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Unforgettable 10 Days Kerala Itinerary: see the Best of Kerala

Planning a trip to God’s own country?? read my 10 days Kerala Itinerary which will allow you to see the best that Kerala has to offer. I also included a few Kerala travel tips.

Kerala, India’s southernmost state is known as God’s own country and for every right reason. The state is blessed with backwaters, lagoons, tea and spice plantations, wildlife as well a vibrant culture. There are so many things to do in Kerala!!

It is an extremely safe state for family tours, group travelers, as well as women, and solo travelers. That is one of the reasons why it is popular not only in India but also with international travelers. Kerala or Rajasthan is generally the first choice of visit in India.

So here is the Perfect 10-day Kerala itinerary by road to explore the lush greenness and the lovely countryside.

Note: This itinerary starts in Kochi(Cochin International Airport) and finishes in Varkala (leaving from Trivandrum International Airport).

• 1 10 days Kerala itinerary & Kerala Travel Tips
• 2 What is the best way to cover this 10-day Kerala itinerary?
• 3.1 Things to do in Kochi: Kochi Sightseeing
• 4.1 Things to do in Munnar
• 5.1 Things to do in Thekkady-Periyar
• 6.1 Things to do in Kumarakom
• 7.1 Things to do in Alleppey
• 7.2 Should you go to Alleppey or Kumarakom?
• 8.1 Things to do in Varkala
• 9.1 Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram
• 10 Best time to visit Kerala
• 11 Must visit activities in Kerala
• 12 Must try the food in Kerala
• 13 How to reach Kochi, Kerala for 10 days Kerala Itinerary
• 14 Getting around Kerala

10 days Kerala itinerary & Kerala Travel Tips

What I love most about Kerala is lush greenery, amazing backwaters, rolling hills with tea plantations, varying landscapes throughout the state, amazing temples, beautiful beaches, a blend of cultures, and amazing food- it offers everything one can ask for! Every place has its charm and Kerala is special on its own.

In this article, I have covered the Best places to visit in Kerala, must-visit attractions how to get there, and what to do. I have covered most of the things to do in Kerala in this 10-day Kerala itinerary article which may help you to plan your perfect Kerala trip.

What is the best way to cover this 10-day Kerala itinerary?

It is ideal to hire a car or self-drive to cover the maximum number of places possible. However, this itinerary can be covered using public transportation such as a bus.

Ideally, you can fly or ride a train up to Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram which are the major cities in Kerala, and driving from here to other places is ideal. The plus side is both are on the coast so one can cover the entire state either from north Kerala which is Kochi to south Kerala which is Thiruvananthapuram or vice versa.

This itinerary will cover various places from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram(Trivandrum).

Day 1 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Explore Vibrant Kochi

Kochi is the major airport in Kerala and is connected to the country’s most important domestic airports as well as many international ones. Kochi is the economic capital of Kerala and is the perfect Keralean city to orient you towards the state and what to expect. In its modern lanes still lies the traditional heart.

You can see the fort, and Kochi beach, enjoy a traditional meal, and cultural dance, or enhance your senses with a spice market, all in one city. But I suggest that you experience each of these in various places across Kerala.

To make the most of your 10-day Kerala Itinerary , make sure you arrive early in the morning so that you can freshen up and start exploring Kochi right away! I suggest spending one day in Kochi and then moving towards the hills of Munnar.

Things to do in Kochi: Kochi Sightseeing

Thankfully, most of the sightseeing places are all located in one part of the city. Spend the half-day at Fort Kochi and the rest of the day visiting other Places in Kochi. In Fort Kochi, you can visit the Mattancherry Palace and Pardesi Synagogue. Mattancherry Palace is also known as the Dutch Palace which has beautiful mural paintings.

There are so many amazing places to visit in Fort Kochi as it is known for Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture. The famous bamboo Chinese Fishing Nets are still being used for 500 years, it is interesting to learn how they still work! St Francis and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica are also must-visit Places while in Kochi.

Also, check out souvenir shops on Princess Street. Kochi is a good place to watch the Kathakali Dance show which is an ancient dance form of India. If you have more days in hand, I would recommend spending 2 days in Kochi and exploring its cafe scene. One must visit Kashi Art Cafe to see the unique art creations.

Day 2-3 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary: Munnar – Hill Stations and Spice Plantations

Munnar is Kerala’s favorite hill station. Famous for its tea gardens, it is indeed a tourist paradise. Chosen by people of all ages, there is a lot to do or not in Munnar. Ideally, you need 2 days in Munnar.

Leave early from Kochi for a 5-hour road trip to Munnar- One of the Best Hill Stations in India. The city traffic will slowly reduce towards this hill town as the cool breeze will welcome you.

As you go closer to Munnar, the straight roads will turn into zig-zag rods and all you will see around are acres and acres of tea plantations across the valleys.

Things to do in Munnar

Munnar is one of the most popular places to visit in Kerala. It is a great location to spend 2 days amidst the tea plantations and hills. The temperature remains cool throughout the year in Munnar. One of the most popular things to do in Munnar is take a stroll in one of the many tea plantations that are open to visitors.

India produces the best tea in the world and you can take guided tea-tasting tours that explain the history and manufacturing process, you can even taste different varieties of tea at the end of the tour. You can buy what you taste from the retail shop.

Related Read: Ooty- the Tea Capital of India

The next day, pay a visit to one of the many wildlife parks in Kerala. Eravikulam National Park which is situated close to Munnar is famous for the goat species known as Nilgiri Tahr. These mountain goats exclusively roam in the hills of Munnar and it is amazing to catch a glimpse of them in their natural habitat.

It is best to book the tickets online to avoid waiting in line. If you want to cover more wildlife parks, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 2 hours away from Munnar and has sightings of birds, elephants, and spotted deer.

The park will take up most of the morning so you should head towards Mattupety Dam and Tea Estate , Echo Point, and Top Station which are some of the most touristy places in Munnar. These are good places for a photo-op and have a nice relaxing atmosphere.

Apart from this, there are so many places to visit near Munnar and you can even take do many adventure activities in Munnar.

There exist many hiking trails which can be covered with the help of local tour operators or guides. Rock climbing, rappelling, and many such adventure camps also exist in Munnar which offer activities from a few hours to days.

Day 4-5 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Thekkady-Periyar

Thekkady is another hill station in Kerala. While it is okay to give this a miss if you are visiting Munnar,I will highly recommend you to visit Thekkady. Thekkady is 4 hour driving distance and the roads from one hill station to another are nothing short of breathtaking.

Things to do in Thekkady-Periyar

After reaching Thekkady, relax for a bit and then take a stroll in the many spice plantations in the area. Kerala is the largest producer of spices such as black pepper, small cardamom, and cloves.

It is also the largest producer of rubber. Many spice plantations allow visitors and take them on a guided tour where each of these fruits and spice trees is shown and their life cycle is explained.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the cultural event of the Kathakali dance . Kathakali is a religious dance that draws inspiration from the Ramayana and stories from Shiva traditions. It is performed by men in traditional attires with face paints.

It takes hours to perfect the art of getting ready for the performance. All of this is showcased during the show. There are many places where this takes place.

On the next day, get ready to visit Periyar. One of the top things to do in Thekkady is visit the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Thekkady is home to the stunning Periyar river which hosts the elusive Tiger in its forests.

To experience the best of Periyar Tiger Reserve, opt for Bamboo Rafting which includes a trek through the Jungle and a Boat ride. A boat ride on the Periyar River is therapeutic with beautiful and peaceful surroundings.

The ride paints a beautiful picture with broken tree barks in the river, deers drinking water from the riverbank, and cormorants trying to catch a fish. Catching a glimpse of a tiger or elephant is difficult on a boat ride but not impossible.

If you are a serious wildlife enthusiast, you can choose to take up a gypsy ride in the forest or even decide to stay in the forest guesthouse. This whole experience of exploring the untouched beauty of  Periyar Tiger Reserve may take 6-7 hours.

Day 5-6 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Kumarakom

After the boat safari in Periyar, it is time to move to Kumarakom. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a refreshing change from the hills to the lake.

It is located 3 hours from Munnar so by the time you reach Kumarakom it will be evening. So relax and chill on the banks of Vembanad Lake watching the sunset.

Things to do in Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a popular destination lined with resorts for a relaxing stay. There are some resorts located on the banks of Vembanad Lake while some are in the backwaters.

There is an option of choosing a houseboat here. You can choose to stay in Kumarakom and explore Alleppey the next day or choose to spend 2 nights in 2 different places. You can read about my one day in Kumarakom along with many recommendations.

Day 7: Alleppey : Cruising Through Coconut Groves

Kumarakom and Alleppey are located on opposite sides of the Vembanad lake and both have backwaters, which Kerala is famous for.

Things to do in Alleppey

Other than exploring the country life in Alleppey, relaxing by the backwaters, or experiencing ayurvedic massages, there are not many activities to do in Alleppey. If you want to cruise the backwaters and stay a night on a houseboat you might want to choose Alleppey.

The boats leave from both locations but Alleppey has by far the biggest choice for a backwater cruise. You can either choose Kumarakom or Alleppey in this itinerary and save a day. If I had to choose, I would choose Alleppey over Kumarakom for the rugged country life.

If you choose to go for the houseboat cruise, note that the boat sails only for 6 hours. Local regulations reserve the lake for the fishermen at night and all houseboats have to dock by 5:30 pm.

Instead, choose a hostel on the backwater and hire a shikara or narrowboat to navigate through narrow channels. The Shikara boats are available around the backwaters and if you request them they will show you many birds around the area.

Should you go to Alleppey or Kumarakom?

This depends on your choice and what you want to do! If you want to cruise the backwaters and want to spend the night in a houseboat, choose Alleppey. There are more choices to choose houseboats for Alleppey. You will not find many resorts for the stay for the Alleppey.

If you want to experience both the resorts and overnight Stay in a Houseboat or cruise, Kumarakom would be the better choice. Many resorts offer packages for the same.

Day 8-9 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Explore the beaches of Varkala

The day is the 8th day of the Kerala itinerary to visit the beach town of Varkala. Varkala is approximately 4 hours from Alleppey and is famous for stunning and clean beaches all across. Varkala is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala and for good reasons.

firstly, the iconic cliff beach and the shops, and cafes around the cliff make it one of the hippiest places in Kerala. Secondly, it has a beach that is perfect for surfing in India. Thirdly, it has many Yoga ashrams and is known for its Ayurveda. These reasons are enough to include Varkala as one of the must-visit destinations in your 10-day Kerala itinerary.

Things to do in Varkala

Enjoy the evening sipping coconut water overlooking the sunset on Papanasham beach or Bekal beach. Taking a dip in the beach water will relax you from all the driving you have been through in the week! Or perhaps some yoga by the beach may calm your nerves?

On the next day, visit the Varkala cliffs. Varkala is the only place in Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the sea. It is a perfect place to take a stroll, play some volleyballs or simply chill in the many cafes set up on the cliff. Do visit the red laterite cliff which is one of the most popular tourist places in Varkala.

If you want to drive away to do something else, Kappil Pozhi Lake is a serene lake that is approximately 6 kilometers from Varkala town. It is surrounded by coconut and palm trees which makes it tranquil. If an adrenaline rush is on your mind, Varkala offers Paragliding adventure activity over the cliffs, overlooking the ocean.

Anjengo Lighthouse is another place you can visit while in Varkala. Climbing a good 250 stairs from the lighthouse offers a stunning panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

You can try surfing, visit Yoga Ashram, or visit the beaches of Varkala, there are so many things to do in Varkala that keep you relaxing.

Day 9-10 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram (or Trivandrum) is the capital of Kerala and is distinguished by its British colonial architecture and art galleries. Thiruvananthapuram is the last leg of the journey which is located 2.5 hours away from Varkala.

Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

One of the most popular places to visit in Trivandrum is the Shri Padmanabhaswamy temple. The temple is said to be built as an amalgamation of Dravidian and Kerala-style architecture with tall Gopuram.

After visiting the temple, visit the museum complex which is something not to be missed. Also known as Palayam, the Museum Complex houses a museum (Napier Museum), an art gallery (Chitra Art Gallery), churches, a botanical garden, and a few markets. The museum and art gallery inside the complex are known to have restored many historic artifacts and selective paintings.

Next day head to Kovalam, a small beach town located 30 minutes from Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam is most famous for its iconic Kovalam beach and Vizhinjam Lighthouse , a must-visit while in Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam Beach will certainly remind you of one of the North Goa beaches if you have been to one!

Water sports, beachside shacks, people sunbathing on the beach, and overall a lot of crowds will welcome you to the beach. But it has a vibe not to be missed!

The Vizhinjam Lighthouse and promenade along the beach which is lined with stores, cafes, and restaurants are a few of the distinctive features of the beach. After climbing 150 stairs of the lighthouse, you will come across beautiful landscapes not to be missed!

Either go for a swim on the beach, laze around in the lounge chairs or sit back in one of the cafes and read a book. And end your trip by just chilling out by the beach.

Best time to visit Kerala

Kerala enjoys a tropical climate across the year but the best period to visit Kerala is from November to March when the weather is much more pleasant. Most visitors prefer the Indian winter period because it’s warm but not too hot and fewer chances of rain in Kerala.

From April, the temperatures start rising towards 30 degrees and more. Most tourists avoid Kerala during these months but it is a great time to explore the region if the heat doesn’t bother you and the hotel rates are lower with fewer crowds.

June, July, and August are the monsoon season in Kerala which is extremely hot and humid. There are heavy showers and floods are common during this time of the year.

Must visit activities in Kerala

• Kumarakom Boat race which takes place in September and October
• Cochin Carnival which is widely celebrated in January

Must try the food in Kerala

Kerala food deserves a blog of its own because it is influenced by so many different cuisines across the world and has developed a unique flavor that is hard to get anywhere. The distinct curry leaves and coconut used in the local food will keep you coming back for more. Kerala cuisine has an abundance of rice, tapioca, and spices like black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available in plenty here! These dishes are available in humble roadside restaurants as well as resorts.

Some of the must-try vegetarian dishes are:

• Malabar Parotta with Kadala Kurma
• Appam with curry – a soft thin pancake made from rice batter and served with curry
• Puttu and kadala curry – Rice Cake made out of steamed rice flour; cylindrical in shape
• Idiyappam with curry – Noodles made out of rice batter
• Erissery (Lentil & Pumpkin Stew) – a kind of dal curry
• Payasam (Rice kheer) – a dessert made out of milk and rice
• Sadya – a feast consisting of many vegetarian dishes served on Banana leaf

Some of the must-try non-vegetarian dishes are:

• Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (Spicy Fried Chicken)
• ​Kerala Prawns Curry
• Karimeen pollichathu (fish)
• Malabar Parotta with Kerala beef curry
• Fish moilee

If you are fussy about the food then you can find so many cafes and restaurants that serve vegetarian, nonvegetarian, and regular continental dishes. Most hotels and resorts serve a variety of food at their restaurants.

How to reach Kochi, Kerala for 10 days Kerala Itinerary

Kochi has an international airport and is well-connected with most major cities of India and the world. Here is how to reach Kochi.

Reaching Kerala by Air

Cochin International Airport is 25 km away from Kochi city at Nedumbassery. Visitors can board direct flights from Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, etc.

There is also good air connectivity to Kochi from most Gulf countries and South Asian countries. Most people prefer to fly in and out of the Kochi International Airport as Kochi is near most of the sightseeing places to visit in Kerala.

Train to Kerala

Most of the major tourist places of Kerala are well connected by train. Also, India has a heavily connected train network that covers all major cities of India. The state capital of Kerala- Kochi has train connectivity to Ernakulam Junction which is the busiest rail junction in Kerala.

You can board direct trains from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Mangalore, Bangalore, and many others. Internal state connectivity is also good from here. You can reserve a seat in the AC or Sleeper class via the IRCTC website . For shorter journeys, you can travel in a general compartment.

Kochi is well-connected to neighboring cities and states. The NH-17 connects the city to Mumbai, Kozhikode, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Goa. Deluxe Volvo buses, AC sleepers, as well as AC normal buses, are also available right from the cities to across the major destinations.

Kerala KSRTC runs numerous buses within Kerala to reach major tourist destinations. You don’t require any prior reservations to board these Buses. Check the Bus timings online on the KSRTC Website. You can show up at the station and board the bus as per your route. If you want to do a long-duration trip, you can always book the Bus via Red Bus or any other online website.

Getting around Kerala

To reach one destination to another, you can travel via Kerala KSRTC buses. It’s a reliable and convenient option. Trains are also a popular option for transportation around Kerala.

Within cities, you can rely on tuk-tuks or auto rickshaws which are a common way to get around in the cities in India. You can hire an auto for a full day at lower prices than taxis.

If you are a luxury traveler and want a comfortable trip without budget issues, hire a car with a driver throughout your stay in Kerala for your 10-day Kerala trip.

If you like my 10 days Kerala itinerary Post, Pin it for the later:

Mayuri Patel, owner of the fernwehrahee Blog loves to travel and helping you to plan your Next Trip! She is full time Travel Blogger, dreaming about her next adventure! Join her Journeys where she takes you to destinations around the world with the pinch of history & culture!

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10 days road trip in Kerala: An itinerary and Guide

Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by admin

Planning a Kerala Itinerary across the state? This blog on 10 days road trip in Kerala covers all the Kerala highlights for first-time visitors. This classic Kerala tour covers Central and South Kerala tourist destinations.

The first thing that comes to mind when someone says Kerala is the backwaters against the swaying coconut and palm trees. However, there is much more to Kerala than that – the beautiful architecture and heritage of Fort Kochi , tea estates of Munnar , spice plantations of Thekkady , wildlife sanctuaries in Shola forests , landscapes filled with coffee farms and virgin beaches. 

The God’s own Country is power-packed with a plethora of things to do in Kerala , see and experience for all kinds of travellers. Dive into this ultimate Kerala travel guide to assault your senses as I help you plan a 12-day road trip across some of the popular destinations.

In this 10 days Kerala itinerary, I’ll be covering Central Kerala locations such as Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom and Alleppey and South Kerala locations such as Varkala and Trivandrum.

Kochi – 1.5 days

Munnar – 3 days

Thekkady – 2 days

Kumarakom – 1 day

Alleppey – 1 day

Varkala – 2

Trivandrum – 1.5 day

Table of Contents

HOW TO GET AROUND KERALA

This Kerala road trip is based on a self-driven car so as to save time while travelling from one place to another. Ideally, it is best to hire a car that services the 10 days in Kerala trip from point to point.

If you are on a budget and have more days in hand, you can spread out the itinerary to suit your travel style. Public buses serviced by Kerala State Road Transport Services (KSRTC) ply between each town of Kerala and are comfortable and affordable. 

WHERE TO START THE 10 DAYS ROAD TRIP IN KERALA?

It is ideal to start at Kochi (formerly Cochin) which is on the southwest coast of India. All modes of transport – domestic and international are easily available to reach here.

DRIVING OR RENTING A CAR FOR A ROAD TRIP IN KERALA?

While many would feel like driving by themselves during the entire journey but be mindful that this itinerary involves going on mountain roads. I would recommend driving on hills, only if you have done this before. Also, you would probably be too tired driving all-around to actually enjoy the entire journey. 

Car through many rental services like Zoom Cars, Revv, Mychoize, etc. can be received at the Kochi airport. 

If self-drive is not your thing, hire a local guide who will take care of everything for you. On my latest trip to Kerala, everything was taken care my tour guide – C Satish. Car booking, accommodation, kind of places I want to stop at, food preferences and a detailed itinerary. He made the entire trip to Kerala extremely effortless and seamless. His knowledge of his home state is commendable (architecture, heritage culture, flora, food and the list goes on). I highly recommend him for arranging accommodation, planning a Kerala itinerary or even for food recommendations. He is based in Kochi and is a great resource for Fort Kochi Heritage Tour as well.

C Satish can be reached at +91 9495690929

Day 1: Kochi

How to get from kochi airport to fort kochi.

Kochi Airport is around 36 kilometres from Fort Kochi, so having a car to pick up is a must. In my 3 visits to Kochi, I always requested my hotel or tour guide to arrange for a car pick-up. This guarantees that the car driver is genuine and you don’t have to keep checking your phone if you are being taken in the right direction!

App-based taxi and auto services are also available. You can simply download Ola or Uber and book a taxi. However, many times these taxis are not available so charge more for unforeseen reasons.

Pre-paid taxis are also available from the booking counter in the Kochi Airport arrival hall.

Bus service is available for transfer from Kochi airport into Kochi city.

Things to do in Kochi in one day

Kochi, the largest city in Kerala, has historically been an important port city from earlier times. Reach Kochi by late evening so as to start the next day with a visit to Fort Kochi. With a history of the European spice route trade, there are many places in Fort Kochi reminiscent of that bygone era.

Fort Kochi is one of the most happening places in Kochi and has many architectural and heritage places. Beautiful artsy cafes, wall arts and heritage homestays line up the Fort Kochi area.

Fort Kochi Heritage walk

Kochi Beach, Mattancherry Palace, Pardesi Synagogue and St Francis Church are the must-visit places in Fort Kochi. Do not miss out on the working of Chinese Fishing Nets which have been functional for decades.

Shopping is a must while in Fort Kochi so head over to Jew Street for spices, handicrafts, Kerala souvenirs, traditional Kasavu sarees and snacks.

Day 2 in Kochi should be spent at the beautiful Cherai Beach as well as learning about the Chendamangalam Handlooms .

Where to eat in Fort Kochi

Kashi Art Cafe, Oy’s cafe, and Loafer’s corner are some of the best cafes in Fort Kochi and are open for breakfast too.

For lunch, try the traditional Kerala sadya (meal on banana leaf) at Bharath Hotel.

Where to stay in Kochi

For a luxurious experience: Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty

For a heritage experience: Ginger House Museum and Hotel

Medium budget: Abad Atrium , Niko Hotels

If you are a backpacker choose: Zostel, Kochi

Kashi Art Cafe, Fort Kochi

Day 3: Kochi to Munnar

On day 2 start early for the 5-hour road trip to Munnar. For Munnar, it is not about the destination, but the journey. Enjoy the hot and humid air giving way to chilly winds as the car passes the road with tea gardens on both sides.

Famous for the lush tea estates which you can romance along the way while hoping that there is no roadblock due to elephants crossing the highway. Relax and enjoy the valley views while sipping on Chai after reaching! If you are not too tired, you can go for a short hike.

Things to do in Munnar

A short hike is possible to Echo point which is 15 km one way. Trekking in Munnar is also a great way to explore the tea gardens and Shola forests. Or you may choose some adventure sports like rock climbing and rappelling in other nearby towns of Munnar. Other trekking trails in Munnar include Top Station Trek, Chokramudi Trek, Meesapulimala Trek and Lakshmi Hills Trek amongst others.

Exploring the Munnar tea plantations during Road trip in Kerala

Next, head towards the Eravikulam National Park to sight the endangered Nilgiri Tahr or the mountain goat. The 15 km journey, the waiting line and a small hike up the Kannan Devan hill will consume over 4 hours. On the way back you may stop at the Mattupetty dam and head towards its catchment area if you want to try some water sports.

Other things to do in Munnar include visiting Attukal Waterfalls, Lakkum Waterfalls and paying a visit to Lockhart Tea Factory & Museum.

Where to stay in Munnar

For a luxurious experience: Spice Tree Munnar, Blackberry Hills Spa and Resort

Medium budget: Hotel Cloud Valley

If you are a backpacker choose: Vedanta Wake up

Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park Munnar

Day 5: Munnar to Thekkady

Gear up for another hill station of Kerala which is 4 hours away from Munnar.  

Things to do in Thekkady

After reaching Thekkady, the most important place to visit is the Periyar National Park. Thekkady offers boat safari on Periyar and one can see wild animal gets on the river banks. The river has barren tree logs and the landscape across the mountains looks breathtaking. Bird and animal sighting is possible here and in the 2 visits so far, I have got some great shots! Read in detail about Periyar National Park .

After the national park visit, the evening can be spent attending a cultural program – Kalaripayattu or Kathakali at the Kadathanadan Kalari, Mudra Cultural Centre.

Kathakali performance in Thekkady

Ayurvedic massage in Thekkady is also one of the things to experience. In Thekkady there are many resorts offering ayurvedic retreats offers that are month-long ayurvedic treatment solutions for people suffering from chronic ailments. It is like a resort where people can stay for long durations and get their treatments done with consultation from an in-house doctor.

On the next day before moving to the next destination, spend some time in spice gardens knowing and sniffing the organic produce. A guided tour of Thekkady spice gardens is the awe-inspiring experience of how each spice that we use in Indian cooking is made. 

Read in Detail: Places to visit in Thekkady

Where to stay in Thekkady

For a luxurious experience: Greenwoods Resort , Cardamom County, Thekkady

If you are a backpacker choose: Jungle Paradiso Homestay

Periyar National Park Boat Safari

Day 6: Thekkady to Kumarakom

Move over to lakes from the hills by visiting the town of Kumarakom. Leave early morning from Thekkady and drive 4 hours to reach the idyllic village of Kumarakom

Things to do in Kumarakom

Popular as a spa destination, Kumarakom is lined with luxurious resorts along the Vembanad lake. Kumarakom is gorgeous thanks to the lake and backwaters. Spend the evening watching the sunset by the Vembanad Lake, go on a river cruise or choose to visit the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary.

Sunset on Vembanad lake, Kumarakom

One of the most interesting ways to spend time here is to know and experience the activities under Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom . Learn some crafts and ways of living of the local villagers, interact with them and how easy it is to lead an ethical lifestyle.

Where to stay in Kumarakom

For a luxurious experience: Kumarakom Lake Resort , Aveda Kumarakom  

If you are a backpacker choose: Nallathanka Nest Homestay

Coir rope making in Kumarakom

Day 7: Kumarakom to Alleppy or Alappuzha

Alleppey is the backwater town of Kerala and can be reached from Kumarakom by driving for 1.5 hours.

Things to do in Alleppey

The backwaters paradise of Kerala should be experienced by not spending the time on a houseboat which is expensive but by choosing a homestay on its banks! Take a canoe ride which will take you to small alleys wherein you can also do a village tour and watch the sunset over paddy fields.

Watch the sunrise and chill at the backwaters and watch the boats go by listening to the birds sing on the coconut tree near you. Read in detail: Kerala Backwaters of Alleppey

Where to stay in Alleppey

For a luxurious experience: Sterling Lake Palace Resort

If you are a backpacker choose: Nomad’s Hostel

Canoe ride in Alleppey Backwaters

Day 8: Varkala

This is Day 8 and time for some Vitamin Sea! 

Things to do in Varkala

Varkala is a famous beach town with beautiful virgin beaches – Papanasham and Bekal. Take a dip or just relax by the beach listening to the waves crash.

Visit the picturesque Kappil Pozhi Lake which is approximately 6 kilometres from Varkala town. It is surrounded by coconut trees that give this peaceful and tranquil lake some serious wanderlust vibes. On the way back visit the red laterite cliff which is one of the most popular tourist places.

Where to stay in Varkala

For a luxurious experience: Gateway Varkala

If you are a backpacker choose: Mad about Coco

Kappil Pozhi Lake Varkala

Day 9-10: Trivandram or Thiruvananthapuram

Drive from Varkala to Trivandrum, the Kerala state capital which is a 2 hours journey. 

Things to do in Trivandrum

Trivandrum has a lot of influence of British architecture and can be seen in many buildings. You may choose to visit Napier museum which has historical artefacts, Kerala science and technology museum or Kanakakkunnu Palace.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most important temples of Lord Vishnu and is now the world’s richest temple too. The temple has a sleeping Vishnu idol, which is a unique feature.

Spending a night in the Kovalam houseboat is one of the most popular tourist activities in Thiruvananthapuram. Book a traditional houseboat that is made out of reed, cork, and bamboo. Cruising with Kovalam Houseboat Tours is a great way to spend time in Kovalam backwaters. One can lounge around watching the sunset or villagers going about their way. The cruise offers unparalleled views of backwaters.

Where to stay in Trivandrum

For a luxurious experience: Vivanta Thiruvananthapuram

If you are a backpacker choose: Bed Pods

Kanakakunnu Palace Trivandrum

This sums up the 10 days road trip in Kerala, India. This road trip offers a plethora of landscapes, sights, and cultural experiences which is bound to leave you rejuvenated!

FAQs related to Kerala road trip

Best time to visit kerala.

The Winters months (November to February) are ideal to visit Kerala. The temperatures are moderate and humidity is less (read: bearable). The hills can get chilly in the morning and night but maintain a comfortable temperature during the day.

However, winter is also the time when most people travel to Kerala. So expect to pay higher charges for cars and hotels. 

Kerala monsoon can be uncomfortable for some but the months of July and August are popular with local tourists who want to chase waterfalls and enjoy a rainy vacation.

Is the weather in Kerala good for a road trip in Kerala?

The average summer temperature is 24°C-37°C; while the average winter temperature range from 17°C-33°C. It rains quite often around the year.

Must try food of Kerala?

Kerala food is a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals mostly cooked in coconut oil. Do try the delicacies like ‘ appam-stew ’, ‘ puttu-kadala curry’, ‘ Avial ’ and ‘ iddiyappam ’ for breakfast or lunch. Just like the North-Indian thali, the Kerala thali is called sadya and is served traditionally on a banana leaf.

You will find the regulars like Idli, Dosai and Uttapam or even Punjabi and Indian-Chinese dishes in most of the places.

Traditional Kerala Sadya

What to wear in Kerala?

Comfortable clothing like a t-shirt and jeans is recommended. Women can choose a knee-length dress. Try to wear camouflaged colours during safaris.

Is Kerala safe for travellers/solo travellers/female travellers?

Kerala is extremely safe for all kinds of travellers, even solo women.

Sustainable tips for an ethical Road trip in Kerala

• Kerala is one of the cleanest states in India, in spite of the tourist influx so let’s try to maintain the same and be disciplined.
• If you come across a wild animal crossing the road/highway, give them time and space. Do not encroach on it by trying to get a selfie.
• Do not write on the palace walls or rocks at the beach. Let’s maintain the pristine heritage.
• Avoid wearing perfumes while going in the seawater or national parks.
• Blend in the culture by wearing the right clothes and eating the local food.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Ketki Gadre

Ketki is an environmental consultant and a sustainable travel blogger, who loves nature, wildlife and heritage. She enjoys bringing places to life through her informative blogs to inspire readers to travel sustainably and become responsible travellers.

10 Best Things to do in Kandy

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The backwaters of Kerala sound beautiful. I love the idea of taking a canoe ride and village tour. Seeing sunsets over the paddy fields would just be icing on the cake.

Kerala has always intrigued me ever since the program to bring bloggers there has been on. I can see some of the beauty through your exceptional photos of unique scenes.

I love that you drove to each destination. My husband and I think that you see so much more of an area by driving yourself from place to place. I’m glad that there are plenty of outdoor activities like hikes and canoeing. Seems like a great trip!

I have always wanted to go to Kerala and your guide reminds me that it is still I destination I want to get to! I was wondering if this is an itinerary that you could do via public transportation as I prefer not to rent a car when I travel solo. Would that be a viable option?

Hi Alison, yes this itinerary is very much doable in public transportation. Luckily public transport is super efficient and safe in Kerala and you shouldn’t face any problem. I hope you have a good time whenever you are in India 🙂

This is a great itinerary. Kerala looks beautiful. I’d love to visit the beaches and the spice plantation. Your sustainable tips are spot on for many locations. My daughter keeps asking to visit India …. perhaps this should be our destination.

I always recommend Kerala as the first place international tourists to go. Northern states tend to be very overwhelming and relatively not safe. I am sure you and your daughter will have an amazing time in Kerala 🙂

This is an area of India that is VERY high on our bucket list of places to visit. Therese has a friend who live near Trivandrum and has shared how wonderful the region is with us. I love that you can do this via public transport too though I have to imagine having a vehicle would offer much more freedom to explore … is driving relatively easy? And by that I mean for a someone not used to India. 😉

It would be difficult to drive on Indian roads if you are not used to it. But you can easily hire a taxi for the duration and it would work out to be cheaper.

This looks stunning, I’d love to get lost in Kerala for a week or so. I’ve never been to India, but I hope to get there soon.

That sunset in Kumarakom is so pretty that I would have to go there just for that shot over the water! Glad to know that the winter is the best time to visit because I’m not a huge fan of summer. Is it still pretty hot or does it actually get cool?

Thank you for showing another side of the country that I might have not known otherwise. This looks so well taken care and peaceful. What I love is that you can experience it as a backpacker as well as on the luxury side. I cant wait to visit India!

This Kerala travel guide is an absolute gem! It’s packed with all the information I need to plan my trip. From the picturesque backwaters to the lush tea plantations, every aspect is beautifully covered. I especially appreciate the detailed itinerary suggestions—it’s like having a local guide right at my fingertips. Thanks for sharing such valuable insights and making my Kerala travel dreams a reality!

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The Best Kerala Itinerary for 7 Days or More

Last Updated on April 17, 2024

In this post, I’ll share with you the best road trip itinerary for Kerala based on my experience of travelling to the state again and again in the last 6 years.

Kerala is a culturally rich, liberal, and breathtakingly beautiful state of southern India. It’s vastly different from the northern side of India both in landscape and cuisine. So, planning what to do here on a limited time can be overwhelming.

I will help with your Kerala trip planning with an itinerary for Kerala for 7 days with ideas to modify it for longer or even shorter durations.

If you already have a basic knowledge about the state, then jump to the Kerala itinerary .

I’ ve tried to cover all bases in the post to help you plan a trip to Kerala . Expand the table of contents below and jump to the relevant section if you want to.

The post contains affiliate links for tours, hotels etc. This means if you make any purchase through the links in the post, I may get a commission without any additional cost to you.

A Quick Outline

The Best 1-week Kerala Itinerary at a glance

While you can tweak as per your liking after reading the full article, this is the plan I recommend for your first vacation in Kerala.

Day 1: Reach Kochi via train or flight and then hire a cab (or rent a self-drive car) for your Kerala trip. Explore Kochi and end the day with a Kathakali performance.

Day 2: Drive to Alleppey or Kumarakom and stay in a houseboat. It’s time to rejuvenate in luxury after the hectic sightseeing at Kochi.

Day 3 & 4: Drive to Munnar on day 3 and explore the exceptional beauty of nature. You will need to stay at-least 2 nights in this resplendent hill station.

Day 5: Drive to Thekkady for wildlife safari and to witness the Kalarypayattu performance.

Day 6: Drive to Kovalam for some luxury experiences, much needed after the hectic sightseeing in the hills

Day 7: Drive to Trivandrum for exploring the historic charms and shopping before you depart.

In a 10-day Kerala itinerary you can include a day-trip to the Athirapally waterfalls from Kochi. From Thekkady you can drive to Varkala – an offbeat coastal paradise.

From Varkala you can easily visit the Jatayu Earth center – a new landmark in Kerala. Then drive to Kovalam the next day and depart from Trivandrum on the 10th day.

You can go slightly off-the-beaten track even in a packed 7-day Kerala tour. Skip the wildlife experience in Thekkady for a day trip to Athirapally waterfall. Or stay near the Varkala beach instead of Kovalam.

First time in Kerala? I recommend booking Kerala tour with Sangine Holidays . You can ask them to customise based on your preferences.

2 Weeks Itinerary for Kerala Roadtrip

Most of the tourist destinations and international airports are concentrated in the southern part of Kerala. So, most of the shorter Kerala tours are also designed to explore the south. Entire northern half of Kerala is therefore left out in my 7 and 10-day itinerary above.

If you can plan 2 weeks in Kerala , you could see how the culture and cuisine transform as we move from north Kerala towards the south, even in this rather tiny state.

Northern Kerala towards the Karnataka border has a strong Arabic influence in their culture, architecture and cuisine. Here you’re more likely to get the best type of non-vegetarian dishes like Keralite biryani, chicken curry etc.

As you move towards the south you notice a distinct change. Towards the hills in the south there is a dominant influence of Hinduism. You’ll find a plethora of pure vegetarian restaurants serving Appam-ishtew, idli, iddiyappam etc . 

On the coastline, there is a larger European influence in the monuments but also a blend of old Hindu culture as seen in the attire and performances. So, here’s how I’d plan a longer itinerary of Kerala for 2 weeks .

Day 1: Take a train or overnight bus to Kasargod from Bangalore or anywhere else.

Day 2: Explore Bekal Fort , beaches and backwaters of Kasargod

Day 3: Drive (or take a bus) to Sultan Bathery in Wayanad . Take a wildlife safari there

Day 4: Visit Edakkal Caves and Banasura Sagara Dam in Wayanad

Day 5: Trek to Chembra Peak in the morning. Have a brunch and drive to Palakkad

Day 6: Explore Palakkad – Palakkad Fort, Malampuzha Dam and Hanuman Temple

Day 7: Drive to Kochi via Athirapally falls

Day 8: Exploring Kochi

Day 9: Drive 126 km to Alleppey and take a houseboat tour

Day 10: Explore Alleppey and drive to Munnar

Day 11: Exploring the best of Munnar and Chinnakanal

Day 12: Skip Thekkady and drive to Varkala

Day 13: Take a memorable day trip to Munroe Island

Day 14: Explore Varkala and drive to Kovalam

Day 15: Drive to Trivandrum for departure

🙋‍♀️Want to custom-design your Kerala itinerary and have some questions? Join the awesome Backpack & Explore Facebook community – a safe place to discuss all your queries and concerns about traveling in India

A quick note on name of the places

Because of the colonial history of India, many popular destinations have an anglicized name that were coined by the European colonizers. The names have been reversed to their original form post indepedence.

However, because of the complex pronunciation, people unofficially refer to them by their anglicized names. So, before you get confused by these names, here is a short lexicon of Kerala’s cities for you.

• Cochin is the anglicized name for Kochi (which is not at all difficult to pronounce)
• Calicut is the anglicized name of Kozhikhode (pronounced as “koh-ree-kode”)
• Trivandrum, the capital of the state of Kerala is the anglicized name of Thiruvananthapuram (a proper tongue-twister challenge for foreigners)
• Alleppey is the anglicized name of Alappuzha , city in the namesake district

One Week in Kerala – The Plan in Details

So, let’s dive deeper into the wilderness of Kerala and take a virtual tour that will make you fall in love with the state.

Day 1 in Kerala – Arrive at the Historic Kochi

Kochi is the unofficial tourism and cultural capital of Kerala. It has a well-connected railway station as well as an international airport. So, this is a great place to start your trip.

As soon as you arrive, bargain the rates for a local cab. Normally the rates start from Rs. 12/km for lower-end 4-seater cars, and the fares would go up for the type of car, number of seats, travel season, night rates etc.

You can check the rates here to have a fair idea of the current rates and avoid being scammed.

Kochi is a bustling modern city haunted by a long, intriguing history. It’s the place believed to be Vasco da Gama’s passage to India .

Then there’s the oldest Jewish quarters in India that you can find in Kochi, the Pardesi Synagogue standing as a tall testimony to the thousand years of religious tolerance in India.

There are the Dutch Palace , Portuguese churches as well as remnants of the Bristish colonialism. And thriving despite centuries of brutal invasions and colonial atrocities are the age-old pagan art forms that you can witness through dance performances, artefacts in the markets and music.

Kochi’s beauty lies not in its architectural grandeur but in the unique stories behind the buildings, the streets and corners.

Kochi Sightseeing Plan

Assuming you reached Kochi at around 10 am, you can drive directly to Mattancherry Palace . The Mattancherry Palace also known as the Dutch Palace was actually a monument gifted by the Portuguese to the Indian raja. It was later extended and renovated by the Dutch in 17th century.

After a tour of the palace, enjoy a walking tour of the Jew Town and visit the Pardesi Synagogue .

Then drive back to Fort Kochi . There are some amazing places here for having a delicious lunch.

I have created a map here for a walking tour of Kochi.

The best way to explore Kochi in one or two days is with a local tour guide. Check our my recommendations below.

🌟A guided walking tour of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry with a local

🌟A private tuktuk tour with hotel pickup. This is suitable for people of all ages and small families

Stay near Fort Kochi , so that you can easily walk to the beach to see the photogenic Chinese fishing nets in the evening during the golden hour. Then return to Fort Kochi for dinner and an enthralling Kathakali dance performance in the Kerala Kathakali Center. It is one of the eight classical dance forms in India and also one of the most difficult dance forms in the world.

Best places to Stay in Kochi

Hotel Marine Inn – A 5-star luxury hotel located at the Marine Drive, in close proximity to Kochi’s highlights Casino Hotel – CGH church – A sustainable 5-star luxury property located midway between Marine Drive and the Dutch Palace. In the mid-range and budget category, Fort Bridge View hotel located in Fort Kochi is the perfect place.

Check out other options and get best prices below.

Day 2 – Relax in the backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarkom

After an exhausting, yet fulfilling day exploring Kochi, it’s time to relax in the backwaters of Kerala. Today we will drive 55km to Alleppey, often touted as the Venice of India .

But before that we can wake up early and walk to the beach to catch a glimpse of the sunrise and explore the morning markets.

After a wholesome breakfast at hotel, we set out for Alleppey or Kumarakom. They are on two sides of the Vembanad lake – the largest natural lake in India.

You can either stay in a houseboat or in a hotel on the banks of Vembanad lake . 

A day in Alleppey

Assuming that you started from Kochi at around 10 am you will reach comfortably by 11:30 am. Kochi is a bustling city with heavy traffic, so we need to account for that time.

Take a boat-ride for 3-6 hours to explore the beauty of canals, watch the birds enjoying the sun and the blossoms of the lake, and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

While on your boat or Shikara, visit the Pathiramanal island to say “hi” to the thousands of birds that flock into the magical backwaters during winter.

Stop midway at a village, to relish on sea-food prepared with fresh catch of the day mixed with Kerala’s spices. If you book a houseboat for stay you can have a traditional fish-meal for lunch in the boat itself.

On our trip, we stayed in a lakeside cottage and hired a shikara for maneuvering through the narrow canals and have lunch at one of the villages on the lakeside.

After the soulful trip, take some rest in the afternoon to avoid the scorching sun. Then drive to explore the beaches, churches and temples of Alleppey.

Next visit the Alleppey lighthouse, Alleppey beach and the loveliest Marari beach at sunset.

Once again, a paid trip will help you optimize your short time in Alleppey. These are the best-rated tours.

🌟 A 6-hour private Shikara cruise through the canals and lakes of Alleppey

🌟 There’s a popular 2-day houseboat trip from Kochi to Alleppey to explore the backwaters of Alleppey and then return to Kochi Port.

Best places to Stay in Alleppey

Lemontree Vembanad Resort

☑️Affordable luxury ☑️Houseboat and Cottages

A 4-star luxury hotel on the banks of Vembanad lake, with options to stay in houseboat as well as lake-view cottages. You can read my full review here

Xandari Riverscapes

☑️Organised houseboat tours

A fleet of luxurious houseboats floating in the backwaters of Kerala.

Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey

While I haven’t stayed here, I have always been impressed by the hospitality at Sterling properties in India. They are great options for affordable luxury accommodations .

Day 3 in Kerala trip plan: Drive to Munnar

Munnar is one of my favorite places in India. I think it is the best hill station in south India which despite the hype, manages to leave you awestruck at its raw natural beauty.

Speckled with waterfalls, adorned by lush green tea gardens, and pine forests, and surrounded by lofty hills, Munnar does seem like God’s own country.

While most people stick to places near the Munnar town, the outskirts, especially the Chinnakanal region is breathtaking.

On Day 3, you have to drive about 180 km from Alleppey to reach Munnar. While driving you will bid goodbye to the coastal warmth and move higher towards the hills.

As you enter the serpentine roads of the Western Ghats , turn off the AC and wind down the windows of your car.

The temperature has suddenly dropped, and the scenery has completely changed within a 4-hour drive. Watch out for the scenic viewpoints at every turn.

Try not to stop everywhere you want to, lest you get late, or the driver gets annoyed.

Don’t have a fixed itinerary for the day. Rather just stop and absorb the beauty around you wherever you can.

I highly recommend staying away from the city center and close to some tea garden. Keep an eye for the numerous waterfalls as well while driving to your hotel.

Best places to Stay in Munnar

The beautiful park in Sterling Munnar, covered in green is full of great activities for Children

Sterling Munnar

☑️Family Activities ☑️Best Location

Located in Chinnakanal area right opposite to the Tata Tea Garden, this is where we stayed on our second trip to Munnar. A perfect place to stay on a family vacation, with great activities for kids as well as the elderly.

Elephant Passage Resort

☑️5-star luxury ☑️Great Views

Located 25km from city center, this is the most affordable 5-star luxury you can get in Munnar. There’s jacuzzi rooms, infinity pool and great views of nature.

Day 4 – Exploring Munnar

After a fulfilling brunch at hotel or outside, you can set off for a long exhausting tour of Munnar. One day may not be enough, but here’s an itinerary covering the most memorable places in Munnar.

Drive to Eravikulam National Park right after breakfast. You need to set aside at least 2-3 hours for the trip, because of the long queue for tickets, the safari bus-ride and exploring on foot.

The beauty of this sensitive Nilgiri-biosphere is awe-inspiring. You will lose the idea of time while exploring the waterfalls and spotting the Niligiri tahr (an endangered species of animal found here) while walking in the forest. 

After this, head to Kanan Devan hills for a tour of the Tea factory

Then drive to Mattupetty Dam . If it is too crowded (which likely it will be), then drive to Kundala lake for a boat ride. 

