1 week trip to kerala

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A 1-week itinerary for Kerala, India

Updated On 8th March, 2024

Situated on India’s southwest coast, and often referred to as ‘God’s own country’, Kerala is such a sensational place and one of India’s most picturesque states. With its scenic backwaters, magnificent mountains, tea plantations, rolling hills and deep valleys, Kerala is the perfect place to enjoy a 1-week itinerary escape the crowds and enjoy wildlife, nature and lovely beaches.

After a busy month of exploring the fantastic, yet exhausting, states of Delhi and Rajasthan, I was certainly ready to immerse and re-energise myself in nature amongst the enchanting beauty of the Keralan landscape. I had the most wonderful time here, and I hope you also have an incredible trip and cover some amazing places with this 1-week Kerala itinerary.

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Here’s the perfect 1-week itinerary for Kerala, India…

How to get to kerala:.

This itinerary begins in Kochi as this is where the major airport is located in Kerala.

You can also travel to Kerala from within India by train and the easiest routes are from Delhi and Mumbai, however, they are usually very crowded, so you should book in advance, and if you want to avoid the crowds, book a higher class ticket.

It is also possible to get to Kerala from within India by bus. There are many buses that travel through the night from many major cities which will take you to Kerala.

The best time to travel to Kerala

September through to March is usually the best time to visit. If you can, avoid the heat and humidity in April and May and the monsoon season from June to September.

See my bucket list of wellness retreats to go on around the world  here.

Book flights on Skyscanner  here .

Top tip: The official currency of India is the Indian rupee. £1 = 95 rupees (July 2020). Exchange rates fluctuate though, so check the latest rate  here.

Exchanging money in India is straightforward and currency can be changed at banks, airports, some hotels and at authorised money changers. ATMs are widely available. 

Getting around Kerala:

It is very easy to travel around Kerala. You can get buses without booking in advance and can also travel by train, which is a little more expensive, but can be more comfortable in the higher-class carriages. 

Travelling around Kerala by bus was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed, however, it might not be for everyone. The buses can sometimes get quite busy and the journeys are long. So, if you prefer, and budget allows, you can arrange taxis and drivers, or, where possible, take the train. 

Top tips for taking the bus in Kerala:

• Speak to your accommodation/guest house about your onward travel plans and ask them to guide you on bus timings, routes and how to get to the bus station. You can also message or call the hotel/guesthouse you are heading to and they can help with arrangements once you get to the bus stations in your destination.
• The station masters and the bus conductors are very helpful. Head straight to the ‘station master’ office when you arrive at the bus station and they will point you in the right direction. Then, when you are on the bus, the conductor is your best friend! Whenever I took a bus in India I would let the conductor know where I was heading to and they would tell me exactly when I needed to get off. 
• Always be sure to confirm bus timings because they can change. Timings you see online are often useful to give you an idea of what might be possible, but double-check with your accommodation/guest house – they can call up the bus station and confirm for you.
• The signs will likely be in Malayalam which has a different script. Taking photos of the destination name and showing it to someone who can help you and using it as a reference can be very useful.

All the places on this Kerala itinerary are easily reached by bus!

My 1-week Kerala itinerary…

The trip starts in Kochi and ends in Varkala. I’ve included a Google Map, pinning the route for this Kerala itinerary for you! 

Day 1 in Fort Kochi

Accommodation: I stayed at   Treebo Trend The Qasr . This was a lovely, modern hotel, but the location was a little far from the sights. I’d recommend staying on Fort Kochi itself instead as it is the historic centre where all the sights are. I’ve heard great things about   Homested Homestay  and   Secret Garden, a Boutique Hotel .

Fort Kochi is a delightful, coastal area which is known for its British, Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture.  You can easily wander around on foot, exploring its alleyways and discovering charming little places as you walk around.

Depending on when you arrive in Kochi, I’d recommend you either spend 1 or 2 nights. If you have less time to play with, plan to land early in the day and spend just 1 night as Fort Kochi is small and you can see a lot in 24 hours.  You can get a bus from the airport to Fort Kochi and these run regularly, take around 1h 30m and cost about 100 – 150 rupees. Alternatively, you can arrange for a taxi to collect you, which could be quicker and more convenient, but will cost around 1,200 rupees.

The best things to do and see whilst in Fort Kochi…

• Check out the Chinese fishing nets.

One of the most striking features in Fort Kochi are the Chinese fishing nets that rise up out of the sea, first constructed in the 1400s. They are still in use today, particularly in the monsoon season.

The remarkable view of the nets and their interesting history definitely makes them worth checking out. However, I would note that it is important to manage your expectations. They are a bit of a tourist trap, and there is little mention online about the large volume of litter that surrounds the nets. I just strolled past, admired them and snapped some photos before moving on, which I think was the best way to appreciate them.

