at a local affordable café near the beach.
₹100, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Fort Kochi Attractions

Explore key sights: Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Dutch Palace. Most places have low entrance fees or are free.
₹50, 3h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Dal Roti

Taste North Indian and Kerala vegetarian dishes at Dal Roti, an affordable and highly-rated budget eatery in Kochi’s heritage area.
₹200, 1h0m

2:30PM

Jew Town and Spice Market

Stroll around Jew Town and visit spice markets, a great spot for souvenir shopping within budget.
Free, 2h0m

6:00PM

Kochi Backwater Sunset

Watch the sunset at Marine Drive promenade, a free and scenic evening activity to relax.
Free, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Dhe Puttu

Enjoy traditional Kerala puttu dishes at Dhe Puttu, known for tasty and economical meals.
₹250, 1h0m

Day 3: Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey, Kerala on June 20, 2025

7:00AM

Bus to Alleppey

Catch a local bus from Kochi to Alleppey (~2 hours) to explore famous Kerala backwaters affordably.
₹100, 2h0m

9:30AM

Breakfast at Alleppey Market

Sample local fresh tropical fruits and tropical breakfast items from street vendors at minimal cost.
₹50, 30m

10:00AM

Houseboat Backwater Tour

Hire a shared or day-use budget houseboat ride through the backwaters of Alleppey to experience the unique Kerala landscape.
₹600, 4h0m

2:30PM

Lunch at Alleppey Local Eatery

Enjoy fresh seafood or vegetarian Kerala lunch served traditionally, affordable and delicious.
₹200, 1h0m

4:00PM

Alleppey Beach Walk

Relax with a peaceful walk along Alleppey Beach, a free and calming way to enjoy the evening.
Free, 1h0m

6:00PM

Overnight Budget Stay

Check-in to a budget guesthouse or homestay in Alleppey town for overnight stay under budget.
₹700, Overnight

Day 4: Munnar Hill Station

Munnar, Kerala on June 21, 2025

7:00AM

Bus to Munnar

Early morning bus from Alleppey to Munnar (~4 hours), enjoying scenic hilly route.
₹150, 4h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Budget Café in Munnar

Eat local Kerala cuisine at cafes around Munnar town offering affordable and hearty meals.
₹200, 1h0m

1:30PM

Explore Tea Gardens

Visit free-entry tea plantations and take a walking tour through lush green tea estates for picturesque views.
Free, 3h0m

5:00PM

Visit Munnar Market

Walk around Munnar local market to shop for spices and souvenirs within budget.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy delicious South Indian vegetarian food at the popular Saravana Bhavan in Munnar at reasonable prices.
₹250, 1h0m

Day 5: Return to Chennai

Munnar to Chennai on June 22, 2025

7:00AM

Travel from Munnar to Kochi

Take a morning bus from Munnar back to Kochi for train/flight to Chennai.
₹150, 4h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Kochi

Have a final budget lunch at a local restaurant in Kochi near transport hubs.
₹200, 1h0m

2:00PM

Train/Flight back to Chennai

Book an affordable train or budget flight back to Chennai from Kochi, concluding your trip.
₹600-₹1000, 10h0m (train) or 1h15m (flight)