And then, skip Top Station and save yourself some time for the other spectacles.

Similarly, if you want to watch the elephants, Carmelagiri is a touristy location where you can ride on them. But a more offbeat place for Elephant sighting is the Anayirangal Park (aka the Elephant Abode) in Chinnakanal . For more such tips and detailed guidance on your Munnar trip, check out my Munnar itinerary .

Like any other hill stations, most places close by 5pm. Stop at the Lockhart viewpoint on your way back to the hotel.

Shall I tell you a secret?

Skip the tea factory tours in Munnar and instead head to Kolukkumalai in the early morning.

Technically it’s in Tamil Nadu state, but Chinnakanal is the closest getway to this hidden paradise on earth which also has one of the world’s oldest and higest tea-factory .

Take a tea factory tour here instead after a bumpy jeep-ride.

Day 5 – Thrilling Thekkady

Thekkady is situated only 90 km away from Munnar, but it can take about 2.5 – 3 hours to reach because of the hair-pin belts. It is the home to Periyar National Park, the abode of Royal Bengal tigers among many other stealthy predators.

It’s also significant for religious pilgrims as this is where the trek to the Ayappa Temple of Sabrimala begins.

Make sure you stay close to the Periyar National Park which is the center of all the activities in Thekkady itinerary.

Thekkady Sightseeing Plan

Assuming you started from Munnar at 9-9:30, it will be almost noon by the time your reach Thekkady.

Head to the reception of the Periyar National Park and get the brochure for all activities they offer and their timings

First you can go on a jeep ride through the tea and spice plantations. It will also take you to Ottakathalamedu, a hill-top from where you cans see magnificent panoramic views.

Then, after a quick lunch it will be time for the unmissable Periyar Lake Cruise . You will see a host of migratory birds in the lake, deer and antelopes on the banks, and, if lucky, you have a chance to spot elephants here too. 

Spend the evening shopping in Kumily and then head on to Mudra Cultural Centre to witness Kalaripayattu . This is an ancient martial art form which is both brave and beautiful.

If you have the energy, you can also book a thrilling night safari in the forest. Or simply rest at night; you’ve had a long day already.

Best places to Stay in Thekkady

Abad Green Forest Resort ☑️Best Location

Located in the Periyar National Park area, this 4-star property is the best place for luxury jungle experience.

Chrissie’s hotel ☑️Pocket-friendly

This is one of the most popular pocket-friendly property near Periyar National Park. It’s also pet-friendly!

Day 6 – Pamper yourself at Kovalam

Our trip is coming to an end soon. But don’t be sad as it’s time to drive to Kovalam. Located approximately 215 kilometers (134 miles) from Thekkady, it will take around 5-6 hours by road.

While like everywhere else in Kerala there’s a plethora of options available for different budget types, I highly recommend booking a beach-side spa resort in Kovalam.

In most places in Kerala you can easily stay in budget hotels and explore outdoors all day. But Kovalam and the Alappuzha regions are famous for Ayurvedic Spa and medicinal treatment. Why not pamper yourself a bit here?

Kovalam itinerary for the day

Assuming you started from Thekkady at 9 am, it will be almost 3pm by the time you reach Kovalam.

You can stop for lunch on your way to the hotel, or have lunch immediately after checking in.

You can then head off to the  three beautiful beaches of Kovalam  – the  Lighthouse beach , the  Hawah beach  and the  Samudra beach . You can trek to the short cliffs for capturing amazing views.

You can spend the entire evening strolling in the beaches or go for an  Ayurvedic spa massage .

Best places to Stay in Kovalam

🥇 Raviz Kovalam (formerly Leela Kovalam)

☑️Stunning Location ☑️5-star Luxury

Located at the cliff-top the views from this hotel is heavenly. The water looks vanilla-blue from here.

Samudra Leisure beach resort

☑️Pocket-friendly☑️Spa available

At nearly half the rate of Raviz or Taj, you can enjoy luxury at pocket-friendly rate . This also has a wellness center for Ayurvedic spa.

Day 7: Bidding goodbye from Trivandrum

The last day of a vacation always makes your heart heavy. But don’t worry, we still have a lot to do today before we depart from Trivandrum in the evening. 

It is located only 19 km away from Kovalam and you can reach easily within 30 minutes through the smooth coastal road. But before that we will take a detour to Poovar, a floating town in the Poovar lake near Kovalam.

After a delectable lunch in the Poovar island you can drive to the airport for final departure.

A guide to Kerala Trip Planning

Now that you have your Kerala trip plan and a detailed 7-day itinerary of Kerala, I want to share some practical information to help you travel. Here are a few travel tips and trivia about Kerala that you need to know before going on this vacation.

How to reach Kerala?

Kerala is well-connected by air, rail, and road. There are three main international airports located in Kochi , Trivandrum , and Calicut respectively. Several railway stations connect Kerala to other parts of India.

All the destinations mentioned here can be covered on the most scenic road trips from Bangalore , the city where I live in.

🚙 🚗 Rent a  Zoomcar  for self-driving all the way in Kerala 🚔

Going around in Kerala

While I’m all for exploring India solo, I get that it can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not a local. So, your best bet is to rent a cab with an English-speaking driver.

But hey, if you’re up for a little adventure, local transport like KSTDC buses work great for inter-city travel, and tuk-tuks are your go-to for getting around town.

If you’re the kind who likes to take the wheel, you can also book a self-drive car. Just make sure to download the maps and have an online translator app handy.

📲 Getting simcard is difficult in India for foreign nationals. The easiest way to stay connected is with an India e-sim . 🤳

Cuisine and Dining in Kerala

While you have a plethora of “safe” options in most hotels in India, Kerala’s authentic cuisine is a must-try.

Rice is the staple food of Kerala and most of the dishes are just the most innovative, mind-boggling ways you can use rice. These are my favorite Keralite dishes.

• Kerala porotta aka Malabar porota(a white-flour Indian bread) with fish-curry
• Appam-stew ( Appam is a type of pancake made of fermented rice flour and coconut milk which is usually had with a vegetable stew)
• Iddiyappam with curry (looks like idli made of rice noodles)
• Puttu with curry (Putti is a cylindrical shaped steamed rice cake)
• Karimeen Fry
• Bamboo chicken biriyani

Although known for sumptuous sea food and one of the few states in India where beef preparations are mainstream, Kerala is actually a great place for vegans.

Many of the authentic dishes as you can see in my list above use only vegan ingredients sourced locally.

If you have time, and want to do something memorable, take a home cooking class of Kerala cuisine

What is the best time to visit Kerala?

The best time to visit Kerala is between November to January . This is the winter season, when coastal Kerala is still hot but comfortable. Rest of the year is extremely hot and humid, except for the Western Ghats region.

If you want to spend most of the time in the Western Ghats of Kerala, you can visit any time of the year.

In fact, if you want to see the famous boatrace in Alapuzha , you should plan your trip around August . This is the peak monsoon season, so temperatures cool down significantly. It will still be humid in the coastal region, but the hills will look spectacular.

The boat races are held as part of the “Onam” celebrations. It is the harvest festival of Kerala, and one of the most important days in Malaylam Calendar.  ( Malaylam is the native language of Kerala, also the native culture).

Just check for the weather reports before embarking on road-trip in the monsoon . 

A few more Frequently Asked Questions Answered

How many days are enough for kerala.

You cover the best of Kerala on a tight schedule in 7 days. This is usually the most practical time-frame most people have for spending in one state of India.

If you can extend your stay to 10 days, you will have more time to explore some of the destinations and enjoy some excursions.

If you are on an India tour and can’t afford a week for Kerala , 5 days should be enough to enjoy the unmissable experiences – natural beauty of Munnar, the backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarakom and the pristine beaches of Kovalam along with some cultural performances.

Ofcourse the longer you stay the better.

How to explore Kerala in 5 days?

A Kerala trip plan for 5 days should ideally have 1 day in Kochi for historic sightings, 1-day Alleppey for experiencing the backwaters and some amazing clean beaches and 2 days in Munnar for blissful Western Ghats experience.

On day 5, drive from Munnar to Kochi via Athirapally Falls. That’s what I suggest because I love Munnar. However, you can squeeze in Thekkady on Day 3 and skip Athirapally Falls.

If you are visiting Kerala for the first time and have only 5 days, I highly recommend this packed 5-day Kerala trip by Saffron India Tours .

What souvenirs can I bring back from Kerala?

You can bring the best quality of Indian spices – cardamom, cloves, cinnamon etc. What most people would ask me to bring whenever I travel to Kerala is “ Banana chips “. These thinly slices dried bananas deep-fried in coconut oil is a delicacy that can travel with you back to your home easily.

Besides I highly recommend buying Kerala cotton or Kerala silk sari. You can also buy “ Mundu ” for men in the same material. The white saris or mundu with golden border is a specialty.

Is Kerala safe for solo travelling?

Kerala is one of the safest states in India for tourists. Women usually don’t face lecherous stares or bad behavior in public places in Kerala. You are less likely to be scammed as a tourist. Only thing that scares me is the speed at which people drive in the hills in Kerala.

How expensive is Kerala?

In my experience I have found Kerala more expensive than the other states of south India when it comes to tourism. It is certainly the most famous tourist destination in south, and the tariff for cabs, fun-activities, etcetera is relatively higher.

Having said that it is completely affordable for budget backpackers with good hostels and homestays starting from Rs. 1000/- per day.

You cover the best of Kerala on a tight schedule in 7 days. This is usually the most practical time-frame most people have for spending in one state of India. If you can extend your stay to 10 days, you will have more time to explore some of the destinations and enjoy some excursions. If you are on an India tour and can’t afford a week for Kerala , 5 days should be enough to enjoy the unmissable experiences – natural beauty of Munnar, the backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarakom and the pristine beaches of Kovalam along with some cultural performances.

Closing Thoughts

I hope this article inspires you to travel to this amazing state and make memories of a lifetime. I will leave you with a list of my favorite travel sites for travel planning in India. 

If you liked this post, you may also find these articles interesting.

Best of Karnataka – One state, many worlds

Best of Enchanting Tamil Nadu

I have already linked detailed itineraries to the places mentioned in my post. But here they are again for you to read and save for later.

Munnar travel guide

Thekkady travel guide

Wayanad itinerary

Kasargod (Bekal) travel guide

Top Travel Sites in India for 2024

🏨 Booking.com  for the best hotel prices (Price match and free cancellations)

🚗Get discounts on package tours and special experiences with Viator

💸Secure your vacation with travel insurance from Visitors Coverage

🚗Book local transport on 12Go

🚶🏼‍♂️ Free walking tours on Freetour

🛏️ For hostels around the world, check out Hostelworld

🛍️ Myntra for travel fashion and Amazon for travel gear

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Author Alice is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. She shares her travel stories and exclusive practical tips on Backpack & Explore, that you won't find anywhere else.

17 Comments

Wow! I never realized all there is to do in this region, and I love the itinerary. Thanks for the pointers and great list of things to see and do!

Thanks a lot Meggie.

I have been to Kerala 23 years ago! I really loved it but I was only there for a very short time. I remember seeing the houseboats on the backwaters and thinking I’d like to come back someday and do that. This is excellent information you have provided. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much for reading. Hope you come for another trip.

That’s a long time. I hope you come again to see what has changed and spend a night in the houseboat

I’ve had the opportunity to visit Kerala on four occasions within the past three years, and each visit brings forth a fresh allure. My most recent visit o Kovalam refreshed me for at least the next couple of months.

Thanks for this comprehensive post. Now I know what exactly to look for in my next trip.

Great post! The thing that draws me to Kerala is how lush, green and gorgeous the natural landscape can be. Places like the waterfalls at Munnar are just stunning and it would be fantastic to see all the wildlife. Oh, and then the food! 😀

Thank you so much. I hope you visit soon

Wow that beach view is amazing – did you have a favorite one? I have never heard of Kerala but have enjoyed reading about it as I am trying to learn more about the different states of India. Will be saving this for my trip to India!

Thanks a lot Natalie. My favorite beach in Kerala is Kovalam. I love the Marari beach too. Glad to help further if you’re planing a trip to Kerala

What a stunning place to visit- those waterfalls are amazing. And I would definitely love to take a boat ride to see elephants, how awesome!!

What a wonderful guide — so much excellent information!

And the history of the region — I never knew! Thank you!

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts

Munnar and tea gardens are sooo on my list! I was planning a visit in 2019 while working remotely from Pune, but didn’t get around to it, as work got too busy. But looking at your recommendations, definitely a must-visit!

thanks a lot Alina Hope you get to take this trip soon

I love the Munnar waterfall as well as the idea of a 6 hour cruise! The animals look cute and so glad you can see them from the bus.

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4 Day Trip in Kerala, India – The Best Kerala Itinerary

By: Author Raymond Cua

Posted on Last updated: July 30, 2020

Planning a trip to Kerala, India? This travel guide features how you can spend a 4 day trip in Kerala.

One of the best ways to explore a new country is by going on a road trip, and that’s exactly what I did for my trip to South India which included a 4 day trip in Kerala.

Did you know? Kerala is often called God’s own country. Based on Hindu mythology, Hindu god Lord Parasurama created Kerala by throwing his axe across the sea to create new land.

I visited India for the very first time, and it was a memorable 12-day tour of South India with Travel XS , starting from the west end of Kochi in Kerala all the way to the east end of Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

If you’re looking to visit India, here’s an ultimate guide to 4 days and 3 nights in Kerala with some of the best things to do, restaurants and accommodations in Kochi, Alleppey and Thekkady.

Also Read: 4 Indian Recipes For An Authentic 3 Course Indian Meal

Planning A Trip To India

Things you should know when going to india, do i need a visa to visit india.

Visa is required for all foreign nationals visiting India. Luckily, you can apply online for an eVisa (USD$81.99), which is very convenient.

Once you submit the application, it only takes a few days to get the result.

When approved, you’ll receive a PDF document for your eVisa to print and show at customs in India.

What currency is used in India?

Indian currency is Indian rupee (INR or Rs) . Most hotels/resorts can exchange currency, but check with them prior to make sure your foreign currency is accepted.

Most accommodations also accept credit cards.

You’ll need cash for any street food, buying from local vendors, or tipping.

Can I drink tap water in India?

Unfortunately, tap water in India is not drinkable.

You’ll need to find bottled water, or at least filtered water, to make sure you won’t have any problems.

Even the locals don’t drink tap water. Hotels would typically provide bottled or filtered during your stay.

I highly recommend bringing a reusable water bottle when you’re going on a road trip, and carrying it around in your bag .

Will I be able to stay connected online while in India?

Surprisingly, Wi-Fi signal is pretty good in India. All the hotels I stayed in had Wi-Fi.

You can use a local SIM Card so it includes calls, texts and data.

Alternatively, I used a pocket wifi for the entire trip and was surprised that I had Wi-Fi signal majority of the time, even in very remote places like my overnight stay on a boat!

What’s the weather like in India?

The weather in India depends on which region you’re visiting (North or South), and the time of the year. From what I learned, South India is generally hotter than North.

The best time to visit is September to February where the temperature is cooler.

I visited in April and temperatures went as high as 40Cs (104Fs) with humidity.

During summertime, be sure to pack properly for hot weather: Bring a change of clothes because you will sweat a lot.

Bring sunscreen and lots of water.

Should I tip in India? How much?

Tip at your discretion. Tip culture is quite ambiguous in India. From what I learned, back in the day, tipping wasn’t expected.

However, due to foreigners from strong tipping culture like North America, the locals have started expecting tips from tourists.

No-Footwear Zones in India

Certain attractions, usually temples, don’t allow footwear inside.

Unless you’re fine leaving your footwear outside or paying for storage/security to locals, here are some tips:

• Make sure you bring a bag to put your shoes in before going inside.
• Bring old footwear that you’re ready to lose and is less prone to being stolen.

Do people speak English in India?

Yes, English is the second official language in India after Hindi.

Literacy is a high priority in India so almost all locals can speak English even in remote areas.

However, though people speak English, things around the city may sometimes be in Hindi only like signs, menu, etc.

Is it left- or right-side driving in India?

It is left-side driving in India. This means the driver sits on the right side of the car.

Do I need to get vaccinated before going to India?

The Government of Canada provides a list of vaccinations to consider when travelling to India.

Note though that this is only for consideration – it is not a requirement.

It is really up to you if you think you should get it. I had friends who went to India and took the vaccinations.

They can be costly, adding up to at least $1000 in total.

Personally, I didn’t take the vaccinations.

Why? Coming from the Philippines , I checked what the recommended vaccinations are to travel to the Philippines and they were exactly the same as India’s.

Since I never had any problems in the Philippines without the vaccinations, I just assumed I’d be fine in India.

Why You Should Do A Tour Package in India

When going to an exotic destination like India, especially for the very first time, I highly recommend going on a tour package.

Why? Doing a tour package helps alleviate the stress of trip planning and the nitty-gritty details of being in the destination including accommodations, transportation, food, attractions, language-barriers, etc.

I did the 12-day Splendid South India Tour with Travel XS , one of the best tour companies in India, having operations and tour packages worldwide.

I decided to go with an Indian company because they would know India and be the best people to design a tour of India.

They are locals after all.

During and after the trip, I knew I made the right decision.

Maybe if you are just visiting one city, then it’s fine to plan it on your own.

But, doing a road trip like I did is definitely much better and stress-free with a tour package.

I didn’t have to worry about transportation to/from the airport, and all throughout the road trip.

Since India is left-side driving, having not to drive is a big relief!

Also Read: Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India

You’ll be with one driver/guide throughout the tour and he speaks English.

I recommend asking for Mr. Mahesh, who made my tour extra special.

The driver also doubles as a local guide, being knowledgable of the history, culture, and places you’re visiting on the tour.

He made extra stops en route for points of interests.

With so much driving throughout the trip, you will learn a lot from the guide which makes the drive less boring.

Trust me, you and the guide will become friends after the tour.

There was always water handy in the car as well as an umbrella if you want shade from the heat or rain.

The tour is flexible and the guide will accommodate necessary changes in itinerary.

When he drops you off for the night, he will confirm schedule and timing with you for the next day.

For example, we shifted some of the activities to before lunch or after afternoon to avoid the extreme heat in the afternoon.

Everything is just more convenient and smooth because he would pick you up and drop you off in all the places in the itinerary.

You won’t worry about getting lost or being late.

With the No-Shoe attractions, I would often leave my shoes in the car then walk to the place.

Because you’re with a trusted local tour company, they have deep ties to the communities and their partners are very accommodating and helpful.

There was an incident where I left behind some clothing after checking-out at Brunton Boatyard in Kochi.

The resort actually called Travel XS about it and they shipped the clothing for me to pick-up in Mamallapuram on my last night of the trip.

Lastly, a really important thing is that Travel XS tours are private and highly customizable.

It’s not one of those big group tours where you are with strangers and dependent on their travel habits.

Since it’s a customizable tour, they can design the tour to fit any budget and to help you find the activities you want to experience that suits your travel style.

Also Read: 4 Day Food Trip in Saint John & Fredericton, New Brunswick

Common Misconceptions about India

We all have preconceived notions about destinations we haven’t been to.

I find this is even more so for India, where mainstream media has depicted a bad picture in news.

Here I’ll shed some light on the top 3 misconceptions about India that I noticed from news and what people told/asked me.

India is dangerous

Perhaps the most prevalent misconception about India is it’s dangerous, and that’s because of the news we see or read online that mainly talks about terrorism, fights and rapes in India.

As a traveller, I strongly believe danger can happen anywhere you go.

Throughout the India tour, I never felt that safety was a concern, and this includes wandering around the streets at night for street food with just myself and a guide.

It’s the precautions you take that makes the difference.

You’ll always want to research places known for crimes, or make sure to lock your doors, or not leave important belongings behind.

India is a rather conservative country, and that includes clothing.

Though the weather can be hot, I highly recommend as a precaution that women not wear revealing clothes.

Indians are all Hindus and they discriminate other religion

Though Hinduism is the largest religion in India at 80%, other religions exist and are widely accepted like Islam, Judaism and Catholicism.

Unlike what is widely portrayed in media, people with varying religion live harmoniously together.

In Kochi alone, you’ll find Catholic Churches, Jewish Synagogues and Muslim temples.

India smells

After my trip, a lot of people asked me if it smells in India.

Honestly, it wasn’t.

Obviously, depending on the places you visit, it might be, but this is true for any other country.

There is no lingering scent of curry or anything that’s prevalent.

If you go to busy market streets with food/trash on the ground or cows walking amok, then you might smell something.

But I never felt the need to cover my nose or wear a gas mask.

I felt the smell was mostly amplified due to the heat and humidity.

If you go on cooler times, then it probably won’t even be evident.

South India Travel Guide: 4 Day Trip in Kerala

For the 4 day trip in Kerala with Travel XS , we visited Kochi (Cochin), Alleppey and Thekkady before heading to Tamil Nadu.

Did you know? Kerala actually means Land of Coconuts Trees. “Kera” means coconut tree, and “Alam” means land.

Kerala is one of the largest producers of coconut in India so you’ll commonly find the use of coconuts in Kerala cuisine, mostly for curries.

Aside from coconuts, Kerala’s industries involve exporting seafood (especially fishes and prawns from the river and sea), tourism, and steel and aluminum production.

From here, you’ll learn a detailed itinerary on how to spend 4 Days in Kerala with what to do, where to eat and stay in Kochi, Alleppey and Thekkady!

Everything covered in this guide was part of my Travel XS South India Tour. I also made a YouTube video here .

Kerala Itinerary Day 1: Kochi

Welcome to Cochin, South India! Kochi is a colonial port town of Kerala since 1341 when a flood carved out its harbour.

Kochi’s population is 3 million out of the 33 million in Kerala.

Did you know? The Cochin International Airport is 100% solar-powered since 20 years ago.

From the Cochin International Airport, it takes 1.5 hours by car to Kochi Proper.

The city of Kochi has 3 parts: Ernakulam, Willingdon Island and Fort Kochi.

The district of Ernakulam is the business district of Kochi and considered to be the commercial capital of Kerala.

The Willingdon Island is the largest artificial island in India, made by British harbour engineer Robert Bristow in 1930s.

It is fully owned by the government: half of which is used for the navy and the other for business.

Fort Kochi is a sea-side neighbourhood with a mix of residential and businesses. It is the oldest European settlement in India.

You’ll find Portuguese, Dutch and British influences are evident in the architecture, a reminder of the foreign traders who came over the centuries to buy spices.

Here’s the Kerala guide with 11 of the best things to do, restaurants and accommodations in Kochi for one night!

One Night in Kochi

Do a tour Fort Kochi by wandering the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin.

Dutch Palace

Also known as Mattancherry Palace, the 16th-century Dutch Palace was built and gifted by the Portuguese to the King of Kochi Veera Kerala Verma in 1555.

During the 15th century AD, the Kochi Royal family shifted their capital from Mahodayapuram to Kochi as a precaution against the attacks of Zamorin of Kozhikode.

The Portuguese who landed in Kochi were permitted by the rulers to build factories in Kochi for their trade activities and in return sought military assistance against Zamorin of Kozhikode.

Did you know? Though it was built by the Portuguese, it is called Dutch Palace because of the major repairs made by the Dutch.

Inside one of the best attractions in Kochi, you’ll find a vast collection of life-size portraits, various artifacts and murals depicting popular Indian stories like the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Note: Photography and videos are not allowed inside.

Website / Address : Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002, India Hours: 10am-5pm on all days except Friday Price: 2 Rs/person at least 15 years old

Paradesi Synagogue

Built in 1568 by the Jewish community of Cochin, the Paradesi Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in India as well as the entire British Commonwealth.

One of Fort Kochi’s best things to do, the Paradesi Jewish Synagogue is the only functioning synagogue in Kochi, located in Jew Town next to the Dutch Palace.

Did you know? In most Indian languages, “Paradesi” means foreigner.

From the entrance, you’ll find a museum on the right where you’ll find historical artifacts and artwork.

Straight from the entrance is the synagogue where you’ll find rare antiques, 19th-century glass chandeliers, hand-painted blue willow patterned tiles (each tile is unique), and the famous carved teak art that contains the four scrolls of the Torah encased in silver and gold.

Note: Photography and videos are not allowed inside. No shoes are allowed inside the Cochin Synagogue.

Website / Address : Synagogue Ln, Jew Town, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala 682002, India Hours: 10am-1pm, 3pm-5pm on Sunday to Thursday. 10am-1pm on Friday. Closed on Jewish Holidays. Price: 5 Rs/person above 5 years old

Dhobi Khana Public Laundry

One of the most unique things to do in Kochi is to check out the Dhobi Khana, a historic community laundry space run by Tamils in the Vannan Community.

Here you’ll learn about natural washing and drying for laundry.

You’ll find washing “cells” with concrete washbasin and a stone slab to clean the fabric by slapping.

You’ll also find a big field of clotheslines made with braided coir fiber to hang the clothes for drying.

Did you know? This Dhobi Khana in Veli Road in Kochi was built in 1976 .

They use heavy charcoal irons for ironing. It’s quite interesting to see them heat the charcoal with fire before ironing.

Quite a big difference from today’s electric irons.

This laundry service is an extensive operation: there are about 40 families in the community who use the Dhobi Khana to wash for houses, hospitals, hotels and government firms.

Address : Veli, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India

Armoury Restobar at Brunton Boatyard

Head to lunch at Armoury Restobar inside the Brunton Boatyard in Fort Kochi, where I also stayed the night.

Decked with guns and various weaponry inside, the Armoury restaurant offers both continental and South Indian options.

It was my first time having spicy version of papadum (thin crispy Indian flatbread/cracker) and it’s highly addicting if you love spicy.

I really enjoyed the Kerala Seafood Meal, which has a good sampling of Kerala cuisine served as a Thali.

Going clockwise from the first bowl on the left, you’ve got the following:

• Mango pickle
• Coconut chutney
• Pulissery (yogurt yellow curry)
• Thoran (vegetable with crushed coconut)
• Ularthiyathu (clams cooked in thick gravy)
• Calamari cooked with crushed coconut
• Konju curry (tiger prawns cooked with raw mango gravy fished with coconut paste)
• Fish fillet (with salad)
• Rice and Papad

Address : 1/498, Calvetty Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India

Also Read: Instant Pot Beef Biryani

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

One of eight Basilicas in Kerala, the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, serving as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin.

Did you know? The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica’s history begins with the arrival of Portuguese missionaries when the first Portuguese Viceroy Dom Francisco de Almeida got permission from the Cochin Raja to build a church.

The interior has Gothic style architecture with ceilings that have paintings depicting scenes from the Via Crucis of Christ (Stations of the Cross).

Address : Bastian St, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India

Fort Kochi Beach

The Fort Kochi Beach, often known as “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, is a scenic beach frequented by both tourists and locals.

Certain points of interests can be found near the beach like the Chinese Fishing Nets, the Vasco da Gama Square and a lighthouse.

On New Year’s Eve, the Cochin Carvinal, one of the best festivals in Kochi, is held at Fort Kochi Beach.

Did you know? You cannot swim on Fort Kochi Beach because the waves are so strong.

If you enjoy beaches, you might also like Daytona Beach in Florida !

Address : Fort Kochi Beach, Kochi

St. Francis Church

One of Fort Kochi’s best attractions is St. Francis Church, the first and oldest European church in India and a centrally protected monument under the control of Archeological Survey of India since 1923.

This major landmark was built in the 16th-century AD, reflecting the struggle of the European powers in India from 15th to 20th centuries.

The east-facing St. Francis Church has a frontage that reflects the typical Portuguese style: arched opening, one of the tiers has flanking windows between the pilasters, a belfry over the gabled front and stepped pinnacles on the sides.

Did you know? The first Portuguese explorer and the first European to reach India, Vasco da Gama’s mortal remains was buried in St. Francis Church. Later on, his son, Pedro da Silva da Gama took his remains back to Portugal in 1538 AD.

Website / Address : Saint Francis Church Road Opp, Head Post Office, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India

Chinese Fishing Nets

One of the most photographed attractions in Kochi is the Chinese Fishing Nets, also called Cheena Vala.

They are stationary fishing nets that are on fixed land installations that go up and down to catch fish and crustaceans.

The Chinese Fishing Nets are aptly named because they were introduced by Chinese explorers in the 14th century since these nets are used throughout coastal southern China and Indochina.

Travelling Foodie Tip: When a local asks if you want to go up-close with the Chinese Fishing Nets, you are expected to pay.

When I was walking around the Chinese Fishing Nets, a local who owned one called me down and asked if I wanted to see the nets up close.

There was no sign for fees or anything so I thought it was just a nice gesture for tourists.

After I finished checking it out, he then asked me for money.

Address : Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India

Kathikala Show at Greenix Village

One of the best cultural things to do in Kerala is to watch the Kathakali, the famous dance drama of Kerala.

In the evening at 6PM, head to the Greenix Village to watch the hour-long dance that’s characterized by storytelling of Hindu epic stories, elaborate costumes and colorful make-up.

Did you know? It takes the artists years to prepare for their roles before they can go on stage.

If you’re interested to see the Kathakali Make-up session, head over at 5PM where you’ll see the actors preparing, applying make-up and posing for some photos.

Travelling Foodie Tip: I feel that coming between 5:30-5:45pm is good enough so you get a sense of how the make-up is done without having to wait long for the actual show.

Make-up is a huge factor in Kathakali as each color denotes a particular quality.

For example, green denotes godliness and red denotes turmoil.

On top of that, the usage of each color represents specific types of characters e.g. male or female, good or bad.

For example, Taadi, or beard, makeup is for both godly and demonic characters. Red Taadi is for evil characters like Sugriva and Baali.

Website / Address : C.C. 2/481, Calvathy Rd, Calvathy, Aspinwall Junction, Kunnumupuram, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India

Fort House Restaurant at Fort House Hotel

For dinner, walk across the street to Fort House Restaurant which specializes in seafood dishes, a hallmark of the Kerala Latin Christian cuisine.

Fort House Restaurant is one of the best restaurants with waterfront views in Fort Kochi.

And since Kochi is a colonial port town, dining with views of the Arabian Sea is not to be missed! 

Aside from coconuts, both mango and jackfruit are also commonly used in Kerala cuisine due to their abundance.

Definitely try a bit of Kerala curry and mango curry while you’re here and you won’t be disappointed!

They even have Kerala Pancakes which is really more liked crepe stuffed with shaved coconut.

Website / Address : No.2/6A, Calvathy Rd, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India

Brunton Boatyard

Where to stay in Kochi? Stay the night at one of the best hotels in Kochi, the Brunton Boatyard, which overlooks the Arabian Sea.

This five-star hotel is a former shipyard in British times and restored as a colonial building with wooden high ceilings, terracotta floors, lime plastered walls and old teak wood furniture.

Did you know? The name Brunton Boatyard came from the erstwhile boatyard started by Geo Brunton in the 19th century.

On the courtyard, you’ll find a rain-tree (Samanea saman) that was brought to Cochin by the Europeans. This tree is native to South and Central America.

I stayed at the Sea Facing Room which has a balcony and bathtub with views of the sea.

Perfect to watch the sunrise or sunset.

You’re also provided with complimentary tea and pure bottled rainwater.

The bottled rainwater is a nice touch to reduce plastic waste and also conserve water.

The stay comes with breakfast which includes continental breakfast, sugar-free breakfast and local breakfast.

Obviously being in India, I highly recommend going with the local breakfast.

Their local breakfast is either a daily changing Mattancheri breakfast choice or Dosa, crispy pancake-like preparation made of fermented rice and lentil batter that’s a popular Indian street food .

I love dosa but don’t get to eat it much in Toronto so I opted for Masala Dosa, which is stuffed with potato and onion, and cooked in mild spices.

Check for prices and availability on Booking.com / Agoda

Website / Address : 1/498, Calvetty Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001, India

Kerala Itinerary Day 2: Alleppey

After breakfast, you are headed to Alleppey (Alappuzha) which takes 1.5 hours from Kochi.

Alleppey is a very unique city because the population’s whole life takes place on the waters.

Did you know? With its 900-km of canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, Alleppey is known as the “Venetian Capital” of Kerala. It was called the “Venice of the East” by Lord Curzon, a British statesman and Viceroy of India.

The best thing to do in Alleppey is staying overnight in a houseboat (or kettuvallam) which takes you on a tour through the backwaters, a splendid area full of canals, lakes and coves.

One Night in Allepey

Your entire time in Alleppey will be on the houseboat.

Seriously, this is one of the best things to do in Kerala and India.

Did you know? There are around 3,000 houseboats in Alleppey and its neighbor across, Kumarakom.

This is definitely one of the most unique experiences I’ve done in my travels, and I’m so glad I got to do it! Watch the video below to see what I mean.

Check out this unique experience I did in California!

Xandari Riverscapes

Xandari Riverscapes is one of the best houseboat tour operators in Alleppey.

I stayed in one of their ten hand-stitched traditional houseboats, built with wood harvested from local jackfruit tree plantations.

Throughout the tour, there were 3 staff members with me the entire time: the captain, the chef and the engineer.

My houseboat had one bedroom, an upper deck and dining room.

The common areas are all open air to enjoy the fresh air of the backwaters.

The tour takes you through areas full of palm trees, rice fields and floating water plants that surround the boat.

Lunch, dinner and next day’s breakfast are all included in the stay.

The meals are all authentic local cuisine made fresh by the chef on board.

Food is farm-to-table as all produce, seafood and meat are supplied by local farmers and fishermen.

Beautiful dining with a view here!

You’ll get to try their famous local fresh water whitefish called Karimeen (pearl spot in English).

After lunch, you’ll be going on a one-hour wooden canoe excursion exploring the backwater canals where you’ll see how the locals live life on the waters.

The people sail, fish, swim and bathe here. They do their washing and their washing up too.

By sunset, you’ll be docking for the night at a village which you’re free to explore.

Dinner had more variety of food.

You’ll also get to try traditional Kerala rice that’s grown exactly in the location where the houseboat ply the waters.

The bedroom is 14 square-meters and has a bathroom and shower. Only the bedroom is air-conditioned.

Breakfast was toast and fruit platter.

Their fruit and vegetable produce comes from plots of land that farmers tend to throughout these waters.

Website / Address : Pallathuruthy Bridge, Pallathuruthy, Alappuzha, Kerala 688003, India

Kerala Itinerary Days 3-4: Thekkady

After breakfast, you are headed on a 4.5-hour drive to Thekkady, where you’ll be spending the last two days of your 4 day trip in Kerala.

Did you know? Thekkady is also called Periyar or Kumily. The local name is Kumily, and both Thekkady and Periyar are “tourist names”.

The drive to Thekkady goes high up in the Cardamom Hills mountain range to an elevation of 4,500-ft above sea level.

Cardamom Hills is known for spice and tea plantations because the elevation is better for their growth.

Did you know? The name Cardamom Hills comes from the cardamom spice grown in much of the hills’ cool elevation.

Here are 6 of the best things to do, restaurants and accommodations in Thekkady for two days.

One Night in Thekkady

Since the drive is quite long, you’ll be stopping at two of the best attractions in Pambanar before Thekkady.

Pattumala Matha Church

Built entirely of granite, the Pattumala Matha Church is dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health.

Did you know? This popular Roman Catholic church is nestled on top of a mountain surrounded by tea plantations.

Address : मार्केट मार्ग, Peermade, Pambanar, Kerala 685532, India

Parunthumpara Hill Viewpoint

The Parunthumpara Viewpoint is located in one of the beautiful mountain top near Peermade.

Did you know? Parunthumpara is also known as Eagle Rock: Parunthu means Eagle and Para means Rock.

The Parunthumpara Hill Viewpoint provides a spectacular 360-degree eagle’s eye view of Peerumedu hills and the surrounding plains. 

Address : Parunthumpara, Pambanar, Kerala 685532, India

All Spice Restaurant at Cardamom County

When you arrive at Thekkady, head to Cardamom County Resort for lunch at their All Spice Restaurant.

This all-day restaurant has a menu focused on flavours and spices comprising of Continental, Chinese, South Indian and North Indian dishes.

Obviously, I would recommend going with South Indian dishes like this Kerala Style Pepper Chicken, which was quite different from the usual coconut-based curry.

You’ll want to try their Prawn Moilee which is a different kind of curry dish, where curried prawn is stewed in coconut milk.

My favourite Indian dessert is Gulab Jamun, fried sweet balls which are made of dried milk soaked in rose syrup with cardamom.

Address : Kumily Thekkady Road, Thekkady, Periyar, Kerala 685536, India

Follow on Instagram @TravellingFoodie for more food inspirations

Green Land Spice Garden

One of the most educational things to do in Kerala is a Spice Plantation Tour.

Note, all the tours are included in the Travel XS Splendid South India Tour.

Kerala is often called the Land of Spices after all.

And Thekkady is the best place to do it since it is surrounded by tea and spice plantations!

After lunch, you’ll be heading to Green Land Spice Garden for a spice plantation tour.

I learned so much about herbs, spices and flowers from experienced naturalist, Prasad.

In the tour, you’ll be exploring the 3-acre family garden that grows all sorts of things like cardamom, pepper, clove, all spice, vanilla, turmeric, banana.

All 100% organic.

Did you know? The ink used for Hena tattoos come from crushing the leaves from a Hena tree.

Not only will you learn what it looks like and how to grow them, but you’ll also get the chance to smell them fresh and even get to taste some.

It’s a great way to better understand the things we use in our food.

Heliconia is also known as lobster-claw, wild plantain or false bird-of-paradise because of its appearance.

Did you know? Heliconia is the National Flower of Bolivia.

Green, black, red and white peppers all come from the same pepper tree. Its color is based on its maturity harvested and how it is dried.

Green peppers are harvested before maturity and dried in a dark room, whereas black peppers are dried the sun instead of the dark room.

White peppers are dried in the sun without their skin, and red peppers are dried in dark room after maturity (unlike green pepper).

Unlike other flowers that gets pollinated by bees, vanilla requires self-pollination by hand.

And every day for 45 days, they are dried for four hours before taken into the dark room.

Did you know? Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world, after Saffron.

The bird’s eye chili, or piri piri chili, is 60 percent spicier than big chilis we normally see. It is the spiciest chili in India.

It was my first time seeing rose apple. They are much smaller than the regular apples we’re used to.

You can only harvest it once a year. The redder it is, the sweeter.

And it is also used to make wine in India.

Website / Address : Kottayam-Kumily Rd, Springvalley Springvalley Periyar, Kerala 685533, Springvalley, Periyar, Kerala 685509, India

Cardamom County

Where to stay in Thekkady? One of the best luxury resorts is Cardamom County situated on a hill overlooking the Periyar Hills.

You can have dinner at the All Spice Restaurant.

I stayed at the 33 square-meter Periyar Cottage Bedroom with a private verandah facing the bamboo forest.

The room is fully furnished and has air conditioning.

Travelling Foodie Tip: Don’t leave your bedroom door open as monkeys may tend to go in and grab things. They have warning signs for that.

Visit the Ayur Spa where you’ll find this Spice Chest with over 65 pockets of different herbs and spices for different uses in medicine, ayurvedic massage therapy and cooking.

Website / Address : Kumily Thekkady Road, Thekkady, Periyar, Kerala 685536, India

One Day in Thekkady

The 4 day trip in Kerala has finally come to an end.

On your last day, you’ll be doing the most popular attraction in Thekkady and also a cooking demonstration on some of the most popular food in Kerala.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Cardamom Hills is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a reserve on the Kerala/Tamil Nadu border.

It’s also referred to as Periyar National Park or Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Periyar actually means big river.

And the aptly named Periyar River is the longest river in Kerala at 244-km!

In the morning, you’ll be going on an early boat cruise on Periyar Lake at the heart of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Travelling Foodie Tip: At the waiting area, be sure to secure your belongings. Wild monkeys are quick to grab things it sees in plain sight. When you hear the roof rumbling, monkeys are coming.

You’ll enjoy the tranquility of the lake with lush greenery and wildlife abound.

The tour guides are knowledgeable and quite keen on spotting wildlife.

They can even help you take photos with your phone or camera.

Unless animals are on the water near you, most of the animals will be quite far.

Bring binoculars or a zoom lens if you want to see them up close.

Note: You need to pay extra to bring an actual camera or a backpack.

Address : Kumily Thekkady Road, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685536, India

Tamarind Restaurant at Spice Village Resort

After the cruise, you’ll be heading over to Spice Village Resort for cooking demonstration and lunch at Tamarind Restaurant.

A great benefit of the Travel XS Tour is you get VIP arrangements.

The scheduled cooking demonstration at Spice Village usually happens at night (6:45pm), but, with the tour, you get the private cooking demo along with your lunch.

At the cooking demo, you’ll learn the intricacies of the Indian spices and the secrets of traditional Kerala cuisine.

It’s eye-opening to see how much fresh herbs and spices are used here. A typical masala is made of at least 10 ingredients.

In North America, most Indian curry dishes are made using curry powder.

You might also like the only Michelin star Indian restaurant in Singapore !

I learned how to make Coriander Chicken Curry (Malliyila Chicken Curry) and Avial (Kerala mixed vegetable curry). You’ll get the recipes for these after too.

Watch the full video of the cooking demonstration here .

Lunch is buffet at Tamarind Restaurant along with the dishes made on the cooking demo.

In India, locals eat bread more than rice. They typically dip the bread in some sauce.

One of the most common bread is chapati, an unleavened flatbread made of wheat flour, salt and water.

Did you know? chapat means “slap” or “flat” in Hindi.

Luckily, the Tamarind Restaurant at Spice Village has live open cooking of roti and chapati so you can see how they’re made and can taste it fresh.

Watch how the chapati balloons here .

Following lunch, I recommend going on a property tour of Spice Village Resort.

Built since 1991, Spice Village focuses on sustainability in everything they do from serving treated drinking water in bottles instead of plastic to creating paper from bio-waste (old newspaper and magazines) and utilizing solar energy for 75% of their power.

They are also converting waste as nutrient-rich compost for their soil.

Website / Address : Kottayam-Kumily Rd, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509, India

Elephant Court

For dinner, head over to the restaurant at Elephant Court Resort for a multi-cuisine menu with extensive flavours.

Be sure to get dosa! They have a dosa stove in the dining room so you can see how it’s made fresh. Watch the video here .

They also have dinner buffet with an array of popular South Indian dishes like Aloo and Curd Rice.

Interestingly, the only non-Indian dish I had in Kerala was pretty good!

This beef teriyaki, though targeted for non-Asians, is quite delicious!

They have different chutneys to accompany the dosa, or opt for a curry dish instead like the shrimp coconut curry which came wrapped in pandan leaves.

End the meal on a sweet note with the Ice Cream Brownie Sandwich, which is uncommon to find since it’s typically with cookies instead of brownies.

It’s my first time seeing it served on a sizzling plate.

And they use Indian cashews instead for the brownies which were deliciously sweet.

Website / Address : Thamarakandam Rd, Thekkady, Kumily, Kerala 685509, India

MAP: 4 Day Trip in Kerala, India Guide

Hope this South India Travel Guide helps give you an idea on the best things to do, places to eat and stay in Kerala for a 4 day trip!

There is so much to discover in this vast state. Please let me know what you find are the best attractions, restaurants and accommodations in Kerala.

Huge thanks to Travel XS for hosting me on the Splendid South India Tour. As usual, 100% of reviews and opinions are entirely my own.

Enjoy the content and want to support? Buy me a coffee ☕

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Updated: July 30, 2020 by Raymond Cua

• Mar 28, 2020
• 12 min read

Kerala Itinerary: The best of Kerala experience for 9 days

Updated: Apr 17, 2020

Are you planning for a trip to Kerala soon and looking for an itinerary for your trip? Here we have put together a 9-day itinerary filled with what we consider to be the highlights of Kerala.

Ah Kerala, a state in India that you might have not heard much about. It is different from what you would imagine India to be. It is nothing similar from what you have seen from the typical shots of Ganges River, and neither we will talk about rats, monkeys or the stereotypical dangers.

What is the most striking about this southernmost Indian state of Kerala is its myriad shades of green. Along the way we could see how these shades of green transform from the dark green leaves of the forests that surround the backwaters, to the lighter green of the tea leaves, seamlessly followed by the blue green waters along the coast to the yellow green of the paddy fields.

Edmund and I travelled for 578 km from Kochi, Munnar, Alappuzha all the way to Varkala, and eventually headed back to Kochi for a total of 9 days last November 2019.

We first visited India on January of the same year, we were in Rajasthan for 10 days and it was one of the most unforgettable trips we had! So, we thought we should pay another visit to this incredible land on the same year, considering we were still having our Indian Visa of multiple entries with one year of validity. Hoping that we could get totally different experience as compared to Rajasthan in north of India, Kerala was not disappointing at all!

Well, we had a total of 9 days to explore this southernmost Indian state and we cherry-picked 4 spots that sufficiently gave us the best of Kerala. The longer the better of course, but you can work with 9 days (8 full days actually) in Kerala.

But, before we go further into the itinerary, let us have the first quick list of the 4 best places to visit in Kerala for 9 days or 8 full days, with each offers completely distinct experience for your trip.

First – Kochi , the colonial city of Kerala

Second – Munnar , the hill station of Kerala

Third – Alappuzha , the heart of Kerala backwaters

Lastly – Varkala , the cliff beach town of Kerala

Day 1: Arriving in Kochi, the getaway of Kerala

Depending on what time you arrive, spend one or two nights in Kochi so that you get a full day to explore this charming colonial city of Kochi, a great starting point of our Kerala adventure.