• Explore Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue.

Exploring Jew Town is a must. At its height in the 1950s, there were around 250 Jews in the Fort Kochi population. There are now just a handful, but their heritage remains and you can visit the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568.  ‘Paradesi’ translates to ‘foreigner’ in many Indian languages. Antiques are displayed in the synagogue, including scrolls of the Torah enclosed in gold and silver, as well as gifts of gold crowns from the Kings of Kochi.

• Visit the Mattancherry Palace.

The Mattancherry Palace was built in the 1500s by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi. It was refurbished by the Dutch in the 1600s. The Palace contains portraits of Maharajas, period furniture, mythical paintings and royal palanquins (portable beds/couches on poles, usually carried by porters or animals).

• Take a stroll along Princess Street.

This is the place to look around for mementos, grab some food and maybe enjoy browsing in some charming book stores!

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Days 2-4 in Munnar (3 days)

Accommodation: I stayed in   Chithirapuram Palace . This was a fabulous hotel, but felt more like a homestay! The room was beautiful and the hotel also arranged great tours for very reasonable prices. 

Munnar refers to both the small hill town and the surrounding area more generally. It doesn’t matter too much where your accommodation is, as your hotel or guesthouse will usually arrange a driver and a guide to get you around, so you won’t be disadvantaged by staying out of town. 

Munnar, situated on the western mountains of Kerala, is a delight for nature-lovers with its picturesque meandering hills and views of tea plantations and stunning green vegetation for miles. 

To get to Munnar from Fort Kochi, you’ll need to take a taxi or the bus as there is no train route. If getting the bus, you may need to take the local bus from Fort Kochi to a more central bus station in Kochi town. It’ll take about 2-3 hours and should cost around 100 rupees. Once you get to Munnar, if you are staying outside the main town, like I was, you’ll likely need to grab a rickshaw to take you the last few miles to your guesthouse.

The best things to do in Munnar:

• Visit Mattupetty Dam.

Mattupetty Dam is an impressive sight. It was built into the mountains of Kerala in the Idukki District to conserve water for hydroelectricity.

• Visit a tea plantation and factory.

The scenery of Munnar is full of tea, which, as a tea-lover, I was very happy about! Plantations belonging to several large private tea estates decorate the hills and support the livelihoods of many in the area. You can book tours from your accommodation which include transport, a factory visit, a plantation walk, and tea-tasting.

• Take a trek through the tea plantations and mountains.

There are a few different mountain treks on offer in Munnar. I did the Meesapulimala trek, which is around 4-6 hours of walking and the trail leads through gorgeous tea plantations and ends with a wonderful mountain top view above the clouds. If you want to wake up early, you can also do the Phantom Head hike, which is shorter but tougher, and reach the peak in time for sunrise.

It is a requirement to get a guide to walk through the tea plantations. I had a fabulous guide called Jeevan. If you’d also like to book with him, he can be contacted on +91 82814 79612.

If you’ve never been hiking check out  this post for my hiking top tips  and  this post for my complete guide to your first hike!

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• Visit a spice garden.

Spice gardens are located a short drive outside Munnar. Here, you can learn about plants such as pepper, turmeric, and ginger and how they are used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat and prevent a wide array of ailments.

Be prepared for a bit of a hard sell after your visit.  In the end I succumbed and purchased lemongrass oil and used it obsessively over the next 6 months to keep those pesky mosquitoes away.

• Watch the Kalari Kshethra martial arts performance.

Kalari Kshethra is the martial art of Kerala and the skilled, exciting performances are a must-see.

• Watch the Kerala Kathakali dance performance.

Kathakali is one of the main styles of classical dance in Kerala. Performed as a story by extravagantly-dressed performers, it is an entertaining insight into local culture and art forms. The performance I saw had a great comedy element too.

Day 5 in Alleppey

Accommodation: I stayed overnight on a houseboat with   Soma Houseboats . The service was fantastic and the food absolutely delicious. The whole experience was amazing value for money and I’d highly recommend it.  To avoid disappointment, it’s best to inspect any boat before making a final agreement. If you want to book ahead, make sure to go with a company that has good reviews.

The best way to travel from Munnar to Alleppey is by bus or car. Direct buses are available but are not very frequent. You can take a bus to Ernakulam (Kochi) which should run every 40 minutes. From Ernakulam take another bus to Alleppey (I took the more modern air-conditioned bus, which cost 500 rupees). 

Tip: I booked the boat online and the boat I was initially given did not match the pictures at all. When I mentioned this, I was switched to a much better boat.  This is one key thing I learned in India: always speak up if something doesn’t match your expectations.

