Authentic Kerala Discovery: Backwaters, Beaches & Culture in 5 Days

Day 1: Cultural Introduction

Kochi, India on June 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kashi Art Café

Start your day with a healthy and artistic breakfast at this quaint café located in Fort Kochi, known for its excellent coffee and fresh pastries.
INR500, 1h0m

10:00am

Explore Fort Kochi

Walk through the historic streets of Fort Kochi exploring the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue (open 9:00am-6:00pm), and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets offering cultural insights and photo opportunities.
INR20 for Palace, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Dal Roti

Enjoy a delicious North Indian and continental meal at this popular local restaurant in Fort Kochi, renowned for its fresh ingredients and cosy setting.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kerala Folklore Museum

Spend your afternoon appreciating Kerala’s rich heritage and culture through artefacts and traditional performances; open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
INR200, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Marine Drive

Relax at Marine Drive promenade while enjoying the peaceful Arabian Sea sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Malabar Junction

Experience authentic Kerala cuisine in an elegant, heritage setting featuring seafood specialties and a variety of traditional dishes.
INR1000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Hill Station Retreat

Munnar, India on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, Kochi

Grab a quick and authentic South Indian breakfast like dosa and filter coffee before heading to Munnar.
INR300, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel from Kochi to Munnar

Enjoy a scenic 4-hour drive to Munnar through winding roads amidst tea plantations and lush hills.
INR1500 for taxi, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Taste local Kerala and Indian dishes at this well-regarded Munnar eatery near the town centre.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Tea Museum

Explore the Tata Tea Museum, open 9:30am to 5:00pm, to learn about the history and process of tea manufacture in the region.
INR150, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk through Tea Plantations

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the rolling tea estates surrounding Munnar, ideal for photo opportunities and nature appreciation.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan Munnar

Enjoy a hearty South Indian vegetarian dinner with authentic local flavours and warm ambiance.
INR450, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 3: Wildlife & Spice

Thekkady, India on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at your accommodation before the day’s exploration.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel from Munnar to Thekkady

Drive for about 3 hours to reach Thekkady, renowned for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
INR1200 for taxi, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Green Restaurant

Sample Kerala specialities and fresh curries close to Thekkady’s town centre.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boat Ride

Take a 2-hour boat cruise on Periyar Lake for excellent chances to see elephants, deer, and birds; open from 9:30am to 3:30pm.
INR250, 2h0m

4:00pm

Spice Plantation Tour

Visit a nearby spice plantation for a guided walk to learn about pepper, cardamom and vanilla farming.
INR200, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Relax and enjoy regional cuisine at your hotel’s restaurant overlooking the serene forests.
INR700, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 4: Backwater Bliss

Kumarakom, India on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Enjoy breakfast before departing Thekkady and heading to Kumarakom, famous for its backwaters.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive from Thekkady to Kumarakom

Travel approximately 3 hours to reach Kumarakom to relax by the lake and backwaters.
INR1300 for taxi, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Coconut Lagoon

Dine on traditional Kerala dishes in a beautiful lakeside setting at this heritage hotel restaurant.
INR900, 1h0m

1:30pm

Backwater Houseboat Cruise

Experience a 3-hour afternoon cruise on a traditional houseboat gliding through tranquil backwaters; boat hire typically from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR3500, 3h0m

6:30pm

Evening stroll at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Walk through the bird sanctuary to observe exotic and migratory birds during sunset; open till 6:00pm but can enjoy the nearby area afterwards still.
INR100, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Your Hotel

Enjoy a peaceful dinner featuring fresh seafood and traditional Kerala flavours at your accommodation.
INR800, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Beach Relaxation

Kovalam, India on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with breakfast overlooking the serene backwaters before heading to the beach.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel from Kumarakom to Kovalam

Take a 4-hour scenic drive south towards the famous Kovalam beach for sun and sea relaxation.
INR1500 for taxi, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Moonlight Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of coastal and international dishes located near Kovalam beach with sea views.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax on Kovalam Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing or indulging in beachside Ayurvedic massages; beaches are public and open throughout the day.
Massage approx INR1500, 3h0m

6:00pm

Visit Lighthouse Beach

Watch the sunset from Lighthouse Beach and explore the local markets for souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Taj Green Cove Resort

Treat yourself to a fine dining experience featuring Kerala cuisine with a luxurious ambience.
INR1200, 1h30m
View Hotels