We took AirAsia direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi. We landed safely at Cochin International Airport (COK) after 4 hours of flight journey. It is important to note that Terminals 1 and 2 handle domestic arrivals, and Terminal 3 is dedicated to international flights like ours.

Location is a crucial factor when we choose for the location of the accommodation. We chose to overnight at FortKochi Beach Inn where it is centrally located in the middle of Fort Kochi. Expect the journey to be more than an hour as the airport is located more than 40 km away from Fort Kochi. An hour pre-paid taxi or Uber ride from the airport to Fort Kochi would cost approximately INR 1200.

Day 2: Exploring the historical heart of Kochi – Fort Kochi & Mattancherry

It will be your real first day of exploring Kochi. We highly recommend Fort Kochi as a base to explore the city. The neighbouring Mattancherry is located in less than 3 km away. Rest assured, one full day is sufficient to explore both neighbourhoods consisting of almost all important tourist spots in Kochi itself.

We started our early morning walk to Chinese Fishing Nets , or Cheena Vala as how they called it in Malayalam. Unique to Kochi, but my personal advice is not putting high expectations with this sight. We kept our expectation quite low after reading many negative feedback from different bloggers and travellers, even to the extent of labelling the place as a tourist trap and not authentic. Fortunately, it turned out we enjoyed our morning walk along the promenade and cannot deny we were impressed on how much energy needed from a group of fishermen to lift and submerge such a huge fishing net.

We continued our walk to Bastian Street in order to visit one of the most beautiful churches in Kochi, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica .

Few blocks away lies Church of Saint Francis , where the explorer Vasco da Gama, who died in Cochin in 1524, was buried in this spot for 14 years before his remains were taken to Lisbon.

The city is like no other city in India that we have been to and wandering around through the narrow streets makes you even forget that you are in India. Princess Street and Burger Street are worth checking at given plenty of cafes and souvenir shops to stop by.

Before heading to Mattancherry, I highly recommend dining at Mary’s Kitchen . The restaurant provides traditional Kerala food experience in a homely local family rooftop restaurant. Highly recommended dishes are Fish Pollichathu and Fish Mango Curry.

We headed to Mattancherry via Uber in which Paradesi Synagogue as our first stop. Remember to observe the daily visiting hours from 10 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm, from Sunday to Thursday. Visitors are expected to enter the synagogue barefoot. Paradesi Synagogue is located within Jew Town , full of antique shops where Kashmiri carpet salesmen take advantage of the newer trade with international tourists, trying to greet each in their guessed mother tongue.

Close by is Mattancherry Palace where the murals form the highlight of the palace. It was built by the Portuguese as a present to King Veera Kerala Verma of Kochi Dynasty. It came to be known as the Dutch Palace as it underwent major repairs at the hands of the Dutch. Adjacent to the palace lies the Dutch Palace Pond . With beautiful palm trees around it and blue-tailed bee-eater visiting in large numbers to this little pond, it was a pleasant pond to spend some time at.

Head back to Fort Kochi in order to catch the classical Kathakali performance at Kerala Kathakali Centre . For us, a real treat is the application of the makeup by the dancers an hour before the show starts. So, remember to be there an hour before!

Day 3: From Kochi to Munnar, the hill station of Kerala

Munnar is a world away from the rest of Kerala. While most part of Kerala beneath an eternal tropical summer, the uplands bask in a perpetual European spring, turning to a crisp autumnal chill at higher elevations. It is the place where tangled green mountains rise from every quarter, their lower slopes swathed in millions of verdant tea bushes.

My suggested Day 3 is the light one and it is going to take at least half of your day, so it might be a good idea to split it in two if you can add a day. That way, you would get more time at each of the places as well as some extra time in case of any problem. This applicable to the subsequent places that we visited in Kerala. If you follow our footsteps, make sure to leave each place for the next destination very early in the morning.

We took Uber Go Intercity from Kochi to Munnar in hoping to shorten the journey. It cost us less than INR 2700 for a total of 125 km journey from Kochi to our hotel in Munnar called Tea Harvester . Staying in Tea Harvester is a unique experience by itself. We were aware with the fact that it is quite a distance from Munnar Town, but all we wanted was seclusion amidst the tea plantation from the busy town. We spent a half day of doing nothing while sipping our hot cups of masala tea upon arrival.

Day 4: Exploring Munnar in a day

Another busy day of exploring. We highly recommend hiring a private driver for a full day, you will have convenient rides anywhere you want to go for you and your party. With this, you have nothing to fuss about, just plan your itinerary and set off for a day of adventure.

Make sure to plan your itinerary in accordance of the direction to the furthest destination that you want to go.

We started our journey towards the direction to Top Station with Mattupetty Dam as the first stop. It is a storage concrete gravity dam built in the mountains of Kerala to conserve water for hydroelectricity, the location has a beautiful scenery.

A conveniently situated rest house at Echo Point , halfway between Mattupetty Dam and Top Station, makes a good stop. This picturesque spot earns its name because of the natural echo that one can hear resonating from the surrounding mountains.

We continued our journey along Munnar-Kodaikkanal Road to the furthest end to Top Station , the highest point in Munnar. As the road ascends, the air grows cooler and the clouds get thicker and closer. Upon reaching the Top Station, you will see a road signboard indicating that you are at the state border of Kerala-Tamil Nadu. Here you can enjoy the panoramic view of Western Ghats and the valley of Theni district of Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately it was misty and cloudy when we were at the peak, but we managed to take a few pictures before descended to the next destination.

We descended back to the earlier direction back to Munnar town which we stopped at Kundala Dam , Asia’s first arch dam.

We went back to Munnar town for lunch in where we stopped at Saravana Bhavan for authentic South Indian dishes on banana leaves. We are from Malaysia in which South Indian cuisine forms an integral part of Malaysian culture because the vast majority of Malaysian Indian community are of South Indian descent. Hence, we wanted to try how different the banana leaf rice served in Kerala as compared to Malaysia’s.

North of Munnar town lies Eravikulam National Park . This is the national park in Kerala where both the wildlife and the scenery are the principal attractions. The park is home to an estimated 700-800 rare Nilgiri Tahr and houses a fascinating variety of flora and fauna. Visitors are restricted to the 2 km trail within the park called Rajamalai. We were so lucky that we were able to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr along the first 0.5 km of the trail.

Day 5: From Munnar to Alappuzha, the heart of Kerala backwaters and its exploration through a sunset shikara ride

A trip to Kerala is not complete without experiencing the Kerala backwaters. From Kochi all the way to Kottayam, approximately 900 km of backwaters run through the state of Kerala. It is basically a network of inland waterways parallel to the coast of Arabian Sea and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. If there is one stereotypical image of the tropical state of Kerala, the backwaters would be it. The main point to see the Kerala backwaters is Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey.

Descending downhill from Munnar to Alappuzha, expect a longer but scenic journey. We left as early as 8 am in the morning and reached our hotel in Palmgrove Lake Resort just before lunch. We hired a private driver for a total journey of 160 km from Munnar to Alappuzha with a cost of INR 4500.

We chose to stay at Palmgrove Lake Resort due to its strategic location. Situated on the banks of Punnamada Lake, it gave us a chance to stay along the trail of the backwaters.

There are many ways of manoeuvring the backwaters. As we fancy ourselves of exploring the backwaters in different ways, we decided to ditch the houseboat and chose to hire both shikara and canoe for two different days.

We hired a shikara ride in a late afternoon and evening to watch the sunset over the backwaters of Kerala. We paid INR 1500 for 2-hour shikara ride started from 4 pm and ended at 6 pm. The only con of taking a shikara is that you will not be able to get into narrow canals inside the villages.

The sunset view was breathtaking and unforgettable. The only ugly side was, as much as the journey of the ride along the backwaters was calm and soothing, we passed by several houseboats with their loud dance music in which most of it were rented by a big group of friends and families.

Day 6: Exploring the unseen beauty of the backwaters in Alappuzha through a sunrise canoe ride

We got up very early in the morning and hired a canoe ride to watch the sunrise over the backwaters. I cannot recall the price, but we paid much lesser for 4-hour canoe ride started from 6 am. Hands down, cruising down the backwaters by a canoe was one of the most memorable experiences that we had during our 9-day trip in Kerala.

The old boat man paddled us to the Vembanad Lake to catch the sunrise. Being the longest lake in India, it certainly feels like a sea. The sunrise ride was a lot calmer than the sunset ride that we had.

We continued our journey to the smaller canals that our shikara ride was not able to get in, passing by many villages while witnessing the local life along the river banks. It was slow, peaceful and relaxing, everything we needed and wanted in Alappuzha.

Other than it is able to get into the smaller canals, o ne of the pros of taking the canoe ride is that you can request the boat man to stop anywhere and anytime you want. We stopped in several occasions whenever there was something that caught our attention along the way.

We walked along the canals and we could not believe everything was so green. This was exactly the Kerala of my dreams. This is how I had imagined it to be.

As we had half of the day to spare, we requested our hotel to arrange for a tuk-tuk ride to Alappuzha town which we had the scrumptious Biryani rice at Halais Restaurant !

Frankly speaking, Alappuzha town was not exactly quiet and peaceful. But, the Alappuzha Beach worth a visit to spend your last day in Alappuzha. Not that far from the coastal road stands the striking Alappuzha Lighthouse . We however did not have the chance to visit it as it was closed on Monday.

Day 7: From Alappuzha to Varkala, the cliff beach town of Kerala

Situated 108 km further south from Alappuzha, not too far from the state capital city of Thiruvananthapuram lies a coastal town of Varkala. What is unique with this coastal town is the 15 m high cliff adjacent to both Varkala Beach and Arabian Sea. Some people even refer Varkala as the hippie paradise of Kerala.

We took an early morning intercity train which was scheduled at 6:25 am, but it was delayed for more than an hour. It took us around 2 hours to arrive Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station.

Remember to check out Privasea , the main highlight of our 2-night stay in Varkala. If you want to splurge which we highly recommend, it was the best Airbnb property that we stayed so far! It is a private villa with all-inclusive meals prepared by the caretaker of the property named Jobin. Jobin gave us a complimentary pick-up and drop-off with their private tuk-tuk. Location wise, the accommodation is quite a distance from the main Varkala Beach, but all we wanted was seclusion from the busy cliff of Varkala yet it is accessible by foot. Imagine yourself waking up to the sound of crashing waves with sea breezes together with the unshared serenity of the magnificent sea, we could not ask for more as Privasea truly lives up to its name!

As Privasea smacked in between the Varkala Beach and Edava Beach, you can walk to either direction along the cliff. We chose to walk along the cliff leading towards the Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach. The cliff here is lined with a superb string of boutiques hotels and chic beachside restaurants and bars, ideal places for your relaxing sunset watching.

Day 8: Exploring Kappil Beach near Varkala

Varkala is still a great place to watch the days slowly turn into weeks, and it is easy to escape the crowds further north or south where the beaches are cleaner and quieter.

Further north beyond Varkala, we took the chance to request for the caretaker to drop us at Kappil Beach for several hours as it was not accessible by foot from our accommodation.

Still flying under the tourist radar, Kappil Beach is one of the few beaches in Kerala that is still pristine, underdeveloped and virtually deserted. The unique feature of this palm-fringed beach is its location at the confluence of the Kappil Lake and the Arabian Sea.

Day 9: Heading back to Kochi on the final day in Kerala

Most of the international flights arriving and leaving India are scheduled in the evening and at night. So, we took early morning intercity train ride from Varkala back to Kochi. There are several train stations in Kochi and depending on where you want to go right after your arrival, we highly recommend alighting at the railway station called Ernakulam Junction.

We spent our last day in Kerala hanging out at Fort Kochi again. We had our brunch at Kashi Art Café at Burger Street. The foods were great and tasty, but we found the coffees to be below mediocre.

If you have few extra hours, consider to include Athirappilly Falls for your day trip from Kochi. It is notably the largest waterfall in Kerala. Yet, it is commonly overlooked by foreign tourists. Unfortunately, we did not go as we wanted to have some relaxing time at the end of our trip.

Guess what, we ended our trip in Kerala at the same place we started, which was the Chinese Fishing Nets.

There you go, our recommended 9 days Kerala travel itinerary. As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Kerala. From a charming colonial city, a majestic hill station, a relaxing backwater to a quaint coastal town, Kerala has it all! That makes Kerala truly lives up to its name as God's Own Country .

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Part-time traveller, full-time lawyer, hi, i’m gus a 1991-born, qualified lawyer and travel addict originally from malaysian borneo city of kuching. i speak 5 languages - english, malay, mandarin, iban and basic thai. having practised law for 3 years in kuala lumpur, i quit my job as a practising lawyer and moved to the philippines' capital of manila with my partner since january 2020. .

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Ideal two-week Kerala itinerary

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Ideal two week Kerala itinerary

Kerala is a tropical state in South India known for white sand beaches, languid Backwaters, the Western Ghats mountain range, spice gardens, tea plantations, and Ayurveda. It’s got a rich, and unique culture — there’s nowhere else like it in India — and it’s a gentle place that makes for a great place to land on your first trip to India. This two week Kerala itinerary covers all of the highlights of the state, from historic cities, to the network of Backwaters, to the spice and tea gardens of the mountains, to the most popular tiger reserve, to tropical beaches and finally to a relaxing and healthy Ayurvedic treatment experience at a luxury resort.

Why visit Kerala?

You can visit Kerala all year ‘round as it’s lush in the monsoon season (June to September) and is an ideal tropical vacation destination for escaping from cold winters from November to March. The beaches of Kerala are among the best beaches in India , and there are lots to choose from — from the quiet, secluded beaches of the north to the busy beach towns of the south that are popular with foreign tourists. When you get tired of relaxing on the beach, you can do a deep dive into the unique culture of Kerala, and try the spicy cuisine, featuring rice and fish, visit some of the most beautiful temples in India, and enjoy traditional dance performances such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. And there’s much more … which I have tried to cover in the two-week Kerala itinerary.

All photos in post by Andrew Adams Photography . Andrew is a superb chronicler of India in image. Check out out his photography here on his website AndrewAdamsPhoto .

Kerala featured on Amateur Traveler Podcast

This post was created for my appearance on the Amateur Traveler Podcast with Chris Christensen. You can listen to our conversation and the details of the itinerary here.

Two week Kerala Itinerary

• Cochin / Fort Kochi (3 days)
• Kumarakom Backwaters (3 days)
• Thekkady (3 days)
• Beaches (4-5 days)
• Ayurveda (additional 2 weeks extension for Panchakarma)

Why visit Cochin / Fort Kochi?

Most visitors fly into either Cochin (which is in central Kerala) or Trivandrum (which is in south Kerala) airports. In this two week Kerala itinerary we are going to start from Cochin and head south, and up into the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. (Though we are not including North Kerala, it’s also a very special area, less popular with tourists, and well worth visiting. Wayanad especially is a great offbeat destination in India .)

Cochin is a historical city on the Malabar Coast — famous for hundreds of years as a spice trade port. It also saw several colonial invasions, most notably the Portuguese and the Dutch. The Portuguese and Dutch took turns ruling Cochin for 444 years (from 1503 until India’s independence in 1947). Though the historic section of Cochin is actually quite small, it’s packed with things to see and do — and very walkable. Tree-lined avenues, colonial architecture, cafes, and art galleries abound.  There are two main areas of Cochin to focus on. You could spend one-two days getting to know each.

1. Vasco da Gama square and River Road. 

This historic area runs along the coast, facing the harbour, and it’s where you find the famous Chinese fishing nets. These nets were said to have come to India in about 1400 from traders from the court of Kubla Khan.

At Vasco da Gama square there’s a beachfront promenade where food stalls are set up. You can pick the fresh seafood you want to eat, and they will cook it for you. The ideal time to be here is sunset, especially for photographers. 

St Francis Church was built by the Dutch in the 15th century and it’s where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried. This church is supposedly the oldest in India. From here, you can walk along Church Road to Princess Street. This area is full of shops, cafes, and guest houses for tourists. One street over is Burger Street where you will find the delightful, and hip, Kashi Art Cafe.

In this region, at the tip of the peninsula, you will find some of the best hotels the city has to offer. My favourites are Brunton Boatyard at the very high end, or the boutique hotels Eighth Bastion or The Malabar House. For a romantic dinner, eat in the courtyard of The Malabar House. There are lots of homestays in Cochin, as well.

2. Mattancherry

The other main historic area, about 2-3 kilometres from Vasco da Gama Square, is Mattancherry. The central focus is the 16th century Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555 (and renovated by the Dutch in 1663, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the Dutch Palace). The star attractions are the sublime paintings that depict scenes from the Hindu epics.

Next to the palace is the small area known as Jew Town, where Jewish people settled in the 16th century. The Paradesi Synagogue was built in 1568, and well worth seeing, and a walk along Synagogue Lane will take you through the historic spice trading area. At the end of the lane is the Spice Market.  There are great places to stop such as the Mocha Art Cafe along the way. On the waterfront, you will find the Ginger House Museum, which is also a hotel. Ginger house was where — you guessed it — ginger was traded.

Why visit Kumarakom and the Backwaters?

The Backwaters of Kerala are one of the state’s star tourist attractions, and for a reason. It’s a very unique 900 kilometre network of canals, home to traditional farming communities that make or grow products such as coir (coconut fibre), copra, (dried coconut kernels) and cashews. There are several centres from where you can rent a fully staffed rice barge, or houseboat, to languidly cruise the Backwaters. The main one is Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha), which has become very busy and congested. I much prefer quieter and more laid-back Kumarakom. Here, you can both relax and witness a traditional culture that is largely unchanged.

It’s about an hour-and-a-half drive from Cochin to Kumarakom. In Kumarakom you can stay in a mid-range or luxury resort, and enjoy boat cruising during the day; or rent a houseboat, and stay on the houseboat. This area includes Vembanad Lake, the biggest lake in the Backwaters. The thing to do in Kumarakom is relax, eat fresh seafood, watch sunsets, and enjoy soaking up the local atmosphere. 

My recommendation is to stay in a resort, and go on a sunrise boat ride, in a small, local boat, through the narrow canals. You can also do a day trip on one of the big houseboats, for the experience. There are places where you can go ashore and meet the locals and see the traditional lifestyles and farming methods. Or just relax on the boat. On the big boats, staff will make you a lunch of local specialties. 

Kumarakom Lake Resort and Coconut Lagoon are the two top resorts in this area and you can’t beat them for atmosphere, service, and amenities. Coconut Lagoon is one of my favourite properties in India. It’s location, at the meeting point of a canal and Lake Vembanad is ideal, and makes for amazing sunsets. Coconut Lagoon has painstakingly captured and preserved the local culture by buying up traditional wooden Kerala homes and rebuilding them onsite. It’s also one of the most sustainable properties in India. They have many systems in place to preserve and conserve, such as rain water harvesting and a biogas plant. 

Why visit Thekkady?

It’s a three-hour drive from Kumarakon to Thekkady — a bit long, but very interesting and beautiful as you drive up into the Western Ghats. This mountain range is one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots, and an important region for spices, tea, and coffee. In fact, Kerala is called the spice bowl of India. The mountains in the Thekkady region are called The Cardamom Hills, a romantic name that conjures visions of spice scented plantations and misty mornings. In Kerala, humans and nature coexist in harmony.

Thekkady is beautiful and worth seeing for the mountain vistas and rolling tea plantations, and it’s also a good spot to stay while you explore one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in India, Periyar. 

There are a lot of resorts, hotels, and wildlife lodges close to the entrance to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, within one to four kilometres, in a town called Kumily. My favourite is Spice Village , a destination lodge unto itself, built on 12 acres and patterned after a local village. You stay in a thatched roof cottage, and can wander the grounds and see spices and tea growing in profusion. There’s also a large organic garden, an in-house naturalist (who you will find at The Tiger Club), and The 50 Mile Restaurant where, you guessed it, everything served comes from within 50 miles. 

Your time in Thekkady will be very active, there’s so much to do — from a sunrise walking safari in Periyar, to visiting local tea plantations and spice gardens. The cooler air and misty mornings help invigorate your days.

Why visit Kerala’s beaches?

After a busy time at the higher-altitudes of Thekkady, you will be ready for some time relaxing on Kerala’s famous beaches. A four-hour drive down to sea level and out to the coast takes you directly to Marari Beach on the Arabian Sea. This is one of Kerala’s many well-known beaches, and from here we will be travelling south down the coast to hit a few other top beaches.

Marari Beach is popular because it’s so close to the Backwaters. Here, you can experience both beach life and boating in the Backwaters. I stayed at the Marari Beach Resort , which is gorgeous. A huge property, designed to replicate a fishing village, it features cosy, upscale cottages, a fabulous swimming pool, a beachside seafood restaurant and a long, palm-tree lined beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing and watching glorious sunsets.

Varkala is about a three-hour drive directly south down the coast of Kerala. It’s a popular hang-out town for foreigners … the type of place you could find yourself not wanting to leave. In fact, there are lots of foreigners who spend months at Varkala.

Varkala is famous for dramatic red cliffs and surfing beaches. In some places, the surf is quite strong here, so you do have to be careful. All along the north cliff top is a row of small cafes, restaurants, guest houses and resorts. It’s a busy place, bustling with tourists. 

At the south end of town, however, it’s much less busy and peaceful, and you can walk along to beach and get away from the crowds. Here you will also find an ancient temple and a sacred beach, where pujas are performed for families who have lost loved ones. This area has less tourists and more locals, so in Varkala you can get the best of both worlds: amenities for tourists and authentic local culture. I like to stay at Kaiya House partially because it is located at the meeting point of these two areas (and partially because it’s a great guest house!). 

Varkala also has a thriving Yoga and Ayurvedic culture, so you can have a health conscious vacation here, too.

South from Varkala you come to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) the capital of Kerala (it’s only about a one-hour drive). Trivandrum is not particularly recommended for tourists, but south of Trivandrum are some of the best beaches in the state, as you head towards the bottom tip of Kerala. The area around Kovalam Beach (which has become too touristy for my liking) is also home to some lovely Ayurveda resorts, especially if you travel south about eight kilometres. 

Here you can find a number of good places that hit the sweet spot for being both authentic and reliable, as well as lovely resorts with varying degrees of luxury.

More reading about Kerala on Breathedreamgo

• Best Places to visit in Kerala
• CGH Earth: The Best hotels and resorts in Kerala
• My top travel tips for Kerala, India’s soft landing
• Kairali Ayurveda Resort
• Chasing India’s Monsoon

Why try Ayurveda treatment in Kerala?

Ayurveda is the science of life — that’s literally what it means — an ancient Indian system of healthcare based on observations of nature, and using all natural healing methods such as oil massage and herbal medicine. Kerala is the acknowledged centre for Ayurveda in India, and here you can find a very wide range of places that offer Ayurvedic treatment — from hospitals to luxury resorts.

The first thing you need to know about Ayurveda is that it’s a serious healthcare system. Going for Ayurvedic treatment is not like going to a spa. It is ideally suited for people who have some health issues that need addressing — anything from weight-loss, to diabetes management, to digestive issues, to hormone imbalances. 

A treatment package usually runs about two-to-three weeks (and longer for serious illnesses), so it is a commitment. First you meet with an Ayurvedic doctor for a consultation, and they design your program, which includes all aspects of life such as diet and exercise. You will eat Ayurvedic foods (fresh, bland, and healthy) prescribed specifically for you and spend a couple of hours each day getting treatments that almost always include oil massage. Prepared to be hot and oily for the duration!

The point of Ayurveda is to cleanse the body and help it regain balance. When in balance, we don’t succumb to illness. It’s a preventative approach that can really help invigorate you, boost your immunity, and increase energy. 

Make sure that you thoroughly research any place you decide to take Ayurvedic treatment. You want well-trained doctors and therapists, a hygienic environment, fresh food, and safe, comfortable accommodations. 

Depending on your situation and state of health, you can choose from a very wide range of places that offer Ayurvedic treatment — from hospitals to luxury resorts. I can recommend two lovely resorts from personal experience (Shin Shiva and Kairali), and several places by reputation. These are all resorts that provide authentic Ayurveda. For an Ayurvedic hospital, you would need to research and ask professionals in the field.

• Shin Shiva Ayurvedic Resort, Kovalam
• Kairali, Palakkad
• CGH Earth Kalari Kovilakom
• Somatheeram, Kovalam
• Soma Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village, Kovalam

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In Kerala, humans and nature coexist in harmony

Guide to the absolute best beaches in India

Best places to visit in Kerala, India

About Mariellen Ward

Professional travel writer Mariellen Ward is the founder of award-winning Breathedreamgo. Mariellen has a BA in Journalism and has been travel writing and blogging since 2005. She has won many awards, including a National Tourism Award from Incredible India Tourism, and writes for some of the world’s leading publications including BBC Travel and NatGeo Traveller India.

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The Ultimate KERALA Itinerary Guide 2021 – 7 Days / 14 Days / 24 Days Guide

Since the travel sector is slowly opening up, I decided to finally embark on a long-awaited trip to Kerala that was on my list for quite some time, taking all the safety precautions. If you want to read the post COVID-19 lockdown guidelines for Kerala, check THIS post out. After traveling in Kerala for about a month, I understand why this place is called “God’s own country”.

If the idea to explore Kerala has been on your mind too, I would highly recommend you to go for it. And to make the planning portion easier for you, here are three different kinds of suggested itineraries to cover most of the must-visit gems in the state that you’ll cherish forever.

7 day Kerala backpackers’ itinerary guide

Vagamon – Alleppey – Varkala

Day 1 – Land at Cochin airport. It will take you three hours to reach Vagamon from Cochin. Watch the sunset from Justin’s peak. Day 2 – Go for a sunrise trek to Ginamala or Moonmala. Roam around the hilly town to enjoy the grandeur of nature. Visit Marmala waterfalls in the afternoon. Also, you may do sunset paragliding if you want to indulge in some adventure. Day 3 – After an early breakfast, leave for Alleppey . After a three-hour journey, head to the floating bazaar for local food and shopping. Day 4 – Have breakfast and go for a 3-4 hour Shikara ride with Oscar cruise (personal recommendation). Have lunch at Taste of India. Head back to the city and go to Marari beach to chill. Roam around the beautiful city and yes, don’t miss the food (shappu meen curry, or Kerala Sadhya)! Day 5 – After breakfast, head towards Varkala . Walk around the cliff beach and enjoy the lit coastal street. Try cafes like Inda cafe or True Thomas. Day 6 – Try surfing in the morning. Chill by the beach/ hire a scooter and explore the small town of Varkala. Lunch at Babu farm (near the black sand beach) for garlic butter prawns. See the black sand beach, go shopping for junk jewelry, Itra, cork yoga mats etc. Have dinner at God’s own country kitchen. Day 7 – Have breakfast and head to Thiruvananthapuram airport to depart (1 hour away from Varkala).

14-day Kerala rejuvenation itinerary guide

Athirappilly – Vagamon – Varkala – Alleppey – Kochi

Day 1 – Arrive at Cochin airport, travel to Athirappilly for two hours. Spend the night in Athirappilly. Day 2 – Go to the falls in the morning for a beautiful view and then after lunch head to Vagamon (4 hours journey). Relax during the night and watch the starry skies. Day 3 – Go for a sunrise hike to Justin’s point and chill there for a while. Have lunch and head for an offroad experience or a sunrise trek to Moonmala or Ginamala. Day 4 – Chill in the morning and head to Marmala waterfalls. You can take a tour of the Uluppuni Tunnel. After lunch, go for a paragliding experience and watch the classic Vagamon sunset skies. Day 5 – Spend the morning walking through Murugan Hill before lunch. After lunch, head to Varkala (4.5 – 5 hours road journey). Visit God’s own country for dinner. Day 6 – Start your day in Varkala, with a yoga session by the beach, and have breakfast at Inda Cafe. Roam around the Varkala coastline and explore local shops. Day 7 – Go to Babu farm for breakfast and go to the black sand beach nearby. Next, hire a scooter and cover the insides of the town. Have food at Darjeeling cafe or bait and hook. Day 8 – Spend your morning on the bright sunny beaches of Varkala. Leave for Alleppey (3-hour journey) after an early lunch. Once you reach Alleppey, go to the floating bazaar or canal bazaar for a local dinner. Day 9 – Start your day with a light breakfast and taking a walk through the Marari beach. Go for a Shikara ride (lasts 3-4 hours) and go to Taste of India for a local food experience. Head back to the hotel/place of stay and relax by the beach sunsets of Alleppey.

Day 10 – Learn about the art of Kalaripayattu and go to Cafe Catamaran by the beach for lunch. Canal Bazar in Alleppey is a wonder and you should not miss it. Go there for food and shopping for spices, oils, decor items, etc, and have dinner at the Canal Bazaar with a local street food shop. Try what they suggest (I suggest crab roast or puttu kadala).

Day 11 – Head to Kochi after breakfast (1.5 hours drive). Take a ferry ride in Kochi and then head to Sri Muruga Cafe for a local style early dinner. Day 12 – Start your morning exploring the Chinese fishing nets of Kochi. For lunch, go to Jew town and visit the Paradesi synagogue or jew synagogue. Must have biryani at Kayees Rahmathullah cafe for lunch and go to fort house restaurant for a beautiful relaxing dinner with a view. Day 13 –  Take a beautiful sunrise walk by Cherai beach in the morning and then have some local breakfast. Head to princess market for shopping and lunch at Qissa Cafe. Explore Mattancherry Palace and St. Francis church or spend time by the marine drive. Day 14 – After breakfast, head to the Cochin airport and depart.

24 Day Ultimate Kerala Itinerary Guide

Kozhikode – Wayanad – Thrissur – Athirappilly – Munnar – Thekkady – Vagamon – Varkala – Alleppey – Kochi

Day 1 – 3: Kozhikode

Day 1 – Arrive at the Calicut International Airport and introduce yourself to the lively city of Kozhikode . Have lunch/ dinner at the popular S.M. (sweet meat) street. Day 2 – Go for a backwater ride in the morning and visit Lions’ Park. Head to the Kozhikode beach in the evening to hang out and enjoy the soothing sunset. Day 3 – Go to Kappad beach in the morning and then head towards Wayanad (3-hour drive).

Day 3 – 6: Wayanad

Day 3 – Arrive in Wayanad by the evening. Stargazing in Wayanad is one of the most amazing experiences of the little hilly town. Day 4 – Head to Wayanad tea gardens in the morning. Have lunch at the Clay Hut restaurant. Go to the Banasura dam before 4 p.m. to catch a view of the sunset. Don’t forget to shop for coffee beans and grab a local payasam. Day 5 – Start your day with a bamboo boating experience in Kuruva island (closes at 4 p.m.). Roam around the tea gardens and hike to the beautiful Chembra Peak. Day 6 – Rent cycles in the morning and bike along the Nilgiris. Post an early lunch, head towards Athirappilly (a 9-hour drive).

Day 6 – 8: Athirappilly

Day 6 – Reach Athirappilly by the night and relax through the evening. Day 7 – The main attraction in Athirappilly is the iconic Athirappilly waterfalls. You can also visit the Vazhachal waterfalls. Day 8 – Have a hearty breakfast and leave early for Munnar (a 4-hour drive).

Day 8 – 10: Munnar

Day 8 – Arrive at Munnar , a slightly colder town in Kerala. Visit Anayirankal/Mattupetty Dam and Lake. Day 9 – The tea capital of Kerala, Munnar, has a lot to offer when it comes to splendid vistas. Start your day with visiting the Munnar tea plantation and estate. After lunch, drive to the Top Station and Echo Point for a sunset view. Day 10 – Just before leaving for Thekkady, drive up to the Anamudi Peak. Start your journey to Thekkady after lunch. (a 3 hour drive)

Day 10 – 12: Thekkady

Day 10 – Arrive in Thekkady , a town that offers many green hikes and treks. Day 11 – Spend a day in Periyar National Park among the flora and fauna. (I suggest you to check whether the safari is open with the hotel/accommodation you have chosen for your stay.) Day 12 – Explore spice plantations and don’t forget to visit the Chellarkovil waterfalls. After lunch, leave for Vagamon. (a 2 hour drive)

Day 12 – 15: Vagamon

Day 12 – Arrive at Vagamon and don’t miss the night sky full of stars. I recommend to stay at Zostel Vagamon or Winter Vale Green Stay Resorts. Day 13 – Vagamon has hikes and viewpoints that offer some of the best sunrise experiences. Head for an afternoon hike/drive to Marmala Waterfalls, where you can cliff jump into a pool which is 30-40 ft deep. Spend your evening gawking at the beautiful falls among the lush green. You can also go for a sunset paragliding experience. Day 14 – Start your morning with breakfast and an optional off-roading experience with Zostel Vagamon. Trek up to the Ginamala or Moonmala trek. Day 15 – Have an early breakfast and say goodbye to Vagamon. Start your journey to Varkala. (a 4.5 hours drive)

Day 15 – 18: Varkala

Day 15 – Welcome to Varkala , the bohemian land of rejuvenation and delicious food. Once you reach Varkala in the evening, spend time by the Cliff beach. Don’t forget to have dinner at God’s Own Country. Day 16 – Start your morning early and rent out a scooty/bike. Ride through the coastal street of Varkala and enjoy the best of both worlds. I highly recommend going to @inda_cafe and @truethomas.in for wholesome meals, the first one for continental food and the second for Indian/Kerala cuisine. Continue your scooty ride to the Black Sand beach and bask in its serenity. Day 17 – Two must-have adventures await you in Varkala – surfing through the day and or a sunset backwaters ride at the Kappil beach. Day 18 – Go to North Cliff beach in the morning and walk along the boardwalk, filled with shops that sell antiques to itras and junk jewellery to hippie clothes. Leave from Varkala post lunch and head to Alleppey. (a 3 hr drive)

Day 18- 21: Alleppey

Day 18 – Arrive in Alleppey by the evening and relax at your accommodation. I stayed in a homestay called Lemon Dew which is right by the beach. You can also opt for a homestay which is next to the backwaters or closer to the boat jetty. Or a nice resort by the backwaters. Day 19 – Begin your journey in Alleppey with a Shikara ride. (lasts 3-4 hours) You may opt for @oscar_cruise for the same. Don’t forget to take a stop at Taste of India for some delectable local food. Spend your evening in the Canal Bazar or Floating Bazar for shopping and local experiences. Garlic Butter Prawns and Shappu Meen Curry should be dishes on your bucket list. Day 20 – Visit the serene town of Kumarakom for the bird sanctuary, backwater lakes and the unbeatable sunsets. Alternatively, you can opt for a Houseboat experience in Alleppey. Houseboats are beautiful from the inside, but they only sail through bigger channels of the backwaters, so you miss out on the smaller ones. But having said that, it is still very relaxing and enjoyable to be inside one and sailing in one of Kerala’s largest lakes called Vembanad lake. If you want to opt for an eco-friendly houseboat experience (a boat that runs on solar power as opposed to diesel), find Thara Eco Boat on booking.com or alternately contact @oscar_cruise ! Day 21 – Spend your morning chilling by the Marari beach. Leave for Kochi after lunch and shopping (a 1 hour journey).

Day 21 – 24: Kochi

Day 21 – Arrive in Kochi and head to Sri Muruga Cafe for a local style dinner. Day 22 – Start your day in the Jew Town of Kochi, that adorns the iconic art and culture of the state. Don’t forget to visit Paradesi Synagogue while in Jew Town. Day 23 – Take a walk to the Cherai Beach in the morning for a beautiful south sunrise. Spend some time by the iconic Chinese fishing nets of Kerala. A biryani meal at Kayees Ramathulla cafe is a must! Day 24 – Soak in the end of your trip through Kerala because it’s time to head back home!

That’s it – now you have a base to start planning your trip according to your preference of time period. Kerala is undoubtedly a gem of a place that offers unmatched sights, experiences, and memories. If you have any other query related to traveling in Kerala, ask away in the comments section!

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HOW TO PLAN YOUR KERALA ITINERARY

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: July 11, 2022

Kerala is indeed a paradise for the nature lovers which is why we have created this guide to planning the perfect Kerala itinerary!

Why Kerala?

The southern state located way down in India is bursting with tropical jungles, lively rainforests and spice plantations. One feels relaxed as soon as they step inside “God’s own country” with a slower and calmer pace of life and pure nature around. It is no wonder to see the tropical paradise attracting millions of tourists from all over the world.

Kerala has something for everybody, whether it is those glorious palm-fringed beaches for beach lovers, favourite hill stations for nature lovers or colonial traditions and seafood. Go through the Kerala travel guide that can help you to plan a great trip to the popular state.

When to go to Kerala

Although winters are the best time to visit Kerala, it is also the peak time. The temperatures are just perfect, and this is an ideal time for beach activities. For those who love monsoons, can plan a trip from July to September. Nature is at its truly best during these months. One should avoid the hot and humid months of summers from March to June.

How to reach Kerala

You can easily reach Kerala by air, train or road as it is well connected to other cities and states. The major railway stations in India are connected to Cochin, and the Kochi International airport caters to domestic and international flights. There are State Run Volvo buses to and from cities within India.

Getting around Kerala

One can make use of the extensive network of buses that connect to major cities and towns within the state. Auto Rickshaws are available in most cities, and another great way to travel is a ferry.

What to Pack for Kerala

As the temperatures are warmer in Kerala, pack light cotton clothes as well as loads of sunblock. As you would be walking a lot, do not forget to pack comfortable shoes for walking. Do carry bug and mosquito repellent especially if planning to visit some areas like Periyar. Do not forget to pack a camera as there would be many splendid places and moments to capture.

Where to stay in Kerala

There are many different and impressive places to stay in Kerala, and a lot relies on what one looks for and the budget. There are humble homestays, eco beach resorts, colonial estates, and a whole lot of other options. There are affordable lodgings as well as luxurious resorts available to suit every type of traveller.

What to do in Kerala

Kerala is diverse in every sense and creates unique experiences for the tourists who arrive here. One can visit the thriving port town of Kochi to look at the brightly painted houses and the oldest existing synagogues. Munnar is world-famous for beaches and tea plantations in South India. Alappuzha is home to famous backwaters of Kerala and is best experienced on a houseboat. Kovalam is the most popular beach destination.

Tourists can take a lazy ride on winding backwaters of Alleppey or cruise along the Periyar River. Explore the jungles of Periyar that are home to popular wildlife species like bison, sambars, langurs, and tigers. Enjoy the ancient form of storytelling through dance at the Kathakali Centre. Jatayu Earth Centre is also popular place to visit whilst in Kerela.

What to shop in Kerala

Kerala is not just a touristy place but is a haven for shopaholics too. Get ready for a great shopping experience here, and the first item on your list should be tea and coffee that can be obtained from local certified counters. Kerala spices are world-famous, and you must shop for those fresh spices like turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, and more. Banana chips and cashew nuts are amongst the most popular items, and other famous handicrafts include coconut and coir products as well as aroma oils.

What to eat in Kerala

There are many different local cuisines to try on your trip to Kerala, and some of the most popular with locals and tourists include Appam with Stew, Kerala Beef Fry, and Prawn Moilee. Appams are fluffy pancakes made of rice and served with meat and vegetable stew. Kerala beef fry is enjoyed with flakey Malabar paratha and Prawn moilee made from coconut and kokum is simply delicious.

There are a lot of other things to do, places to visit and other information which can make your Kerala experience memorable. Sites like eKerala Tourism have very comprehensive travel information to help you explore more information about Kerala.

Helpful resources

Travel essentials:

• We LOVE this camera for our travel photography.
• For a cheap, easy and compact camera, we use this to vlog and take photographs.  
• We use this travel drone (but make sure to check drone laws in your chosen destination first).  
• This is our favourite travel insurance because it covers so many activities and travel situations that could arise on longer trips but also offer year coverage.

What to pack

• No matter where we travel to, I always take these trusty hand sanitizers and a mini first aid kit.  
• We love these toiletry bags (especially great for smaller bathrooms) and choose a laptop bag like this as our hand luggage. 
• We keep our devices charged on long travel days with these lightweight battery packs  and bring these worldwide travel adaptors on all our trips. 
• I still struggle not to overpack so stick to using an expandable suitcase like these and always take my trusty luggage scales to avoid being charged at the airport. 

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arhaholidays

Tuesday 25th of February 2020

Good article regarding keral Itinerary with best ideas in detail

Wednesday 26th of February 2020

Thanks so much! We are glad to hear you found this post helpful

Top Thekkady places to visit on your next trip | SweetAnnu

Wednesday 21st of August 2019

[…] People Also Read – How to Plan your Kerela Itinerary […]

Kerala Itinerary for 10 Days & Backpacking Kerala Travel Guide

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from any qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

This article contains a Kerala itinerary for 10 days as well as a Kerala travel guide for backpacking Kerala for travelling through the state with ease.

Backpacking Kerala is on the list of any visitor to India who is backpacking through South India. And rightly so. Kerala is one of the unmissable places in India. If being termed as ‘God's Own Country’ isn’t the proof of the beauty that Kerala holds, then what is. This article contains a guide to backpacking Kerala as well as a suggested Kerala itinerary for 10 days.

Table of Contents

Backpacking Kerala & Kerala Itinerary for 10 Days

Inside this Kerala travel guide and a suggested Kerala itinerary for 10 days, I’ve tried to compile all the relevant information about backpacking Kerala. What I love most about Kerala is its lush greenery, the amazing backwaters, tea plantations and the varying landscapes scattered across the entire state. Every place has something special of its own. In this article, first, I’ve made a list of all the best places to visit in Kerala - the must-visit places, how to get there and what to do. After you’ve gone through it, you should be able to choose the places to visit in Kerala during your Kerala backpacking trip. If in case you’re unable to pick an itinerary for yourself, I’ve included a Kerala itinerary for 10 days to help you plan your Kerala trip.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How to Reach Kerala

Getting around kerala.

• Best Time to Visit Kerala
• How Many Days to Spend in Kerala

Food to Try in Kerala

• Best Places to Visit in Kerala, India

Kochi (Cochin)

Munroe island.

• Kerala Itinerary for 10 Days

Kerala Itinerary for 14 Days

Ready to plan your trip to kerala, did you enjoy this backpacking kerala travel guide & kerala itinerary, backpacking kerala map, train to kerala.

Every popular sightseeing place in Kerala has a connecting railway station. Since India has a large heavily connected railway network, you’ll find trains within India quite easily. For short train journeys, you can buy a general class ticket at the station itself and travel in the general compartment. For longer distances, if you need a dedicated seat, you will have to reserve a seat via the IRCTC app or visit the nearest railway station.

Bus to Kerala

Kerala KSRTC runs numerous buses within Kerala. These buses don’t require advance booking. You can just show up at the bus stand, enquire about bus timings and board the appropriate bus. On the other hand, for longer distances, you can use the redBus website or app to check the availability of buses and to make a booking.

Airports in Kerala

There are two major airports in Kerala - the Kochi international airport and the Thiruvananthapuram international airport. Both of these airports have domestic and international flights both ways. Most people prefer to fly in and out of Kochi international airport because Kochi is closer to some of the most popular places to visit in Kerala. Not only that, flights to and from Kochi are plenty in number and cheap in cost as well.

The Kerala KSRTC buses are a widely used and popular choice of transportation for getting around Kerala. Train travel is another popular means of going from one place to another in India. While you are sightseeing within a city, tuk-tuks or auto-rickshaws, as they are called in India, are a common way to get around.

Best Time to Visit Kerala India

There are 3 main seasons in Kerala - summer, monsoon and the high season. April to June are the summer months in Kerala. This is when the temperature soars along with increased humidity. On the other hand, while the monsoon brings relief from the heat, lately Kerala has been experiencing flooding during these months. October to March is the best time to visit Kerala . This is when the temperature and humidity aren’t as high and the other months.

How Many Days to Spend in Kerala?

So how many days should you spend in Kerala? The answer mainly depends on the number of days you have, and the places you want to visit in Kerala. I personally felt that 14 days were required to visit all the best sightseeing places in Kerala. However, if you don’t have that much time on your hands, then 10 days should be sufficient to cover all these places. This is the reason why I’ve included a Kerala itinerary for 10 days and not 14 days.

There are a wide variety of tasty South Indian dishes that you must try in Kerala. 

• Appam - Soft thin pancake made out of rice batter; eaten with a curry
• Idiyappam - Noodles made out of rice flour; eaten with a curry
• Puttu - Rice cake made of steamed rice flour; cylindrical in shape
• Kerala parotta - Layered flatbread made from refined flour
• Karimeen fish - Freshwater fish local to Kerala
• Sadhya - A feast consisting of a variety of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf

If you’re a fussy eater, no worries, you’ll find cafes serving vegan, vegetarian and regular continental dishes as well as fast food almost everywhere in the major cities.

Best Places to Visit in Kerala India

Kerala has a number of beautiful places to choose from. The best part, though, is that each of these places has something special about them that makes them all unique. For example, while Alleppey is famous for the Kerala backwaters, Munnar is well-known for the tea plantations. Similarly, on one hand, Varkala is known for its iconic cliff beach whereas Kovalam is famous for the lighthouse beach. Thus, take a look at all the places to visit in Kerala so that you can choose the places to visit during your backpacking Kerala trip.

Kochi or Cochin is one of the biggest cities in Kerala. While Kochi in itself is a plain old city, it is Fort Kochi that is of interest to travelers. Fort Kochi used to be a former fishing village that came under the Portuguese, then later Dutch and then British colonization. This area still retains the heritage and architecture of the yesteryears, which is visible in the sleepy lanes. One of the best parts of this area is the many top art cafes in Fort Kochi . You can gorge on a variety of cuisines while staring at magnificent pieces of art!