Travelling by houseboat is such a relaxing treat, and one you must include in your Kerala itinerary! The first houseboats were constructed in around 3,000 BC. They were used to transport passengers and merchandise, such as spices and rice but now are mostly a tourist attraction.

You’ll usually board at around noon and begin a journey exploring the stunning network of winding waterways of Kerala. You’ll glide past villages, palm trees, fields, churches, temples and more. 

After about an hour or two of wandering the backwaters, the boat will dock somewhere pretty for lunch. Most houseboat experiences include an on-board chef, which adds an amazing culinary treat to the experience. I must say, the food was mouth-wateringly good.

The boat docks overnight and departs shortly after sunrise (whilst passengers enjoy a hearty breakfast!) to make its way back to Alleppey for around 9am.  

Days 6-7 in Varkala (2 days)

Accommodation: I stayed at   Kshetra Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat . The location was great, about a 10-minute walk from the cliff and beach. The hosts were very welcoming and the grounds were beautiful.  

I LOVE Varkala. It is truly a dream for the soul. The small town is located at the top of a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea. It has great places to eat, yoga studios, water sports, boutique shops and the beautiful Varkala beach. Its laid back atmosphere makes it the perfect place to chill out. 

To get from Alleppey to Varkala you can take a taxi, train or bus:

• The taxi will take around 3 hours and costs around 3,500 rupees.
• You can take the train from Alleppey station to Varkala station every 4 hours which takes 2-2.5 hours. Book in advance if you want higher class seats (general class can get very crowded). From the train station, you’ll need to take a taxi or tuk tuk to your accommodation. Ticket prices start from around 100 rupees.
• The bus takes around 4-5 hours. I told the bus conductor that I wanted to be as close to Varkala beach as possible, so he told me to get off at a point just a 20-minute walk from the accommodation and the beach, which was perfect. Tickets will cost around 100-200 rupees.

The best things to do in Varkala:

Varkala is a joy for yoga lovers. Walking along the cliff you’ll find loads of yoga studios with classes at many times of the day.  The beautiful settings make for wonderfully rewarding yoga and meditation and I took some fabulous classes with  Satwik Yoga .

If you’re just starting your mindfulness journey, you might want to check out my beginner’s guide to meditation  here.

• Enjoy Varkala Beach and Cliff. 

My main memory of Varkala beach is stunning red sandstone cliffs, golden sands and beautiful sunsets over the Arabian Sea each evening. Benches, restaurants and cafes are located all along the top of the cliff so you can find a viewpoint, grab a drink or some dinner and enjoy! 

• Try out some surf/watersports. 

The southern cliff in Varkala is a surfer’s delight. Surfers of all levels can surf here and there are a number of clubs which offer lessons as well as cool places to chill and hang out. Definitely worth checking out.

Mumbai is a 2-hour flight from Kochi. If you’re thinking about adding a visit onto your Kerala itinerary, here are  20 unique things to do in Mumbai! 

EXPLORE INDIA ON MY BLOG HERE

Have you been to Kerala, India?

What would you put on a Kerala itinerary? We’d love to know!

Love Cassie  from   Those Travel Days

You can see more of Cassie’s adventures on her Instagram  here.

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I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

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Travel Diaries

Kerala – One week itinerary to God’s Own Country

Located on India’s southwest coast, the state of Kerala is often referred to as ‘God’s own country’. With postcard worthy backwaters, magnificent mountains, endless tea plantations, rolling hills and a historic old town, you can see why it is so called! If you are looking for the perfect mix of wildlife, nature and city life, then make your way to Kerala right away 😊

I spent a week in Kerala exploring the historic Fort Kochi, getting mesmerized by the tea plantations in Munnar, spotting elephants in the wild at Thekkady and cruising along the Backwaters.

Read on to plan the perfect trip to Kerala.

How to get there

Kerala is relatively easy to access by flight as it has a huge international and domestic airport. There are many airlines flying in directly to Kochi from Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai. Kerala is also accessible by direct train from Mumbai, Goa and Bangalore. You can also find international flights flying in directly to Kochi airport from some Middle Eastern countries.

If you are planning to visit Kovalam, then you may want to fly in and out of Trivandrum airport instead of Kochi.

Best time to visit

November to early March is the best time to visit Kerala. The temperatures in the coastal areas are moderate but the hill stations can get chilly. This climate is perfect for sightseeing, houseboat rides, and to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region. Once summer sets in, these towns can get unbearably hot.

Monsoon season (June – August) is yet another lovely time to visit. Kerala has some beautiful waterfalls which are gushing with water in monsoon season. Also, the rains provide a much needed respite from the scorching summer heat. During this season, you will see fog rolling in on the tea plantations, making it look even more magical. But due to incessant rains, the cars may need to drive slowly, thereby increasing the travel time to get from one place to another.

