7 Days Kerala Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Trivandrum & Transfer to Varkala

Morning: Arrive early morning at Trivandrum International Airport. Transfer directly to Varkala Beach, a scenic cliff-side beach town known for its natural springs and vibrant café culture.

Afternoon: Explore the Varkala Cliff area, visit the Janardhana Swami Temple, and relax by the beach.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a seaside café while watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea at Papanasam Beach.

Day 2: Varkala to Alleppey

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Alleppey (Alappuzha). Check-in to a houseboat or hotel.

Afternoon: Embark on a traditional Kerala houseboat cruise through the famous Alleppey backwaters, witnessing villages, paddy fields, and coconut groves.

Evening: Relax on the houseboat or by the shore with freshly prepared local meals.

Day 3: Alleppey Exploration

Morning: Visit Alleppey Beach and the Alleppey Lighthouse. Explore local markets and handicraft shops.

Afternoon: Take a stroll or bike ride along the backwaters and canals, visiting Krishnapuram Palace (optional, nearby).

Evening: Enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional Keralan dance and music at your accommodation or a local venue.

Day 4: Alleppey to Munnar

Morning: Depart for Munnar, a hill station famous for tea plantations. Reach and check-in at your hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea production, followed by a walk through lush tea gardens.

Evening: Relax at your resort or explore the Munnar town center for local cuisine and shopping.

Day 5: Munnar Sightseeing

Morning: Explore Eravikulam National Park to spot the Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

Afternoon: Visit Mattupetty Dam and enjoy boating or visit the nearby Kundala Lake.

Evening: Return to your hotel and relish a peaceful evening surrounded by tea plantations.

Day 6: Munnar to Kochi

Morning: Travel from Munnar to Kochi (Cochin). After check-in, start exploring the city.

Afternoon: Visit Fort Kochi including the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Mattancherry Palace.

Evening: Attend a Kathakali dance performance or stroll along Marine Drive to enjoy the sunset.

Day 7: Kochi to Athirappilly Falls and Departure

Morning: Early departure to Athirappilly Falls, the largest waterfall in Kerala, set amidst lush greenery.

Afternoon: Spend time exploring the falls and surrounding nature trails.

Evening: Return towards Trivandrum or Kochi for onward travel or flights.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Trivandrum Airport to Varkala: 1.5 hours, ₹800
• Varkala Beach & Janardhana Temple: 4 hours, free entry
• Varkala to Alleppey: 3 hours, ₹1200
• Alleppey Houseboat Cruise: 6 hours, ₹3500 per person
• Alleppey Beach & Lighthouse: 3 hours, ₹50 entry
• Allepey to Munnar: 4 hours, ₹1500
• Tea Museum & Tea Gardens: 3 hours, ₹100 entry
• Eravikulam National Park: 4 hours, ₹600 entry
• Mattupetty Dam & Kundala Lake: 3 hours, ₹400 boating
• Munnar to Kochi: 4 hours, ₹1500
• Fort Kochi Sightseeing: 4 hours, mostly free (some entries ₹50-₹100)
• Athirappilly Falls: 3 hours, ₹60 entry + ₹600 transport

Total Estimated Cost: ₹10,860 approx.

Tips

Extending the Trip: Add extra days in Munnar or Alleppey to explore more nature trails, spice gardens, or enjoy wellness activities like Ayurvedic massages. Consider visiting Wayanad or Thekkady for wildlife and trekking experiences.

Reducing the Trip: Cut down to 4-5 days by skipping Alleppey houseboat cruise or spending only one night in Alleppey, and reduce time in Kochi, focusing mainly on beach and hill station experiences.