How to Reach Kochi

Kochi has one airport called the Kochi or Cochin International Airport. There are a number of domestic and international flights to and from Kochi daily. What's more, there is an air-conditioned bus service between the airport to Kochi city and to Fort Kochi as well. Moreover, there are two railway stations in Kochi city - Ernakulam Junction (South) railway station and Ernakulam Town (North) railway station. Kochi is also well-connected to other nearby cities by bus.

Places to Visit in Fort Kochi

Among all the things to do in Fort Kochi, watching the fishermen at work on the Chinese fishing nets at sunrise is the most popular activity. Apart from that, you can take a heritage walk around Fort Kochi, visiting the Dutch cemetery, St Francis church, Jew town, Dutch palace, spice market, and the Fort Kochi beach, among other things. There are a number of amazing places to visit in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry  so rest assured, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied here.

Where to Stay in Fort Kochi

There are innumerable great hotels and hostels in Fort Kochi. I've stayed at Neemrana's The Tower House which is a heritage hotel that comes with a pool and is located directly in front of the Chinese fishing nets. I've also stayed at Zostel Kochi which is a backpacker hostel with dorm rooms as well as private rooms.

Check availability at Neemrana's Tower House Hotel on Booking.com

Find hotels in Fort Kochi on Booking.com

Munnar is one of the most popular places to visit in Kerala due to the countless hills laden with tea plantations. The town of Munnar is located in the Western ghats of India. Not only is Munnar known for its tea plantations, but also the magical sunrises, the freshness in the air and the lush greenery found all around.

How to Reach Munnar

There are many buses all throughout the day from Kochi to Munnar. Moreover there are regular buses from Alleppey to Munnar and Kottayam to Munnar. While there are buses from Thiruvananthapuram to Munnar as well, it's a very long journey and buses are fewer in number.

Places to Visit in Munnar

One of the most popular things to do in Munnar is to go on a sunrise trek where you get to walk through the Munnar tea plantations to end up at a viewpoint to witness the sunrise. Another popular activity to do in Munnar is to visit a tea factory and to see the entire process of manufacture of tea - right from plucking tea leaves to the packaging. There are many more popular sightseeing viewpoints, dams and other places to visit in Munnar. Also, don't forget to sample and buy chocolate and tea in Munnar.

Where to Stay in Munnar

Munnar town has a lot of stay options to choose from. However, the main town is very crowded. Thus I recommend finding a stay slightly away from the main Munnar town. I stayed at Lost Hostel which is located at Anachal. I also stayed at Gruenberg Tea Plantation Haus which is a stunning hotel located inside a tea plantation. Bliss!

Check availability at Gruenberg Tea Plantation Haus on Booking.com

Find hotels in Munnar on Booking.com

Alleppey is one of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kerala due to the backwaters. While one can witness the Kerala backwaters in Kumarakom as well, Alleppey remains the number one destination to-date. You might recognize the iconic pictures of the Alleppey houseboats gliding seamlessly through the backwaters of Alleppey.

How to Reach Alleppey

Kochi to Alleppey is a short distance of roughly 53 km which can be covered by road or rail. There are buses from Kochi to Alleppey throughout the day. Numerous trains pass between Ernakulam railway station in Kochi to the Alleppey railway station. Munnar to Alleppey is a 5-6 hour bus journey. Similarly, Alleppey is well-connected to other cities in Kerala by train, bus or both.

Places to Visit in Alleppey

There isn’t a whole lot to do in Alleppey besides exploring the backwaters and visiting Alleppey beach. In order to visit the backwaters of Alleppey, you can either take a houseboat (which is the most expensive option) or take a shikara boat, tourist ferry, public ferry, canoe or kayak. I’ve explained the difference between each of these types of boats and their pricing in my blog post on the cheaper alternatives to explore the Alleppey backwaters . Give it a read to understand your options.

Where to Stay in Alleppey

I stayed at Zostel Alleppey which is located at the Alleppey beach. It's a backpacker hostel that has private as well as dorm rooms, a common room area and a terrace overlooking the beach with hammocks. Apart from that, there are many stay options in Alleppey that include hotels, homestays and resorts.

Check availability at Zostel Alleppey on Booking.com

Find hotels in Alleppey on Booking.com

While Alleppey may be the most popular place to witness the backwaters of Kerala, Munroe island is one of the best offbeat places in Kerala to see the backwaters. The island is surrounded by a river on 2 sides and a lake on the other 2 sides. There is hardly any commercialization on this tiny island which makes it an ideal place to stay in a homestay, meet locals, take long strolls and enjoy the slow life.

How to Reach Munroe Island

Munroe island is connected to the mainland via road, rail, and ferry. The easiest and cheapest option to reach Munroe island is to take a passenger train. I took the Ernakulam-Kollam passenger train, which I boarded at Alleppey railway station and got down at Munroturuttu railway station in Munroe Island.

Things to do in Munroe Island

The beauty of Munroe island lies in the fact that there’s nothing to do here. Apart from the absolutely spellbinding sunrise canoe tour, bicycle rides across the island and sipping mocktails at the surprisingly great little place called Munroe island, there's nothing much to do here at Munroe island except to take a step back and just live in the moment. Read my complete travel guide to Munroe island to get all the travel info you need to visit the island.

Where to Stay in Munroe Island

There aren't a whole lot of hotels or resorts in Munroe Island. Since it's a small island with little commercialization, you'll only find lovely homestays here. I stayed at GreenChromide Homestay which was located on the riverside. This homestay is run by a wonderful family that takes good care of you, organizes activities and serves the most delicious local food. I could not recommend this place more!

Check availability at GreenChromide Homestay on Booking.com

Find homestays in Munroe Island on Booking.com

Varkala is a well-known tourist destination for a number of reasons. Firstly, the iconic cliff beach and the many shops and cafes lined across the cliff make Varkala a picture-perfect destination. Secondly, Varkala is one of the few beaches in India where one can go surfing. Thirdly, there are quite a few yoga training ashrams here. This and a number of other reasons make Varkala one of the must-visit destinations during a backpacking Kerala trip.

How to Reach Varkala

If you're coming from either Kochi or Alleppey, take the train to Varkala since it's a longer route. On the other hand, if you're coming from Thiruvananthapuram, you can either take the train or bus to Varkala.

Places to Visit in Varkala

You can try surfing, find a yoga ashram, visit the many beaches in Varkala, hang out at the Varkala cliff beach or sit at one of the many cafes on the Varkala cliff. There are clearly plenty of things to do in Varkala. If you're keen on sightseeing in Varkala, visit the temples, lighthouse, and the fort.

Where to Stay in Varkala

There are innumerable hotels and hostels in Varkala located in close proximity to the Varkala cliff. I stayed at the relatively new Zostel Varkala which was close to the cliff beach but also away from the hustle-bustle of the cliff. Moreover, the new Zostel is spacious, comes with a nice terrace and overlooks the Black beach.

Check availability at Zostel Varkala on Booking.com

Find hotels in Varkala on Booking.com

Kovalam is a small beach town located just half an hour from Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram (also known as Trivandrum). Kovalam is predominantly famous due to the iconic lighthouse beach and the promenade along the beach which is lined with appealing stores, cafes, and restaurants.

How to Reach Kovalam?

No matter where you’re coming from, in order to reach Kovalam, you need to go to Trivandrum first. From there, get into a tuk-tuk and ask the driver to take you to the bus stand where you can catch a bus to Kovalam. The bus takes about 30 minutes and drops you off very close to the beach.

Things to do in Kovalam

Just like Munroe, there aren't a whole lot of things to do in Kovalam. Kovalam’s lighthouse beach is mainly frequented by foreigners, and the only thing to do here is to either go for a swim, laze around on the beach lounge chairs or sit back in a cafe and read a book. The whole purpose of a visit to Kovalam is to just chill out.

Where to Stay in Kovalam

All the places to stay in Kovalam are in the vicinity of the lighthouse beach. I booked a stay at Wilson Ayurvedic beach resort which was located at the lighthouse beach. It has rooms for different budgets and a nice big pool with lounge chairs to relax in.

Check availablity at Wilson Ayurvedic Beach Resort on Booking.com

Find hotels in Kovalam on Booking.com

Kerala Itinerary for 10 Days - A Suggested Kerala Itinerary

Day 1 - reach kochi.

Whether you arrive at Cochin airport or at the railway station, you can find buses to the city. Take a bus or cab to Fort Kochi, check-in to your hotel and get some rest. Later in the evening, you can walk around Princess Street and Burgher Street and grab something to eat at an art cafe.

Day 2 - Sightseeing in Fort Kochi

Start your day at the Chinese fishing nets. Then continue walking towards St Francis church, Dutch cemetery, and Bishop's Palace. After breakfast, head to the Mattancherry side to visit the jew town, Jewish synagogue and discover the street art of Fort Kochi. Watch the sunset at Fort Kochi beach.

Day 3 - Kochi to Munnar

After grabbing breakfast at a cafe in Fort Kochi, check-out and head over to the Ernakulam bus stand to find a bus to Munnar. The bus to Munnar from Kochi takes approximately 4-5 hours. Once you're at Munnar, take a tuk-tuk to your hotel or hostel and get some much-needed rest.

Day 4 - Sightseeing in Munnar

To start your sightseeing in Munnar, you can either go for a sunrise trek or start early to visit all the sightseeing places in Munnar. Do not miss taking a tour of a tea plantation and factory.

Day 5 - Munnar to Alleppey

Today, after catching the sunrise at Munnar and having a nice big breakfast, catch another bus from Munnar to Alleppey. The bus to Alleppey from Munnar goes via Kochi and takes 5-6 hours. When you reach the Alleppey bus stand, take a tuk-tuk to your hotel or hostel.

Day 6 - Sightseeing in Alleppey

Start your day early because you do not want to miss watching the sunrise at the backwaters of Alleppey. Spend the day cruising around the backwaters. Head over to Alleppey beach for sunset and drinks.

Day 7 - Alleppey to Varkala

Once you've had your breakfast, take a train from Alleppey to Varkala. I do not recommend taking a bus for this route because it's a long journey so train travel is faster thus better.

Day 8 - Sightseeing in Varkala

Time to hit up all the beaches in Varkala. Hit the waves for a surf session, do some yoga, go hopping along all the beaches of Varkala or simply chill at the Varkala cliff beach.

Day 9 - Varkala to Kovalam

Take a bus or train from Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram (aka Trivandrum) and then catch a bus from Trivandrum to Kovalam beach. check-in to your stay, grab your swimsuit and head over to the beach for some chill time.

Day 10 - Kovalam to Trivandrum and Onward

After breakfast at a cafe overlooking the lighthouse beach in Kovalam, take a bus back to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) . From here, head to the airport or railway station to head back home or to move onward to our next destination.

In case you're looking for a Kerala itinerary for 14 days, instead of 10 days, use the itinerary mentioned earlier then add at least 1-2 nights in Munroe island, after you've visited Alleppey. For the other 2 nights, you can either go to Thekaddy from Munnar to visit the Periyar National Park or you can spend an extra day or two at any place that you like.

Since a single Kerala travel guide isn’t enough to explain all the amazing things that Kerala has to offer, I have a few more articles on places within Kerala. If you're looking for in-depth guides to all the best places to visit in Kerala, then take a look at my other articles on Kerala (links open in new tabs):

• Places to Visit in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry
• Top 10 Art Cafes in Fort Kochi, Kerala
• Ultimate Guide to the Munnar Tea Plantations - Visiting Tips and Tricks
• The Cheaper Alternative Guide to the Alleppey Backwaters
• Munroe Island Kerala - Why You Must Go
• Lighthouse Beach Kovalam - Everything You Need to Know

If you liked reading this travel guide to the backpacking Kerala and reading the suggested Kerala itinerary for 10 days then follow me on my social media handles Instagram , Facebook , Pinterest , Twitter to see beautiful pictures, discover new destinations and get instant updates regarding new blog posts.

Definitely want to go here next time I’m in India! This post really made me miss the authentic Indian food ?

Kerala – a best place to visit in India, Thanks for sharing valuable information. Beautiful pictures.

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• 4 Days In Kerala: Best Places To Visit And Amazing Things To Do In 2024

23 Mar 2023

Getting recognized as the “Destination To Watch In 2017” by the Association of British Travel Agents has added yet another feather to the cap of Kerala Tourism. Despite receiving many such accolades, there’s still a lot more to Kerala than what meets the eye.

Kerala is a great place to visit and if you’re interested in a Kerala trip plan for 4 days during Covid, then the below options will surely come in handy. With effective precautions in place, it will be quite easy for visiting all parts of this state even during the Covid-19 spread.

Having said that, here’s a detailed guide on how to spend the best of 4 days in Kerala. This guide will further enable every traveler to capture the essence of Kerala destinations through some enticing and tailor-made Kerala tour packages. And with TravelTriangle by your side, you can also customize your own trip to Kerala under a suitable budget.

Ideal Duration In Kerala

Image Source To be able to explore the best tourist places in Kerala, an ideal duration of 4 days in Kerala would work wonders. To enjoy a delightful family trip to Kerala, duration can be stretched up to 8 days and 7 nights. But to be on safer side, an extended stay of 5 days and 4 nights will easily accommodate the must things to do in Kerala, best places to visit and famous adventure activities in Kerala. Similarly for honeymooners, relaxed Kerala honeymoon packages could be of 5 days and 4 nights too. In fact, if you’re even taking a Bangalore to Kerala trip, 4 days will be enough for exploring this place.

  Trip To Kerala: An Ideal Holiday Perfect For Family Bonding

Kerala’s Weather Scene

Image Source

Being a perfect blend of mountainous highlands and Kerala backwaters, God’s own country enjoys a heavenly tropical climate owing to its equatorial location. The hilly areas remain cool whereas the coastal regions remain humid for most of the months.

• Summer: February to May – The average temperature ranges between 32 degrees to 36 degrees.
• South West Monsoon: June to September – The average temperature is falls between 19 degrees to 30 degrees.
• North East Monsoon: October to November – The average temperature may rise from 29 degrees to 35 degrees.
• Winter: December to January – The average temperature fluctuates from 18 degrees to 28 degrees.

Best Time To Visit Kerala

Winters and summers are the best season to visit Kerala that allow travelers to explore all the places at ease. This makes the months from November through May the peak season and the best time to visit Kerala.

  Here Is Why People Can’t Stop Talking About Kerala

Keeping the type of accommodation, meals, local transfers, sightseeing and miscellaneous expends in mind, an average budget per day per person would be –

Accommodation Including Taxes: INR 2500/3000/5000 Local Transfers: INR 1500 3 Meals: INR 1800 Sightseeing: INR 700 Miscellaneous: INR 1000 Average Spend Per Day: INR 6250/6500/7500

Please Note:

• Modes of transport is not included as one can reach Kerala via flight, train or bus as per their budget and proximity.
• Accommodation charges are based on double sharing for 3 stars, 4 stars and 5 stars respectively.
• For Houseboats, prices depend on the size of the houseboats and vary from INR 7000 (sharing basis) to 10,000 (individual basis).
• Since alcohol is banned in Kerala (in most parts), Toddy the locally made palm wine serves as an alternative at a cost of INR 50 per 750 ml.

Where To Stay In Kerala

Fidn the best accommodation options in this state for all types of travelers and budgets. Pick from a range of popular and comfortable resorts and hotels.

1. Aveda Resorts And Spa, Kumarakom

Want to make your 4 days trip to Kerala a delightful affair? Stay at the opulent and mesmerizing Aveda Resorts And Spa set amidst surreal surroundings. The resort is known for its exceptional hospitality and quick service other than the awesome food and great views. All in all, it’ll provide the best experience of touring this state.

Address: V/240 A, Ammankari Road, Kumarakom Village, Kottayam Price/Night: INR 10,000 (double sharing including taxes) Ratings: 4.4/5 Stars How To Reach: 2 hours drive from the Cochin International Airport and Kottayam is the nearest railway head & bus terminal that is 14 kilometers away from the resort. Website | Reviews

20 Beach Resorts In Kerala

2. The Fragrant Nature, Kochi

Surrounded by nature’s bounty, this makes for a great option if you’re looking for a peaceful and natural place to stay. Located at a convenient location from all major tourist spots, a stay here will make your Kerala trip for 4 days hassle-free and memorable.

Address: Near SBI Calvathy, Calvathy Bazaar Road, Kochi Price/Night: INR 14,000 (double sharing including taxes) Ratings: 4.5/5 Stars How To Reach: 26 kilometers away from the Cochin International Airport. Website | Reviews

3. The Leaf Munnar

Owing to its convenient location, everything is just a stone’s throw away from this lovable hotel. Other than the commendable services, in-hotel amenities, friendly behavior of the staff, delectable food, and stupendous views, you’ll be treated to utter luxury and comfort at this mini pararide in Kerala.

Address: Chithirapuram PO, Anachal, Amakandam, Munnar Price/Night: INR 5,500 to 17,000 (double sharing including taxes) Ratings: 4.7/5 Stars How To Reach: 3 hours away from the Cochin International Airport. Website | Reviews

  10 Romantic Beaches In Kerala You Must Visit For A Soulful Vacay!

Where To Eat In Kerala

Wondering where to try the delicious cuisine of Kerala during your 4-day escapade? Well, we’ve got you a range of options to fit your preferences and budget constraints.

1. The Cuisine, Villa Maya, Trivandrum

Image Source More than being a restaurant, dining at Villa Maya an 18th century Dutch manor is a complete experience in itself.

Address: 120, Airport Road, Enjakkal, Trivandrum Timings: 11 am to 11 pm Ratings: 4.5/5 Stars What To Eat: Stuffed crab with lobster butter Meal For Two: INR 1500 Average Time Spent: 2 to 2.5 hours Tip: Payments can be done by cash as well as cards. Website | Reviews

2. Bait Seafood Restaurant, Kovalam

Overlooking Arabian Sea and specializing in seafood, this open air Taj property serves authentic global flavors and serves fresh delicacies from the sea as soon as they’re caught.

Address: GV Raja, Vattappara Road, Vivanta by Taj, Green Cove, Kovalam Timings: Lunch: 12: 30 pm to 15: 00 pm & Dinner: 19:30 pm to 22: 30 pm Ratings: 4.5/5 Stars What To Eat: Hot stone grilled jumbo prawns & Pink pepper prawn curry Meal For Two: INR 1250 Average Time Spent: 2.5 to 3 hours Tip: Let the chef know your taste and enjoy customized dining. Website | Reviews

  20 Tranquil Hill Stations In Kerala For A Rejuvenating Experience Summer

3. Memories Multi Cuisine Restaurant, Alappuzha

Image Source Redefining dining style, enjoy multi-cuisine delicacies in little pagodas by the pond at Memories Restaurant.

Address: AC Road, Pallikuttumma Bridge, Ramankary, Alappuzha Timings: 9 am to 10 pm Ratings: 4.2/5 Stars What To Eat: Try Kuttanadan Duck Roast Meal For Two: INR 1000 Average Time Spent: 1.5 to 2 hours Tip: You can also make reservations online. The place is best suited for a romantic dinner date. Website | Reviews

Planning your holiday in Kerala but confused about what to do? These Kerala travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.

Vivek Writes How His Kerala Honeymoon Was A Perfect Start To His Married Life

Houseboats, Backwaters, & Beauty all around!

Pranav Lists The Best Places In Kerala That He Enjoyed On His Honeymoon

Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, & lots of pretty islands!

Vishu Tells How Kerala Turned Out To Be The Ultimate Honeymoon Destination

Tea plantations, Backwaters, Houseboats, & More!

Here Is Why Rajeev Can’t Stop Talking About His Romantic Trip To Kerala

Canoes in backwaters, houseboats, waterfalls, & much more!

Manish’s Family Trip To Kerala Illustrates The Beauty Of God’s Own Country

There were warerfalls, lush hills, beaches, & backwaters!

Kanika Proves That Traveling With An Infant To Kerala Is Totally Safe & Wonderful

Beaches, Backwaters, Spas, & More. Take me there now, please!

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

Kerala In 4 Days: Places To Visit

Scroll down and find the best cities to visit in Kerala and the top tourist attractions that await you there. You can include these places in your Kerala itinerary 4 days or more depending on your travel plan.

1. Alleppey

For years Alleppey has topped the charts when it comes to Kerala destinations because it offers an experience so tranquil that a traveler cannot find it anywhere else in the world due to its bustling backwaters.

Places To Visit: Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Top Things To Do: Bird watching, Rejuvenate with Ayurveda and explore Kuttanadu along the backwaters Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport is just 53 kilometers away Average Time Spent: 1 Day

The Ultimate Guide to Top Tourist Places in Kerala

Image Source Lush green hills, the aroma of tea plantations in the air and the low flying clouds pretty much paint the beautiful picture of Munnar which is also one of the best honeymoon getaways in Kerala. Munnar is definitely one of the best places to include in your Kerala tour itinerary.

Places To Visit: Pothamedu ViewPoint, TATA Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam and Eravikulam National Park Top Things To Do: Trek to the Top Station, Walk through the tea gardens, Watch a traditional Kathakali performance, Go fishing in Devikulam Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport is just 143 kilometers away Average Time Spent: 1 Day

If you are looking for tourist places in Kerala for 4 days, Kovalam is your best pick. A tiny quaint town at the beachside near Trivandrum, Kovalam is known for one of the best beaches that are separated by rock formations.

Places To Visit: Lighthouse Beach, Akkulam Lake, Vellayani Lake and Valiathura Pier Top Things To Do: Relish breakfast at the German Bakery, Enjoy surfing at Kovalam Surf Club, Go Snorkeling Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport is just 15 kilometers away Average Time Spent: 1 Day

10 Charming Places To Visit In Kerala

Kerala In 4 Days: Top Things To Do

Kerala is known to have some of the most amazing and thrilling activities that travelers love to engage in. Find the best ones right here according to your type of trip and preferences.

1. Paragliding In Kerala

In a bid to promote outdoor adventure in Kerala other than Ayurveda and backwaters, Kerala tourism has encouraged travelers to experience the thrills of paragliding.

Locations: Vagamon and Varkala Best Time: September to January Tip: Must attend the Paragliding Grand Prix every year in September at Vagamon

2. Periyar National Park, Thekkady

Image Source For wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, Periyar National Park serves as a haven of tiger reserves and is also among the top rated Kerala tourist places. Rich in nature and adventure, visiting this hidden treasure is a must thing to do in Kerala.

Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners Timings: 6 am to 8 pm Best Time: November to March Activities: Sightseeing, Boating, Bamboo Rafting, Camping, etc. Tips:

• Charges of INR 150 for everyone above 11 years and INR 50 for kids below 11 years are applicable for boating.
• Night safari that happens after 8 pm is a must experience.

  22 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala That Showcase South India’s Exotic Fauna & Flora!

3. Tree House Stay In Wayanad

Much famed for its spice plantations, Wayanad is truly a nature’s abode amongst the serene places in Kerala. Moreover, Wayanad is best experienced while staying in a tree house with exquisite Vythiri-Kerala holiday package.

Best Time: October to May Tip: Carry a torch with extra pair of batteries for local sightseeing such as Edakkal Caves and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kerala In 4 Days: Must Experiences

You cannot return from your 4-day Kerala trip without engaging in these delightful experiences there. See which ones they are and take your pick:

1. Backwater Cruise In A Houseboat

Image Source The sparkling and crystal clear backwaters form the heart of Kerala that gives life to all the Kerala trips. Cruise through the waters of the Arabian Sea while you soak in the natural beauty of green palms and exotic coconut trees.

Locations: Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kasargod Best Time: June to March Operators: ATDC Alleppey , The Houseboat Kerala , Alappuzha Houseboats Cost: For Houseboats, prices depend on the size of the houseboats and vary from INR 7000 (sharing basis) to 10,000 (individual basis) and onwards. Tips:

• Make sure you carry a mosquito repellent as backwaters are home to mosquitoes as well.
• To break the language barrier, request for a English/Hindi speaking guide and caretaker.

  15 Wondrous Backwater Resorts In Kerala For A Pampered Holiday!

2. Ayurvedic Massage And Treatments

After backwaters, Ayurveda is the most prominent quality to which Kerala and its tourism has been associated to. Carrying forth the unsurpassed traditions, Kerala Ayurveda is a lifestyle in itself that promotes harmony of body, mind and soul.

3. Snake Boat Race

Image Source This is one event which is not only famous in India but also across the world. Accommodating about 100 rowers at an average in a boat, snake boat races are not-to-be-missed sights when in Kerala. The most famous one is that of the Nehru Boat Race which is held in Alleppey.

Other Boat Races: Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (Alappuzha), Payippad Jalotsavam (Payippad Lake) and Vallam Kali (Punnamada Lake). Duration: July to September How To Reach: Trivandrum International Airport is 150 kilometers away whereas Alleppey Railway Station is the nearest rail head.

  21 Best Ayurveda Resorts In Kerala That You Ought To Visit

Best Things To Buy In Kerala

From sarees to spices, shopping in Kerala is incomplete without these special souvenirs.

1. Kerala Sarees: Kerala kasavu sarees have now become the standard souvenir by default as they’re attractive and much loved by women. 2. Spices: Kerala has always been famous for its rich and exotic spices that also helped in establishing many trade centers in Kerala. 3. Coir Products & Handicrafts: Locally made coir and cane products along with brass works, ivory works and sandalwood carvings can be best bought at Government stores and centers. 4. Nettipattam: Crafted out of gold and copper, Nettipattam is the the shining ornament that is worn on elephant’s forehead. 5. Traditional Lamps: The “Nilavilakku” or the traditional lamps are most sought souvenirs that are lit during all the auspicious occasions.

Basic Malayalam For Travelers

Learning few terms in a foreign language is as cool as getting familiar with one of our own. Every traveler must know a few common terms in the local language before visiting the respective place and it is the same with Malayalam in Kerala too.

• Hello: Namaskaram
• Glad to meet you: Kandathil Santhosham
• Thank you: Upakaram OR Nandri

57 Best Places To Visit In Kerala For A Vacation To Remember!

Things To Remember

• Keep this guide handy.
• Remember that alcohol is banned in most of the parts in Kerala.
• Most of the shops accept debit or credit cards in Kerala so keep limited amount of cash while traveling.
• With all due respect to all the religions, enquire well before entering a temple in Kerala as some of the temples are open only to Hindus.

Intrigued much? Be it solo or with family or friends, book enticing Kerala tour packages with TravelTriangle and live an experience like never before! Know of any more things one can indulge in during their 4-day in Kerala? Share them in the comments section below.

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Frequently Asked Questions About 4 Days In Kerala

Even during the spread of coronavirus, will it be safe to visit this place?

Yes, Kerala has recovered and people have taken the virus and it’s effects quite seriously here. People from all over the world are not allowed here till effective vaccination is introduced, however, people of India, specifically from the neighboring states can come here anytime.

What is Kerala famous for?

Kerala is mainly famous for its backwaters and houseboats rides. People from all over India, as well as the world, go to Kerala to have a relaxing getaway and spend at least 4 days in Kerala.

Is Kerala a state?

Yes, Kerala is one of the states of India which is situated in the south part of the country.

Is Kerala safe to visit?

Being one of the safest destinations in India, Kerala tops the list of tourist places in India.

Which city is the best in Kerala?

One cannot name one best city as there are many beautiful cities to explore in Kerala. Some of these are Thekkady, Alleppey, Kochi, Kozhikode, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram.

What can I buy in Kerala?

Some of the best things to buy in Kerala are banana chips, handmade jewelry, coconut products, Kathakali masks, and handicrafts.

What is the favorite food of Kerala?

Appam is the most famous food in Kerala along with dosa, rasam, idli, and sambhar. Appam is a combination of vegetables that is served with different kinds of curries.

Do people speak English in Kerala?

Both English and Malayalam are taught in the schools and Kerala has been declared as the first state with a 100% literacy level. So, there will be no issues with the English language.

Which month is best to visit Kerala?

September to March marks the best time to visit Kerala. Whether planning a vacation with friends, family or alone, make sure that you consider these months.

What is the climate in Kerala?

The temperature in Kerala ranges from 17 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. But the temperature dips down in the winter season.

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An Itinerary for a lush road trip in Kerala, India

Brightly coloured houses, reticent but smiling locals, and low-lying clouds. Undulating Tea Estates spread out as far as the eye can see, mystic spice plantations and coffee farms spread over acres, walls covered with bright red hibiscus flowers, and roads lined with sunflowers. A road trip in Kerala is a delightful assault to the senses – the colours, the smiles, and the landscapes are bound to leave the traveller in you reeling with joy.

Suggested itinerary for a road trip in Kerala

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a road trip in Kerala before I divulge the route we took and provide tips and tricks to making the most of a road trip to Kerala in 2 weeks:

• Tea Estates and hills at Munnar or Wayanad (3-4 days)
• Spice Plantations and wildlife at Thekkady (3 days)
• Backwaters and houseboats at Kumarakom or Alleppey (3 days)
• Beaches at Varkala or Kovalam (3 days)
• City life in Kochi, with a day trip to Athirappilly (2 days)

Our itinerary for a road trip in Kerala

Of course the itinerary charted above is flexible. You can weed out places based on personal preferences and the amount of time at hand. We had just 10 days in Kerala, so we decided to skip the beaches of Varkala and Kovalam. Here’s the route we followed on our road trip in Kerala:

Budgeting for your road trip in Kerala

Let’s start with the logistics first – car rental and expenses. The overall cost of this road trip will depend on the city of departure and the hotels you choose. Kerala boasts of some stunning hotels and you can choose everything from bespoke hideaways to homestays, depending on your budget and personal preferences. Here’s a list of expenses other than accommodation

• Domestic flights to Coimbatore/Kochi cost under £100/INR 10,000 from most cities in India
• A rental car will set you back by approximately £20-£30/INR 2000-3000 per day depending on the car you choose.
• We spent £45/INR 4500 on fuel for a 10 day road trip. This amount will increase if you decide to drive down to Kovalam.
• It’s easy to eat for less than £5/INR 500 at little eateries across Kerala. They serve delectable food and have a variety of local delicacies on offer. There are also several fine-dining restaurants in the area and some of our favourites are mentioned in the article below.

Driving and Renting a car for your road trip in Kerala

You know just how much we love driving around in new places and this was no exception. Driving in Kerala is much easier than Ladakh (our last road trip in India). Roads are in good shape and drivers are not aggressive. However do beware than this route featured hilly drives and hairpin bends by the dozen, so drive yourself only if you have previous experience driving in hills. Having said that, we loved driving in Kerala. We would recommend it if you’re a seasoned driver who enjoys road trips.

We would definitely recommend renting with an Indian rental company while you are in India as they understand the nuances of the market well. We’ve rented with Myles Cars in India before and enjoyed their service, so we decided to stick to the same provider this time around too. We picked up our car –  Mahindra XUV 500 – from Coimbatore airport. It was

10 Essential Experiences on your road trip in Kerala

• Prance in the tea estates of Munnar
• Go for a wildlife safari at Periyar National Park
• Buy fragrant local spices and loose leaf tea for friends and family back home
• Visit a coffee farm
• Go canoeing in Vembanad Lake
• Stay in a houseboat as your explore the backwaters of Kerala
• Sample Toddy, an alcoholic drink made from the sap of the palm tree
• Try local delicacies such as Meen Pollichathu (fish wrapped in banana leaf), Meen Curry (spiced fish curry), Avial (vegetables in a coconut curry), dosas (savoury crépes), and Ulli Theeyal (shallot curry)
• Hunt down waterfalls at Chelarkovil or Athirappilly
• Make friends – locals in the area are friendly and helpful. Talk to them, pick their brains about scenic spots in the vicinity, and share a meal (or two) with them.

Best time to visit Kerala

The months between November and February are perfect to visit Kerala. Expect moderate temperatures and lush green estates. Of course these are peak months, so expected higher rates and crowds at popular places. We wanted to avoid the tourist hordes, so we visited during March, which is a shoulder month. It was perfect but some days did tend to get extremely hot and humid, especially in the backwaters.

July and August are popular with tourists too as this is peak monsoon season. Kerala’s monsoons are special – expect an abundance of greenery and beautiful waterfalls.

Day by day itinerary for a road trip in Kerala

Day 1: fly into coimbatore and drive to munnar.

This day is reserved for arriving in Munnar, the first stop on your road trip of Kerala. Fly into Kochi or Coimbatore. We chose Coimbatore International Airport because it is serviced by Myles.  We picked up are rental car at the airport and kick started our road trip.

Roads are in great shape and there are lots of supermarkets and restaurants on the way. Stock up on snacks, fruits for your road trip. There’s no need to go overboard as hot food is readily available during the length of this road trip in Kerala. Stop at Thoovanam Falls on the way  – the gurgling waterfall is worth a pitstop only if you’re visiting during monsoon months (July & August)

The scenery will begin to change dramatically as you inch closer to Munnar. The searing sun will give way to a nip in the air. Winding roads punctuated with undulating tea plantations and rolling hills will welcome you to the area.

Accommodation in Munnar

Munnar town is quite crowded and chaotic. We suggest staying in a hotel in a village called Chinnakanal. The village is a convenient forty minute drive from Munnar. Here it is possible to stay in a hotel or homestay in the midst of gorgeous tea plantations. Two hotels that boast of great views in the area are Terrace Greens and Club Mahindra. We chose the former for our stay in Munnar – rooms at Terrace Greens aren’t luxurious but they are spacious and well-equipped. Food is tasty. However the lack of wifi in the rooms lets it down.

The hotel is nestled in the countryside, so make sure you stock up on provisions beforehand. Munnar is twenty kilometres away and Surianelli village, which has a large bustling market, is just 5 kilometres away

Days 1-4: Explore Munnar and Chinnakanal

There are lots of things to do in the area but waking up to the sight of endless tea plantations would have to be one of my favourite experiences in Munnar. Low hanging clouds float over verdant tea estates, lending magic to the proceedings.

But we weren’t just exploring tea estates or photographing them. Here’s a list of other things to see and do in the area:

•  Anayirankal Dam and Lake: a picturesque boating and picnic spot, Anayirankal Dam and Lake provides photo opportunities by the dozen.
• Mattupetty Dam and Lake: one of the most popular sites in the area, it tends to get quite crowded. We didn’t love the viewing area but really enjoyed driving along the lake.
• Top Station and Echo Point: Combine your trip to Mattupetty Dam with a drive to Echo Point and Top Station. This makes for an incredibly scenic drive. Expect gorgeous views of the Western Ghats and magical low-lying clouds everywhere.
• Kolukkumalai tea estate: A bumpy ride gets you to the world’s highest tea plantation, where tea is picked and processed in a traditional fashion. Kolukkumalai is gorgeous and definitely worth a visit.
• A traditional tea factory: It should be illegal to leave Munnar without visiting a traditional tea factory. Watch tea leaves being painstakingly picked and processed into high-quality tea. Make sure you pick a bag or two for friends and family back home.

Day 5: Drive from Munnar to Thekkady

After luxuriating in the green environs of Munnar for a few days, it is time to continue with your road trip of Kerala. Start early as the drive from Munnar to Thekkady is one of the prettiest ones – you will want to stop for photographs every few kilometres.

The drive begins, quite predictably, with endless stretches of tea estates. Gradually these get replaced by spice plantations and coffee farms. Roads snaking through Kerala’s Cardamom Hills are lined with bright red hibiscus flowers and chrome sunflowers. Every once in a while, purple wild flowers make an appearance, as if to add even more colour to the landscape.  Check in to your hotel on reaching Thekkady.

Accommodation in Thekkady

Try to opt for an experiential hotel in the area. Choosing a hotel that in the midst of a spice plantation amplifies the experience manifold. We stayed in Shalimar Spice Garden . Shalimar Spice Garden is a rustic yet luxurious hideaway in Thekkady. The hotel is located in the middle of 30 acres of spice plantations. Rooms are well-equipped, spacious, and boast of huge balconies. The hotel boasts of a gorgeous pool area dotted with hammocks and swings. The in-house restaurant serves delectable food. We loved our stay at Shalimar Spice Garden and would recommend it wholeheartedly.

Days 5-8: Explore Thekkady and Periyar National Park

Spend your days in Thekkady exploring its rich spice plantations, the Periyar National Park, and its surroundings. Here are a few of our favourite things to do in Thekkady on your road trip of Kerala:

Visiting Periyar National Park

Boat tours are coveted at the park because tickets are limited. Apparently you can book tickets online but despite multiple attempts, we were unable to do that.  If you want to get on a boat safari at Periyar National Park, then plan on getting up early. Get to the entrance of Periyar National Reserve by 5.45 am, park your car, get your entrance tickets (INR 65 for Indian Nationals and £3.5/INR300 for foreign nationals) and board the bus operated by the Forest Reserve. If you get onboard the first bus, chances are you’ll get a ticket for the much coveted boat ride (£2/INR150) . This is what we did but to be honest, we didn’t see much (except for a couple of stray birds). The Periyar Lake is pretty early in the morning. But the boat safari at Periyar National Park is definitely not worth the effort, especially if you’ve been to other destinations rich in wildlife such as South Africa or Australia. If you want to visit the National Park, opt for a Jeep Safari at Gavi instead.

Other than visiting Periyar National Park, here are a few of our favourite things to do in the area.

• Chellarkovil: The area boasts of waterfalls and cascades during monsoon season. There was no water at the waterfalls when we visited. But the sleepy village of Chellarkovil makes for a great drive and offers sweeping views of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu too. It’s also a great picnic spot, so make sure you pack a snack or two.
• There are some great treks in Kurushmala Hills – it’s better to opt for guided treks in the area
• The bustling town of Kumily is the gateway to scenic drives in the Periyar Valley. Pandikuzhi is a great place to stop for a picnic or a few photographs.

Day 8: Drive from Thekkady to Kumarakom

This drive isn’t the most scenic of the lot as it passes through lots of busy towns and chaotic villages. If you enjoy hiking, make sure you go for a short hike to Eagle Eock in the village of Parunthumpara on the way to Peerumedu . It offers a vantage point from where one can drink in views of the neighbouring valleys, mountains, and villages. Also try stopping in one of the villages on the way for a meal or a cup of coffee – experience everyday life in a village, explore Kerala’s pastel churches, or photographs its brightly-coloured houses. Upon reaching Kumarakom, you will start spotting glimpses of Kerala’s iconic backwaters and lagoons. Check into your hotel and prepare to be smitten by this quaint village of canals.

Accommodation in Kumarakom

The backwaters of Kerala boast of some stunning hotels. On the recommendation of dozens of friends and readers, we booked a pool villa at CGH Earth Coconut Lagoon Resort . And we couldn’t be happier about it. It is definitely one of the prettiest hotels we’ve EVER stayed at (and we’ve stayed in thousands!). You can park your car at their private parking at Kumarakom Jetty and board their boat, which brings you to the hotel. We promise you will fall in love with the hotel almost as soon as you float into the reception area. The hotel complex resembles a traditional village, intersected by canals and lagoons. We chose a room overlooking the backwaters of Kerala – rooms are luxurious and boast of modern amenities. Can’t recommend this one enough!

Days 8-12: Explore the backwaters of Kerala and experience life on a houseboat

The backwaters of Kerala will seduce you in no time. Spend your days taking in the stunning scenery.

• Go for a languorous canoe ride on Vembanad Lake or a sunset cruise in the backwaters.
• Treat yourself to a traditional Ayurvedic massage, which is bound to leave you feeling rejuvenated.
• Savour local delicacies such as Meen Pollichathu (grilled fish) or Karimeen curry (spicy fish curry), and  Sadya (traditional vegetarian feast) at meal times.
• Go for a bird-watching walk – Kumarakom bird sanctuary is famous for hundreds of species of birds and attracts bird enthusiasts from all around the world.

Spend your last night in Kumarakom on a houseboat. This is an experience like no other. Make sure you choose a traditional houseboat fashioned out of reed, cork, and bamboo. We spent the night on a 1 bedroom houseboat by Spice Coast Cruises and loved the experience. The evening was spent sailing past duck farms, busy villages, and floating shops. We watched the sun set over the backwaters from the comfort of our houseboat. We devoured a three course meal as the day metamorphosed into night. Most of the evening was spent lounging on the boat while staring at the stars. Make the most of it as it will soon be time to drive out of Kumarakom.

Days 12-15: Fly back or continue to the beaches of Kerala

If you have a few more days in Kerala, you should drive from Kumarakom to the southern tip of the state to explore its beaches. Varkala is a perfect pit stop if you like beach destinations sprinkled with bohemia. If you enjoy classic luxury, then choose a decadent hotel in the coastal town of Kovalam .

We had just 12 days in Kerala, so we drove back to Coimbatore International Airport from Kumarkom and boarded our flight back to New Delhi. You can also spend a night or two in Kochi on your way back to Coimbatore. Make sure you drive to Athirappilly Waterfalls if you’re in Kochi.

That’s it – an idyllic 2 week road trip in Kerala, India. This road trip offers a plethora of panoramas, sights, and cultural experiences – it is bound to leave you rejuvenated! We loved our time in Kerala and can’t wait to go back!

Want to experience our road trip in Kerala with us? Check out our vlog from Kerala

Planning a trip to Kerala? Read about our favourite hotels in Kerala

Love road trips? Read about our 14 favourite road trips around the world

Previous Post

A romantic getaway in Kerala with Plush Escapes

Bruised Passports – Q&A with Savi and Vid

81 thoughts on “ an itinerary for a lush road trip in kerala, india ”.

Wow,the pics… Perfect road trip amidst greens! Made me cast back my trip 🙂

So happy you enjoyed reading about our road trip in Kerala Indu 🙂 We loved every bit of it

Hey Hi guys. I am huge fan of your blog. The road trip itenary suggested by you for kerala is amazing. Can i go in the rainy season for the same road trip??

Hey Priyanka – thanks a ton. So happy you enjoyed reading about our road trip in Kerala 🙂 You can go during rainy season but do beware than some roads can get blocked due to heavy rain during that time of year

Beautiful description about my home state. Wayanad is also another beautiful place which is located in north Kerala. You can drive to Bandipur via Wayanad to Ooty- Coonnor and get back to Coimbatore.

Thanks a ton Remya – wish we had time for Wayanad and Ooty on this trip but that gives us a reason to be back soon 🙂

You people are doing a great job I have been seeing your videos and reading your blogs and they are really helpful. Planning vacations are now just reading one of your blog away. Savi and Vid I am a travel enthusiast and you both are my role models. Thank you

This itinerary looks so perfect. I LOVE kerala and keep going back for long weekends (I am from Bangalore). Now I want to visit again! The photos are just brilliant, couldn’t take my eyes off them! The houseboat looks so pretty and charming and cozy. 🙂 You guys should visit Coorg and Sakleshpur next. I am sure you would love both places!

Thanks Ramya 🙂 The houseboat made for quite the experience. We are contemplating going to Coorg next – hope it happens super soon

My native is on your way to Thekkady to Kumarakom, but I should say that I have not visited most places in this place. But your post and these beautiful pictures are inspiring me to explore more of Kerala as soon as I can.

Wow – that’s the greatest compliment EVER Elizabeth. So happy to hear we’ve encourage a Keralite to explore her own state – yay 🙂

I’ll be dreaming of gorgeous tea plantations and house boats tonight, that’s for sure! You guys are the reason my travel lustlist is growing at such a fast rate, haha! You guys have made Kerala sound perfect ??

Aww thanks Adele – hearing from you always makes our day. Travel lustlist growing too fast? That’s our work done then 😉

Beautiful description with jaw droppings pictures. I too had a road trip covering a few parts of Kerala. Must say Kerala is b’tful and need not say how it’s named ‘God’s Own country’. U guys have summed it up so well. My houseboat is dues and will be making it sometime soon. Thanks for reminding me of what I missed. ?? Also, I would second to Remya. Take a drive to Wayanad and go through the raw beauty it has. Staying at Bandipur jungle resort is another amazing experience. Looking forward to your next post. Much Love to U both. ??

Thanks Akanksha – so happy you enjoyed reading the article. Hope you make it to a houseboat soon 🙂 We’ll definitely take that drive to Wayanad sometime in the near future 🙂

I am planning a trip to Kerala, and I am sure I will be stealing most of this itinerary. Thank you. 🙂

Glad you enjoyed it Kaveri – have fun in Kerala 🙂

Kerala is beautiful place of India and it is full with beautiful things. Natural beauty is one of the best attraction. it have one of the biggest beaches of india and so stunning photos you shared.

We are happy to know that you enjoyed seeing the pictures we clicked in Kerala. It is a beautiful place and our trip there was nothing less than magical in the true sense.

Beautiful pictures and article AS ALWAYS! I’ve read quite a lot of travel blogs but this is the only one which does not have even one article which is anything short of amazing! Oh and don’t know why,but mention of my hometown Coimbatore made me super happy! 😀

Thank so much – so happy to know you feel that way. A lot of thought and time goes into putting together each article, so your comment is truly appeciated 🙂 Also, hi five for Coimbatore

The peppercorn picture is the best! Did you ask them to do something funny, or did they just do that on their own?

Thanks Lori – I didn’t. Just struck a conversation and captured it while talking to them 🙂

Perfect itinerary. Sunset from a houseboat picture looks so magical. I like the way you’ll write.

Hey Loreta – great to hear that. Thanks a ton 🙂

Beautiful pictures guys! I am planning a road trip to kerala from hyderabad. We have like 7 days in hand. Not possible to cover all of it I guess.Any itinerary suggestions??