From August – September, the backwaters of Kerala are full of pink water lilies. So, if you want to see the lilies, this is the best time to visit. Malarikkal village, which is otherwise a paddy plantation, transforms itself into a pink sea in August and September due to the blooming of the water lilies. I have seen pictures from this place on the web, and it looks breathtakingly beautiful.

If you happen to be in Kumarakom between August and September, you can also witness the world famous boat races – Nehru Trophy snake boat race, Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali, and Payippad Jalolsavam. It is a fun and unique competition to witness.

Neelakurinji flowers are special type of flowers which bloom once every 12 years. ‘Neela’ literally translates to ‘blue’ and kurinji is the name given to it by the tribals of the area. You will spot these flowers mainly in Munnar area. They last bloomed in 2018 and the next time you get to see them will be in 2030. Imagine being surrounded by purple mountains – would be quite a sight to behold! If I do go back, it will certainly be during this time 😊

Getting around in Kerala

Fort Kochi is easily accessible from Kochi airport. Once you reach Fort Kochi, most of the attractions here are within walking distance. If you want to give rest to your feet, you will find plenty of autorickshaws (be ready to bargain) and UBERs in the city to take you around.

If you are heading to the hill stations, national parks, and the backwaters, then public transport can get a bit tricky. You can take sharing cabs and buses to reach main locations, but after that you’re on your own. Also, in Munnar the hotels are spread out and you will rarely find one restaurant / place of attraction within walking distance. Also, keep in mind that if you plan to rent directly from your hotel, they tend to charge more.

So, unless you’re staying in Munnar city, rickshaws and taxis can be difficult to find and book. For the most stress-free vacation, I would highly recommend hiring a driver for your entire trip. Most of them charge approximately INR 3,000- INR 4,000 a day depending on the duration and type of car you hire.

If you need details of the travel agent I used for hotel bookings (his hotel rates were considerably cheaper than what I was getting online) and car hire, please drop in an email / connect via DM on Instagram (@beantowntraveller).

General Itinerary

Kerala is HUGE and there is only so much that you can cover in one week. Below is the complete itinerary of our trip. The details for Kochi and Munnar can be found under their own separate pages and Thekkady and backwaters are summarized in this article itself.

Kochi – 1 N

Munnar – 3 N

Thekkady – 2 N

Alleppey / Kumarakom backwaters – 2 N

This gave us the perfect balance of heritage, culture, tea plantations, beaches, and backwaters.

You will most likely land in Kochi whether you take the train / the flight. Depending on what time you get there, you may want to drive straight to the next destination. Or you can spend the day in Kochi and begin your drive the next day.

Most people start their trip with Munnar and end it at Kumarakom. The reason being that backwaters are where you can relax after the long drives and busy days at Munnar and Thekkady.  However, we had to switch our route and start with Kumarakom due to non-availability of preferred hotels on our travel dates.

If you have additional time on hand, here are some more places you can visit in Kerala:

• Athirapally
• Poovar + Munroe Island

As you can see, there is plenty to see and do in the state of Kerala. You can easily spend a month and not get bored of the scenic vistas.

Things not to be missed in Kerala

• Kerala is famous for ayurvedic massage and most of the hotels here have a spa on premises. There are different types of massages; the most famous being Shirodhara and Kerala style body massage. What makes the massages special here is the kind of oil they use in massages. It is coconut oil mixed with other Ayurvedic oils. I tried the potli massage (similar to hot stone) and my mother tried Shirodhara at Niraamaya Resort in Kumarakom. Shirodhara technique refers to dripping or pouring of warm herbal ayurvedic oils on the forehead from a specific height, for a specific time period in a continuous stream, allowing the oil to run through the scalp and down into the hair. My mother said it was the best massage experience she has had in her life!
• Toddy is a famous beverage in Kerala. It is basically coconut liquor, made by tapping the coconut palm. This sweet sap has both an alcoholic and non-alcoholic version. You will find them at almost all towns in Kerala.
• Begin your day with fresh coconut water. Coconuts here are much bigger than what I am used to in Mumbai and the water is sweeter too. Also, who doesn’t enjoy fresh coconut water with a view of the bakcwaters or the tea plantations, right?
• Visit spice plantations and tea plantations and do not forget to pick up local spices and loose leaf tea for friends and family back home.
• Indulge in local delicacies like apam, stew, thoran, idiyappam, puttu with kadala curry, phew the list is endless. Also, try the traditional Kerala style meal which is typically served on banana leaf.

Walking in Kochi’s old town is like walking in a treasure trove. With rugged but charming little corners, vibrant streets, a scenic waterfront, art galleries and plenty of cool cafes and restaurants, you will find it hard to put your camera down.

