Affordable 7-Day Kerala Itinerary for Two: Explore God's Own Country on a Budget

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Kochi

Kochi, India on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Start your day with a budget-friendly South Indian breakfast at Indian Coffee House, known for its simple dosas and strong filter coffee. It's open from 7:00am - 3:00pm.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fort Kochi

Explore the historic Fort Kochi area, including Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and the vibrant streets showcasing Dutch and Portuguese heritage.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Goveas Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine at Goveas Restaurant with specialties like fish curry and appam, offering meals under INR 300.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue

Visit Kochi's Jew Town for antique shops and the historic Paradesi Synagogue, open till 5:00pm, a reflection of Kerala’s Jewish heritage.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Kashi Art Café

Relax with a light dinner and coffee at Kashi Art Café, popular for its laid-back vibe and inexpensive menu options.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 2: Backwaters Experience

Alleppey, India on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local eatery

Have a quick breakfast with idli and chutney nearby your accommodation in Kochi before heading to Alleppey by bus or taxi (approximately 1.5 hours).
INR150, 1h0m

9:00am

Houseboat Ride in Alleppey Backwaters

Enjoy a budget houseboat experience cruising the peaceful backwaters, observing rural life and scenic beauty. Book a shared boat to cut costs. Ride typically lasts 4-5 hours.
INR2500, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch on board houseboat

Relish freshly cooked local Kerala meals served on the houseboat featuring fish curry, rice, and tropical fruits.
Included, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Thaff Restaurant

Dine on seafood and vegetarian Kerala dishes at Thaff Restaurant, known for affordability and good service.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 3: Nature & Wildlife

Thekkady, India on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local diner

Start early with a traditional Kerala breakfast like puttu and kadala curry at a local diner before departure to Thekkady (approx. 3-4 hours by road).
INR150, 1h0m

11:00am

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Visit Periyar National Park for a boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, deer, and birds. The sanctuary is open from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
INR350, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Curry Leaf Restaurant

Enjoy a budget-friendly Kerala meal at Curry Leaf which offers good quality meals and local flavours.
INR300, 1h0m

4:00pm

Spice Plantation Visit

Explore a spice plantation nearby to learn about Kerala’s famous spices and their cultivation; many plantations offer free or low-cost guided tours.
INR100, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or Local Eatery

Choose a simple dinner option at your hotel or a local eatery offering thalis within budget.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 4: Hill Station Retreat

Munnar, India on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast including appam or idli before your road trip to Munnar (approx. 3 hours).
INR150, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Tea Gardens

Walk among the lush tea plantations and visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea production in Munnar. The museum is open till 5:00pm.
INR50, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Taste south Indian vegetarian specialities at Saravana Bhavan, a reliable budget chain.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Eravikulam National Park

Visit this famous park known for Nilgiri Tahr and panoramic views; park timings are 7:30am to 4:30pm.
INR250, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant

Enjoy simple Kerala meals or North Indian dishes at a local restaurant within your budget.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 5: Munnar Exploration

Munnar, India on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a light breakfast featuring fresh local fruits and tea.
INR150, 45m

9:00am

Visit Mattupetty Dam

Enjoy boating and scenic views near Mattupetty Dam, a popular tourist spot open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR100, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant

Eat affordable and tasty Kerala meals at Rapsy Restaurant known for Kerala parotta and curries.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Echo Point and Kundala Lake

Explore Echo Point famed for natural echo phenomenon and enjoy peaceful Kundala Lake nearby, both great for photography and relaxation.
INR50, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel or local café

Finish your day with a simple dinner at your accommodation or try a cosy café offering budget meals.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 6: Relax in Kumarakom

Kumarakom, India on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast with typical Kerala fare before traveling to Kumarakom (approx. 3-4 hours by road).
INR150, 45m

11:30am

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Visit the bird sanctuary to see migratory birds and enjoy the serene landscape. Open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
INR120, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Backwater Café

Enjoy budget-friendly Kerala dishes by the backwaters, popular with locals and tourists alike.
INR300, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax by Vembanad Lake

Spend the evening relaxing by the largest lake in Kerala, an ideal spot for unwinding and nature watching.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or Local Eatery

Try local Kerala dishes served in simple dine-in eateries within your budget.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 7: Return and Departure

Kochi, India on July 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kumarakom

A filling breakfast before returning to Kochi for your departure (3-4 hour journey).
INR150, 45m

12:00pm

Last Minute Shopping at Broadway Market Kochi

Explore Broadway Market, a bustling street market ideal for last minute souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Dhe Puttu Kochi

Enjoy different varieties of puttu, a Kerala specialty, in this budget-friendly and popular eatery.
INR250, 1h0m

4:00pm

Departure

Head to Kochi airport or station for your onward journey after a memorable budget Kerala trip.
Varies, Varies