Hey Ruhi – unfortunately we haven’t driven that route yet. Sorry about that 🙂

Hello Savi and Vid, so after reading your this blog post multiple times and checking google again and again, we went for Munnar last week 27th Aug 2017. And yeah we did cover main points you suggested at Munnar..It was raining for first two days but on the day of actual sight seeing, it was lovely sunny out.. Vid, I must tell you, I try to click pictures like you do, the locals, the lush green tea plants and all.. and output is always great. Big Thanks to you both.. Yeah we used public transport for Coimbatore to Munnar , Munnar to Alleppy..KSRTC buses..BOM to Coimbtore and Cochin to BOM flight. PS: We Skipped early morning Thekkady boat ride too 😛

Cheers, Ashay

Thanks a lot for the beautiful message. It’s amazing that you used public transport and covered so much – well done 😀

Do share your photos with us if you get the chance.

WOW I am going to India for the first time next week and have been reading your blog like crazy! Your photos are AMAZING, what kind of camera do you use? Would you say maxi dresses are ok for rajasthan if they are high on the neck but show shoulders? I am in love with all your oufits–such great style !

Hey Sierra – thanks a ton 🙂 Maxi Dresses are ok for Rajasthan but just carry a scarf along to cover your shoulders in busy marketplaces or near religious sites

A very detailed, inspiring and informative post 🙂

Thank you Jo- glad you liked it 🙂

Amazing pictures ..and a very detailed explanation ..next in my list …I have followed ur Slovenia iternary and Kerala in my next bucket list ..Thanks Savi and Vid

Thank you so much Kriti – hope you had a great time driving in Kerala

Very very helpful ! Thanks a ton 🙂

You’re welcome 🙂 Hope y ou enjoyed your road trip in Kerala

I’m coming to kerala with two friends next month! What was your favorite part of your trip? We are thinking about giving thekady a miss and concentrating on munnar and kumarakom/alleppey, curious to hear your opinion of it we only have a week, what would you cut out of your intinerary!

Hey Sierra,

Our favourite part has to be Kumarakom and the night we spent on the boat house. YEs, we’d give Thekaddy a miss and spend longer in Munnar/Kumarakom

For this whole trip which places did you need to take the inner permit for your vehicle? I am wondering as i am also planning the same roadtrip on this route with Myles. Thank you ?

From my recollection we did have to take permits in different places but don’t really remember how many places. But I do remember that it wasn’t difficult at all and we didn’t have to do anything in advance

Hi Can u guys suggest me best resort in kovalam i am travelling in june with 1 kid

Hey we stayed at CGH Coconut lagoon and can’t fault it 🙂

wow, these include a lot of information relating to Munnar, its very use full for every visitors. If you are looking for the best resorts and hotels in Munnar http://themunnarqueen.in/

Hey savi n vid.. I love to see yr post on insta.. they r amazing… V r planning for kerala trip.. n i have heard abt bamboo rafting in thekary.. any experiance of it..

Credibility of the post is highly appreciable with the benefits are fantastic. Can view the best work of budgeting trip for Kerala, within the single page of this blog. Not needed for guide at all !!

Hi Savi & Vid. I have been closely following you on Instagram and your posts on travel make me jealous. Wish I could go roam the country (leave aside the world) more frequently. I am mesmerized by every post of yours.

Anyways I have been planning a trip to Kerala in December (we shall start from Kochi) for 4 days/3 nights. My friends and family suggested Munnar-Takkady-Kumarkom (1 night stay at a boathouse). We would reach Munnar by afternoon as we would definitely stop for various waterfalls along kochi-munnar route. But we would stay only 1 night in munnar (I wanted to stay 2 days) and leave next day morning around 11 am for tekkady. Do you think this plan can get hectic? Or should we skip Tekkady/Periyar altogether for a more relaxed holiday? Any suggestions on an itinerary? Any places you feel we should not miss around Munnar (like chinna kanal) if we decide to stay there for 2 days?

Your suggestions could be of great help. Please help out!!

Definitely seems hectic – you won’t be able to enjoy at all 🙂 Best to spend 2 days in and around Munnar and then head to Kumarakom

Hi savi and vid

Loved your post so much that we ended up planning similar itinary for my 31st birthday. Everything u have written , have almost witnessed it. Love every details you put in your every pic. Keep sharing your amazing travel stories and keep inspiring us. Pls tell where we can share pictures with you guys.

Hey Ritika 🙂

Thank you so much – glad you had a great time 🙂 You can either email us the photos at bruisedpassports {at} gmail {dot} com or send us a message on our Instagram: @bruisedpassports 🙂

What a beautiful post and I love the pictures! Kerala is most beautiful place and top tourist destination in India. Munnar is my favorite place in Kerala, it is adorned with lofty mountains, lush greenery, misty clouds, waterfalls and much more. Thank you for sharing the wonderful travel guide for Kerala.

Happy to hear you enjoyed our experience in Kerala 🙂

You know the feeling you get when you stumble upon juuuuust the perfect itinerary , that resonates totally with how you would want your trip to be…this was it ! Thanks for sharing this, so, so helpful write up !

That’s MUSIC to our ears 🙂 Do share your photos whenever you visit 🙂

Hey guys, Thank you so much for sharing this information. I really like to visit munnar.

Happy to hear that!

I have plan to go for summer vacation and search for where to go and reached on your blog where I see Kerala is best place for holiday destination and I will plan for kerala in next week. Thanks for sharing amazing content and photos.

Happy to hear that 🙂

Hi Savi and Vid,

I discovered your Youtube channel a while back and was instantly impressed, inspired and not to mention, instantly subscribed. I’ve enjoyed the many trip reports there and so when I was “Googling” about itineraries for our upcoming Kerala trip and found a link to your blog, it definitely brought a smile and a feeling that this is going to be it. And after going through it and seeing the pictures, I’ll say I was not disappointed at all.

Anyway, to the subject. As I mentioned it’s going to be a Family Trip – 6 adults, Two kids (2 yr and 1 yr). The dates – 20th-27th September. Unfortunately, we don’t have many days. So my question is, can your itinerary be modified to 7 days and will the season be good? Also, I checked Myles but they don’t have availability on those days. Any other Car Rental recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks. Anticipating a reply, even though this blog post is quite old now.

Thanks for your message. Yes you can definitely fit this into 7 days – spend 2-3 days in and around Munnar, 2 days in Thekkady, and 2 nights in Coconut Lagoon 🙂

Haven’t really tried any other rental agency – perhaps you could try Zoomcar?

Have a great road trip in Kerala and share photos with us 🙂

Appreciate the response. We ended up going for 8 days and hiring an Innova. We did 2 days in Kovalam, 2 in Varkala, 1 in Alleppey, 2 in Munnar and 1 in Kochi. It was a great trip. I haven’t uploaded any photos because I’m too lazy for that, unlike you guys. Keep up the good work and happy travels! By the way, just saw your Arctic Cruise video…so awesome!

Nice content and pics especially the sceneries that you have captured are awesome.

Thanks Ram!

Your post is completely fantastic, fabulous and inspiring! Lovely one! Awesome captures. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks a ton Sarah – so happy you found our tips for a roadtrip in Kerala helpful 🙂

Hey guys! Loved the article and the pictures <3 I am planning a road trip to Kerala with my parents and I've included almost all the suggestions given in this itinerary. Also, can I get a suggestion on the kind of clothes I should carry for a comfortable trip in Kerala? I would be travelling there in mid-February. Thank you.

Carry breathable cotton fabrics 🙂

Thanks a lot , nice info, i had been around kerala many times, but planning with family by road from bangalore, your info is really great thanks again

You’re welcome Raji. Hope you have a great road trip to Kerala 🙂

It’s a very beautifully weaved post and very informative as well. Love the pictures.

Thanks for sharing a very nice blog post.

Heyy Savvi and Vid! I have a question: for Houseboats and backwaters, which is a better place to visit : Allepey or Kumarakom?

Hey both are great but we like Kumarakom better

Thanks for sharing nice post

Thanks for sharing a very nice blog post

Nice blog… Visit Oshin Hotels in Wayanad on your next trip to Kerala. https://oshinhotels.com/

Your vivid descriptions and beautiful photos transport readers to each destination, making it feel like we’re right there with you. I appreciate the personal touch you bring to your travel experiences, offering insights that go beyond the typical tourist spots. It’s evident that your passion for exploration shines through every post

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A complete itinerary for your 3 days in Kerala

How to Reach

Where to stay, the day-wise itinerary, day 1: exploring fort kochi, day 3: munnar's tea gardens and nature.

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Tourist Places to Visit for 5 Days in Kerala India

The state of Kerala in India is known by its moniker of ‘God’s Own Country’. After spending 5 days in Kerala, it’s not hard to see why. The state is filled with stunning natural beauty from tranquil backwaters to verdant tea plantations and tropical beaches. A confluence of religions also coexists in Kerala, including Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Jains. This Kerala itinerary covers the best places to visit in Kerala in 5 days.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Kerala Itinerary Overview

Best time to visit kerala.

The best time to visit Kerala is in the winter from October to March. Don’t let the ‘winter’ label fool you, as the weather during this season is pleasant, hot but not humid and outside the main monsoon season.

Kerala’s weather gets rather hot and humid in April and May, and then turns monsoonal from June to September. We visited in January, when the weather was hot and dry, but not wet or humid. In other words, just perfect!

Getting Around Kerala

Once you’re on the ground, it’s super easy to get around Kerala. While you can hire a private driver for the duration of your trip, there’s actually no need at all to book transport in advance. Rather, your accommodation will be able to hook you up with transport to your next location, with very reasonable rates for private drivers or taxis.

Kerala 5 Day Itinerary

In 5 days in Kerala, you’ll comfortably have time to visit Fort Kochi (1 night), stay on a houseboat in the Kerala backwaters (2 nights), and visit either the inland hill country (and tea plantations) or the coastal beach (1 night). We opted for the hill country, as we feel it’s more unique to the region and we can take beach holidays many places around Asia.

If you really want to pack in everything that Kerala has to offer, then adjust this Kerala 5 day itinerary to spend 1 night in Fort Kochi, 1 night on a houseboat, 1 night in Munnar for the tea plantations and 1 night at the beach. Disclaimer: This will be pretty rushed and will involve a lot of driving.

Even better, extend your Kerala itinerary and spend an additional night or two at each location. Kerala is a beautiful and relaxing place, and I could easily have spent a few extra days whiling away life on a houseboat. And don’t forget to factor transfer times into your itinerary – the roads can be slow, narrow and windy. Read on for a more detailed breakdown of your perfect 5 day Kerala itinerary.

Day 1: Fort Kochi

Start your Kerala trip with a day exploring Fort Kochi, a charming historic beach town in central Kerala. Fort Kochi is famous for unique Chinese fishing nets that line the shores of the beach, and has a blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial architecture. Fort Kochi is very compact, so is easy to explore in just one day.

How to Get to Fort Kochi

Kochi is the best place to start your Kerala itinerary, as Cochin Airport is the largest airport in Kerala. Cochin Airport is served by direct flights from many domestic and international locations.

The drive from Cochin Airport to Fort Kochi is around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. You can organise a pick up with your hotel in advance, or grab an airport taxi for around 1350 rupees / US$18.

Fort Kochi Itinerary

The very best things to do in Fort Kochi can be visited in one full day, although there’s certainly enough going on to keep you entertained for 2-3 days.

To make the most of a short time in Fort Kochi, I recommend starting your day with a tuk tuk tour of Fort Kochi . Tuk tuk tours typically cost a very reasonable US$15-20 per person for around 4 hours. The tours will take you to the best spots in Fort Kochi and nearby Mattancherry, including the Chinese fishing nets, spice markets and various temples, churches and palaces.

If you prefer to explore alone, spend the morning sightseeing in Fort Kochi on foot before it gets too hot. Visit the following spots:

Beach Front: Get started with a stroll along Fort Kochi beach and Mahatma Gandhi Beach. In between the beaches, stop to check out the 18th century Dutch Cemetery with over 100 tombs and the ruins of Fort Emmanuel.

Chinese Fishing Nets: Just past Mahatma Gandhi Beach, you’ll find the impressive (and rather massive!) Chinese fishing nets. The fishing nets were introduced to Kochi by Chinese explorers over 500 years ago. The cantilevered design means that the large nets can be operated by 4 to 6 local fishermen. It’s strangely mesmerising to watch the nets slowly bob up and down catching fish.

St Francis Church: St Francis Church is just a few minutes walk from the Chinese Fishing nets near River Road. It’s one of the oldest European Churches in India, and has a gorgeous faded facade with a small bell tower.

Santa Cruz Basilica: Continuing the church theme, Santa Cruz Basilica (photo above) is an utterly impressive basilica straight out of a fairytale. The basilica features towering white spires with intricate detailing, and gothic pastel interiors filled with murals, frescoes and ceiling paintings. The basilica is on Bastian St, around 5 minutes walk from St Francis Church.

Jew Town: Jump in a tuk tuk and head around 2.5km southeast to Jew Town, a historic Jewish area in Mattancherry. Wander around the local spice markets and antique shops, and put your bartering skills to the test! Don’t miss the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest remaining synagogue in the British Commonwealth dating back to 1568.

Mattancherry Palace: If you have time, visit Mattancherry Palace just five minutes walk from Jew Town. Mattancherry Palace is a large palace with a mix of Kerala and colonial styles, which is also known as the Dutch Palace.

Depending on your start time and pace, the tuk tuk tour or independent sightseeing should take you through to lunchtime or early afternoon. In the afternoon, why not take it down a notch and relax. (You are on holiday after all!)

Have a lazy lunch at one of the upscale hotels along the waterfront, such as Brunton Boatyard (which I loved) or Fort House Hotel. After lunch, meander through the historic colonial streets of Fort Kochi which are packed with shops, cafes and art galleries, including cute Princess St. Afternoons in Fort Kochi can get pipping hot and humid, so finish your day with a relaxing swim and cocktail at the hotel pool.

Fort Kochi Accommodation

Fort Kochi has a wide range of hotels to suit every budget and taste.

Luxury ($$$): If you have cash to splash, then you can’t go past the gorgeous colonial hotels in Fort Kochi. We adored the lovely Forte Kochi Hotel  (photo above), a beautifully restored colonial hotel in the heart of Fort Kochi with a great swimming pool. If you prefer to be on the waterfront, check out Brunton Boatyard where we loved the restaurant with harbour views.

Check Forte Kochi Rates:   Booking.com  |  Agoda

Check Brunton Boatyard Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-range ($$): For a mid-range hotel right on the Fort Kochi harbour, check out Fragrant Nature Fort Kochi . The hotel boasts a pool, multiple restaurants and harbour views.

Check Fragrant Nature Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Budget ($): When I was debating whether go el-budgo in Kerala, I was tempted by the Coconut Grove Homestay , a really reasonably priced and well reviewed homestay in Fort Kochi. Tossing up between a luxury Kochi hotel and a luxury Kerala houseboat? I recommend saving your pennies for the houseboat as you’ll be spending much more time on the houseboat than in your hotel!

Check Coconut Grove Homestay Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Days 2 and 3: Kerala Houseboat

Staying on a houseboat and cruising around the tranquil backwaters is probably the quintessential Kerala bucket list activity. It is bound to be one of the most relaxing holidays you’ll ever take, as there’s literally nothing to do other than chill out on the boat’s deck and watch the incredible natural beauty of the backwaters.

The Kerala backwaters are a network of around 900km of waterways made up of interconnected lakes, canals, rivers and lagoons, surrounded by lush rice fields and small villages. Houseboats float along the beautiful waterways, docking up for meals and overnight stays.

How to Get to Kerala Houseboats

The main area where houseboats depart from is Alleppey (also known as Alapphuzha), around 60km south of Fort Kochi or 80km south of Cochin Airport. The roads are a little slow, so expect the drive from Fort Kochi to Alleppey to take around 1.5 to 2 hours.

The easiest way to get from Kochi to Alleppey to join your houseboat is to ask your hotel to organise a transfer. Our Kochi hotel organised a transfer in one of the hotel’s super comfortable cars for 3500 rupees / US$45. If you’re travelling on a budget, you can get a taxi or transfer for as little as 1500 rupees $US20.

Kerala Houseboat Itinerary

I recommend staying on a Kerala houseboat for 2 nights. Why? The longer you spend on the houseboat, the further away from civilisation (read: other houseboats) you’ll get. If you only stay the day or one night on a houseboat, then you’ll spend a lot of time around the main lake area and nearby canals which are packed with houseboats and tend to have more rubbish. Plus, the houseboats need to be back at the main dock at around 9am, so a one night stay can feel quite short. However, if you’re easily bored and like to keep busy with activities on holidays, then one night might be enough for you.

A typical itinerary on a Kerala houseboat starts at around 12pm. After introductions and a welcome drink, you’ll putter along the lakes and canals for an hour or two before docking the boat at a beautiful spot for lunch. Meals on the houseboat can be quite an affair, with multiple delish curry and vege dishes, served with rice, bread and sauces. Houseboats do not serve alcohol, but will usually happily chill wine or beer for you if you want to bring your own along.

After lunch, you’ll set away again for an afternoon of cruising around the backwaters soaking up the incredible lush green scenery, and maybe stopping at a local village or going for a canoe ride. The boat will dock overnight at around 5:30pm (overnight cruising is not permitted) just before the sun goes down, which makes for the perfect time for a walk along the banks by the rice paddies before dinner.

On day 2, you’ll do it all over again, venturing even further into the backwaters. Make sure you stock up on books, movies, podcasts, games … whatever’s your jam to keep you entertained. Houseboats generally don’t have wifi, so download your choice of entertainment in advance. For those yearning to hark back to a simpler era, switch off the devices, and spend your time watching the world go by and reading books.

On day 3, you’ll head back to the Alleppey bright and early after breakfast. The boats arrive back in Alleppey at around 9am, ready for cleaning before the next lot of guests board.

Kerala Houseboat Accommodation

Kerala houseboats are made in a similar traditional style, called the ’Kettuvallam‘ with a thatched roof and simple design. Most houseboats have bedrooms and bathrooms down the hallway, and an open dining area / deck out the front, sometimes with an upper relaxation deck. The boats come in all sizes from private 2 people boats to large shared boats, and from budget to luxury.

There’s two main options to secure your houseboat. First, book one in advance online. Second (and most common), rock up to Alleppey, walk the docks and negotiate the rate and inclusions for your preferred boat.

While you can get great deals on the spot, I preferred to have a houseboat booked in advance as we only had five nights in Kerala and were visiting over a busy public holiday, so didn’t want to risk wasting time or missing out on a boat.

We opted for the luxury Xandari Riverscapes and honestly couldn’t have been happier. Yup, it’s a little more exxie price wise, but our private boat was spacious, clean and comfortable, with 3 dedicated staff, incredible fresh tasty food, and (my personal fav) a lounging deck up top for the ultimate in relaxation. We were even upgraded to a larger boat on arrival at no cost! I highly recommend snagging a top deck if you can, as otherwise you’ll be spending your time relaxing downstairs with the driver.

Check Xandari Riverscape Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Days 4 and 5: Kerala Hill Country

For the final leg of your 5 day Kerala itinerary, choose between the verdant inland hill country or the tropical coastal beaches. In the hill country, you’ll find green every which way you look, with picturesque tea plantations and rubber plantations. The hill country is the perfect option for hikers.

How to Get to the Kerala Hill Country

In the Kerala hill country, most people visit the hill station Munnar which is nestled in amongst picturesque tea plantations. Munnar is around 150km northeast of Alleppey, or 4-5 hours drive (yup, those slow roads again!). If you’re finishing your Kerala trip by flying out of Cochin Airport, it will then take around 130km / 4 hours drive back from Munnar to the airport.

For us, this was a little too long on the road for just one night. We opted to stay roughly halfway between Kochi and Munnar at Windermere River House, in Inchathotty near the small town of Neriamangalam. While it’s not quite as beautiful as Munnar, the estate is set on a lovely river in a rubber plantation. The drive is around 125km / 3-3.5 hours from Alleppey to Windermere River House. It’s then another 56km / 1.5 hours from Windermere River House back to Cochin Airport.

Kerala Hill Country Itinerary

If you’re staying in Munnar, the area is all about the natural beauty of the great outdoors. If you only have one day in Munnar, take your pick from these breathtakingly beautiful activities:

Tea Plantations: Munnar is all about the beautiful tea plantations. You can visit a tea plantation, stroll through the green tea gardens, and see how tea is made at the tea factory.

Photo Point: As the name might suggest, Photo Point is a beautiful spot to take photographs, due to the tea plantations on both sides and mountain backdrop. Photo Point is around 3km from Munnar.

Echo Point: Around 15km past Photo Point, you’ll reach Echo Point. At Echo Point, you can hear your voice reverberate right back at you. As with most places in Munnar, the scenery is also pretty stunning!

Top Station Viewpoint: Drive for another 17km past Echo Point to reach Top Station, which offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats mountain range. Allow 1-1.5 hours for the return drive to Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park: For animal lovers, visit Eravikulam National Park around 8km north of Munnar. The highlight here is the rare but friendly Nilgiri Tahr.

Munnar Hiking: If you have longer than a day, take your time and hike to Top Station, wander through the tea plantations or venture on another Munnar hike .

If you decide to visit Windermere River House instead of Munnar, spend you days relaxing by the incredible infinity pool overlooking the river, cycle up the road, and talk a walk through the rubber plantation with the resident naturalist.

Kerala Hill Country Accommodation

Munnar & Surrounds

There’s a lot of gorgeous accommodation in and around Munnar. The main feature here is the spectacular scenery and not the towns, so there’s no need to stay anywhere particularly central. Depending on your budget, some good options are:

Luxury ($$$): For a remote luxury retreat, check out SpiceTree Munnar . The resort offers jacuzzi and spa suites and even a villa with a private pool. SpiceTree is in a cardamom plantation around 1 hour drive from Munnar, so is perfect for those looking for nature and solitude.

Check SpiceTree Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range ($$): Neelakurunji Luxury Plantation Bungalow is another great option nestled in a cardamom plantation. Choose from one of 10 lovely rooms in 4 bungalows.

Check Neelakurunji Bungalow Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Budget ($): Okay, it may not exactly qualify as budget, but if you want relatively affordable accommodation surrounded by tea plantations, then a good option is Tea Valley Resort . The resort has a range of rooms and cottages with and without views, and is around 11km south of Munnar.

Check Tea Valley Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Inchathotty

If you want to reduce driving time and don’t mind missing out on the tea plantations, then I can highly recommend the luxury Windermere River House (photo above).

Windermere River House is a gorgeous colonial bungalow perched on the Periyar River and surrounded by two acres of gardens. The rooms are grand and comfortable, with verandahs for relaxing. The local chef whips up Kerala style fare (no menu) in the open air restaurant, and the resident naturalist takes guests for walks to discover local flora and fauna, including the rather surreal and incredibly gorgeous Malabar Giant Squirrel. If you simply prefer to relax, chill out in the infinity pool overlooking the river.

Check Windermere River House Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Kerala Itinerary Option or Extension: Kerala Beaches

If you prefer the beach to the countryside or have longer in your Kerala itinerary, then you may wish to visit the beautiful Kerala beaches instead or or in addition to the hill country. (You know, just in case you hadn’t done enough relaxing in Kerala yet.) The coast is lined with beaches, so find a spot at your favourite or spend your days beach hopping.

While there’s plenty of beaches to choose from in Kerala , the beaches most commonly featured on Kerala itineraries are Kovalam and Varkala.

Kovalam Beach is a busy beach with two pretty coves (Hawa and Lighthouse), with plenty of choices of restaurants. Kovalam is around 240km south of Cochin Airport (around 5.5 – 6 hours drive), or around 160km south of Alleppey (around 3.5 – 4 hours drive).

Want to stay in Kovalam? Check out Kovalam accommodation options .

Varkala Beach is a little more chilled than Kovalam, but still touristy with lots of beach activities and beach bars. Varkala is or around 200km south of Cochin Airport (around 4.5 – 5 hours drive) or around 120km south of Alleppey (around 2.5 – 3 hours drive).

Varkala more your style? Check out Varkala accommodation options .

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It is easy for you if you can visit for a 5 days trip to Kerala. Places to be covered Munnar, thekkady, alleppey and cochin beaches. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful information.

Kerala is major contribution in South India travels and exploration. Do keep posting such relevant content.

I am flying out of Singapore. Which airport which I land in? Cochin?

Yes, Cochin is the best option for flights from Singapore to Kerala. Enjoy!

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A 7 day Kerala itinerary perfect for first-timers

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: March 11, 2023

The make-up is done in such a way that you might think that the actors wear a mask.

Are you wondering what’s the best Kerala itinerary? You came to the right place.

Kerala is super green with lots of palm trees.  

We loved the seemingly endless lush green nature of Kerala, a paradise for nature lovers and for those who want to relax for a few days.

In this Kerala travel blog post, we share our complete Kerala trip itinerary.

So definitely keep reading.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.  

In a hurry? Here we share our Kerala trip plan for 7 days

If you don’t have time to read through the full 7 days Kerala trip itinerary,  use this overview to get an idea of the things to do each day and save it for later.

• Day 1-2 Kochi ( Cochin ):  Chinese Fishing Nets, the Pardesi Synagogue, the St. Francis Church, walk through Princess street, Mattancherry Palace, attend a Kathakali dance show.
• Day 3-4 Munnar:  Visit the tea plantations, Mattupety Dam, Echo Point, and Top Station. Go hiking, visit Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Day 5-7 Allepey, Kumarakom, and Cochin: Relax in Allepey, cruise the backwaters, make a Shikara boat ride, take an Ayurveda massage.

Table of Contents

India essentials 

• To find  cheap flights to India, click here.
• Most travelers need a visa for India. The easiest way is to apply for an e-visa through  a Visa agency. Click here to see prices and submit your application.
• For more inspiration on what to do and to see in India, take a look at our  2 weeks in India itinerary  and our  Rajasthan itinerary.
• Here you can find an overview of  the best India group tours . If you are specifically looking for  group tours that visit Kerala, click here.
• Last but not least, make sure you have good  travel insurance.

Kerala tour itinerary 7 days 

In this 7 days Kerala travel itinerary you will discover most of Kerala’s highlights. 

Day 1-2: Kochi (Cochin)

If the use of Cochin and Kochi gets you confused you’re not alone. 

Both names refer to the same city.  Kochi is the official name but many people still use the unofficial Cochin which was used by the British occupiers.

Kochi is the major airport in Kerala.  The airport is served by many domestic and international flights.

Depending on how late you arrive in Kochi we would recommend staying one or two nights.

Our driver was waiting for us at the arrivals hall.  In hindsight, we can now tell you that we are glad we had arranged one.

Although the distances that you will cover to visit these Kerala sights are nothing compared to the kilometers we traveled in the Northern part of India it is still a much more comfortable way of traveling.

45 Amazing facts about India you should read before you go

Kochi sightseeing

I’m not sure if you have ever been to Rajasthan.

If you have we can tell you that Kerala will be a whole different experience. It could just as well be another country.   

It’s a very tropical city with lots of water and palm trees and if somebody would have told us that we were no longer in Indian but in Thailand instead we could have believed him.

Here we share the best things to do in Kochi.

Things to do in Fort Kochi

Kochi is the economic capital of the state of Kerala. 

It is a big city but the highlights are all located in the same part of the city called Fort Kochi and can be covered in a half-day.

We visited the Chinese Fishing Nets, the Pardesi Synagogue, and the St. Francis Church.  Along the way we walked through Princess street, the place to hunt for souvenirs, snoop around bookstores or relax with a drink and some food.

Next, we went to the Mattancherry Palace, also called the Dutch Palace.  It’s a beautiful small palace with some awesome mural paintings.  It can in no way be compared to any of the palaces we visited in Rajasthan.

The museum does a good job of showcasing the many differences in the life of the Maharaja between the north and the south of the country.

Kochi is also a good place to attend a Kathakali dance show. This is a story play that originated in Kerala and is still unique to this region. 

The show kept us amused for the full hour.  Although we lost the storyline somewhere halfway, the costumes, make-up, and acts alone justify attending the show.

You can see a similar Kathakali show in Munnar if your agenda wouldn’t allow you to attend the show in Kochi.

Here you can find more places to visit in Fort Kochi. 

Where to stay in Cochin

Le méridien cochin.

We stayed in  the Meridien Cochin  and had a wonderful time. We had a very big comfortable room and enjoyed the delicious breakfast.  The staff was very accommodating and even invited us to the miss Kerala election that was held in the hotel. We would definitely stay here again if we would return to Cochin.

Check prices and availability:

Booking.com

If you aren’t convinced of this hotel, you will find a lot of other hotels in Cochin on Booking.com: Booking.com

Day 3-4: Munnar

From Kochi, we continued our journey towards the hill station of Munnar.

Driving time:  112 km- approximately 4 hours.

Things to do in Munnar

Munnar is a great location to spend 2 days.  Best of all is that the temperature is really enjoyable as it is higher up in the mountains.  It might even feel a little chilly when you’re acclimatized to the temperatures in the other parts of India.

So bring a warm jacket or sweater.

The main tourist attraction of Munnar are the many tea plantations. Did you know that India is famous for producing one of the best teas in the world? 

You can’t miss them, all roads in the area zigzag through the tea plantations. 

The sight is so spectacular that I think we may have asked our driver a hundred times to stop for a picture.

Several tea plantations are open to visitors. 

Some of them have a small museum where you can see how tea is made in the factories. 

There’s also the tea museum that tells more about the history of tea in this region.

For an even more authentic experience, you can book an organized tour that takes you on unpaved routes deep into the fields.   You will meet some of the tea pickers and see how they still mostly manually pick the leaves.  Did you know that they collect around 100kg of leaves every single day?

We loved the tea plantations so much that we would almost forget the other sights of Munnar. 

Once we sort of had enough of the impressive vistas on the tea plantations we headed to the Mattupety Dam, Echo Point, and Top Station.

Except for Top Station, the sights in themselves are not that special but the roads that take you there are all the more. 

Along the way, you pass several photogenic waterfalls as well as many more incredible vistas.

Munnar is also surrounded by some beautiful national parks.

Eravikulam National Park is located half an hour outside Munnar and is the habitat of the almost extinct Nilgiri Tahr . 

Almost 2 hours North of Munnar is Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can spot elephants and deer (and even leopards if you are really really lucky).

Hiking is another excellent way to witness the beauty of the region. 

Several gorgeous hikes and trekkings can be done ranging from easy to rather difficult but most are unmarked and require a guide.

If you plan on doing a lot of hiking, we would advise you to wear hiking leggings. They are a lot more comfortable than shorts when you plan on hiking a lot.

In the evening you can attend the Kathakali as well as Kalaripayattu shows.   The latter is a very energetic martial arts show.

Where to stay in Munnar 

Fragrant nature munnar.

The Fragrant Nature Munnar hotel is gorgeous and beautifully situated on the top of the valley amidst the jungle.  It is surrounded by tea and spice plantations. The hotel has comfortable and well-equipped rooms and is run by helpful and accommodating staff. The view from the room is outstanding.

Check prices and availability: Agoda

Day 5-7: Alleppey-Kumarakom-Cochin

Kumarakom and Alleppey are both nice places to end your vacation in Kerala. They are located on opposite sides of the Vembanad lake. 

We ended our vacation with some quality time in a resort in Kumarakom but you can also spend some relaxing days in Alleppey.

We have included a short comparison between the two to help you pick the best destination for your vacation.

Driving time: 175 km- approximately 4-5h

Should you go to Alleppey or Kumarakom?

This depends on what you want to do.

If you want to cruise the backwaters and stay a night on a houseboat you might want to choose for Alleppey.

The boats leave from both locations but Alleppey has by far the biggest choice for a backwater cruise.

You won’t find a lot of resorts in Alleppey, these are all located along the lakeside in Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is the most flexible of the two as it allows you to combine a stay in a resort with an overnight cruise in a houseboat.  Some of the resorts have their own houseboats and offer this as a package.

You should know that although a Kerala backwater cruise lasts almost a full day the boat will only sail for about 6 hours. 

Local regulations reserve the lake for the fishermen at night, all houseboats need to dock by 5:30 PM. 

The majority of the 6 hours are also spent on the lake, most Kerala houseboats are too large to navigate the narrow channels of the backwaters where you can really experience daily life.

The small boats called Shikara offer an alternative way to see the backwaters. You can charter these per hour as a couple or family.

An advantage of these small boats is that they can navigate the narrow channels and because it’s a private tour you can ask the driver to stop if you want to take pictures.  We saw a lot of colorful birds so there’re plenty of picture opportunities.

We arranged a 2-hour Shikara boat ride. It seemed like 2 hours was enough although the scenery is really stunning. This cruise was one of the highlights of our trip to Kerala as the backwaters are so peaceful and beautiful. I think the backwaters might be the reason why they call this state “God’s own country”.

If we would go back we would definitely opt for a Shikara again.

The Shikara boats leave from the Kavanattinkara boat jetty in Kumarakom.  This is close to the entrance of the bird sanctuary and your boat ride will actually take you along part of the edge of the sanctuary.   The sanctuary is a nice place to enjoy nature but the dense forest will make it difficult to spot birds. 

You can combine your boat ride with a visit to the sanctuary, just know that you will probably see more birds during the boat ride than during your forest trek in the sanctuary.

This region in Kerala is also famous for its Ayurveda massages. 

Ayurveda is a buzzword that’s popping up all over the world.  What you may not know is that it originated in India several thousand years ago.  It’s a way of life that revolves around creating peace and harmony in the body by aligning different energy channels, called chakras. 

The Ayurveda oils that are used have medicinal and detoxing properties.

You should try an Ayurveda massage if you currently suffer from insomnia or high levels of stress.

We had our massage at an Ayurveda Massage Center but you will see that most hotels offer these massages as well.

If you like to combine a backwater tour with a massage, this is the perfect tour for you. 

Where to stay in Alleppey 

Angel queen houseboat.

A lovely boat with a top deck for great viewing. The boat has comfortable bedrooms with ensuites. The meals that are served are delicious and the scenery divine.

A good option for a relaxing and comfortable trip.

If you aren’t convinced of this houseboat, you will find a lot of other houseboats in Alleppey on Booking.com: Booking.com

Where to stay in Kumarakom?

Park regis aveda kumarakom.

Classy resort with beautiful rooms that look out over the pool. Excellent food and service at the restaurant.  Very courteous and friendly staff. The hotel offers a complimentary sunset cruise. 

A beautiful peaceful place on the lake.

If you aren’t convinced of this hotel, you will find a lot of other resorts in Kumarakom on Booking.com: Booking.com

Best time to visit Kerala

The best period to visit Kerala is from September to March although it can rain occasionally until December.

We had some daily scattered showers in October.  They usually occurred somewhere during the afternoon but not to that degree that it affected our travel plans for Kerala.

Kerala has an overall enjoyable climate whole year-round.  Most visitors prefer the above period because it’s warm but not too hot and there’s only a small chance to have vacation days ruined by rain. 

There are some popular activities in Kerala in this period. 

One is the Kumarakom Boat race in September and October and there is also Cochin Carnival which is widely celebrated in January.

This is the most popular tourist season and that is reflected in the hotel prices.

You will have to pay more for your accommodation, certainly around the year-end period.

As of April, the temperatures start rising towards 30 degrees and more.  Most tourists avoid Kerala during these months.

It’s a great time to explore the region if the heat doesn’t bother you, the hotel rates are lower and there will be fewer crowds.

In general, there will be plenty of sun during the daytime. 

Chances of heavy showers and thunderstorms towards evening increase as April ends and May kicks in.

June, July, and August is monsoon season in Kerala. 

The temperatures are hot and humid and almost daily there will be some heavy showers. 

Floods are not uncommon during this time of the year so it may be difficult to get around.

If your travel plans are limited to this time of the year and you are looking for a nature destination, we would recommend you to consider a trip to Borneo.

Cheap Flights to Kerala

If you want to score  cheap flights to Kerala we advise you to have a look at Momondo  and  Skyscanner.   

Both are flight aggregators that compare several hundreds of booking sites and give you an overview of the best flights and the cheapest sites to book them. 

Momondo and Skyscanner are both very good at finding good deals, of the two, Momondo is probably the one with the most intuitive user interface.

Visa requirements for India

With the exception of residents of Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives everybody needs a visa to enter India.

Recently the country has introduced e-visas.  You can find out if you’re eligible to apply for an e-visa on the government’s e-visa website .  The website also lists the fees.  These vary by country. (see point 4 of the instructions)

Note that the Indian government charges the fee regardless of whether your application has been approved or not.  The fee is seen as a processing fee and therefore non-refundable.  It’s always charged, even if your application would be rejected due to an unclear picture or an unreadable scan of your passport.

This made us a little uncomfortable and we decided to apply for our e-visa through a visa agency so that our information would be subject to an additional review by the agency before it was finally submitted.

Apply for a travel visa with VisaHQ: Visa for India

When you want to apply for the e-visa yourself make sure to do this directly on the official government website.  Ignore sites that falsely claim to be official like the one below, they add significant service charges to your application, more than reputable visa agencies such as iVisa.  The official e-visa site run by the government is  https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ .

Take a car and driver or join an organized tour

We always prefer to explore a country on our own. Primarily for the freedom that it gives us but also because it feels more authentic if you mingle with the locals on public transportation and in the streets.

We did some research but it wasn’t really easy to find something that worked for us. 

There’re buses that go to the hill stations but you would need an additional taxi or tuk-tuk to get to your hotel as many of them are spread out across the region and not really within the limits of those stations.

Then you will also have to make arrangements with a taxi or tuk-tuk to take you to the various sights, or you could book an organized tour.

Car and driver

In the end, we opted for a private chauffeured tour as it looked much easier.  

To book a private chauffeured tour you need to provide the company with your planned itinerary. This is because the price not only depends on the number of days but also on the number of kilometers that you will travel.

If you’re not sure about your itinerary for Kerala you can finetune it together with the company.

Most companies will be able to book your accommodations as well but you’re free to arrange your hotels yourself if you prefer.

Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport in the arrivals hall.  From this point on you have all the freedom about how you fill in your days.  We were well prepared and had a list of things that we wanted to see and do. Our driver always had some extra suggestions ready.  Each evening we made the final arrangements with him for the next day.

It worked out really well and turned out to be a comfortable way to visit Kerala.

If you are looking for a car and driver, take a look here. 

Joining an organized tour 

If you don’t have time to create your own itinerary or just don’t want to go independent, then you could also join an organized tour. 

TourRadar is an online travel agency specialized in multi-day tours.  Their well-arranged interface makes it easy to compare package tours from different operators.

They have several 7 days Kerala tour packages.

Tipping in India

There’s something strange about tipping in India and it took some time before we got a hold about when and how much we should tip.  Tipping, in India known as Baksheesh, is not common and didn’t exist before tourism became popular in India.  You will hardly ever see a local give a tip.

Westerners introduced the custom of tipping, maybe because poverty can be confronting, but our driver was quick to remind us that we didn’t need to be overly generous.

The Baksheesh has already found its way in the culture and staff in restaurants that see a lot of tourists now seem to expect tips from foreigners.

We sometimes noticed how we got treated differently than an Indian couple sitting at the table next to us.  Mostly regarding the bill because the service was equally good regardless of skin color, language, or origin.

We usually tipped about 10% in restaurants.

Make sure to check the bill for a service charge before you tip. 

Some restaurants will add this automatically, others don’t. 

We did try to hand the tip subtly to our waiter because we often noticed how restaurant managers were quick to collect the tips that were left on the table and they just disappeared in their own pockets.

The tipping policy was not any more clear in hotels. 

We noticed how luxury hotels seemed to have a no-tipping policy. 

We had some small rupees handy (the guideline is 50 rupees per bag) each time we arrived in a hotel but the porters in most luxury hotels were very fast to leave to the room. We often didn’t have the chance to hand over the tip. 

On the occasions where we did, they were overly grateful.   

Less luxurious hotels often showed a completely different picture. 

Hotel porters in these hotels would put on a whole show and acted like our bags weighed at least 50kg each. 

They clearly expected a tip and did not make a start to leave the room until we handed them the Baksheesh. 

We tipped the first group with pleasure, but the 2nd group gave us a bad feeling.

“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” 

If you have a car with a driver it is also expected that you tip your driver for good service. 

Our driver was always on time and even acted as a guide whenever he could. 

He would tell us more about the places that we visited and would always offer suggestions about the places where we could go to. 

If you’re happy with the services of your driver the suggested tip is 200 INR per day per person. 

If you’re sharing a driver with a larger group you can lower these amounts, a tip of 800INR/day is very generous.

Scams in India

We encountered various small scams but luckily nothing that was too bad.

Most of them occurred in Rajasthan but you will be confronted with them in all public and touristic places all over India, even in temples.

Do not accept any free things that are offered to you.  Once you have accepted the so-called gift they will ask money in return.

Overall we had the impression that things weren’t as bad in Kerala as in Rajasthan but we prefer to share our tips anyway.

A small piece of advice is to not be annoyed too much by these scams.  If you allow them to influence your mood it will just ruin your experience.  Let it go and move on. It’s not worth ruining your trip over it.

Know how much you need to pay

We experienced how Indians shamelessly dared to ask a twentyfold of the official price for snacks or drinks. 

A coke in an ordinary Indian supermarket was suddenly more expensive than what we would pay in a fancy bistro along the Champs-Elysée. 

Although you clearly know that this cannot be correct it’s hard to negotiate a fair price if you do not know this price. 

After we overpaid once our driver showed us where could find the official price.

All drinks and snacks should have the price printed on them.  If the bottle or package is not showing the price or the price has been barred just move on and find a trustworthy seller.

We visited most sites with our driver and when we did he told us the entry fees we needed to pay. 

Most of the time these were also clearly indicated at the ticket offices. Prices for foreigners are more expensive than those for locals. 

Luckily the difference is not that big here than it was in the North where foreigners often paid the fifteenfold or twentyfold of locals.

Most entrance fees can be paid with a credit card or cash. 

Monuments that are run by the government often have some discount for credit card payments. 

 When paying cash make sure to check your change, short-changing is not uncommon in India.

The chances are smaller that they will try to pull short-changing tricks on you if you clearly show the notes that you hand over or even mention how much cash you give them.

Something else we experienced, although in New Delhi, is that people pretended to be ticket vendors although the entrance is free. 

This happened at the Jama Masjid mosque. 

Scammers stopped us at the entrance and rather aggressively asked us to pay 300 INR per person and an additional 300 INR for each camera.

Because we knew the entrance was free we ended up only paying the camera fee and saved 600 INR.

2 days in Jaipur, a detailed itinerary. 

If you plan on visiting any monuments look up the price online before you go.

Adapter for electrical appliances

India uses a mix of electrical plugs type C (also known as Europlug), D and M .  The type C plug is similar to what is used in most European countries. 

The Type M plug has three round pins in a triangular pattern and looks similar to the Type D plug, the only difference being that its pins are much larger.

Type M pins are used for bigger appliances.

Since we are from Belgium, we did not need an adapter.

If you have problems using type C plugs in Type D sockets you should try to insert an object with a fine tip into the top hole while inserting the plug.

Stay healthy

Maybe it was the temperature that was slightly more pleasant or maybe the kitchen hygiene is just better, whatever the reason was, once we arrived in Kerala we were released of the famous Delhi belly.

We still obeyed the following rules:

Avoid drinking any tap water or brushing your teeth with it.  Try to steer clear from any food that may have been washed in it like salads and order any soda’s without ice.

Indians have the lowest rate of meat consumption in the world. India has 500 million vegetarians, that are more vegetarians than the rest of the world put together.

The country offers perhaps the world’s most fabulous choice of vegetarian food so it may be a good choice to go veggie for the duration of your stay in India.

Undercooked or rotten meat can do a lot more harm than a badly prepared vegetarian dish.

Expenses abroad can be seriously inflated by fees from your bank or credit card.  That’s why I’m a huge fan of my  N26 account.   

The account is available to most EU residents.

 The  checking account  is free as well as the associated Mastercard and there’s no exchange rate provision when you use to card for payments abroad. 

There’s a 1,7% exchange rate provision when you withdraw money abroad but even that is free with  the premium Black Mastercard.  

The app is another great feature of the card, you can follow your expenses in real-time and instantly block your card if you see any signs of fraud.

When paying cash double-check the amount you hand over to the cashier and double-check the notes you get back.  Shortchanging is, unfortunately, a common practice in India.

Also, check the quality of the notes you get back.

It doesn’t matter so much for small notes (anything up to 100INR) but don’t accept any notes over 100 that are damaged or have been written on. 

We had one 500 rupee note with some yellow marks on it and it took us a while before somebody wanted to accept it.

We stayed in both 3, 4, and 5-star hotels. 

The level of service in all of them was excellent but we noticed how the cleanliness was significantly lower in 3-star hotels. 

We found dust on the shelves, old worn towels, raffled carpet in the corridors, sticky tables in the restaurant, and pigeon poop all around the pool. 

What we didn’t find was toilet paper in the public toilets. 😊 Not what we would expect from a 3-star hotel but you have to keep in mind that the standards for cleanliness are different in India.

Indian cities are often very hectic and noisy and we were often happy that we could relax in a comfortable hotel after a busy day.

We would recommend taking slightly better hotels then you usually take so that you can unwind and relax after a hectic day.

Travel Insurance 

Last but not least… I’m not sure how good or bad Indian hospitals are. 

I do want to believe that they have a higher standard of cleanliness than the average Indian restaurant but still, I rather don’t experience it myself.

We never had anything serious happen on any of our journeys around the world but we never take any risks, better safe than sorry…  That’s why we always travel with good travel insurance.