Click here for a detailed itinerary.

If you are looking for a scenic drive in India, then add Munnar to your list. I was literally glued to the window and must have taken a million pictures! With rolling hills and endless tea plantations and beautiful winding roads, it truly makes for a scenic drive.

With a wildlife sanctuary, numerous spice plantations and beautiful tea estates, Thekkady makes for a lovely addition to your Kerala itinerary. Thekkady is where tourists flock to see wildlife in Kerala and to escape the heat.

From Kochi airport, the drive to Thekkady can take around 4 hours. If you are traveling by train, then Kottayam Railway Station, located 110 km from Thekkady, is the nearest railway station.

There are a couple of hotels inside Periyar Tiger Reserve, the most famous one being Spice Village CGH Earth . Periyar Tiger Reserve is probably one of the few reserves in the world that allows tourists to camp and trek inside the forest area.

The only downside is that this property is slightly far from the main town. It is around 10-15 minute drive, but we didn’t mind it at all. It was like a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Things to See and Places to Visit

Periyar Tiger Reserve

The main attraction in Thekkady is Periyar Tiger Reserve. In addition to tigers, you also get to see elephants, wild pigs, sambar, gaur, deer and Indian wild dog in this reserve.

At Periyar Tiger Reserve, the tiger population is around 40. To be honest, compared to the rest of the national parks in India, your chances of spotting tigers here are quite low. But this park is a great place to enjoy the nature and the beautiful scenery that this area has to offer.

There are a number of activities to choose from ranging from nature walks to bird watching to overnight camping. Since I was traveling with my mother, I did not to do anything too adventurous. We opted for a boat ride at Periyar Lake. There are around 5 rides a day and each ride lasts for an hour. These boat rides can fit around 100-150 people at a time. But since it is one of the popular activities here, they tend to get sold out. It is advisable to buy tickets online / at least a day prior so you get the desired time slot.

Click this link to check the available time slots and book your tickets. Each ride costs INR 255 per person. Since the park is in an enclosed area, in order to get to the boat ride, you also need to buy bus tickets and pay an entry fee for the park.

If you are looking for something more adventurous, you can go rafting on Periyar Lake. This activity involves hiking for an hour to reach the lake and then you hop on a bamboo raft and actually raft across the lake– how cool is that right? Rafts are accompanied by a guide as well as an armed forest ranger.

In addition to the above, there are quite a few nature walks and trekking options available at Periyar Tiger Reserve. Treks vary from one to multi-day, with the longer ones being more difficult. Treks are always accompanied by guides and armed forest rangers. The chances of spotting animals in their natural habitat is high and you get to see them up close. You can find more information here .

Visit a Spice Plantation 

One thing that you must do in Theaddy is tour a spice plantation.  With plenty of spice plantations in the vicinity, you will find the largest collection of authentic spices gathered from the local plantations. On this tour, you get to learn about different medicinal and ayurvedic benefits of various spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, clove, etc. You can also purchase fresh spices to take back with you, once the tour is over. We did a spice garden tour at Abraham’s Spice Garden based on a friend’s recommendation. Established in 1952, it is one of the oldest and biggest gardens in Periyar. The tour was informative and we got to smell and taste organic spices. Our tour lasted for more than an hour which kind of breezed by since our tour guide was really funny. And we shelled out just INR 100 per person for this tour.

Elephant Rides

Periyar Tiger Park offers an elephant ride which includes elephant ride (duhh), a photo session with elephants, elephant bath, and elephant feeding. While it sounds cool, I personally wouldn’t recommend. Please let the animals enjoy their natural habitat. They are not here for our personal entertainment.

Tea Plantations

While driving around, you will notice plenty of small tea plantations in this area. If you are visiting Munnar, then I will suggest you visit a tea plantation there since they are much bigger and more scenic.

But if you are not visiting Munnar and are keen to visit one here, then here are some tea factories that you can visit:

• Connemara Tea Plantation
• Pattumalay Heritage Tea Factory
• Poabs Estate

Cultural Activities

If you are keen to learn more about Indian culture, there are a bunch of activities like Kalaripayattu, Kathakali dance, tribal dance, etc. that you can sign up for.

‘Kalary’ means school or gym and ‘payattu’ means the art of combat. This age-old form of martial arts is performed inside the kalary under the guidance of a master. The agility and gravity defying stunts of the performers will truly leave you speechless.

Head to the ticker counter near the entrance of Periyar Tiger Reserve where you can learn more about the shows and buy tickets. Tickets are in the range of INR 100 – INR 200 per person.

Off-road Jeep Safari

If you are looking for some adventure, then hop into a jeep and go to Sathram, which is located approximately 30 km from Thekkady. You get to see wild animals (elephants mainly) and pass by beautiful tea plantations. Cost of this jeep safari is INR 2,500.