If you don’t have travel insurance yet, check out HeyMondo or Safetywing . Both companies over good travel insurance for a competitive price.

HeyMondo Travel Insurance

SafetyWing Insurance

We had an amazing week in Kerala.

The backwaters are incredibly beautiful and although this is the third time that we visit tea plantations they keep on inspiring us to snap hundreds of pictures.

Kerala has everything you need for a lovely vacation. 

There’re fantastic hotels in all price classes.

One thing I noticed about hotels in India is that the service is always excellent.  Cleanliness is somewhat troublesome in 3-star hotels (we did not stay below 3 stars) but the service remains spotless.

Nature lovers as we are we were definitely charmed by the beautiful nature of the state. 

If we would come back we would certainly do some trekkings and maybe even try one of the bounty beaches to relax afterward.

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Bharat Taxi

Friday 27th of December 2019

Thanks for sharing your itinerary for the trip, Kerala is very beautiful city and there have many places to visit for sightseeing. I really appreciate this post, all images are so beautiful, Thanks for sharing this post.

Plan a Kerala Tour – A Step-by-Step Guide to Plan Your Kerala Tour Package

If you are in the planning stages of a Kerala tour, I recommend that you read the information below. This is something I’ve produced based on my personal experience organizing Kerala tour packages for numerous visitors like you. You can make sure that this article will assist you in planning every detail of your trip.

Making Plans for a Trip to Kerala

Decide how many days you can spend in Kerala before beginning any research to arrange your trip there. This is essential because you can only choose your travel destinations based on your leave.

If you have a sufficient amount of vacation time, explore Kerala’s tourist attractions and decide on the number of days with the aid of the tour operator. Freeze your arrival and departure dates in both scenarios.

You can purchase your tickets to Kerala once your Kerala vacation package is complete. Always reserve up to Cochin when making reservations for a subsequent flight. Another alternative is Trivandrum; however, only reserve a trip to Trivandrum if Kovalam or Kanyakumari are your first two stops. The only time Calicut is worthwhile is if Wayanad is your first stop.

How can I get to Cochin?

Cochin is also known as Ernakulam and is also written as Kochi. You can make a bus reservation to Ernakulam at the same time. Since some trains only stop at one station, you can choose to schedule a trip to either Ernakulam North or Ernakulam South. ERN or ERS is the station code for train reservations. Make a reservation for a flight to Cochin or Kochi (location code is COK).

By all means, try to get to Cochin as soon as you can to visit as many places as possible on our Kerala tour packages . When planning a Kerala tour, this should be a preference.

Kerala can be reached by train, flight, or bus from Coimbatore, Bangalore, Mysore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and other nearby cities. The best method from Coimbatore is by bus. You can choose between all three alternatives if you’re leaving from Bangalore. Typically, a bus from Bangalore to Cochin takes 9 to 12 hours. These days, multi-axle Volvo buses arrive in Cochin in 9 to 10 hours. Depending on the state of the roads, this varies. There is a checkpoint at the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and on extremely rare occasions, buses have arrived late as a result of inspection at this checkpoint.

The Bangalore-Cochin route is well-served by buses, making it a viable alternative for travellers from Bangalore who want to travel to Kerala. You might even search for sleeper buses.

From Bangalore, it takes a train for about 12 hours, but finding a ticket is the major problem. This is your best choice if tickets are available. Anyhow, make an effort to reserve a bus or train that arrives in Cochin early in the day. If flying is your preferred method, make sure your flight arrives at least before noon.

If flying is your preferred method, make sure your flight arrives at least before noon.

Travel from Hyderabad to Cochin

The best transport options from Hyderabad are by train or by air. Buses should only be taken as a last resort because they take about 18 – 22 hours.

Buses and trains are available from Mangalore. You can either travel to Cochin directly from Mysore via bus, or you can first travel to Bangalore and then Cochin. You have a choice of travelling by bus, train, or flight if you are leaving from Chennai. The travel time to Cochin by train and bus is nearly 12 hours. If you’re planning a trip to Kerala from Chennai, Mangalore, or Mysore, you should consider this alternative.

You can travel to Kerala by train or flight from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, or any other destination. If you’re coming from another country, you can choose to fly directly there. You can also get out at one of the airports in major cities and travel to Kerala by train.

To minimize complications, you must make every reservation in advance.

You may purchase a return ticket once your continuing travel has been scheduled. Please be cautious regarding destinations and departure times when purchasing a return ticket. I advise you to reserve this just once the package, or at the very least, the itinerary has been decided.

Choose the Tourist Destinations in Kerala

When planning a trip to Kerala, this is another factor that must be considered. Here, we need to decide on the ultimate destinations to be visited. The number of days you have and your interests need to be balanced at this point. This should be made easier for you by a brief summary of the main tourist attractions in our Kerala holiday packages .

Major Tourist Destinations in Kerala

• Cochin: If you fly into Kerala, here is typically where you land. If you want to explore the sights in Cochin, you may either do it the first day after arriving there or if you have time on the last day, go for it.
• Munnar: The best tourist destination in our Kerala trip packages is Munnar. Munnar is a hill station in Kerala. You would like to see that 100 times. 
• Thekkady : When you go boating in Thekkady, you can visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Adventure travel, as well as ecotourism, are both quite popular in Thekkady.
• Alleppey/Kumarakom: This is the location for a houseboat cruise. In addition to a gorgeous beach, Alleppey features a variety of resorts where visitors can unwind.
• Thiruvananthapuram: The capital of Kerala, is a popular tourist destination in India. Nearby beach villages Kovalam and Varkala are well-known. The city is renowned for its distinctive architectural design, which combines elements of Kerala architecture with British and Dravidian influences. 
• Kanyakumari: Although Kanyakumari is in Tamil Nadu, it is nevertheless recommended to visit if you are traveling up to Trivandrum (and if time allowed).
• Athirapally-Vazhachal: Athirappilly-Vazhachal Falls, at over 80 feet high, is Kerala’s most famous and largest waterfall. You can’t help but be amazed at the natural world’s utmost force and splendor when you see the water rushing into the ground. This area is significant to ornithologists, and bird watchers can find many uncommon and colorful species here.
• Cherai: Cherai is another beach in the vicinity of Cochin.
• Guruvayoor: Guruvayoor is a pilgrimage site with the famous Krishna temple. At this location, there is an elephant sanctuary with more than 65 elephants.
• Wayanad: Wayanad is a tourist destination in Kerala’s northern region. Wayanad is about 300 kilometers north of Cochin.

Plan Kerala Tour Itinerary

When you plan a Kerala tour, the itinerary plays an important role. This should be well balanced with sightseeing and free time with family. From the above-listed major tourist destinations, make a list of places you wish to cover in our Kerala tour packages .

I shall be writing about all these places in detail below with the travel time required for each. After reading this post, you would be in a position to finalize the places to visit depending on your leave from the office. Once the places of visit and the number of nights in each destination are finalized, the itinerary can be prepared with ease.

Most of the time, this is the place where you land in Kerala. If you have enough days in Kerala, a full-day visit to Cochin is worth doing. Cochin has a lot of sightseeing places including Marine drive, Chinese fishing nets, and Fort Cochin where you can visit the Dutch palace, the Jew Synagogue, etc.

For more info read our blog post: 9 Must-See Places in Cochin.

If you are short of time, I suggest you move directly to your first destination from Cochin. This can be Munnar which is a 4 to 5 hours drive from Cochin, Thekkady which is 5hrs drive, Alleppey 2hrs, Guruvayoor 2hrs and Athirapilly-Vazhachal, a short 2 hours drive. If you want Kovalam as your first destination, it is better to arrive at Trivandrum instead of having a hectic journey of 6 to 7 hours on the same day of arrival. This will be a good take when you plan a Kerala tour and need to be finalized properly.

For every travel, you need to consider halting time in between for sightseeing, food, etc. When your first destination is Alleppey Houseboat, make sure you reach Cochin at least by 9 AM so that you can check in to Houseboat at Noon. If your arrival is after 10 AM at Cochin, then don’t plan the Alleppey Houseboat cruise on the same day, as a check-in to the houseboat is at Noon and check-out is at 9 AM the next day. If you are reaching Cochin after 3 PM, then don’t plan any travel on that day. In this case, the best option is to stay in a hotel near to airport or railway station depending on how you come to Cochin.

Stay near Airport

Most hotels near the airport offer free pick-up from the airport, thus helping you save money on a vehicle for that day. Do inform your travel agent about your mode of arrival, so they can book the hotel accordingly. Cochin airport is almost 20km from Cochin city/railway station.

If you are planning to stay at Cochin on arrival day, normally check-in time of all hotels is 12 Noon and if you are reaching early morning, do inform this in advance to your travel agent. In this case, you can request for early check-in. Most of the hotels allow this subject to room availability and do note that breakfast will not be complimentary for this day.

If you are planning to travel to other destinations on the same day, I suggest you start directly to that destination, instead of having a half day sightseeing of Cochin and then traveling to the next destination. If you are arriving at Cochin by train or bus or after a long flight journey, try to refresh yourself before driving from Cochin to your next destination. This helps you to enjoy the trip right from the beginning and you can do all your sightseeing on the way. Coordinating your first destination in accordance with your arrival time is very important. This should also be taken care of when you plan a Kerala tour as you can save a lot of time here.

Munnar, a hill station, is one of the most beautiful places in our Kerala tour packages. There are lots of Tea plantations and more than a dozen places to see near Munnar. This is a must-see place if you are visiting Kerala. The climate will be mostly cold throughout the year. Munnar is 140km from Cochin.

When you plan a Kerala tour, if you wish to have a better understanding of Munnar, read our blog post: 13 must visit places in Munnar!

If you are traveling to Munnar, you should try to stay there at least for 2 nights. For your onward journey, the travel time listed from Cochin is 4 to 5hrs, but, you will reach Munnar in about 7 to 8 hrs only. There are lots of sightseeing spots in between. You can enjoy waterfalls and rolling hillsides with tea gardens on the way. During this travel enjoy as much as you can on the day and don’t be in a rush to reach Munnar. You can even visit spice plantations on the way. After enjoying the scenery, you will be reaching Munnar by evening only.

If you feel, you can spend some time in the market. If your hotel is away from Munnar town, try to have food and finish all activities in town and move to a hotel. Coming back from the hotel to town at night is not a good idea as there can be fog on the road and driving is not safe.

Second day at Munnar

The second day should be dedicated to sightseeing in and around Munnar. If you want to cover almost all the places, try to start sightseeing by 8.30. Or you can choose places to visit according to your interest and mood. Purchase spices, tea, etc. while you go shopping. Do visit Eravikulam National Park to see the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr.

Selecting the resort/hotel is most important while you are in Munnar. Every hotel in Munnar is not in town, you will find hotels within a radius of approximately 30km from Munnar. See Hotels in Munnar . Most of the good resorts are away from the city. If you are a person who wishes to stay in the city, do make sure the hotel you select is in the city itself. If you want to be away from all traffic and love to have a relaxed mood select a resort/hotel accordingly. While approaching any tour operator, if you have a specific choice, make sure you communicate this clearly.

Hotel Selection at Munnar

It is always better to do a Google search on the hotel selected. Nobody can tell you whether you will like a hotel or not. As this is very subjective and depends upon your interests and background. Personally, I like to stay away from the city when I am on holiday and used to prefer hotels outside the city. But for business trips, I prefer city hotels. This needs to be considered when you plan the Kerala tour itself. Else you land up staying in a hotel which you may won’t feel good with.

A normal package can be prepared with a 2-night stay at Munnar. If you wish to stay at Munnar for 3 nights, you will get a lot of time to relax. A package with one night in Munnar is not that advisable. I have seen many times people taking packages with one night at Munnar and one night at Alleppey when they have only 3 days to spend. This is not a good idea as they will not be able to cover neither Munnar nor Alleppey.

From Munnar, you can travel to the next destinations like Thekkady, Alleppey, or Cochin. Moving to Kovalam directly from Munnar is not a good idea as traveling time would be minimum 10hrs. If you are moving to Cochin to catch a return flight/train do make sure you have minimum 6hrs in between, as you may even stop for food during this travel. So do your time planning accordingly.

Here is an easy-to-follow map with the major tourist spots in Munnar. This map will help you in planning your itinerary during your visit to Munnar.

Click here to read the Munnar travel guide which gives more ideas on Munnar

Munnar Tourist Destinations Map to plan Kerala tour

Distance to various places from munnar.

• Distance from Munnar to Madurai – 130KM
• Distance from Munnar to Cochin    – 135KM
• Distance from Munnar to Aluva     – 130KM
• Distance from Munnar to Theni      – 165KM
• Distance from Munnar to Thekkady – 110KM
• Distance from Munnar to Trivandrum     – 280KM
• Distance from Munnar to Alleppey – 190km
• Distance from Munnar to Kodaikkanal – 180km

The famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary is in Thekkady. Thekkady is sometimes referred to as Kumily or Periyar. Thekkady is the best place to visit if you are interested in adventure and eco-tourism activities. If you are not interested in such activities, you have only Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see.

For more info read our blog post: More info about Thekkady   To watch wildlife closely, you need to go boating through the Periyar River. Wild animals, forest areas of Periyar sanctuary, and Mullapperiyar dam from long view can only be seen during this boating. Vehicles are not allowed inside the sanctuary for sightseeing. Boating in Thekkady has fixed timings and the guest needs to be personally in the queue to get tickets. You need to give your personal details as well as show your ID card while taking this ticket. Depending on the season, the rush for boating varies. In peak seasons, there might be a heavy rush, so try to be in the queue at least 3 to 4 hrs before the departure time. This time needs to be considered when you plan the Kerala tour itself.

Thekkady has a lot of activities/shows running in the evening. If interested, you can watch Kalarippayattu (martial arts of Kerala), Kathakali, Magic shows, musical fountain, tribal dance, etc. You can also go for an Ayurveda massage, Elephant ride, Elephant bath, Elephant shower, Spice plantation tour, etc. You can plan for boating through the Periyar River as well above activities if you have one night stay at Thekkady. Unless you are interested in adventurous activities, don’t stay for more than 2 nights there. If you are opting for two-night stay, you can relax on the second day enjoying the wilderness of Thekkady.

Second Day at Thekkady

If you are an adventurous person, this is the place for you. Plan for 2 or 3 nights at Thekkady and you get to do all sorts of adventure activities here. You can go for the Gavi tour which includes a full-day Jeep safari, trekking, etc., bamboo rafting, eco-tourism, nature walking, night patrolling, etc. Go through the details for these activities and fix the number of days you want to stay at Thekkady. Whether to stay for 2 nights or 3 nights should depend on your interest and need to be taken care of when you plan the Kerala tour itself.

From Thekkady you can move to Alleppey, Munnar, Cochin, Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Kodaikkanal (Tamil Nadu). Again Kovalam is not a good idea as there will be a lot of traveling.

Very recently we have found a website where you can do online bookings for boating at Periyar. Though we have not tried this, one of our guests did it themselves. Thought of sharing that website here.

Online booking for Periyar boating can be made at www.periyarfoundation.org .

Click here to read my travel experience to Thekkady

Distance to various places from Thekkady

• Distance from Thekkady to Kumily – 4km
• Distance from Thekkady to Munnar – 110km
• Distance from Thekkady to Alleppey – 150km
• Distance from Thekkady to Cochin – 170km
• Distance from Thekkady to Kodaikkanal – 120km

Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey

Alleppey is another destination that you need to consider when you plan a Kerala tour. The destination is famous for Kerala-style houseboats. Alleppey has a good beach also. A houseboat cruise is a different experience and should not miss this if you have enough holidays with you. Houseboats give a different feel than staying in a hotel. These floating villas have a dining hall, rooms with bathrooms, and kitchens. The number of rooms varies from one to nine as of now.

Houseboat cruises can be of two types; you can either opt for a 21 hrs overnight cruise or can take a morning cruise for 5 to 6 hrs.

If you are opting for a morning cruise, you have to check in at 10 AM and check-out will be at 4 or 5 PM depending on the cruise provider you opt for. In this case, you will be greeted with a welcome drink (lime juice or tender coconut) and will serve lunch prepared on the boat and evening snacks. The boat will cruise through the inland canals, backwaters, and lakes. And you can also watch the long stretch of paddy fields at Alleppey (Kuttanad). This cruise, I am sure, will be one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime.

The boat will halt during lunch timings and food is prepared in the boat itself. The boat will have a Captain (driver), Cook, and sometimes a helper too depending on the size of the boat. These boats are engine driven.

Timing of Houseboat

For an overnight stay houseboat cruise (21hrs), you need to check in to the houseboat at 12 Noon and check-out will be at 9 AM the next day. The boat will take you for a cruise at 12 Noon and will be going around till lunchtime. The boat will halt for lunch and after lunch, it cruises till 5.30 to 6 PM and then anchors till the next day morning. You will be cruising again the next day for at least an hour before checkout.

For this kind of cruise, you will be getting a welcome drink, lunch, evening snacks, tea, dinner and breakfast for the next day morning. Food is prepared in the boat itself and all boats will have their fixed menu. They take your food preference before you reach Alleppey and raw materials will be stored in boat before it leaves the shore.

If you are a non-vegetarian, you will be getting rice, vegetables (2 types), fish fry, curd, pickles, pappad, and Sambar for lunch and chicken, chappati, rice, vegetable curry, and dal for dinner. If you are a vegetarian, the menu is similar with some changes. It will be Payasam instead of fish fry for lunch and one more variety of veg curry instead of chicken for dinner. For breakfast, it will be idly sambar, omelet, and bread butter jam.

Strong Suggestion for Houseboat

It’s always advisable to inform them in advance if you have any specific preference as once you start the journey getting raw materials is not easy. If you have children with you and want more milk or such food, don’t forget to inform that in advance. During the cruise, you can purchase prawns, and extra fish on your own (if you feel like it). The crew will cook and serve that for you. Whether a day cruise or full-time houseboat needs to be finalized considering all the above aspects when you plan a Kerala tour.

AC in Houseboat

If you are opting for A/C Houseboat unless specifically mentioned A/C operates from 9 PM to 6 AM only. If you require full-time A/C or need extra hours, then inform the houseboat operator in advance. You will be charged extra unless your package is with a full-time A/C houseboat. If you want extra A/C time, they need to carry extra fuel with them and unless you tell them in advance, this will be difficult.

While on board, do close the windows and doors of your room in the evening. As it is in water and flies may enter in the evening. Houseboats are usually parked in a safe place where the owner of the houseboat has easy access or is near his house. Houseboats are of different categories and rooms may not be as big as your hotel room.

The biggest disadvantage of the houseboat is that if there is some issue with A/C or TV at night, it may not be able to get repaired till the next day.  Getting an electrician late at night to that halting place may not be possible.  But such things happen very rarely.

Depending on your interest, either go for a 21hrs cruise or take a morning cruise and then stay in a resort at Alleppey or Kumarakom.

Click here to read my experience in houseboat will help you to understand more about cruise.

Kumarakom and Alleppey Resorts

Alleppey is famous for Houseboats, backwater resorts, and beaches whereas Kumarakom is for Houseboats and backwater resorts. Both are just 30km apart. Both places have decent resorts as well as houseboats. Depending on the option selected, you may move to that place. You can plan for a resort stay either after a Houseboat morning cruise or for the next night after an overnight cruise.

If you have enough days, I always suggest taking one night stay in a resort after your Houseboat cruise.  In most cases, you will be reaching Alleppey or Kumarakom after a 3-night stay at Munnar, Thekkady, or any other place and a resort stay here will definitely relax you.

You can either move back to Cochin to catch your flight back or can travel ahead to Kovalam after this relaxing stay. While selecting a resort at Kumarakom or Alleppey, make sure you do enough research. Make sure the resort is as per your liking because there are few things to do when you are in a Kumarakom/Alleppey resort. You can visit Alleppey beach in the evening and can relax. Some backwater resorts do provide additional facilities like pedal boating, a swimming pool, and an Ayurvedic spa. There are resorts providing countryside boating, fishing, and cooking class. This resort can be either at Alleppey or Kumarakom and I know some good backwater resorts on the way to Cochin also. Alleppey or Kumarakom for a stay should be finalized according to your interests considering the above facts. You may do this when you plan the Kerala tour itself.

What after Alleppey

Once you are done with Alleppey and Kumarakom, you have several options. It depends upon your travel plan. You can either move towards Cochin and return home on the same evening or stay at Cochin and travel to Guruvayoor or Athirapilly-Vazhachal the next day. Or you can move south from Alleppey to visit Kovalam, Trivandrum, Varkala, and Kanyakumari. You also have the option of going to Thekkady or Munnar from here if you started the tour from Trivandrum. Alleppey lies almost midway between Trivandrum from Cochin.

Distance to various places from Alleppey

• Distance from Alleppey to Cochin – 80km
• Distance from Alleppey to Munnar – 190km
• Distance from Alleppey to Thekkady – 140km
• Distance from Alleppey to Trivandrum – 170km
• Distance from Alleppey to Kovalam – 180km
• Distance from Alleppey to Kanyakumari – 250km

Varkala lies between Alleppey and Trivandrum and has a good beach. There are several beach resorts if you want to stay here. Opt for this place, only if you have extra days, or skip this place. This is a great place to be considered when you plan a Kerala tour.

Trivandrum and Kovalam

Trivandrum is the capital city of Kerala. At Trivandrum, you can visit the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, Museums, art gallery, Zoo, etc. If you have plans to visit the temple, make sure you have the required dress to get inside. Pants or jeans are not allowed for both ladies and gents. The temple can be visited between 5 to 11 in the morning or 3 to 6 in the evening. Visit other places as per your interest and time availability.

While at Trivandrum, it’s advisable to stay at Kovalam which is famous for its beach. If you are really on a tight schedule, one night stay is sufficient but we recommend a two-night stay to fully enjoy this place. When you have two nights at Kovalam, you can visit Trivandrum one day and next day you can visit Kovalam beaches. Select a resort as per your interest at Kovalam.

There are some luxury resorts at Poovar also. Poovar is a place just 14km from Kovalam and is famous for its estuary, where backwater and sea meet!  To fully unwind you can extend your stay for one more night, either at Kovalam or at Poovar.

Return from Kovalam

If Kovalam is your last destination, try to book a return ticket from Trivandrum which helps you to spend enough time at this place and to avoid the long journey of 6 to 7 hrs to Cochin. If your return ticket is from Cochin, try to leave Kovalam at least 8 hrs in advance to be on the safer side. And if the return ticket is for a morning flight/train from Cochin, make sure you stay at Cochin instead of rushing from Kovalam on the last day. Stay between Kovalam and Poovar also is an important factor that needs to be consisted and should fix when you plan a Kerala tour.

From Kovalam, you can do a day visit to Kanyakumari. You can spend one night at Kanyakumari if you have time.  Kanyakumari is 90km from Trivandrum and is almost 2hrs drive. There is a Kerala-Tamil Nadu check post in between.

If your tour is starting from Trivandrum, you have the choice of moving to Kanyakumari, Varkala, Alleppey, and Cochin from here.

Distance to various places from Trivandrum

• Distance from Trivandrum to Cochin – 250km
• Distance from Trivandrum to Munnar – 310km
• Distance from Trivandrum to Thekkady – 270km
• Distance from Trivandrum to Kovalam – 13km
• Distance from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari – 90km

Kanyakumari

Though Kanyakumari is not in Kerala, if you are traveling up to Trivandrum, I suggest visiting Kanyakumari too, if you have time. Try to have one night stay at Kanyakumari so that you can see the sunset as well as the sunrise. Make sure you reach Kanyakumari before 4 PM to see the evening. If you are on a tight schedule, you can also do a day visit to Kanyakumari.

Guruvayoor Temple

The famous Sree Krishna temple is at Guruvayoor. Guruvayoor is 90 kilometers, a 2-hour drive from Cochin towards North West. Though it is only a 2hrs drive from Cochin, you can expect a long queue and will have to wait for about 2 to 4 hrs to enter the temple.

If you stay overnight, you can visit the temple in the evening when the crowd is less. At around 7 PM, there are lots of rituals happening there. When I go, I visit the temple at 6 PM, have a darshan, stay inside the temple till 8 PM, and return to the hotel. Then I wake up at 2.30 AM and revisit the temple early morning at 3.30 AM and return to the hotel. During this time, the rush will be less, and one can go inside quickly.

There is an elephant Sanctuary near to temple where you can see more than 60 elephants, and it is a must-see place if you are visiting Guruvayoor temple. If you are interested in visiting temples in Kerala when you plan a Kerala tour, this is an ideal destination.

Athirapilly-Vazhachal Waterfalls

There are few good resorts in Athirappily –Vazhachal region. Athirapilly Vazhachal is the biggest waterfall in Kerala and is approximately 70km from Cochin. If you have enough holidays, you may consider visiting this place. During the Athirapilly visit, either you can stay in Athirapilly or come back and stay at Cochin.

Cherai Beach

Cherai is ideal for a beach visit and is only 30km from Cochin. Either you can have an overnight stay here or visit if you have enough time.

Wayanad is approximately 300km from Cochin towards the north. If this is your first destination, try to book a ticket to Calicut.   If your next destination is towards the south, suggest taking a night’s stay at Cochin. The drive from Wayanad to Cochin takes 7 to 8 hrs. A 3-night visit is advisable as all sightseeing places in Wayanad are not close to each other. When Wayanad is your last destination, you can book a return ticket from Calicut instead of driving back to Cochin.

Hope with the above details; you will be now able to chart your travel itinerary with the destinations chosen and the number of nights to be spent at each location decided.

Itinerary to plan Kerala tour

I am mentioning Some suggested route plans here.  I would recommend deciding on the number of days to at each location. This itinerary will help you to get the routing done quickly for your holidays.

If arrival is at Cochin

• Cochin – (135 km) – Munnar – (110 km) – Thekkady– (160 km) – Alleppey resort – Alleppey Houseboat – (80 km) – Cochin
• Cochin – (135 km) – Munnar – (110 km) – Thekkady– (160 km) – Alleppey resort –Alleppey Houseboat – (80 km) – Varkala – (150 km) – Kanyakumari– (90 km) – Trivandrum/Kovalam – (230 km) – Cochin
• Cochin – (80 km) – Alleppey resort –Alleppey Houseboat – (210 km) – Kanyakumari– (90 km) – Trivandrum/Kovalam – (230 km) – Cochin
• Cochin – (135 km) – Munnar – (110 km) – Thekkady– (160 km) – Alleppey resort –Alleppey Houseboat – (80 km) – Cochin – (90 km) – Guruvayoor– (140 km) – Athirapillyvazhachal– (70 km) – Cochin
• Cochin – (300 km) – Wayanad– (300 km) – Cochin – (135 km) – Munnar – (110 km) – Thekkady– (160 km) – Alleppey resort –Alleppey Houseboat – (80 km) – Varkala – (150 km) – Kanyakumari – (90 km) – Trivandrum/Kovalam Cochin

If arrival is at Trivandrum

• Trivandrum/Kovalam – (90 km) – Kanyakumari – (150 km) – Varkala – (80 km) – Alleppey Houseboat –Alleppey resort – (160 km) – Thekkady – (110 km) – Munnar – (135 km) – Cochin

Check the Weather Conditions

Kerala has a typical tropical climate around the year. December and January are relatively colder months, and the weather starts warming up in February. April – June is the summer months when it can be pretty hot and humid. The South-West monsoon season from June – September sees a lot of torrential rainfall. Following that, there is the North-East Monsoon that runs from October to December.

It’s best to plan your trip based on the weather conditions as well. Hill stations remain cool year-round, and you can expect a higher tourist population during the summer months. Kerala is quite enchanting during the monsoon season, and you can enjoy the weather if you come prepared with appropriate rain gear.

Selecting a Vehicle for the Kerala tour

Dzire/ethios – sedan vehicle.

Do select a vehicle as per the number of people traveling and the luggage you carry. When the number of people traveling is three or fewer, suggest Sedan. When four people are traveling, there will be enough luggage, and a Sedan is a vehicle that does not have a luggage career. In Kerala, finding a sedan with a carrier is difficult.

Ertiga/Enjoy

If there are 4 to 5 people, choose Ertiga, Tavera, and Inova for better luxury. If there are seven or more people in your group, then travel in a Tempo traveler.

Toyota Inova

You will be traveling approximately 150km every day that too through hilly areas. If you try to save money by congesting yourself in a vehicle, travel will not be relaxing, not only that your car will find it difficult in pulling through hills. There should be space to keep your luggage also while selecting the vehicle.

Luggage/Cash/ID card while planning a Kerala Tour

While traveling, try to carry minimum luggage. Also, try to take a minimum of cash with you and fewer ornaments. You will find a lot of ATMs in Kerala.

Do carry the ID card of every person who travels with you. For hotel Check-in ID card is required.

I hope this article helps you in planning your Kerala trip smoothly and to decide the itinerary. You may contact me at  [email protected]  for any clarifications required. I would be the happiest person in this world to clarify for you. I am reachable on 9947876214 at any time.

If you find me wrong anywhere in the article, I am open to discussion and will update the same.

Thank you very much, and I wish you a great Kerala experience.

414 Comments

This is really very good information for someone who is not aware of Kerala or someone who cannot decide on what/how to plan to visit in Kerala. It is really useful. Lot of practical information about various places in Kerala.

After reading this blog, I am able to firm up my vacation plan in Kerala.

Thank you Sreedhar for dropping by. We are glad to be of help..!

I want to know the places which are near to Munnar as I’m specific in spending four days in Munnar only I want to explore more munnar

Thank you, shall contact you back in your email and help

It’s a wonderful article and has helped many people to plan Kerala trip. I plan to visit Kerela with my wife and 1 year kid in 3rd and 4th week of October 2017. My plan includes Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady- Alleppey – Kovalam/Trivandrum 9 days trip. I want to know whether self drive would be a good option or should I hire a local vehicle with a driver? I am a confident driver and believe I can manage it. Who provides such services of self drives where in I can.pick up the vehicle from Kochi airport and drop back at Trivandrum airport on last day of the trip? Thanks in advance.

Hi Anurag, Thank you for reaching out. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get the details.

The link 9 places to see in Cochin is mis-directed and leads to the same page as 13 places to see in Munnar

Thank you Louis for the heads up. Corrected the link. Hope you enjoyed this Kerala tour planning guide.

Links is really help full with all the details mentioned. No need of go ogle for Kerala destination. route map is clear can help our friends too if they plan.

Your service are excellent, i have availed your service 3 times in the past.

Thank you Rajeev for your kind words.

Hi …the info provided is excellent and will surely help for an memorable journey ahead….we look forward to get associate with you and your team shortly

We are happy to be of help. We look forward to hearing from you…

We enjoyed kerala trip very well with the help of Paradise Holidays.. Their support is awsome…and Its a memorable trip..

Thanks to Riteesh and Pardise Holidays….

Thank you Satish for your kind words. Well, that is our mission….to make your Kerala trip most memorable!

This is very informative work. It looks very much Practical oriented facts which will be very useful to anybody who like to make a trip to Kerala.

Thank you. Glad to be of help.

Nice info. Hope you missed few other beautiful places in kerala. Checkout this blog in malayalam… http://entekazha.blogspot.com/

Thank you Nicky for dropping by. We will sure check out your blog.. Keep in touch.

Very informative and thank you very much Rateesh. providing the information.

You are welcome sir..

Thanks for your grateful informations, am working in Tourism Portal , so it will be helpful info for my works.

thank you sir

We with another couple been on holidays organised by Paradise from 12 to 18 March 2013.Thanks to Jai-Shree & Rathneesh for maling our holidays enjoyble. Rathneesh – your write up is excellent .

With all the best,

Thank you for your kind words. Your feedback is our motivation.

Our Kerala trip was really well planned by Paradise Holidays and we have enjoyed more then expected in our trip.Their support is very good and Its a memorable trip. All the best to Paradise Holidays Team & Thanks to Sridevi Riteesh and Pardise Holidays Team

Mr Nath, thanks for putting this information together. I am travelling to Kerala in 6 weeks time from today & thru your company, excited on what to expect there & waiting to be there. Thanks!!

thank you and with to meet you at cochin

sir, It’s excellent information provided by you. Hope it will surely help for an memorable journey at Kerala tour. All information are very useful to the visitors. Lot of practical information about various places in Kerala given by you. Hope my kerla tour will be memorable.

Thanks for sharing the useful information.Alleppey is an awesome place..I used to go there with my friends.We enjoyed a lot.This month also we are planning,and we booked our tickets to kerala

Excellent article! After reading this article we are leaving whole of our trip planning on u. We are worried about mansoon and weather condition. Details/ Probablity of weather condition in kerla during each month of a year could be of great help. U can add it to ur beautiful article.

Thank you Mr.Nadim. Glad you found this article useful. We will definitely work on adding details regarding weather conditions in Kerala very soon.

very useful information. This will help to plan my trip.

valuable information to plan my honeymoon trip…

Good post . Thank you for sharing this Valuable information with us .

THE ARTICLE IS VERY INFORMATIVE. LOOKING FORWARD FOR A MEMORABLE TRIP. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN MAY -JUN ?

U done a great job sirji hats of to u it is very use full to all the people like me to enjoye the kerala

Thank you very much for your blog with lot of information on Kerala Tour and how to plan …..Excellent..

….Vidyasagar

Thank you so much. Really appreciate your encouraging words.

its really helpful blog plz try to include which season is best to visit kerala thank u

thank you sir you can visit any time in Kerala, if you love rain June July is best

This is really awesome. I can see what is going to happen. Looking forward to meet you.

sure sir and thank you

Excellent places awesome location every year i used to come to india and visit different location. Previous year i stayed in kerala its awesome place and its really gods own country. next year i planned for Tamil Nadu let see how it would be. I will stay in coimbatore Hotel Vijay Park from their i will start my jouncy hope it wound be really ineterseting

planning to Munnar Thekkady Kumarakom & Alleppy we are couple i want to know july is the best season or not.

july is good and can enjoy rain too

really useful information and tips.. thanx a lot for the info..

i was planning to visit both munnar and allepy in a 3 days time, but after reading ur blog i decided to go and enjoy 1 by 1 rather than trying to cover all in a rush..

hope can enjoy my Munnar honeymoon trip in sep-13..

Thank you and wishing you happy holidays in Kerala.

Extremely helpful bolg….thanks for sharing your insight..Please advice me a budget resort in Alleppey for night….next day we’ll go for day river cruise….we will come from kolkata to cochin by flight…..will spend 2 nights at cochin will come to Alleppey and stay in a resort… Thanks once again

Oh…Thank you Ms.Manika. We hope you will have a wonderful time in Kerala. You can contact our travel planning team to get up-to-date information. Please call this number – +91 963378 8866.

This is really awesome content & very useful for kerala tours

Thanks a lot for giving valuable information. I and my friends are really grateful to you for giving such detailed information on everything about Kerala visits.

Hi sir, Simply MIND BLOWING post on Kerala,cant expect more while planning a trip, Awsome job done, very informative !!!!! Cheers!!

Planing kerala trip in mid Nov. Hope the trip would be simple n enjoyable after going through all the info. provided by u….. Excellent Post !!!

Dr.Deepanjali singh Beniwal.

Dear Dr.Deepanjali singh Beniwal. If you are planning a Kerala trip then you are at the right place and in right contact. Myself and my wife had planned our trip during Oct.2012 through Paradise Holidays. Believe ma it was one of the best organized tour I ever had. The vehical and the driver provided by the agency were excelent. The stay, food and sight seeing arrangements were also very good. Had a real nice and memorable trip.

thank yo sir

can you provide your contact no

Hi Ajay, Contact us at [email protected] or Phone: +919567887088 to get the details of visiting places and packages.

Superb and excellent information for the people who want to travel Kerala. Thanks so much for the information. we are hoping that we will have good time during our trip. Sundar

hi thanks for useful information. we are planning our Diwali vacation in Kerala this year… how much days we required for it?

to cover entire south Kerala, 8 to 9 days

we are three couples with child (adult-6, child-5) and have 10-12 days, pl. send detail planning.. thanks

Hi I am Amita,Awesome! Its in fact amazing Blog for A visit to the incredible kerala is a memorable lifetime experience.kerala are definitely the most beautiful culture in India and its Onam festival are Most Famous.That such a small terrain can hold diverse geographical features and cultures is a wonder in itself there are still some conflicts on kerala best time to visit, read more on kerala packages for detailed information.

thank you madam

Hello Ratheesh, you have done a good job; I have gone through your entire blog. It has excellent info about Kerala places. It is inspiring to visit Kerala. And also we got nice feedback about your company Paradise Holidays. We are travelling to Kerala in this month thru your company; we are looking forward to seeing Kerala!! Thank you so much for your nice blog post!!! 🙂

Thank you Mr Brahmam. We are very happy to be of help. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Hello Team, Am plan to make my trip by Sep 15th for honeymoon trip and I plan to cover both Munnar & Alleppey for 3 days plan is this possible to do? please assist. Thanks

It is indeed our pleasure and privilege to help you have an awesome vacation in Kerala. I will forward your email ID to our travel expert team and they will get back to you. Or you can call us directly to +91 963378 8866.

Great article Ratheesh. Very informative and attention to details given to the things that may come handy and not thought when traveling unless required. Thanks for putting this.

Thank you Mr Pranav for your encouraging words.

Your article was really nice. Our is a group of around 10/12 people who want to come to Kerala in Dec. vacations. Can you please plan our tour with hotels and a transport vehicle. We will book our own rail tickets from Pune.Our plan is as follows.If you can suggest some good changes it is welcome. Our budget per head will be 10/11 thousand per head.

Day 1-Cochin-2 Nights stay-Visit Cherai beach Day2-,Athirapilly waterfalls Day 3-Move to Munnar- 2 nights stay. Day4- Munnar sight seeing Day5- Thekkady-sight seeing- 1 night stay. Day6-Backwaters 6 hours cruise at Alleppey and stay at Kumarkom resorts-1 night Day7-Move to Trivandrum, see Padmanabhaswamy temple stay at Kovalum-1 night Day8- Morning move to Trivendrum.Sight seeing

Next day morning leave for Pune Please reply on my email id

Thank you My Hemant. I will forward your enquiry to our travel team who would be very happy to help you plan your Kerala trip.

This is a great article. I have planned a Kerala trip this week starting from 15th Aug. Is it safe (and enjoyable) to visit places like Cochin, Munnar, Thakkedy, Alleppey given that this year it’s raining in abundant?

Very Good Information. Realy helpful…Thanks a lot

This is excellent information; very helpful. I have already booked a tour from your company in September; hoping to have a good time.

excellent sir ,thank u for lot of information

you are welcome sir

The article is very useful. I am planning to visit Kerla in November 13. tried to search for the information about the tourist destination. My search ends here. No need to go elsewhere. I am happy that all the important information, tips for tourists are available here. Now I am in a position to plan each minute detail and expecting that my tour will be memorable.

Mr Rateesh, Great article. Initial fears to plan are over. Am determined to visit Kerala in Dec for sure. Thanks once again Zia.

Thank you Zia. Glad you found this article inspiring!

Can u help me plan my trip for 14 days at Kerala . We are 2 + 2 kids ( 9 and 16). Shall appreciate if you could send me the details on my email id . Choice of Hotel : Outside Town ( 3 star ) Choice of vehicle : AC – Indigo

Also would be interested to know the approx. overall expense ( +/- 10- 15 % )

Oh..we love to help you Zia. I will forward this info to our travel team . They will take good care of you.

hi, we are 3 couples and have only 7 days with us for touring. Actually i want to known that 7 days are enough for traveling in Kerala. please provide me the budget for 7 days in 3 star hotel include vehicle (in nova) please revert me asap in my email id. Email id: [email protected] Phone no: 9924101514

Thank you for visiting our blog. We will revert back asap with the details.

An excellent overview on Kerala travel. Congrats!

Thank you Dr Prasanth.

hello Firstly thanks for this useful blog.I am from kolkata. i will be there next year in January. i want to cover Trivandrum/Kovalam – – Kanyakumari – – Varkala – – Alleppey -Thekkady – – Munnar – – Cochin.

i will arrive by flight to Trivandrum first. i have 2 questions. 1) how many days does it take to cover all places? becoz i have 8 days in hand to cover all cities. and i will be returned from Ernakulam by train to kolkata. 2 ) where to hire a cab in reasonable price? i will be coming with my husband only.

please reply me

This is an awesome information and brilliantly explained. Thanks a lot for it.

Glad you found this info useful. Do check often, we are planning more awesome stuff here..:)

Hi, I am planning to travel to Kerala towards the last week of December. I plan to travel one way by train so that my family can enjoy Konkan journey as well. Can you please help us which train and on which sector (Mumbai – Cochin or Cochin – Mumbai) should I take so that i get the maximum scenic view during the day time? Only constraints that I have is the train should be starting or leaving during the weekends only else Duronto from Cochin to Mumbai is good?

dear sir i wanted to know that weather of Kerala (Munnar) will be good for 7 months baby in the month of December. Awaiting for your reply. thanking you.

Thank you Raj. It will be little cold during December in Munnar and might come down to 10°C. If your baby is used to cold climate, it will be fine.

Very useful information. I put a query on your portal and was suppose to be called by your executive but it hasn’t happened.

I am so sorry for the delay Alpesh. Somehow it might have got missed. Extremely sorry for the inconvenience We will make sure that you will be contacted very soon by our travel team. Thank you for taking time to contact us again!

What is ideal time of season to have a Kerala trip ? Can you offer personal (not in group) package tour from Mumbai ? If so, send me detail of package with Air fare and rail fare .

Dear Mr Alpesh, I have sent your request to our travel team. They will get back to you very soon. Thank you.

Hello Sir, Good evening !!!!!!!!

Today Morning we reached at our native place with lot of memories with paradise holidays.Last five days,We really enjoying Kerala trip with Paradise holidays.its very fantastic experiance for us.You are having very co-operative team.Our driver uncle Mr.Mohan taking lot of care of us.every stay at kerala was very fantastic experiance.every person was taking care of our needs and help us to being our trip special.Thanks for being our holiday special.

Thanks & Regards

Saidas Shinde Pune 08149134916

Thank you so much. We are indeed happy to be able to give you our best!

Dear Ratheesh & Swethi,

Visiting and spending days in Kerala is a very amazing and interesting experience. We had been planning for spending some time at Kerala since last few years. Finally, we had reached, enjoyed and got much information about Kerala tradition, places and more amazing scenic view.

All this has happened wonderfully with kind of service and help from Paradise Holidays tourism.

We are very thankful to the Tourism Organization for being such a professional in providing amazing service in the beautiful place like Kerala.

We are also thankful to the Car Driver Mr. Manikuttan, who have shared all the informations and safely and timely made us to visit all the places during our trip.

We will be eagerly waiting for more tours in Kerala with help & service from you people.

Thanks a Lot Sandeep Chakrawarthi & Padmini Sandeep

Thank you Mr.Sandeep for your awesome testimonial. We are privileged to serve you here.

I am looking for honeymoon package in Feb 2014, could you please help me for the same for 6 N & 7 Days.

I will be in cochin on 16th Feb.

Thank you Mr.Deepesh for your interest. I will pass on your info to our travel team and they will get back to you asap!

Dear Ratheesh,

The blog look very interesting and informative to a lay man to plan his trip. Hope I should be able to finalize a trip for Feb’14.

Thank you Mr. Krishnan. Glad to be of help!

Hi, My parents had travelled with Paradise Holidays in Nov-11 and it was a memorable trip for them. I have booked the trip in Jan with paradise holidays….Hope this will be the memorable trip for me too…..and the information and response so far from your end is very good…..

Looking forward to meet you here Mr.Nirav. We do try our best to make it as memorable as possible for our esteemed guests!

Hi,Firstly thanks for this very useful blog. Im planning to make my trip by Mar 15th for honeymoon trip and I plan to cover both Munnar & Alleppey. could you please help me for the same for 3 N & 4 Days. Please assist. Thanks.

Extremely helpful bolg….thanks for sharing your insight..Please advice me a budget resort in munnea and Alleppey for nigh.

I am looking for honeymoon package on 16th Jan 2014, could you please help me for the same for 4 N & 5 Days.

Thanks once again

Excellent blog and very practical tips. Helps me plan my Kerala trip very well.

Hi!!! Ratheesh I wanted to visit Kochi, but I have a very tight schedule, I think its only one full day. Could you please tell me how to manage time there. I will be coming on 11 jan 2014 2:00 AM and return ticket is of 12 jan 2014 8: 00 PM. Please help me out.. Thanx

Hi.. How better is Munnar from Ooty (during Feb)….. Have booked for Cochin-Athirapilly-Allepey(through Paradise holiday) , and Ooty thru friends.. Would want to know abt Munnar preference with Ooty… So that i might change options from Oooty to Munnar….

Thanks in advance!!!

Extremely very helpful blog if i received the same before 7days ago then I will planning for minimum 10 days for Kerala Tour ” God’s Own Country”

I am Planning Honneymoon tour from 5th MAY 2014 for 8 to 10 days in kerala. is it a good time to come in Kerala for Honneymoon in the month of May. Kindly give me your Pune office contact details.

Thank you for your Interest. I will pass the information to our team today!

can u send me package for tour on 5th march to 11 march

Thank you Mr.Sudesh for your interest. Our travel team will get back to you with the details!

Thank u sir for ur valuable feedback.We are going to plan our holiday during our puja vacation this year.This article will help us immensly,i think….

May I know the rate for this package

sure sir, shall contact you on the email id provided

After googling lot about kerala tourism, I find this blog as “The Best” as it gives very clear and insightful information. In addition, Along with the concluding “Get the Route Plan Done” column, if the approximate price for the packages given, it would have been an Pucka Planning material. Anyways, Great work, hope this ll help me for our tour ahead.

Thank you Mr. Sathish. Glad to be of help

Impressive guidance.. thx. for the same.. i am dreaming to drive down directly from Bangalore to visit all these places ? please guide me how safe will it be ?

Thank you Mr. Alok. Driving down is ok but it can become little tiring. And it depends on the number of days you will be spending in Kerala.

This blog is too good and informative to me and my family are planning to travel on 23 March 2014. It is useful and shall plan my itinarary accordingly.

Ojal Pardesi

Thank you Mr.Ojal.

I just want to say I’m all new to blogging and site-building and certainly liked your page. Probably I’m planning to bookmark your site . You certainly come with very good well written articles. Thanks a lot.

Hi Ratheesh, really fantastic information given by you. I think this may the best information for the people who plans to visit Kerala. Excellent. Thank you

This is very useful info for me as I am planning holidays in Kerala. Thanks.

Thank you Mr.Omkar!

I would like to travel kerala for honeymoon (4days), like to cover cochin, munnar, alleppy (house boat), kovalam, kumarakom.

Tour starts at trivandrum and drop me at Cochin.

Please let me know about the budget package price & itenary.

Thanking you.

Thank you Subba for contacting us. We look forward to help you plan a very relaxing honeymoon trip in Kerala. Our travel team will get back to you!

Dear sir…me along with my friend is planning trip to Kerala in second weak of June. Need advise on stay ..with budgeted hotels .. and on tour guide too. Can I have ur contact no to get in touch with yourself. Thank u.

Thank you for your interest Ms.Khushbu. I have forwarded your query to our travel team. They will get back to you.!

This information about kerala is very helpful. I would like to travel kerala for 7days, like to cover cochin, munnar, Thekady, alleppy (house boat), kovalam, kumarakom.

Tour starts at cochin. .

Please plan for me a more enjoyable vacation with budget price.

Thank you Mr.Nilesh. We will get in touch with you asap!

An excellent information compiled and dished out for people like me who want to know more and explore Kerala. I intend visiting the place with my family in the month of June specially for Munnar & Kovalam beaches. Kindly let me know whether, its the right time, in the light of Monsoon. Heard monsoons are quite harsh and one is stayed put in the Hotels during the season.

Thank you Mr.Kanwaljit Singh for your kind words. Happy to be of help. June and July are our Monsoon months. They are exotic in their own way…but can be little harsh on some days. I love monsoon and it is the best time to get your body and mind refreshed. And traditionally, these are the months suggested by Ayurvedic Vaidyas (doctors) for best results in their treatments!!

It is very useful & adviseable informations for kerla tour.I sent a message to make 7-10 days tour plan kerla.we both r 75-76 years Sr.citizens,will come retun by train.which station will be better for reservation & month for visiting &required budget

mobile:91+9779389389

Thank you Mr. Bhandari. Our travel team will get back to you!

mire cal.. written by experience – hand

Nice information. In fact I contacted you this March regarding my tour plan but that did not materialize. I will surely visit Kerala in March 2015 and would approach Paradise Holidays for my arrangements

Rajesh, We would love having you plan your Kerala trip with us. we will try our best to make it as memorable as possible. Do get it touch with us!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on how to plan Kerala tour. Regards

Thank you Chris!

Hi Ratheesh,

This is the most informative and to-the-point information regarding Kerala Travel I have seen on internet after going through all the tripadvisor.com’s of the world.

It had been a great experience with Paradise Holidays since my first trip in 2009 and since then I have done 2 trips myself and 1 for a friend. Happy to see Paradise Holidays growing like a successful start-up… Initiating operations within family, taking it to different cities, launching new Logo (like it a lot!), engagement in CSR and most important – creating confidence!

All the very best for future!!!

Regards, Suresh

Thank you very much sir, Guests like you made us.

Excellent and detailed information. A rarity Thanks Amar

We are couple + 2 kids and want to plan 8 days tour. Requirements – Sightseeing, Pure veg jain food, Comfortable hotel stays

pls revert on my cell – 9422620771

Very useful and informative blog. It is of great help to people like me who are planning to visit kerala first time. Thanks for the help.

It’s indeed great information ,who should know before visiting a place like Kerala , I see Mr. Ratheesh has covered most important aspects of Kerala trip ,which makes our trip smooth. Thanks

Hello, Very nice information. I would like to know whether is it possible to cover Kerala plus Karnataka for honeymoon. We are planning for 10 days trip. Please help me with your valuable feedback.

Such a wonderful post. Rarely, we could see such detailed information like Route Planning, A/C in House Boat etc..

Such detailed information will help people to even plan the trip by themselves. Hats off !!!

WoWwwwwwwwwwwwwwww….

Really great, after I read above guidance I am very happy to go Kerala without any hesitation.

Amit Bhansali

This is very good information. Such a useful details. After read this I will planning for 7-8 days in Kerala.

I am planning for my Honeymoon in the month of Dec 2014. so i need some help to plan it with excellent way. please kindly revert to me on my cell 9881715727

Thank u Mr nath, it is really a very useful information.

Dear Mr Nath, Infact I am already under finalizing stage my trip to Cochin,Munnar (2N), Alleppey (2), Cochin (2N) thru your organization wef 16/17 Dec14. Fortunately I gone thru your this blog “Kerala tour planning” & find very intensive helpful information. Now it has put us in a dilemma if we a couple being senior Citizen can bear the cold/winter of a hill station i.e. Munnar. We are resident of Chhattisgarh & normally minus temp never occurs even in winter season. Please give a genuine advise. Thanks

Well, Mr Pramod, I have forwarded your concern to our travel team. They will get back to you! Thank you for visiting our blog!

Dear Shri Nath, I have gone through your article Plan your Kerala Trip, which is very informative for the tourists. We 4 adults from Gujarat would like to visit Kerala in last week of January 15 for approx.7 days and pick up and drop in will be from Ernakulam. We would like to visit Cochin, Munnar, Tekerry and Alleppy. I request you to send me good ittenarary for the same including cost of transporation, meals and budget hotels. Thanks K.N. MOTWANI

My requirement is same as Mr KN Motwami above. Only different is that iwant to start from delhi and my time is first week of February 15. Kindly quote the prices.

Dear Mr Ratheesh nath Indeed a nice informative blog. This shows ..what & how much difference there …in a tour operator ..when managed by simply educated & science student !!!!! Science student always do thing in systematic way. The writeup shows your deep involvement. It is informative for Kerala per se but it is educative also in a way that people will start thinking this way before planning their next holidays!!! Thumbs up

Thank you Dr. Rajesh for your encouraging words!!

me n my fiance are planing a january tour to kerala, this blog helped us and v almst planend evrythn… thanks a lot.. looking forward to approach paradise holidays for our arrangements..

Dear Sir/Madam… I am really impressed by the information you have provided on your Web page and by the comments of the visitors who have enjoyed with your group. I along with my family are visiting kerala on 5th Jan and have planned to see nearby areas also as we are staying for twenty days. I request you to kindly arrange our tour package in such a manner which will be always remembered and without fatigue. We will be 4 persons including me my wife n two kids of age 2 and 5.

Really, its great that you have provided all the information. We are planning for a holiday trip to Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppy on 22nd Feb 2015 (4 Adults). Please let me know the itinerary and quote. Pick up and drop point : Eranakulam.

Thank you Shyamala for your interest. Sorry for the delay in replying. Our travel team will get back to you ..asap!

Thanks for a helpful information.I want to plan a trip to kerala.I am from PUNE.we want to celebrate our anniversary in Jan 2015.dates will be between 14-20 Jan.so plz guide me in making this tour as memorable one.no will be 09970557111.

Thank you Tejas for your interest. Our travel team will get back to you!

Extremely informative, after reading the blog can say confidently.

THERE IS NOTHING THAT I DO NOT KNOW OF KERALA TOURISM. WHATEVER I DO NOT KNOW IS NOT WORTH KNOWING. (Hope this is true)

Thanking you so much for the power packed information. If approximation of the rates were given it would have been more helpful to better plan our trip.

Once again thanking you

Hemant Gagwani

Dear Paradisians,

Shall be visiting Kerala in the first week of April. (04 Persons including 02 senior citizens) do not intend to run around and no adventure treks. Intend to enjoy peace and calm and some worthwhile places including guruvayoor temple. Think Munnar is best. Do send us the itinerary including rates for 3 star hotels or resorts. Thanks Hemant Gagwani

We are planning a trip to Kerala in march 2015 for 8\10 days,honeymoon? 50 year late!!!! Two seniors 75\67 yes, still can walk. Will appreciate a suitable plan/iteniery. Budget GBP 800 for two of us. Look forward to your advice. Thanks. Pranab mitra. Hornchurch,UK. Phon . 0044 1708 459189,

Extremely helpful trip advise for me as I am planning a 9 day break in Kerala.

oh Zara…so glad this blog helped you in your Kerala tour planning! Keep in touch!

Very nice blog.. Very useful.. thank you..

Thank you Vyankatesh!

Hello Mr. Ratheesh,

Read your blog with great interest. It is very informative. Thanks.

We have already booked Hotels in Munnar, Thakkedy etc. through your Paradise Holidays.

Feedback: May be you would like to provide the map of entire Kerala by marking these tourism related places?

Regards, Madhurananda

Thank you so much…Madhurananda!

And yes…we will definitely think about a resource like that!

Dear Mr. Ratheesh,

As expected we had wonderful time at Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarkoah and backwater. Thanks again to your blog. Needless to say, when we have to visit Kerala again, we will only book it through Paradise Holidays.

All the Hotels that your people had booked was realy great. Also driver Mr. Kumar, such a special person. He is both kind and knowledgeable.

Thanks to Ms. Sylvia, who was so patient since the beginning of our interaction until we finalised the programme. Thanks also to your entire team, who have directly or indirectly participated in making our trip a great success.

My few feedback:

1. As mentioned earlier, you may think of providing entire kerala map along with the one already mentioned above.

2. You may like to include Fun Adventerous Park along with the site seeing places. It was most exciting experience to be there. I am sure, no young people would like to miss it.

3. We had to wait for more than 45 minutes to make our payment in your office, on the day we arrived at Cochi on 28th February. For most of us time is so important. It would be great if u find some ways to shorten that time.

Thanking You again.

Wishing all the Best for Paradise Holidays,

A debt of gratitude is in order for a supportive information.I need to plan a trek to kerala.I am from PUNE.we need to praise our commemoration in June. Please guide me my tour plan.

Your tips are awesome thanks for sharing your thoughts on how to plan Kerala tour.

Thank you Ligia!

I also plan for a Kerala travel trip with my friends. so this blog is very informative and important for me.

Have a plan to visit Kerela. DATE OF ARRIVAL -25-10-2015 and will visit Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarkoah and backwater. Need to book with Paradise Holidays as I have heard that it provides the best package. I shall be accompanied with my mother aged 70, my wife aged 38 (both are patients of CMC Vellore) and my daughter aged 11 years. I shall go directly from Vellore (Katpadi Jn) to Ernakulam. Reach on 25th morning at around 6.50A.M. Return journey date will be 29-10-2015 to Howrah(West Bengal). I would request you to give the best option as I shall be taking the people for a change. So keeping that in mind revert at the earliest so that I may plan at my end likewise.

best information Mr. Nath

This is very informative and explained in easy words.

Great effort and your advisers are helpful to assist. Thanks.

Thank you Shweta!

Excellent information table in just a click.

Very informative and help full. Though I’m reading it after I booked my trip it is very helpful to make my trip most memorable. Thanks Ratheesh for your efforts for putting many things together here at one palace.

This is really great. It will help lot of first time visitors plan their itinerary.

Dear Sir, A very nice blog indeed. I stumbled upon ur website while googling for Kerala vacation. I’m yet to visit Kerala and have submitted my query for quote through your website. Then I received a response email wherein I also received the link of your blog. I can see a sincere passion in your blog to assist the novice person to plan the tour in your beautiful state. I’m not sure how my Kerala tour will materialize but having gone through your blog Kudos to you for your endeavors to help people in traveling. God bless! Regards-Nilesh Joshi

That is a very very very good blog. Helped me a lot. Really. Thanks. 🙂

Quite Informative Sir, Please can u recommend value added activities at Munnar, Thekkady etc…. Thanks..

I have been to Kerala for honeymoon from 03.12.2015 till 10.12.2015, and its been a soothing and refreshing experience visiting there. thanks to Kishor Jacob for advising us the most worth places of visit. And also our driver Nisar. he was a good accompany talking to. thanks for making our trip memorable.

Thank you so much for your kind words. We are so happy to hear that your Kerala trip with us was truly memorable!!

i am planning to make a tour with my mother ,she is a nature lover so please tell me the place i can take her ,make a route and how much it will cost me and 15 days trip

As per our expectation we had wonderful time at Munnar, Thekkady, Allepey & Cochin. Needless to say, when we have to visit Kerala again, we will only book it through Paradise Holidays.

All the Hotels which were booked were really great . Also driver Mr. ShreeKumar, was both easy person to deal with.

Thanks to Ms. Nupur, who was so patient since the beginning of our interaction until we finalised the programme. Thanks also to your entire team, who have directly or indirectly participated in making our trip a great success.

1. Also there was a communication gap in Allepey between Houseboat & driver which was sorted out though we have to wait around 30 min roadside.

2. We had to wait for more than 30 minutes while leaving for Cherai in morning, on 23rd February same day our flight was scheduled later in afternoon so time was of essence for us. It would be great if you find some ways to shorten that time.

Regards, Deepak Shah

wonderful ,really good one ,

Thank you Biswajeet!

It’s better if have Complete Package. Though, it’s very informative and helpful to plan the kerala tour. Thanks for it.

Thank you Kalpesh!

Excellent article, a big thanks to the author. It was very informative Thanks

Thanks Daniel 🙂

for one couple for month may 2016 all including cost for 5 night 6 days not any hide cost please tell me emi give me three option

Our Travel Team will contact you soon.

We hope to spend a week after a tour of north India. We would like to relax as well as see some sights, including an overnight stay on a house boat. There will be 4 of us ( middle aged), what would you recommend? Your site is brilliant by the way 🙂

Hi Team, I would like to travel to munnar and allapey for four days in the May month after 20th. Could you please assist, Thanks

Sure Siva. We are forwarding your enquiry to our travel team and the team will contact you soon.

I M FROM KOLHAPUR,MAHARASHTRAP.PLS HELP ME TO PLAN KERALA TOUR WITH MY WIFE & 2 CHILDREN.I DON’T KNOW ABOUT KERALA.I WANT TO VISIT MUNANR ,THEKKADY ETC

Don’t Worry,our travel team will contact and guide you.

CAN I COME BY CAR & I HAVE 5 DAYS TO SPEND IN SUCH PLACES.

Hi I want to spend 4 day tour in kerala and arriving on Trivendrum. Please let me know package and what will be cover in Kerala.

Thanks, pawan

Our travel team will contact you soon.

Nice article. Nicely prepared with full devotion. It will help everybody. Thanks a lot.

Thanks a lot Nandimath!

Continue reading our blog posts and get more information about Kerala.

Great Article post. Thanks for sharing important information.

Thank you, Monika!

Thanks for such amazing information, This will definitely help us planning our first Kerala trip in October.

Hi Prathmesh,

Glad that you liked our article. If you need any more help for planning your trip to Kerala, do reach out to our team. Submit your query at http://paradise-kerala.com/enquiry.html .

This information is more than enough for any individual who is planning tour for first time and i dont think i need any guide or travel agent for hotel bookings or for seeking which place to visit in kerala and i am really more than happy to get soo much information here only. Thank you soo much and will add up if i get some more information related to kerala. 🙂

Hi Jinal, Thank you very much for your interest in Kerala and I’m glad to hear that you liked our article. Keep reading our blog articles.

Wooooowwww.. very knowledgeable post 🙂 thanks alotttt for such a nice description 🙂 Got a lot of info to plan properly 🙂

Thanks, Padmini!!!

Detailed Information.. Very nice.! Impressed!

I would like to visit kerela if you can provide package details. Thanks.

Hi Rahil, Thank you, our team will get back to you.

Hey Hello everbody how is it going. Is anyone planning to visit Kerala in India

Hi, Ratheesh Your blog is so good you have provided step by step guidance for planning a trip to Kerala it helped me a lot. Thank you very much Goodbye

Glad to hear that our blog post helped you efficiently plan your trip to Kerala.

Hello, Thanks. This is of great help and a step by step guideline. Felt like, i am been walked through all the destinations 🙂

We have a 18 month old daughter and wish if you could highlight some Dos and Donts when Kid are on board.

Wish to also understand if North Indian Veg foods are easily accessible ?

Thank you in anticipation.

Hi Abhishek, I’m glad to hear that you liked our post. We will soon update the post by considering your point of view.

Hello, Nice information sharing in Article it is very useful topic present in the websites.

Thanks, Monika.

A very beautiful article.Thank you so much.It helped me a lot.

Hi Piyusha, Glad to hear that our blog post helped you.

very informative and useful post. thanks.

Hi Prasad, Glad to hear that you found the article useful. Continue to read our blog to know more about Kerala.Thank you!

Hi I want to take 9 to 5 houseboat at Allepy. However I am unable to find the online fares . Kindly advise where to book that houseboat. I want it on 30.12.16

Hi Jaspal, We hearty welcome you to experience the mind blowing beauty of Kerala. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get the details of visiting places and packages.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful information. I was looking for finest place to visit in Kerala, and no doubt I found it, just because of you. Detail itinerary will help to plan a best trip to Kerala. Thanks again…….

Hi Julia, I’m glad it helped. Thank you

first of all, i would thank you for this useful post. Sir, I am planning to visit Kerala in mid-november. Is it advisable? and i m planning to reach cochin (2 nights), munnar (3 nights) and alleppey (2 nights). kindly advise.. thanks

Hi Manish, Thank you for reaching out. Our travel team will get in touch with you soon or feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get the details of the places to visit and other services.

We are reaching Cochin on 6thof March and leaving on11th of March,could you tell the plan for five nights and six days.How much is the cost of two people

Hi Poonam, Thank you for reaching out. Our travel team will get in touch with you soon or feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get the details of the tour packages and other services.

HI Nice information sharing in Article I am planning to visit Kerala in mid-may. How many days r required for above tour. plz give some planning for that.

Thank you for reaching out. Our travel team will get in touch with you soon or feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get the details of the tour packages.

Thanks for the valuable guide.

Hi Poetree Sarovar Portico, Thank you for reaching out, we are really glad to hear that you find the article Valuable.

Ratheesh R. Nath, Hi Dear.!! Kerala is the beautiful place in India. And Thank you such much to give best places of Kerala in your article.!! After reading this article, I will plan to go Kerala’s trip.

Thank you, Namrata. If you need any assistance please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

Very useful information, while planning for Kerala. but it would be better if we go through this blog before we make our plan to know the best spots to visit in Kerala.

Thank you, Vijay.

Impressed by the given travel information on tourism and is very useful for a naive too !

Actually i want to know the minimum budget for 3 days including fooding and lodging If I reach from cochin

Regards Anurag

Thank you for reaching out. Our travel team will contact you or Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get the details.

Thanks very much for sharing this information. Very helpful indeed!

Hi Sunita, We are really glad to hear that you find the article informative. Continue to read our blog to find more interesting articles.

Hi maam! This is amazing information! However I leave tomorrow with my mum to Kerela for a trip of 10 days starting from Ernakulam. I’m really worried we’ve picked a wrong time to travel. Also I’m confused where to start and where to end! Your assistance would really help me out. Thank you

Hi Ajay, Thank you for reaching out. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] Phone: +919567887088 to get the details.

Nice article Planning to have a seven days trip to Kerala in October last with my wife & daughter.Your information will help us to plan properly.

Hi Deepak, We hearty welcome you to experience the mind blowing beauty of Kerala. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get the details of visiting places and packages.

Hi, Very good information, keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you, Jeremiah!

Nice post mate.

Thank you, Martin!

Hey your blog is very nice, such useful information you are sharing. I really like your blog the information is very accurate.

Thank you, Adya!

This is a good and informative blog. Well-written and represented with beautiful pictures and have shared so many information about the place.

Thank you, Omkar!

Thanks for the information… I really love your blog posts… especially this guide for those planning a trip to Kerala

Thank you, Sanjay!

Just wow. This is great. God bless.

Thank you, Waseem!

It’s a wonderful article and has helped many people to plan Kerala trip. I plan to visit Kerela with my wife and 2 daughters in 4th week of October 2017. My plan includes Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady- Alleppey – Kovalam/Trivandrum 5 days trip. I want to know whether I can travel from pune to cochin by flight? Are you manage travel by flight? Want estimate for 4 persons. contact : 9881602100 Thanks in advance.

Hi Sachin, Thank you for reaching out and we hearty welcome you to experience the mind blowing beauty of Kerala. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get the details of visiting places and packages.

How is it to plan travel between various points on our own Vs taking a package? Is it easy enough to book cabs/taxis after reaching kerala or booking a package in advance is better?

Hi Tarun, I think booking a package in advance is safest and better thing to do. Cabs and taxis are available with the packages if you go for that.

Useful Information, your blog is sharing unique information…. Thanks for sharing!!!

Hi Neha, Really glad to hear tha you find the article useful.

Awesome .. Simply Awesome…

Its an awesome, appropriate, customized information one seeks for. You have mentioned everything in a proper way. Whatever question I had got cleared by just reading your blog. Thank you for giving your time in writing this unique and important INFO …

Thank you,Purushottam!

Hi! Very useful tips! We’re considering 3 days by the beach. Which place is better: Varkala or Kovalam? We’re looking for a cosy guesthouse or cottage rather than resort. Where are the charming and calm pubs by the beach or ayurvedic spots? Thanks a lot ! 🙂

Hi Aga, Thank you for reaching out and we hearty welcome you to experience the mind blowing beauty of Kerala. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get the details.

I am planning to visit Kerala in last week of February. Please tell me whether this would be the good time or travel or we should postpone it further. I just don’t want to miss any fun while being in Kerala

Hi Tanisha, Thank you for reaching out and we hearty welcome you to experience the mind blowing beauty of Kerala. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get the details of visiting places and packages.

Could you plan for our 3 days tour in Kerala ? If we will arrive in Cochin…

Hi PK, Thank you for reaching out and we hearty welcome you to experience the mind-blowing beauty of Kerala. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get the details of visiting places and packages.

Thanks a lot for great information. This blog has cleared many of my doubts.. Thanks ..

Really glad to hear that our article helped you clear your doubts. Thank you and keep on reading our blog!

I am planning to visit Wayanad on my next vacation with my family. So I was in search of best resort to stay. This blog will really help me on my trip.

Glad to hear that you found our article useful. Thank you! If you need any assistance please feel free to contact us at [email protected] .

I am planning to do Kerala trip on coming month, Is this right time to visit Kerala on May?

Yes, it is. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] for any enquiries.

good informative blogs thank for sharing

Thank you, Faseeh!

Very interesting post, we enjoyed each and everything as per written in your post. Thank you for this article because it’s really informative.

Thank you, Nitesh!

This is very interesting and helpful blog!

Must say, good work guys.

Wanted to know, typically how many days are enough for kerala trip?

Hi Vishakha,

If you want to cover only the major tourist hubs in Kerala, then 5-7 days are mostly suggested. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get more details of the travel packages.

I am planing to visit Kerala with my family for 5-6 days in mid of August. Is it worth to visit Kerala in mid-August

Yes, Mid-August is a great time to visit Kerala. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get more details of the travel packages.

Very good info. thanks for this. Planning my tour in the month of October in Dushera Holidays. I will connect once again in the month of September after finalizing the dates.

Thankyou once again.

Thank you for reaching out. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] to get more details of the travel packages.

First of all thanks for the beautiful article. all the valuable information explained very well. Definitely, this article will use when I planning for a trip to Kerala.

Thank you, Arun!

Thanks a lot for great information. This is amazing and awesome information! It is really useful information.

Thank you, Ankita!

This is definitely one of the best articles I have read in this website! Thanks

Thank you, Ekballoke!

I really loved reading your blog.Superb and Interesting post .Thanks for sharing this information, because it is very valuable and useful blog for everyone. Really awesome article.

Thanks for sharing a part of your expertise through this blog. Reading this blog was a delight. It made me feel as if I was actually seeing it through my own eyes.

Very nice blog thnaks for sharing.

Nice Blog. Keep sharing.

This is such a elaborate narrative on Kerala. I really loved reading it. Superb and Interesting post .Thanks for sharing this info, because it was very valuable and useful in panning my trip to Kerala. I’m planning to Visit Kerala between 30th Oct 2018 and 5th Nov 2018.

Kudos to the team!

Thank you and shall contact you back for the trip

Nice piece of information for the people who would like to visit Kerala tourist locations. Keep Going..

Hey, This is very useful and interesting article. Thanks for sharing this information and your experiences.

well said Customer should always decide the dates and travel duration so that they can plan their holiday as per requirement. The destination also explained very well.

keep posting

Nice blog post.Thank you.

Thank you, Saptarshi!

This is incredible posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, I will remember to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back very soon …

Thank you Gruhkhoj

searching for kerala tour plan ….plz help……….

Hi Jay Prakash,

Sorry for the late reply. We are forwarding your inquiry to our team and they will call you very soon.

Very nice information. any one can plan kerala trip easily after reading this blog. thanks. write one blog on veg food in Kerala,it will be more helpful to all vegetarians.

Sure Rakesh, we will add one article regarding the Vegetarian Dishes. Thank you for your support.

sach a very helpful information really love reading it

Thank you, Praveen.

Good information to read. This post is very effective and images also helping us to understand your point. Hey, I am so glad to read your thoughts because I really enjoyed reading this. The way you explain your travel experience is truly awesome. Thank you for this article because it’s really informative, I love reading your blog

Thank you, Priya.

hi nice article i have read it.

Thank you for reading the article, Danish.

This is one of the best planning blogs I’ve come across! Will share it with my network!

Thank you, Sneha.

Nice article about kerala Tour. thanks and keep sharing.

Thank you very much Ellen Willfred. Keep reading our other articles.

Nice and helpful information. Thank a lot

Thank you, Dr Gyanendra Fulzalke.

hello Aapka post bhut hi accha lga bt aap bta sakte h Kerala k tour k liy minimum kitne din lagege jisme jyada s jyada destination cover ho sake. Hum August m 7days ka tour banana chahte h! Plz reply

Hi Reshu, We are forwarding your request to our planning team. They will help you to plan your tour properly.

Thanks a lot for the post! I am planning for a Kerala trip with my wife and parents and have the following requirements – 1) Will reach Cochin by Train, so will need an Innova on the same or next day to travel in and around Kochi and go to Munnar

2) Is there any bus option to travel from Cochin to Munnar?

Kindly provide me details if possible and relevant contact person please

Hi Srijan, We have forwarded you inquiry/ requirement to our planner team.

Very detailed blog. Thanks for sharing. This will be very useful for me.

Thank you, Ajeesh.

Thank you Mr Ratheesh, for sharing such detailed information.

We hope to visit soon.

Regards Alok Singh

wow!! so many great things and amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing this.

Thank you, Roslia

Hello, I am planning my trip from Cochin, Can I use Indica for 8 days? or I can plan my trip with local bus services? If I need to plan with Indica, can I get it from 1st day? Need contacts for the same. Please advice.

Hi Mahesh, Our trip planner will contact you soon.

good expplanation. hi, can you give us honeymoon package detail for flight land at cochi munnar-thekedy-allepy\kumarkom-kovalam depart to trivendrum for 6 night 7 days or 7 night 8 days

Thank you, Jignesh. We are forwarding your request to our trip planner team.

This post is so useful and relevant. Too easy to understand. Thanks for your post. Keep blogging, Chennai Car Rental Car Rentals in Chennai Chennai to Tirupati Car Rentals Chennai to Tirupati Car Rental

AS am new to Kerala, its really helpful for me. Thank you

Good article. So much useful for others.

first of all thanks a lot for your information, secondly kindly let me know traveling cost by car for below. may i know how many days i have to book hotels in each city for normal visit, as i will come from Delhi to Kochi. Cochin – (135 km) – Munnar – (110 km) – Thekkady– (160 km) – Alleppey resort – Alleppey Houseboat – (80 km) – Cochin thanks deepak

thank you and shall contact you on the email provided

Nice blog..!! really happy to read this blog

Hi Thanks for sharing the information about back waters of kuttanad in kerala also I Have also visit Houseboat Alleppey in kerala it’s one of the beautiful experience in my life

Great i also like to go with this tours and travel with your organization. such a beautiful information you updated. Thanks for sharing this beautiful info about Kerala tour. if you like to travel in mumbai tours or any another person want to travel in mumbai sightseeing tour or dharavi tour or bike tour. please visit our website to know more for booking.

Kerela is a really beautiful place to visit, has amazing food and sightseeing options, beaches, etc, found this blog really helpful for complete planning of the trip. It has all the places to visit along with the traveling time and prices. Thank you.

Valuable information. Thanks for sharing!!

planning for Kerala trip please mention packages

Valuable informations about Kerala tour packages. Thanks team. For more details: https://paradise-kerala.com/kerala-tour-packages.html

Very interesting blog about kerala tour packages. Kerala is such an amazing country. Follow https://paradise-kerala.com/kerala-tour-packages.html

Thank you so much for this post. This blog is very nice.

Thanks for sharing. Good information

Good one keep update more things

kerala is a beautiful place to visit. great content.

I am regular reader of your blog and again this is the great and best steps for Kerala Tour. So thanks for sharing this blog

Thank you and happy to understand the blog helped you.

Nice blog and this is a great guide for a plan to Kerala tour

Thank you for great information, keep posting.

Amazing article,while reading the article i just feel i am in kerala..Very clear discription is given about kerala.i love this article,and i am sure my visit to kerala will be wonderfull…

Hello, Good afternoon Author, Thank you for sharing such important and valuable information with us. I really enjoy reading your blog. All formate and images are very effective.

Hello, Good afternoon Author, Thank you for sharing such important and valuable information with us. I really enjoy reading your blog. There is a lot of effectiveness in all of the formats and images.

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Backpacking Kerala Itinerary

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Feb 8, 2023 | Asia , India , Travel Tips

After one complete week in luxury, I was ready to backpack South India. We had heard of Kerala and we were absolutely curious about it. (We being Raphael of Journey Wonders and I, we were traveling together for 2 more weeks).

If you’re planning your India backpacking route you might want to add Kerala on your itinerary. They are many cool places to visit in Kerala and it’s also one of the main spots in South India. Traveling one week in Kerala is possible, so let’s see where you should go!

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In this backpacking Kerala guide, you’ll get a one week Kerala itinerary including some other places you should visit in Kerala if you have more time. I’ll be focussing on Fort Cochin, Kerala backwaters (Alleppey) and Munnar.

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  Backpacking in Kerala | Best Places to Visit in Kerala

Here’s my quick Kerala backpacking trip itinerary including tips, routes, and recommendations! When backpacking through India , Kerala must be on your itinerary.

Fort Cochin in One Day (or Two)

Fort Cochin is one of the cool places to visit in Kerala. It is a small town not too far from the airport in Kerala. It’s a fishing town ideal for sunset spotting and to start your trip in Kerala. Basically, it’s a good starting point but there is not a lot of things to do around the town.

What to see in Fort Cochin

Chinese fishing nets.

Backpacking in Kerala, India

One of the main things you should see while in Fort Cochin is to head to the beach and look at these huge fishing nets.  It’s quite impressive especially if you time it with the sunset.

Sunset Spotting

South India Backpacking

Planning your upcoming adventures? Travel by bus! (It's cheap!)

First, you should know that the beach in Fort Cochin isn’t the cleanest. It’s going to be a hard mission to find a spot where you can sit but you could definitely go for a short stroll on the beach while enjoying a pretty sunset.

Where to Stay in Fort Cochin

I had the privilege of staying at the Hostel Crowd when I was in Fort Cochin. The Hostel Crowd is a hostel chain which has most of their properties in Goa. It can be quite hard to find a decent hostel in India, and believe me, we were super pleased with the Hostel Crowd especially since their location was brilliant (close to the ferry, restaurants and the beach). Everything was walkable (or you can always take a tuk-tuk) and the room was perfect and affordable.

Find a room in Fort Cochin!

Kerala Backwaters – Alleppey (Day Trip or 2 Days)

While in Kerala , you will have to check out the backwaters. There are three different ways to experience this; on a tight budget, with a tour or you could also stay overnight on a houseboat.  The backwaters are breathtaking! Sit back and relax while enjoying the prettiest views!

What to see in Kerala

Kerala Backwaters – On a Budget (without a tour)

After looking at the prices for the tours I was pretty tempted with a DIY option. Although we decided to take the hassle-free option in the end and book a tour. Here’s what we heard from another backpacker.

You can head to Alleppey on your own and then find your own local boat directly over there. Of course, it’s the cheapest option but you have to find your own way there. You can then explore for as long as you want and head back to Fort Cochin at the end of the day.  

Kerala Backwaters – With a Tour

The hassle-free version of the Kerala backwaters includes the pickup, the tour,  lunch and drop-off at the end of the day. It’s a lot more expensive and you can pick different options (half a day or 8 hours, type of boats, etc.).  

Personally, I thought the 8 hours tour was way too long for me, half a day would have been enough. I enjoyed the canoe better than the houseboat because you can access smaller canals with amazing views.  

Kerala Backwaters on a Houseboat – Overnight Stay

Another popular option is to spend the night on a houseboat. This way you can make the most of the views while simply relaxing on a boat.  Here are a few options for different budgets .

Munnar in Two Days (or Three)

My favorite place in Kerala was Munnar, a small town in the middle of the mountains and the tea plantations! It’s the perfect place to relax while walking amongst the tea plantations or even enjoying the sunset. We had so much fun walking around the mountains and this place was photography heaven.

What to See in Munnar

Tons of gorgeous views! We took so many photos while we were there – we loved it!

Itinerary of Kerala: Munnar

Where to go in Kerala: Munnar

Backpacking around India, Munnar

Where to Stay in Munnar

We had the privilege to stay at Kaivalyam Retreat , which is a unique hotel right in the middle of the tea plantations/forest.

It’s a quiet place (it’s actually a retreat) and the staff were lovely. We had an amazing view and great food while we were there. The location was perfect and it was just outside of Munnar Town.

Find a room in Munnar!

Other Destinations in Kerala (if you have more than 1 week in Kerala):

Kerala is quite a big Indian state. If you have more time (more than a week), you should definitely add more places to your Kerala itinerary. If I was to come back to Kerala, I would visit Kumarakom, Thekkady, Varkala, Kovalam, Wayanad and Bekal. These are just a few examples as there is so much more to discover in Kerala.

Backpacking around India | Tips & Tricks

Getting a sim card in india.

India was the most complicated place I visited in terms of SIM cards. The best and easiest way to get one is to get it directly at the airport.

The reason is simple: they don’t sell Indian SIM cards to foreigners in most places (read 98% of the places).

To avoid having to provide many photocopies, addresses and contact information from a local, it’s a lot easier to get it sorted straight at the airport. (And it’s not that expensive!)

Getting Around India | Buses, Flights & Trains in India

Many places seem to be close to each other, but many of them are actually quite far in terms of traffic or routing.

I personally chose the local bus and overnight buses to travel around India as it was often cheaper than taking the train. You can find buses on RedBus or look for trains/buses/flights on MakeMyTrip . You can download the apps to make your life easier!  

It can be quite tricky to book trains in India as they have so many different classes. I’d recommend you ask a local to help you out for the first time (ask the reception of your hostel!).

Another alternative is to travel by flight if you are limited on time and if you’re planning on covering cities that are far from each other. The earlier you book, the higher your chances are to find a decent price.

What to Pack for India | India Travel Essentials

When it comes to packing for India you should keep in mind that appropriate clothing should be light but also conservative.

I personally was always wearing t-shirts, long pants or leggings and I was covering my shoulders most of the time.

Here are a few travel packing essentials for India:

• Sarong /scarf to cover your shoulders when visiting temples
• Comfortable shoes/flip-flops
• Light and appropriate clothing
• Camera / tripod

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Make sure you have travel insurance for your travels in India! Nobody wants to deal with unexpected surprises abroad!

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• Spend 5 Days Kerala India

How to Spend couple of Days in Kerala, India

Kerala is a land that is richly endowed with the best of nature. Be it its fine beaches , gorgeous hills , graceful lagoons or awe-inspiring art and culture, this southern state on the western coast of India has something for every kind of traveller. If you only have five days to spare, here is the ideal itinerary to get you started on your wanderlust-worthy trip to ‘God’s Own Country’. Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

Day 1: familiarise yourself with kerala at kochi.

Arrive in Kerala via Kochi by booking your tickets at the Cochin International Airport . Explore the city of Kochi and its most famous suburb, Fort Kochi , which is a treasure trove of art, culture and history. Begin by leaning all you can about Kerala through a visit to its museums, such as the Kerala Museum, the Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum, the Hill Palace Museum and the Indo-Portuguese Museum. Move on to Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, where you can explore the Mattancherry Palace, the Paradesi Synagogue, the ancient curios and artifacts at Jew Town and waft through the Spice Bazaar, which is infused with the aromas of spices that have been traded across the world for centuries. Spend the evening watching the sunset at the Chinese Fishing Nets.

Day 2: The Bewitching Hill Station Of Munnar

Day 3: Idle At The Divine Backwaters Of Alappuzha

Travel to the backwaters of Alappuzha , for which you will have to book a houseboat in advance. Take the 6:20 am bus from Munnar that reaches Alappuzha at 12:50 pm or drive down, which takes a little over five hours. Hop into your houseboat and cruise over the splendid lagoons. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, the voyage via houseboat will take you through the sights and sounds of everyday village life. Relish in authentic delicacies, such as karimeen fry (pearl spot fish), and the local alcohol, toddy. To extend the experience, stay overnight on the houseboat. This is also an apt break that will give you some rest between your journeys.

Day 4: Saunter Around At The Enticing Varkala Beach

Take the 8:15 am KSRTC bus, which reaches Varkala, the hippie hangout, at noon. Alternatively, driving down will be faster at less than three hours. This is another destination to relax in as you can laze by the famous Varkala Beach , drinking in the superb sights of the admirable cliffs that line it. Indulge in watersports and adventure activities, such as paragliding. Hang out at the cafes on top of the cliffs and catch a beautiful sunset as you bid adieu to the day.

Day 5: Explore History And Culture In Kerala’s Capital, Thiruvananthapuram

At a distance of just 44 kilometres, there are constant buses from Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram that take about two hours to reach, so choose any bus in the morning, according to your convenience. Visit the richest temple in the world, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Move on to the Kuthiramalika Palace (Mansion of Horses), a remnant of the rich royal history of Kerala. Spend the evening at Shankumugham Beach, marvelling at the beautiful sculpture of the mermaid, Sagarakanyaka. Conclude your trip in the capital of Kerala by booking your return flight from Trivandrum International Airport .

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Steal this 7 Days in Kerala Itinerary for the Perfect Trip (2024)!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories KERALA , INDIA

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Having lived in Delhi for over a year and backpacked (almost) all over this country, I couldn’t believe that I still had the southern state of Kerala to check off my list. 

It’s almost could be considered criminal as most tourists flock to Kerala and rave about it. So, on this recent trip to India, I knew that all had to change! 

Thankfully, India Someday came on board to plan out the perfect 7 days in Kerala itinerary for me to make it happen. 

I gave them the number of days I was planning to visit Kerala and they worked out the ideal itinerary to make the most out of my trip there! It really took the stress out of it, as they booked my transport, hotels, activities, the lot. 

I spent a week in Kerala exploring the historic Fort Kochi, frolicking in the tea plantations of Munnar, and cruising down the Alleppey Backwaters. 

Here is my perfect 7 days in Kerala itinerary, make sure you steal it to have the best trip.

Who are India Someday?

India Someday is a trip planning company that is based in Mumbai, India. They specialise in planning travel itineraries for those that want to go to India but don’t necessarily know where to start planning their trip. 

They have extensive contacts with luxury hotels and cosy homestays so you can plan your holiday based on your budget and preferences. 

I personally stayed at a lot of boutique homestay’s while in Kerala and absolutely loved them! They were so unique and the cherry on top (for me at least) was that they were in heritage buildings so you were living the history while there too! 

As well as places to stay, they can plan out your transport to reach each location and organise activities for you too. So, everything will be taken care of. All you have to do is show up and enjoy your holiday. 

To read more about their services, read my full review of India Someday here.

Did you know that India Someday offer 20% off for solo travellers? As a bonus, add on my code “THIRDEYE05” to get an extra 5% off. That’s a whole 25% off your trip!

How to reach Kerala

• By plane: Kerala is easy to access by flight as it has a huge international and domestic airport. I flew into Kerala from Delhi with Vistara and the prices were pretty reasonable for a one-way ticket at £50. But, if you book further in advance tickets can be considerably cheaper. I always use Skyscanner to book flights and compare prices. 
• If you’re flying internationally from the UK straight into Kerala, you can take a flight from Birmingham, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh. Most of these stop  over in Dubai, Doha or Delhi first. 
• By Train: Kerala is also accessible by direct train from Mumbai, Goa and Bangalore. I always book my trains online to save the hassle of the dreaded India train company website. You can see my full post on how to book trains in India here . If you’d rather book on the day, you can get a Taktal ticket at the station but chances can be slim!

How to get around Kerala 

Kerala is not the easiest state to navigate with a lot of places, like Munnar and Alleppey, requiring private transport.

Of course, you can take sharing cabs and public government buses to reach main locations, but after that you’re on your own! 

Fort Kochi is easily accessible from Kochi airport and you can get around on foot but if you’re heading to the hill stations, national parks, and the backwaters, this is where it gets a tad complicated. 

Munnar doesn’t really have public buses and the buses that are there stop quite early in the day.

So, unless you’re staying in the hectic Munnar city, rickshaws and taxis can be difficult to secure and book to head to some of the tourist attractions which are spread out in the hills. So, you will need a private car hire anyway.

Luckily, India Someday booked me a private driver for the week while I was staying in Kerala. This was the perfect way to make the most of my time and I highly appreciated the air conditioning as Kerala was scorching! 

I would highly recommend hiring a driver to explore Kerala, or hiring a vehicle to take you around. 

The ultimate 7 days in Kerala itinerary 

So, let’s get started on the 7 days in Kerala Itinerary! It’s good to note that Kerala is HUGE and so there is only so much that you can cover in one week. 

India Someday was on hand to make sure that I saw the best of Kerala in the time that I had and it worked out perfectly. So, I thought I would pass on this onto you.

In this Kerala itinerary, I’ll be covering Fort Kochi, Munnar, and Alleppey. This gives you the perfect balance of heritage, culture, tea plantations, beaches, and backwaters. 

How to get from Kochi Airport to Fort Kochi 

Kochi Airport is around 36 kilometres from Fort Kochi, so I was glad to have a car to take me there. The heat in October was stifling and the air conditioning in the car was a must!

If you don’t have transport booked you will need to book a transfer to the town after your flight. The airport will have pre-paid taxi services that you can buy at the airport.

I would highly recommend these booking counters as they can save you a lot of money rather than negotiating outside of the airport. 

Bus from Kochi Airport to Fort Kochi  

There is also a Volvo bus transfer service from Kochi airport to Fort Kochi if you would prefer.

This is a great budget option at 90 rupees per head and it does have comfortable seats and air conditioning! There is also the option for Non A/C but it would be pretty grim with the heat. 

The only downside is that these do have a strict schedule for timings. But, if you’re not in a hurry, it’s perfect. 

Day 1-2 explore the historic Fort Kochi 

Fort Kochi is the perfect starting place for your Kerala Itinerary. For such a small fishing town, this place is a powerhouse of history!

But, despite the name, don’t expect to find anything remotely resembling a fort here. Okay, except for maybe one canon lol. 

The current history of Fort Kochi really began when a merchant sailor by the name of Vasco de Gama rediscovered the old spice trade route from Europe. He sailed from Portugal to India and landed on the shores of Kerala in 1501.

After a rather unsuccessful meeting on southern shores with the Zamorin (king) of Calicut, he ended up making an alliance with the Rajah (another king) of Kochi.

The deal was, in exchange for defeating the Zamorin, Vasco de Gama had permission from the Rajah to trade and build in the area. Thus, the first settlement in Fort Kochi was born! 

Many of the Portuguese churches and historic buildings are still here today.

Two centuries later the Dutch wanted to take over the spice route and created the Dutch East India Company, a business that equated to over 8 trillion dollars in today’s society! 

Eventually, the British Raj took over power and built more houses, hospitals, train lines, and clubs for those of the Empire to meet. 

Today, since India’s independence, there’s a perfect synergy of colonial heritage, religious temples, and local culture here. Something you’ll notice very quickly as you wander around. 

Read more places to visit in Fort Kochi here

Places to visit in Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is a tiny picturesque fishing village and so it’s really accessible to explore on foot self-guided.

But, if you were looking for a little bit of direction and to learn some history, I would recommend going on a walking tour with Gully Tours .

The ’spice trail’ walking tour allowed me to understand way more of the history than discovering it for myself! 

On our tour, we visited many of the churches, historic buildings, the sea front and I was really impressed with a lot of the street art in the area.

We had lots of fun taking photos against the many ‘Instagram walls’ and visiting some of the trendy art cafés.