While we lucked out spotting wildlife at Periyar boat ride, luck clearly wasn’t in our favor here. The only thing we saw was a deer and that too, almost at the end of the trip.

Honest feedback – the views and the drive along the tea plantations was scenic, but personally I didn’t think it was worth the time and money. The entire drive took us around 4 hours. We could have rather enjoyed the infinity pool of our hotel.

Cafes and Restaurants

Since our hotel was slightly far from the city, we didn’t venture into the town much. But we ate a traditional Kerala style thali (sadhya) at Tuskers and absolutely loved it. Highly highly recommend !! And this entire meal cost us just INR 150 – which is a steal!

Couple other cafes and restaurants based on recommendations:

• Ebony’s Café Restaurant
• Drizzle Thekkady
• Rangerwood Castle Restaurant
• Periyar Tiger Café Restaurant
• Coffee garden rooftop restaurant

Also, don’t forget to try famous banana chips in the markets.

Kerala Backwaters – Alleppey/ Kumarakom

This is where you come to relax. The backwaters of Kerala are a network of rivers, lakes, lagoons, canals and inlets.

From Kochi airport, the drive to Alleppey/ Kumarakom can take around 2 hours. If you are traveling by train, then Kottayam Railway Station, located 16 km from Kumarakom, is the nearest railway station.

Alleppey and Kumarakom are two towns here, which are essentially divided by Vembanad Lake. It is the largest lake in Kerala and the longest in India. Kumarakom has better hotels but the other side of Alleppey has the beach (Marari Beach). Depending on your preference, you can pick the destination. The distance between the two cities is around 32 km (20 miles) and can take around an hour.

You can either stay overnight in a houseboat or do a day trip like we did. Note that staying in a houseboat can be an expensive affair. One night rate can start from INR 10,000 and can go up to INR 40,000 depending on the quality of the houseboat. The journey starts at noon with lunch and ends the next day with breakfast. However, note that the boats are anchored in the lake from 6 pm – 7 am and are not allowed to sail. I was told that post sunset, smaller fishermen go to the lake for fishing and hence, sailing is stopped during this time.

That being said, I bet staying on a houseboat and experiencing the tranquility in the middle of the water must be surreal. Imagine witnessing sunrise and sunset in the middle of the lake or being lake surrounded by brightly lit stars at night! Must be magical, right?

One other alternative is hiring the houseboat for half a day instead of staying overnight. The cost reduces by almost 1/3rd. Essentially, you get the same boating experience minus the early morning and night time experience.

As you can see, there are beautiful water lilies in this lake – however, they typically bloom post sunset until 8 am – 9 am in the morning. So if you want to spot them fully open, time your boat ride accordingly. Since our ride was in the afternoon, they were completely closed.

While cruising in the middle of the lake was lovely, I preferred the smaller canals since it gave a glimpse of local life. Also, we spotted so many beautiful birds in this part of the lake. We felt that a half day houseboat tour was good enough and gave us a glimpse of what the backwaters had to offer.

If you want to reduce the cost further, you can take a boat ride/ canoe ride/ shikara ride which costs approximately INR 1,500 – INR 3,500 for a couple hours. The advantage of a smaller boat is that they can navigate thru smaller channels and you get a glimpse of locals living their daily lives from the boat. You can even sign up for a full day tour which includes traditional Kerala style lunch, visiting one of the villages and spending time with the locals.

Also, we witnessed some vibrant sunsets by the lake.

There are few local restaurants in this side of the town since the whole area is lined up with hotels. If you are staying in Allepey side, check out Asado Café and Cafe Paradiso. We preferred relaxing in Kumarakom and didn’t really venture out except the houseboat ride. We had three meals here and everything we tried was delicious. We also tried some traditional Kerala style food – it was amazing. The staff is courteous and goes that extra mile to keep guests happy. Highly recommend this hotel.

Here are couple other hotel options in Kumarakom area:

• Coconut Lagoon
• Kumarakom Lake Resort
• Taj Kumarakom
• Gokulam Grand

If you are looking to stay in Allepey area, check out CGH Marari.

For all you bird lovers, there is Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary right in the city, which is famous for migratory birds. Particularly in the month of November to February, a lot of birds flock here. The bird sanctuary is dense and full of trees of different kinds. You can get glimpses of some rare species here.

*All prices are as of February 2023

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One week in Kerala itinerary – exploring southern India

One week in Kerala is not enough. Well, one week in Kerala is enough to make you fall in love with this part of southern India and vow to return – and to explore beyond the subcontinent’s western coast. A one week trip to Kerala is also enough to get a taste of this beautiful part of the world, from its iconic backwaters to its colonial history and the vibrant green tea plantations.

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So if, like me, you only have about a week to spend, you can still pack in some of the highlights.

Although I travelled without my daughter on this trip, to visit Kerala for a friend’s wedding – squeezing in our exploring before two days of parties, sari wearing and henna – it’s definitely somewhere I’d recommend with kids, especially if you’ve already visited countries like Sri Lanka or South East Asia, including Burma and Cambodia , or if this is your first visit to India.

To start you off, here’s my one week in Kerala itinerary, with tips on what’s best for kids of different ages, what to see in Kerala and how I might adapt my own visit to suit a six-year-old. All suitable for adults!

Day one to three: Fort Kochi

The historic heart of Kochi, this is also where you’ll find most of the main attractions – and unlike Ernakulam, the modern side of the city, it’s somewhere you can walk around, soaking up the sights and the colours (expect lots of offers from tuktuk drivers to take you though).

Wander along Mahatma Gandhi beach, where you’ll see fishermen bringing their catch in to sell at the little stalls and local families wandering along with an ice cream, as well as a herd of elephant statues during our visit: at the end of the sand stand the famous Chinese fishing nets which take four people to operate.

Not merely a tourist curiosity, we spotted them around the coast. For the classic sunset shot, the best views are from one of the boats but you can join the selfie-snapping crowds in one of the little coves too.

Discover some history at the Indo Portuguese museum, with artefacts from Kerala’s churches, before wandering to the Santa Cruz cathedral basilica and ambling along some of the lanes nearby, including Burger Street, with street art and little souvenir shops.

The Kerala Kathakali Center is also in this area, to get a taste of the theatrical dance style.

Further south in Mattancherry, you can explore more of Kerala’s history at the palace, donated to a former ruler by the Dutch, with its fabulous murals and in-depth displays of history.

More unusual is the reminder of Kochi’s Jewish community nearby, at the 16th century Paradesi synagogue. Spices and antiques jostle alongside the souvenirs in the lanes here. There are also specialist Jewish history tours of the area.

Do take one detour to Ernakulam though to the folklore museum with thousands of artefacts on display over three floors, covering everything from masks used in dances to statues of gods, weapons and household objects.

Even the building is a exhibit including a 63-tonne interlocking ceiling on display. One man’s collection, it’s a fascinating place to stop.

Where to stay in Fort Kochi

Stay at the Tea Bungalow – one of a string of converted heritage properties in Fort Kochi, it once belonged to Brooke Bond tea company (hence the name!).

All the rooms are decorated differently and named after sea ports: Mine (Mauritius) had a four-poster bed, huge bathroom and a picture of a dodo, while Zanzibar has its own small garden and outdoor bathroom.

The hotel also has a small pool, with Indian and western breakfast – plus the staff were very helpful sorting out a car to take us to Alleppey. One word of warning: the authentic furnishings include wooden floors, so if you have a ground floor room, you’ll get to hear the people walking around above you.

Tip:   There are no direct flights from the UK to Cochin, so you’ll have to go via the Middle East or India – I’d recommend choosing the former for a smoother experience!

We flew through Muscat with Oman Air : very easy both ways with around 90 minutes to get via the additional security between planes, and long enough to grab a coffee each way (albeit at Oman’s elevated prices!).

Don’t forget you need a visa to visit India – you will not be allowed to board the plane without it, even the first leg from the UK to your transit destination. You can arrange these online in advance.

Day four to five: Alleppey and the backwaters

Perhaps the most iconic part of a trip to Kerala is taking a short cruise on a houseboat through the backwaters – and this was easily one of my favourite parts of the trip. There are more options than from Alleppey but it’s one of the main areas to start from, following the waterways to the huge lake leading all the way to Kochi itself.

The size of the boat will limit which channels you can go through if you’re travelling as a bigger group, although canoe is the only way to explore some of the narrowest.

We headed out with our paddles for a short excursion just before sunset, with our guide showing us how to make necklaces from waterlilies and chatting with locals on the banks as we paddled slowly past.

If you’re not sure how to get around Kerala with kids, the 12Go website is great for comparing private and public transport, as well as helping sort out reservations

We also stopped at Champakulam, home to one of the oldest Christian churches in Kerala, believed to have been established in the 5th century – as well as a fascinating wood carver’s workshop, at St Thomas Fine Arts, where we chatted to the owner as he carved a new religious statue for another church.

You can also opt for massages along the way (we didn’t) or to stop and pick up konju, the huge bluey green freshwater prawns (we did) to add to our lavish meals.

But one of the best parts of the cruise is simply the chance to watch the scenery and the people: palm trees reflecting in the still water, the sun reflecting golden as it sets, locals washing clothes on the banks, a water bus bringing people home at night, canoes laden with huge cargoes of grass.