One that particularly caught my interest was The Pepper House Café , it used to be a heritage pepper exchange and now it serves up fair trade coffee. 

Chinese Fishing Nets 

No visit to Fort Kochi would be complete without a visit to the famous Chinese Fishing Nets on the seafront.

The legend goes that a Chinese fisherman named Zang He introduced these nets to Kerala over 500 years ago and they’ve stuck ever since. They are a bit of a tourist trap though, so, haggle if you want photos! 

What I also loved about this walking tour was the fact that we visited the colonial side but also the Indian side of town.

This is where you got to see some of the ‘real’ Kochi, where locals go about their day, sell their wares in the market and eat in cafés once the workday is done.

Click here to read tips on how to not get scammed at the fishing nets!

Where to eat in Fort Kochi

We stopped by a local restaurant called Kayeez Rahmathulla Café which is the most popular restaurant in Fort Kochi with locals! 

It was packed and apparently is that way from morning until night. We had an absolute feast of buffalo curry, Kerala roti, rice, and even chai tea and it cost next to nothing. Such a great way to experience life in the city. 

Don’t miss in Fort Kochi – Kathakali performance 

If there is one thing that you must do while in Kerala, it’s visiting a Kathakali dance performance.

You can visit these dance performances all over Kerala, but I had heard that Fort Kochi has the best places to watch.

I was so excited to see that India Someday had included it on the itinerary – I watched the show at the Kathakali Cultural Centre. 

What is Kathakali?

If you’re not aware of what Kathakali is, it’s a historic dance that is inspired by the Hindu epic the Ramayan.

Performers have to train for over six years to be able to perform the craft; that’s the dancers, drummers, singers, and even the makeup artists too! 

What to expect in a Kathakali dance

The first half of the performance is to watch the makeup being applied. The performers apply this themselves and only use natural products with coconut oils.

In Kathakali the characters have yellow and green faces. So, they apply natural face paints to get into character. 

The performers even put flower seeds in their eyes to make their eyes go red – they’re really dedicated to the craft!

Once the makeup has been applied, you learn a little bit about the training for Kathakali.

There is no talking during the performances but the performers learn to move their facial muscles, eyes, hands, legs, eyebrows, and pretty much all of their bodies to make a dancing ‘language’. No wonder it takes years to perfect, as there is so much to remember!

The dancing part of the show was incredible. The storytelling through the body movements was fascinating to watch and, although I didn’t understand all of it, you could definitely tell most of the story by the body language.

Luckily, the centre give you a piece of paper with the story on it beforehand so you can keep up. 

I would highly recommend a visit while you’re in Kerala!

Read more of my top tips for watching a Kathakali show in Kerala

Where to stay in Fort Kochi – Delight Homestay

I was really pleased with the accommodation that India Someday had chosen for me here. I’m a massive fan of historic cities and the fact that I was staying in a heritage property was the cherry on top!

Delight Homestay is one of the oldest homestays in Fort Kochi that dates back 200 years during the Dutch period. The building had so much character and a beautiful garden full of flowers, orchids, trees growing fruits and they even grew their own vegetables here! 

My room was spacious with a double bed, mirror, wardrobes, living area, air conditioning (needed with the heat), and a clean bathroom too.

Every morning I would enjoy breakfast with the family and get to know them a little better. It was such a little cosy retreat and I couldn’t have asked for more. 

The homestay is only a few minutes from the seafront and some of the main attractions in Fort Kochi, so it’s an amazing base for a few days of sightseeing here.

Read my full review of this incredible Delight homestay here

Days 3-5 ascend to the Hills of Munnar

After a few scorching hot days in Fort Kochi, I was really excited to head up to Munnar Hill Station to beat the heat!

Once again, I was really happy that India Someday had booked me a car to get here as there aren’t really any buses that make the journey. Many people drive their own cars, hire a car or take private taxis to get to the top.

Munnar is like an emerald paradise with waterfalls and rolling hills that go on for miles! It’s also famous for its main export, tea, so you’ll see (and taste!) lot’s of it when you’re here.

This hill station is incredibly touristy making a lot of the attractions overcrowded.

It also didn’t help I was visiting over a holiday, so everyone was making their way up here for a few days. But, there are some parts of Munnar where you can explore without endless people – more on that later.

How to get from Fort Kochi to Munnar 

The journey from Fort Kochi to Munnar will take you around 4-5 hours due to the winding switchback roads.

Thankfully, as it’s a big tourist destination, the roads are really well laid and so you don’t have to worry about a bumpy journey.

However, there will be quite a lot of traffic on the way up and some parts of the roads are under construction. But, I was in safe hands with my driver Suresh, who knew how to handle them. 

There aren’t really any tourist buses that head up from Fort Kochi to Munnar and the public buses looked like a bit of a dice with death. So, I would definitely opt for a shared or private taxi to take you up to the hill. 

The benefit of taking a private taxi is that you’ll be able to stop off at places along the way. A lot of places are like tacky ayurvedic shops, spice farms, and even elephant riding centres which I DO NOT recommend. But, I’ll go through some places with natural beauty to stop off at below. 

Read my complete guide to this Kochi to Munnar road trip with sightseeing, food stops, and viewpoints here

Places to stop on the way from Fort Kochi to Munnar 

There are a couple of waterfalls that you have to stop off on your way up to Munnar.

You’ll instantly know the places as you’ll see lots of cars parked up before you get there and there is a reason for that; they are drop-dead gorgeous!

We stopped at two of the most popular waterfalls; Valara & Cheeyapara waterfalls.

The first one, Cheeyapara, was a big photo spot and I’ve never seen so many selfie sticks being taken out. Of course, I had to join in the fun and get a photo.

The second was Valara and apparently, even though it was roaring, this was a light flow compared to monsoon season!  

If you’re looking for places to stop off for food then I would highly recommend The Clay Oven. This place was super clean, the food was hygienic and the toilets were lovely, if you needed a clean bathroom break! 

My driver recommended trying the Kerala feast which was like a thali on a banana leaf. Eating curry on a banana leaf is traditional here so I guess it had to be done.

When the Clay Oven said ‘feast’, I really didn’t know what I was in for! I was a massive plate of rice and around ten little dishes full of curry, chutney’s, dal and then there was even pudding with banana chips and a banana on the side. Then, to wash it all down I had a freshly squeezed pineapple juice. 

Safe to say I was so stuffed afterward but it was incredible local and organic food. The whole bill came to about 270 rupees (£3!) which was a steal.

Places to visit in Munnar 

Munnar is any nature lovers paradise and many visit simply for the epic views alone! But, there are plenty of things to do in the area, so make sure you leave a couple of days to really get the most out of it. 

Read more: 20+ tourist places to visit in Munnar!

Wildlife and Nature Parks

If you’re into wildlife then you have to visit one of the National Parks. We decided to visit Erivakulum National Park where you can have the chance to spot an endangered Nilgiri Tahr deer.

At one point when the British were here, the Nilgiri Tahr almost became endangered with so much hunting taking place. But, now they are protected in this park and there’s lots of conservation going on. 

I was really impressed with the care taken towards the environment too, like no jeeps touring around and people were allowed to walk for the chance to spot one. We were lucky and got to spot not one but three of them near the end gate.

If you didn’t fancy splashing out on a parking ticket, then there is plenty of wildlife to see roaming free on the roadsides. I was really lucky and had the chance to see wild elephants, nilgiri lankur’s, and wild buffalo!

Click here for my essential tips for Erivakulam before you visit

Top Station Route

Did you know that Munnar is close to the border of Tamil Nadu? So, you can head on up to Top Station to see the old trading post of the British Raj. But, you may not see great views on a cloudy day. The best way to see the views is to head out as early as possible before the clouds roll in.

Read more on whether a visit to Top Station is worth it!

There’s also many waterfalls that you can visit and even swim by like Lakkam Falls.

When I went inside, the fish were giving me a natural foot spa. My feet were so soft afterward haha. 

Read more about the gorgeous Lakkam Falls here  or check out the best waterfalls in Munnar here

If you’re interested in seeing some heritage then Munnar has a lot leftover from when the British were here.

Once upon a time, there was a train station that has now been converted into shops or you can visit the oldest church in Munnar.

Christ Church Munnar was built in 1921 and it’s well worth checking out. They even have a London Exchequer sign from years gone by!

In the evening, you must visit Punarjarni to watch some Kerala Martial Arts; Kalaripayattu.

This ancient craft takes years of training and originates from the warriors of Kerala long ago. When I first walked into the theatre, it was like a colosseum. I thought to myself, is this going to be a fight to the death?!

The show involved lots of fighting with wooden sticks, spears, swords, and even jumping through rings of fire! It amazing and I would highly recommend it. 

Don’t miss in Munnar – Lockhart tea plantation

I have to admit, heading up to Top Station was super touristy. Every attraction we stopped at on the way had a queue to even to park up which became frustrating after a while.

But, I was super happy that India Someday had booked me on a tour with Route 49 adventures to off-road into Lockhart Tea Plantation.

We took a private jeep off-roading into the tea plantations and I honestly could not believe my eyes. It was endless tea fields, mountains as a backdrop, and not one tourist in sight! 

Route 49 adventures have a permit so that you can access private tea plantations which made the perfect escape! I loved exploring the plantation and I took LOTS of photos while I was here. 

Off-roading in a jeep can be extremely bumpy but it’s so much fun. We also got to stop at the many villages where the tea plantation workers live and see them working in the fields too. 

Read my top tips for visiting the Tea Gardens of Munnar

Lockhart Tea Museum and Tea Tasting

After taking a lot of photos, we pulled back into tourist town again and went for a tour of Lockhart Tea Museum.

This allowed us to see how the tea was cultivated and made into bags for the cups of tea we drink at home! No photos were allowed inside and you had to wear these super fashionable shoe covers… lovely. 

To finish off our tour we went for a tea tasting at Munnar Tea Tales, unfortunately, the power went out halfway through but as they say, the show must go on!

We tried all sorts of teas like Munnar Green Tea, Pekoe Tea, even Rose Tea. I loved learning about how each tea is made and how the type of tea depends on how it’s produced.

Out of all my trips in Munnar, the adventure to Lockhart Tea Plantation with Route 49 adventures was the best. I had such a great time and, if you want to escape the crowds in Munnar, this is the tour for you!

Where to stay in Munnar – Mistletoe Homestay

I stayed in an amazing homestay called Mistletoe Munnar while I was here. It was a little further out of Munnar City but this was honestly a blessing rather than a curse. 

Munnar City is incredibly overcrowded with traffic pretty much all day and night. So, staying a little bit away from the hustle and bustle was brilliant. 

Mistletoe Munnar is a delightful family-run homestay that has spectacular views of the Munnar Hills. 

My room was spacious with a double bed, desk area and I had a huge bathroom! The highlight was my private balcony that looked right over the rolling hills and I absolutely loved sipping on a cup of tea and enjoying breakfast with the view. 

I actually loved the food so much here that I ate dinner here every night. I would always ask for them to surprise me, as long as it wasn’t too spicy, and each night the meals were delicious!

It’s the perfect base for a few days of sightseeing in Munnar which provides peace and quiet.  Read my full review of Mistletoe Munnar here.

Days 6-7 sail down the backwaters of Alleppey 

After a few days in Munnar, it’s time to head back down to the heat. This time, we were heading to Alleppey!  

Alleppey, or Alappuzha, is somewhere that I had wanted to visit for an age. It looked like such a treat to be floating down the backwaters so I was excited that India Someday had added this onto the Kerala itinerary. 

Most tourists opt for a houseboat while they are here to explore the backwaters. But, I was going to be staying on an island IN the backwaters which sounded amazing. 

After some busy travelling and exploring days, I was happy to take it down a notch and relax.   

Places to visit in Alleppey 

I guess Alleppey doesn’t really have that many ‘top places to visit’ as it’s mainly the backwaters and beaches that tourists come to see.

After our journey from Munnar, we headed straight out to see the Alleppey Lighthouse get an introduction to the area. It’s a huge lighthouse that provides amazing views of the ocean, beaches, jungles, and beyond.

Click here for a 24 hours Alleppey itinerary

Alleppey Beach nearby was also lovely, if a bit overcrowded at sunset.

Like with a lot of Indian beaches, instead of sunbathing with towels like in the West, most people simply stand near the shoreline to paddle in the waves that come crashing in.

But, ladies, don’t come to this beach in a bikini! Most people are fully dressed so it will draw a lot of attention. 

Lastly, you’ll definitely want to prioritise a trip down the backwaters !

Most houseboats have hotel rooms, toilets, showers, and lots of amenities most hotels have. So, you can opt to stay on the backwaters or take a day trip in one from your guesthouse/hotel. The choice is yours. 

Where to stay in Alleppey – Emerald Isle Heritage Villa

India Someday booked Emerald Isle for my stay in Alleppey which is located on an island in the backwaters! This was ideal for me as staying alone on a houseboat for the night wouldn’t be the most fun. 

I loved the fact that Emerald Isle was another heritage homestay. It was a farmhouse that the owner’s great grandfather had built over 160 years ago.

When I was checking in, I even got to see the original deed of lands granted to the family that was carved into a leaf of a palm tree! How cool is that?!

Years ago, the hotel rooms that are now open to guests were used for storage on the farm.

They would store rice, coconuts, grain, and all other types of harvests for the family to trade. Nowadays, the homestay has six amazing boutique rooms that you can spend the night in. My room was where they used to store the rice.

I loved the wholesome Kerala food they served every lunch and dinner time at the hotel. They made the most amazing thali with fresh fish and chicken curries, local Kerala rice, pappad, and more. The chef was also so sweet and always asked me for preferences which was a nice touch. 

Click here to read my full review of Emeral Isle Homestay.

Things to do around Emerald Isle

As part of my stay, Emerald Isle booked in a few resort activities for me to enjoy. 

Firstly, I had a tour around the island in a rickshaw, which was a lovely introduction to the area.

We got to see houses on the backwaters with buffalos bathing in the sun, Christian churches, locals fishing and meeting people which was the best part! 

Ayurvedic Massage

Later, I was booked in for a massage. Can you believe that it was my first massage in India?! Which I think could almost be criminal haha. But, where better to have my first massage than at the home of Ayurveda?! 

Before my massage, she asked me to tell her any pain I was experiencing that she could help me with. As a blogger, I’m usually hunched over my laptop or carrying lots of heavy tech, so I asked her to help me with shoulder pain. 

What I loved is also they asked me how much oil I wanted and if I wanted a soft or hard massage. I guess it was my first time, so I asked her to do medium lol! 

It really, really helped me with my shoulder and back pain and I only wish I was there for a couple of days more to have a few treatments.

Sailing down the backwaters on a Shikara Boat 

As I mentioned before, most tourists opt for a day trip on a houseboat. Included in that would be your boat ride, food, snacks, water etc. So, you can spend all day sailing down the backwaters. 

But, the only thing with a huge houseboat is you can only sail down the main waterways which can get terribly crowded in peak seasons. So, we opted for a Shikara boat.

This traditional boat meant that we could sail down little canals and see the locals which sounded far more fun. 

It was great to see the local fisherman, women washing clothes, families on their houseboats, the local ferries transporting locals to where they needed to be. There were also churches, Mandirs (temples), wildlife, swaying palm trees, all as we floated merrily down the river. 

I would highly recommend taking a boat trip for at least a few hours to make the most of it.

Click here to read more things to do on the backwaters of Alleppey!

Don’t miss in Alleppey – Toddy!

Toddy is something I desperately wanted to try in Kerala, ever since I arrived in India over 3 years ago. It’s a palm wine made out of sap that they source from the palm trees here! You may see some bowls that have been placed on the palm trees as you wander around, that’s where the locals collect Toddy! 

Now most tourists will try toddy in their resort or the bottled stuff on their houseboats. But, I wanted to try a more local experience. I was desperate to visit a toddy shack and so I forced my guesthouse owner to take me to one while I was in Alleppey.

Now most tourists don’t touch toddy shacks, let alone a woman entering one.

But, as I had my guide with me, I didn’t see the harm. They’re not really recommended as they use local water to mix the toddy wine to drink. But, a little taste can’t harm you, right?

Toddy wine will cost you a whopping 60 rupees ;) which is a fraction of the price of local and imported wines here. So, you can fill your boots even on a budget. 

The guy who owned the toddy shack was so proud to serve me and asked me to take some photos. So, here’s a little memoir of my toddy shack adventure. It isn’t for the faint-hearted but it was a lot of fun and something I have wanted to do for an age! 

Click here to read my guide on how to consume Toddy safely in Kerala

Where else is there to visit in Kerala?

If you can spare more than a week in Kerala and would rather see some different places while you’re here, this state is packed with beautiful and diverse locations.

If you’re into beaches, why not visit Varkala and Trivandrum. These beaches are a little less touristy and maybe more fun than Alleppey. 

Or, if you’d like to watch more wildlife, why not visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary for elephants or Periyar National Park for tiger where you have the chance to spot a wild tiger. 

If you really want to go off the beaten track then I would suggest you look to Neeleshwar, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, or Vagamon.

So, that’s your perfect 7 days in Kerala itinerary

I really have to thank India Someday for planning the perfect Kerala Itinerary for my 7 days in Kerala.

With only a week, it felt like there wasn’t much time to explore this huge state but I felt like I had the perfect blend of history, culture, hill stations, wildlife, beaches, and backwaters.

I loved the fact that all of the stress was taken out of my travel plans as everything had been booked and arranged for me.

I knew where I was going, where I was staying, what activities were planned and it all went off without a hitch. 

If you’re ever planning a trip to Kerala, or elsewhere in India, then I would highly recommend using India Someday’s services. They’re incredible efficient and organise your trip around your preferences. 

Another thing I loved is the fact that they use local businesses, tour companies and homestay’s throughout the trip.

These homestays are run by local families and they really allow you to meet locals while you’re here and even, in some cases, feel a part of history too. 

I have a whole post that goes into more details about India Someday’s services and how to book here . Click here to  start planning your trip via this link !

Did you know that India Someday offers 20% off for solo travellers? As a bonus, add on my code “THIRDEYE05” to get an extra 5% off. That’s a whole 25% off your trip!

Save this 7 day Kerala itinerary for later!

With thanks to India Someday for sponsoring my trip to Kerala, although I was a guest, all photos, opinions, and videos are my own. 

Sunday 7th of January 2024

Sophie, your write-up is absolutely fabulous! The allure of Munnar is truly captivating, especially with its tea plantations, wildlife parks, and enchanting waterfalls. Your vivid descriptions have sparked my wanderlust, and Munnar has become a must-visit on my travel list. Thanks for sharing the beauty of this fascinating area in India!

Sophie Pearce

Thursday 11th of January 2024

Thank you so much! I totally agree that Munnar is gorgeous. Sophie x

Kailash Rane

Friday 2nd of December 2022

Found your post interesting to read. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting.

Thursday 8th of December 2022

Vijay Halli

Monday 22nd of August 2022

Hi. Impressed with the tour details. We are 3 senior citizens, me, my wife and her sister planning to visit Kerala for the first time for 6 D/7N. Wish to visit Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady , Alleppey and Trivandrum. Could you please help us chalk out our intenary and recommend places to stay and tour operators in Kerala for this purpose. Pl share contact numbers if available. We are looking for 3 Star accomodation. Thks

Saturday 27th of August 2022

Hi Vijay, that trip sounds lovely. I can only recommend the places I stayed on my trip and they are all mentioned and linked in the article. In Munnar I stayed at Mistletoe in Kochi I stayed in Delight Homestay and in Alleppey I stayed in Emerald Isle Villas. All were great! Hope this helps and have a lovely time. Sophie x

Shivani Uniyal

Wednesday 27th of April 2022

You've perfectly spend your 7 days in kerala, relaxing and exploring too without any hustle bustle

Thursday 28th of April 2022

Hi Shivani, it was a really good mix of busier days and relaxing ones. I would highly recommend Kerala! :) Sophie x

• Andhra Pradesh
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Himachal Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Uttar Pradesh
• West Bengal
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Bird Watching
• National Parks
• Paragliding
• River Rafting
• Scuba Diving
• Jungle Lodges
• Luxury Resorts

Kerala Itinerary – 10 Days in Kerala Tour Plan

• March 4, 2024

The state of Kerala is situated on the Malabar coast of South India. It boasts 600 kilometers of scenic shoreline lined by tall and densely foliaged palm trees.

Often described as a paradise on earth, the color green takes on a whole different meaning in this state as you move from the hills of Munnar and Wayanad perched on the Western Ghats to the lush backwaters of Alleppey or the verdant beaches on Trivandrum or Varkala. Add to this an intriguing colonial past as well as cultural and religious significance, and you have a 7-day Kerala itinerary that will leave little doubt about the often-used epithet for Kerala, “God’s Own Country”.

A weeklong vacation through this southern gem will leave you baffled by the variety of flora and fauna our beautiful country holds in every corner, and it will be a holiday you will recommend to everyone you know. You can consider this itinerary while looking at various Kerala tour packages.

Kerala Itinerary Snapshot (10D / 9N)

1 Night: Kochi

2 Nights: Munnar

2 Nights: Thekaddy

2 Nights: Kumarakom / Alleppy

• Day 1- Reach Kochi , check in and freshen up
• Day 2- Munnar : Head to Munnar, check in
• Day 3 – Munnar : Spend time in Munnar
• Day 4 – Thekaddy : Head to Thekaddy, check in
• Day 5 – Thekadday : Spend time in Thekaddy
• Day 6 – Kumarakom : Head to Kumarakom, check in
• Day 7 – Kumarakom / Alleppey : Spend time in Backwaters
• Day 8- Varkala: Head to Varkala
• Day 9 – Varkala : Spend time in Varkala
• Day 10 – Kochi: Back to kochi

Also Read : 7-Day Karnataka Itinerary

How To Reach Kerala?

Kerala has 4 international airports at Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur and Kozhikode. We are beginning our Kerala trip at Kochi and departing from Thiruvananthapuram as both are well connected to all the major cities across India. You can also take a train to reach Ernakulam Junction in Kochi and depart from Thiruvananthapuram Pettah station. Regular buses to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are also available from the neighbouring states.

Which Are The Most Popular Tourist Destinations Of Kerala?

Kochi, Munnar, Wayanad, Alleppey, Thekkady, Varkala, Kovalam, Kumarakom, Sabarimala, Idukki, Bekal, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Thalassery, Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, Periyar National Park are some of the often-visited hubs of Kerala.

Is Kerala Safe For Solo Travelling?

Kerala is well-connected by roads and travelling from one place to another is fairly easy and safe. Although Kerala is more popular with honeymoon couples and families on vacation, solo travellers will also find it comfortable here.

Which Is The Best Season To go on the Kerala tour?

The hill stations of Munnar and Wayanad are pleasant throughout the year but it is best to visit the state as a whole between September and February when the weather is less humid.

Where To Stay In Kerala?

Hotels, resorts, homestays, houseboats on backwaters, even treehouses – take your pick from a wide variety of options available.

What Type Of Food Options Are Available In Kerala?

Kerala, of course, is famous for its South Indian cuisine with Puttu and Kadala curry, Appam with stew, Idiyappam, and seafood being some of the staples. Most food items have a strong coconut flavor to it however, if you can also find several multi-cuisine restaurants available in all the cities.

Is The Kerala Trip Affordable For Budget And Backpacking Travels?

Yes, it is. You could travel in buses and trains instead of hiring outstation cabs and budget resorts are available for overnight stays. If you are looking for an exotic vacation, you have options aplenty with luxurious houseboats and 5-star accommodations available throughout the state.

Is Kerala A Suitable Choice For Young Travellers And Senior Citizens?

This Kerala Itinerary does not include any grueling treks or hikes and should be easily traversed by people of all ages. There are trekking options on the Western Ghats if you want to hit your heart with an adrenaline rush as well.

Details Of 7- Day Kerala Itinerary

Reach Kochi

The city of Kochi is a major port in the country and has seen various colonial powers step on its lands in their quest for the spices and riches of India. You will find structures that date back to the 14 th and 15 th centuries and have Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arab and even Chinese influences.

Kochi has an old-world charm, and to be truly able to absorb the charm of this city, we suggest you stay at a boutique hotel. Boutique Hotels are age-old properties that are preserved in their unique form to host guests from all over the world, and we know the best now in town.

Bloom Boutique | Waterfront Fort Kochi is a museum-themed hotel that is all things cosy, chic and rustic, in short, it’s perfect for an old-school vibe. Apart from the rustic feel, the hotel also features a lake view restaurant that is perfect for having breakfasts and romantic candlelight dinner with beau. Ohh and don’t forget to embark on the boat cruise provided exclusively by Bloom Boutique | Waterfront Fort Kochi.

Start your day at Fort Kochi- a small seaside part of the city believed to be the first European township created in India. The St. Francis Church here is the first European church built in India and has undergone several reformations. This is where the remains of Vasco da Gama were initially buried before being excavated. Santa Cruz Basilica is another centuries-old church here.

The Chinese Fishing Nets are a very popular attraction here. These nets are believed to have been in use since the 14 th century, brought over from the Chinese court of Kublai Khan. Walk through Princess Street and see the colonial buildings here to understand the city’s vibrant past. Visit the Fort Kochi beach and eat at the many cafes lining this place. Kashi Art Café is a recommended one.

The Mattancherry Palace should be your next stop. A European structure with murals and paintings of the Indian King for whom it was built, this architectural beauty stands apart from the typical architecture found in Southern India. The Bolgatty Palace is another marvelous structure to visit. Also, visit the Jewish Synagogue (or Paradesi Synagogue) which was built in 1568 and still stands tall today.

Move next to Willingdon Island man-made island on the Port from where you can take boat tours for the backwaters. Visit the Veeranpuzha lake and Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. The Archaeological Museum on Hill Palace is an interesting site too.

Other popular tourist spots include the Folklore Museum, Thirikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple (where Onam is hosted), and Ernakulam Shiva Temple to get a flavor of the rich Hindu culture blended with the colonial past.

End your day on Marine Drive by taking a sunset cruise and then watching an evening performance of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu at Greenix Village, a cultural center.

Also Read : 10-Day Himachal Itinerary

DAY 2 & 3

Head to munnar, spend 2 nights.

This idyllic hill station on the Western Ghats, flanked by 3 rivers- Madupetti, Nallathanni, and Periavaru, is a 4-hour drive away from Kochi and is famous for its tea estates, waterfalls, and gardens. Staying in a treehouse can be a unique experience here that you might want to try.

Places to see?

Top station- at a height of 1,700 meters for its breathtaking views.

Pothamedu View Point,   Eravikulam National Park (which houses endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji blossoms). Trek up to the Chokramudi peak inside the park.

Also visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, the Atukkad waterfalls and Echo Point, the Madupetty Dam And Dairy Farm, the KDHP museum in Tata Tea Estate, Chinnakanal waterfalls, the rose garden, and Blossom Park.

DAY 4 & 5

Thekkady (periyar national park), spend 2 nights.

Day 3 of the Kerala itinerary starts with Periyar National Park – the country’s largest tiger reserve, sprawling 300 square miles, home to several species like deer, elephants, and Nilgiri langurs- is a 3-4 hour drive from Munnar. Go on the tiger trail with armed guides and patrol officers for that off-beat jungle thrill.

Enjoy Bamboo rafting in the catchment area of the Periyar lake. Visit the Green Park Ayurvedic and Spices Plantation for the aromatic spices you can carry back home.

If you have time, drive to Anakkara in the Idukki district to see another spice plantation and waterfall. Visit the Mudra Cultural Centre for a close glimpse into the culture of Kathakali dancers and the Chellarkovil viewpoint.

Camp on the bank of Periyar lake for a unique stay.

DAY 6 & 7

Kumarakom & alleppey, spend 2 nights in either of them.

Alleppey is about 4-5 hours from Periyar, but take a slight detour at Kumarakom- a group of islets on Vembanad lake (the longest lake in India) and visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Pathiramanal Island. The Bay Island Driftwood Museum is a one-of-its-kind museum housing unique wood sculptures.

Pallipuram island on the Vembanad Lake is a small pristine village with white sands and provides you with perfect photographic backgrounds for those picture-perfect landscapes and selfies.

Reach Alleppey in the late afternoon and head to Alleppey beach and visit the lighthouse, as well as the 137-year-old pier heading into the sea. End the day by strolling through the souvenir shops and eateries in Alleppey.

Spend the next day in the beautiful town of Alleppey on the Laccadive Sea and cruise through its network of sparkling canals and calm lagoons, sipping on the traditional toddy or palm wine.

Visit the famous Mullakkal temple and Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna temple for their grandiose Kerala-style architecture. Also visit the Edathua Church and St. Mary’s Forane Church- the oldest Syrian Catholic Church in India.

Don’t miss out the traditional snake boat race if you are visiting in August. If you have children with you, take them for fun rides at Vijay Beach Park or relax your nerves with an Ayurvedic massage on Punnapra Beach. You could also enjoy kayaking in the backwaters.

Leave for Varkala in the afternoon and catch the sunset there. Varkala is 120 kms away and about a 3-hour drive from Alleppey and is famous for its sea views and sunset from its 15-metre high Northern Cliff on the seaside dotted with shacks filled with the aroma of seafood.

Enjoy water sports at Varkala beach or bathe in the serene waters of the Edava beach and Chilakoor beach.

Also Read : 3-Day Rishikesh Itinerary

DAY 8 & 9

Explore Varkala and spend 2 nights

Start your morning in Varkala by visiting the Anjengo Fort and lighthouse established by the British East India Company in 1696. Other places to see are the Vishnu temple which is believed to be at least 2,000 years old, and the Kaduvayil Juma Masjid, popular with Islamic believers for its healing powers.

Kappil Lake contoured by coconut trees, is also a prime attraction of this town. Take a quick stop at the Varkala Tunnel, a colonial-era structure that is believed to have taken 14 years to build and was frequently used by sailors on their way to Thiruvananthapuram. St. Sebastian’s Pilgrim Church is also well known for its calm and beautiful interiors.

Reach Thiruvananthapuram before or after lunch, and spend the latter half of the day there.

This is the bustling capital city of Kerala and worth spending the last 2 days of your trip in. It takes 1-2 hours to reach here from Varkala.

Your must-see list for the first day in the city should include the Neyyar dam and wildlife sanctuary to enjoy the lion and deer safari, the crocodile farm, and watch the elephants in their habitat. Trek to Agasthyakoodam – with a statue of Lord Agastya at its peak for the views around.

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Padmanabhaswamy Temple, in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, is not only a sought-after pilgrimage in Kerala but in the whole of India. It is one of the 108 Divya desams, holy abodes of Lord Vishnu, and attracts devotees from all over.

In recent times, the vaults that had been locked for years in the temple have been opened, leaving the archaeologists dumbfounded by the splendid jewelry and documents discovered there. There is an intriguing mystery surrounding Vault B, though, which has never been opened, and it is believed that opening it could wreak mayhem and havoc in the country due to the sensitive secrets held there.

Visit the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Aazhimala Siva Temple, and Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple to see the various culturally significant sites in the city. Poovar , a coastal village where the Biblical Solomon is believed to have arrived could be on your list too.

End your day at the Observatory, 60 meters above the sea, for the glorious views, and stroll on the beach till you are ready to call it a day.

BONUS Recommendation: Kovalam, 11 kilometers to the south of Thiruvananthapuram, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala, and it definitely calls for a visit towards the end of your vacation to relax and rejuvenate yourself before you head back into your busy routines again. The lighthouse on the beach provides mesmerizing views of the sea.

Also Read : How to Spend Time at Kovalam Beach?

Now, you know what can you do in Kerala if you have 10 days. It is equally important to know about the places in Kerala for trip. Many people interested in a Kerala visit search for this information. Here are some short details to help you:

Places in Kerala for Trip

Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” boasts a diverse tapestry of natural beauty and cultural richness.

For Hill Station Lovers

One must-visit destination is Munnar, a hill station enveloped in lush tea plantations, offering panoramic views of mist-covered mountains. The tranquil backwaters of Alleppey provide a unique experience, with houseboat cruises allowing visitors to meander through serene waterways flanked by swaying palm trees.

Munnar is already part of our 10-day itinerary. This is one of the best places in Kerala for trip. If you can spend five days in Munnar, my post on 5-day Munnar itinerary can help you.

For Wildlife Enthusiasts

For wildlife enthusiasts, Periyar National Park in Thekkady beckons with its dense forests and a chance to spot elephants, tigers, and a variety of bird species. As per our itinerary, you will visit this scenic spot-on day 4 and 5 of your Kerala Trip.

Sea Seekers

Again, Varkala is one of the best places in Kerala for trip. We have covered this in our itinerary as well. The pristine Varkala and Kovalam beaches are perfect for unwinding, with golden sands and the rhythmic lull of the Arabian Sea. We have already discussed about Kovalam on our bonus recommendation.

History Buffs

In the historic realm, Fort Kochi stands as a testament to the state’s colonial past, featuring Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. The vibrant city of Trivandrum, with its ancient temples and museums, offers a glimpse into Kerala’s rich heritage.

Not to be missed is Wayanad, a lush district adorned with waterfalls, spice plantations, and trekking trails. The culturally rich town of Thrissur, known for its festivals and art forms, is another gem. Kerala’s charm lies not only in its picturesque landscapes but also in its warm hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of nature and culture. These are a few best places in Kerala for trip. Your Kerala Trip will not become wholesome unless you cover one of these places.

Places to visit in Kerala in one day

Are you particular about Kerala Site Visit? Do you have only one day? If so, you will be interested in knowing about the places to visit in Kerala in one day. Thankfully, the God’s Own country has many attractive places that you can cover in a single day.

Here are some tourist places in Kerala for one day. Make sure to start your day early. Also, you can finish your day by visiting the Holy Guruvayur Temple. Here is how your Kerala site visit will look like. We have framed this itinerary considering that you are starting your day at Allepey:

• Start your journey by heading to Alleppey to embark on a mesmerizing backwater cruise. Spend time drifting along serene waterways on a traditional houseboat, witnessing daily life unfold along the banks lined with coconut palms and quaint villages. The experience is a tranquil escape into the heart of Kerala’s natural beauty.

2. With around an hour and half drive from Alleppey, you can reach Kochi. Here, Fort Kochi awaits with its charming blend of colonial architecture and vibrant streets. Stroll along Jew Street and visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, a testament to the town’s maritime history. The Mattancherry Palace, adorned with stunning murals, offers a glimpse into Kerala’s royal past. Lunch in one of Kochi’s local eateries, savoring authentic Kerala cuisine, and then make your way to the ancient town of Guruvayur.

3. Within around 3 hours’ drive from Alleppey, you can reach Guruvayur. It is the home to the revered Guruvayur Temple, it’s a spiritual haven that encapsulates the essence of Kerala’s cultural heritage.

After finishing your darshan at Guruvayur, you can get back to Alleppey within around 4 hours of drive. You can cover these tourist places in Kerala for one day.

Hope this Kerala itinerary help you in planning your trip. This itinerary covers everything for you; mountains, beaches, backwaters, wildlife and more. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.

1 thought on “Kerala Itinerary – 10 Days in Kerala Tour Plan”

Kerala truly sounds like a paradise on earth! The lush green landscapes, from the hills of Munnar to the backwaters of Alleppey, paint a mesmerizing picture. The blend of colonial history, cultural richness, and religious significance makes a 7-day itinerary irresistible. This blog has sparked my wanderlust for God’s Own Country!

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An Escape to God’s Own Country – The Perfect 5 Days in Kerala

Home » An Escape to God’s Own Country – The Perfect 5 Days in Kerala

Kerala, or the ‘God’s Own Country,’ is a mesmerizing haven in southern India that attracts tourists from all across the country. From the serene backwaters to the panoramic views of Munnar , Kerala has it all! A trip to Kerala has a lot to offer all types of travelers. You can enjoy cruising on houseboats and exploring misty tea plantations in Munnar . It’s a land where wildlife thrives in Periyar National Park, and cultural traditions come alive. The simplicity, warmth of the people, and the richness of its cuisine add to the beauty of this land.

If you’re planning a trip to Kerala, here is a 5-day itinerary you can check out for the best experience. Take a look and plan your vacation accordingly.

Table of Contents

Best time to visit kerala, how to reach kerala, kerala itinerary 5 days, top places to visit on a trip to kerala for 5 days, what to pack for your 5 day kerala trip, tips for planning a kerala trip itinerary for 5 days.

The best time to visit Kerala is during the winter months, from October to February . This period offers pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. The air is cool, and the humidity is relatively low, making it ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes of Kerala. During these months, you can enjoy all the places of Kerala without the discomfort. Whether you’re exploring the backwaters , trekking in the hill stations, or lounging on the beaches, the weather is great for all types of activities.

While winter is the peak tourist season, it ensures the most enjoyable and comfortable experience. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists, consider visiting during September and March. However, be mindful of the occasional monsoon showers in September.

The summer months from April to May also see huge crowds visiting Wayanad and Munnar. However, it can be warm and humid, making it uncomfortable for some. People looking for Ayurvedic treatments prefer to visit during the monsoon months from June to August.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Kerala is by air . Major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode have international airports. There are several domestic airports as well. Direct flights from major cities across India and international destinations make air travel a popular choice.

Trains are an effective and relatively inexpensive mode of transportation to Kerala . The state is well-connected by an extensive railway network, and major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode have major railway stations. Indian Railways operates numerous trains connecting Kerala to major cities in the country.

Kerala has a well-maintained road network, and buses are a common mode of transportation. National Highways connect Kerala to neighbouring states. If you prefer a more personalised journey, you can also hire a taxi or drive to Kerala. The road journey offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats and the coastal landscapes.

Choose the mode of transportation based on your preferences, time constraints, and budget. Whether you opt for a quick flight, a scenic train journey, or a road trip, reaching Kerala is a journey that will leave you with lasting memories.

For the perfect 5-day Kerala trip , here’s a Kerala trip itinerary that you can check out. This is to give you an idea of how to plan the perfect Kerala trip. You can customise your trip and plan it according to your preference.

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi

Day 2: munnar magic, day 3: wildlife adventure in thekkady, day 4: backwaters bliss in alleppey, day 5: relax in varkala.

Your 5-day Kerala trip will begin with your arrival in Kochi, the gateway to Kerala. Spend the day exploring Fort Kochi, known for its colonial history and vibrant street life. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and the Mattancherry Palace. In the evening, you can witness a Kathakali dance performance. It is an ancient form of storytelling through dance and music.

The second day of your 5 days Kerala trip will be an exploration of Munnar. Head to Munnar, a hill station surrounded by tea plantations. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about tea-making and enjoy panoramic views at the Pothamedu Viewpoint. Explore the lush greenery of the Attukal Waterfalls and stroll through the aromatic spice plantations for the best experience.

Drive to Thekkady , home to the Periyar National Park. Take a boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, tigers, and diverse wildlife. In the evening, experience a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance to get the best of your 5 day tour in Kerala .

Travel to Alleppey , the Venice of the East. Board a traditional houseboat for a cruise along the scenic backwaters. Marvel at the picturesque landscapes and village life, and enjoy a delectable Kerala-style meal onboard.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Varkala on the last day of your 5 days Kerala trip . Take a final stroll along the cliffs, dip your toes in the Arabian Sea, and savour the tranquil atmosphere. Explore any remaining spots of interest or pick up souvenirs from the local markets. As the day unfolds, bid farewell to this beautiful land. Head to the airport for your departure, carrying the memories of a delightful 5-day journey through Kerala.

This Kerala trip itinerary for 5 days provides a perfect blend of cultural experiences, wildlife adventures, and serene moments in nature. It’s a trip that will ensure you capture the essence of this mesmerising land in the best way possible.

Here is a list of the top 10 places you can visit on a 5 day Kerala trip . Take a look and add them to your itinerary.

• Munnar: Heaven in the Hills
• Alleppey: Sail through the Backwaters
• Kochi: Blend of Cultures
• Periyar National Park: Wildlife Encounter
• Wayanad: Nature’s Abode
• Thekkady: Spice Trails
• Varkala: Cliffs and Beaches

1. Munnar: Heaven in the Hills

Munnar is a breathtaking hill station in the Western Ghats of Kerala. Known for its vast expanses of tea plantations, the rolling hills of Munnar offer a picturesque landscape that captivates every visitor. The aromatic tea gardens create a soothing green carpet. You can explore the Mattupetty Dam for serene boat rides and stunning views of the surrounding hills. Munnar’s Top Station provides a heavenly panoramic vista, making it a must-visit destination on your Kerala trip itinerary for 5 days .

2. Alleppey: Sail through the Backwaters

Your Kerala trip plan for 5 days will be incomplete without a visit to Alleppey. Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is the Venice of the East. It is famous for its enchanting backwaters and houseboat cruises. The backwaters, fringed with swaying coconut palms and picturesque villages, offer a serene and unique experience. A houseboat ride along the Alleppey backwaters is a must, providing a floating retreat amidst nature’s beauty.

3. Kochi: Blend of Cultures

Another must-visit place on your 5 days Kerala trip is Kochi. It’s a captivating blend of rich history and vibrant modernity. The historic Fort Kochi area, adorned with colonial architecture, narrow streets, and bustling markets, transports you to a bygone era. The iconic Chinese Fishing Nets along the waterfront create a postcard-worthy scene, reflecting the city’s maritime heritage.

Jew Town, with its ancient synagogue and antique shops, is a cultural delight, showcasing the diverse influences shaping Kochi. A visit to Kochi is incomplete without experiencing a traditional Kathakali performance, a classical dance-drama that brings to life the tales of ancient epics.

4. Periyar National Park: Wildlife Encounter

Periyar is a haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The Periyar National Park , centred around Lake Periyar, offers a unique opportunity to witness elephants, deer, and various bird species in their natural habitat. The lush greenery surrounding the lake enhances the beauty of the wildlife sanctuary. Trekking enthusiasts can explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna. The conservation efforts in Periyar preserve the region’s biodiversity. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking a close encounter with nature.

5. Wayanad: Nature’s Abode

Wayanad is nestled in the Western Ghats and offers the perfect retreat into nature’s embrace. The region is adorned with dense forests, sprawling tea estates, and cascading waterfalls, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Trekking through the Chembra Peak provides breathtaking panoramic views while exploring ancient caves adds a touch of mystery to your adventure. You can also visit the Banasura Sagar Dam, a tranquil reservoir that offers a serene escape. Wayanad is a treasure trove of natural wonders that you must include on your trip to Kerala .

6. Thekkady: Spice Trails

Thekkady is a nature lover’s paradise, famous for its spice plantations and the Periyar National Park. Guided spice tours take visitors through aromatic plantations, offering insights into the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon. The Periyar Tiger Reserve, with its diverse wildlife and scenic lake, invites you for exciting boat safaris, allowing you to spot various species.

7. Varkala: Cliffs and Beaches

Varkala, perched along the cliff-lined coast of the Arabian Sea, is a coastal gem in Kerala. The dramatic cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters create a stunning backdrop for the pristine beaches below. Papanasam Beach, with its natural spring, is believed to have purifying properties, attracting visitors seeking relaxation and spiritual renewal. The cliff-top cafes and shops offer panoramic views, making it ideal for a stroll or a breathtaking sunset experience.

When packing for your 5-day trip to Kerala, it’s important to consider the region’s weather, activities, and cultural norms. Here are some essential items to pack :

• Light and breathable clothes.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Insect repellent.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Rain jacket or poncho.
• Basic medications and personal prescriptions.

Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip and adjust your packing list accordingly. It’s always better to pack light and bring only what you truly need to make your trip more comfortable.

When planning a Kerala trip itinerary for 5 days, here are some helpful tips:

• Decide on the Best Time to Visit: Before planning your 5-day Kerala trip , always decide when you would like to visit. Check the weather for Kerala during your planned dates. Winter (October to March) is generally pleasant, but monsoon (June to September) has its own harm if you don’t mind some rain.
• Choose Your Destinations Wisely: Kerala has diverse landscapes. Decide if you want the serene backwaters, hill stations, or vibrant cities. Popular spots include Munnar, Alleppey, and Kochi.
• Plan a Mix of Activities: Balance your itinerary with a mix of activities like exploring nature, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Diversity adds to the fun, whether it’s a houseboat ride, a trek in the hills, or enjoying local performances.
• Book Accommodations in Advance: Kerala attracts tourists, and good accommodations can fill up quickly. Book your hotels or homestays in advance for a hassle-free experience.
• Pack Light but Smart: Kerala is warm, so pack lightweight clothing. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes for your explorations.
• Be Open to Local Cuisine: Kerala offers delicious local food. Try authentic dishes like appam with stew, seafood delicacies, and traditional Kerala meals. Embrace the local flavours!
• Respect Local Customs: Kerala has rich traditions. Respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Modest clothing is appreciated, and removing shoes in certain places shows respect.
• Stay Hydrated: Kerala’s climate can be humid. Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated, especially when exploring outdoor attractions.
• Plan for Relaxation: It’s your vacation! Allocate some time to relax. Whether it’s a day at the beach or a lazy afternoon in a houseboat, give yourself moments to unwind.
• Stay Flexible: While planning, it is essential to be flexible. Sometimes, the best experiences happen when you embrace the unexpected.

Kerala is a land filled with the beauty of the backwaters, the mesmerising hill stations, and the warmth of its people, so make sure to make the most of your 5 day Kerala trip . Check out SOTC to plan your Kerala trip itinerary for 5 days. Choose from a wide selection of Kerala tour packages online and get the best deals and discounts for a memorable vacation in Kerala. Happy Journey!

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