There are day cruises as well as overnight stays, which last slightly under 24 hours – for me, even one day really wasn’t enough.

Where to stay in Alleppey and the backwaters

There’s a huge variety of different houseboats, from the more authentic to the super-swanky – a compromise solution means you can still get a taste of the tradition while having aircon (at night, at least), en-suite bathroom and a mosquito net over the bed.

It’s hot and humid even after dark falls, so air con is one luxury I was glad to have. Do take mosquito repellent .

You can simply turn up to Alleppey and haggle for a houseboat: they dock at around 9am and depart at around noon/12.30, so time your visit after their return for the biggest choice.

If you’d rather have something sorted before you arrive in Kerala, especially if you’re travelling with kids, I loved the houseboats from Lakes & Lagoons , booked through i-escape . As well as amazing meals on board, they’ll organise excursions too and as they depart from a private dock (with a little shop selling alcohol!), it’s less busy.

Tip: With slightly less than 24 hours on board, the time goes back faster than you expect once you add stops and excursions in – next time, I’d go for two nights to have a bit longer simply drifting along the backwaters and drinking in the view. A boat with a big comfy lounging area is a bonus as well!

Day six to eight: Munnar – PLAN A

The other side of Kerala – away from the beaches and the backwaters, the hills are a fantastic contrast to the coast and Kochi. And as a bonus, noticeably cooler (although it’s worth remembering the altitude makes it easier to burn so don’t ditch the SPF).

Travelling steadily upwards from Alleppey, the landscape gets lusher and greener with the bright colours of small villages breaking up the scenery along the winding road. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys as you go.

And the hills themselves are covered in tea bushes, the emerald green in unexpected swirls and terraces as it stretches over the slopes, winding up inclines and clinging to ridges with huge boulders littered in between, as if giants had been interrupted during some kind of game.

It’s perfect if you love trekking, although as the plantations are private property, you’ll need to head out with a guide as it’s tricky to wander solo. There’s also a tea museum just outside Munnar, to introduce visitors to the process involved in making tea, as well as its history – plus it’s set on an employee-owned working plantation.

You can also explore Munnar itself: not the most picturesque town perhaps, but its bustling centre is home to a busy market, mosque, church and temple for a glimpse of life in Kerala.

Where to stay in Munnar

I loved Windermere Estate – colonial-style rooms on a working tea plantation, which also grows coffee and cardamom, they have a regular walk through the plantation spotting birds and plants, as well as some fantastic views.

The food (a set menu with regularly changing choices, and options for different dietary requirements) was so delicious I ate until I was beyond full.

There’s also a small (unheated) pool and hammocks to laze in, as well as additional activities such as tea tasting. They can also arrange excursions, and sorted out the transfers to the hotel from Alleppey and back to Kochi.

Tip: It’s a long drive if you’re visiting with kids – four to five hours from Alleppey, and then three to four hours back to Kochi or the airport. Audible’s audiobooks are my failsafe for long car journeys with my daughter although if you’re visiting after the monsoon season, there are also waterfalls to stop at along the way – visiting in February, the lack of rain meant it wasn’t really worth it when we visited.

We split our time in Kochi because of the wedding, so you could do something similar and spend a bit longer exploring Fort Kochi at the end of your Kerala trip.

Otherwise, if you’re heading straight back to the airport, I’d recommend booking into an airport hotel before a morning flight – Nedumbassery is closer to Munnar than Kochi itself, but it’s still a long drive. Flora Airport Hotel is minutes away from the terminals with a free shuttle and a small rooftop pool.

Day six to eight: Kerala’s beaches – PLAN B

If you’d rather hit the beach than head to the hills – or are travelling with younger kids who are likely to enjoy the surf more than hilltop plantations, there are some great stretches of sand for a relaxed end to your Kerala trip plan.

Where to stay on Kerala’s beaches

Varkala has one of the best beaches in Kerala, although it’s worth knowing it’s set at the bottom of a cliff so not ideal if you’re visiting Kerala with a toddler or baby.

You also have an aquarium to explore as well as the Janardana Swami Temple nearby if you want to mix paddling with a bit more Indian culture – the surf here means paddling is all that’s safe.

Check out the Gateway hotel , which also has a pool and is only a short walk from the beach.

It’s also a long drive back to the airport at the end of your trip, unless you fly back from Trivandrum International Airport – also an option with Oman Air and other airlines travelling via the UAE.

Kovalam is equally lovely but even further away from Alleppey so if you do only have a week, it’s not my top choice as part of the best itinerary for Kerala.

Marari is quieter but is much closer to Alleppey, so easy to fit in after exploring the backwaters for a chilled-out end to the trip. One of the beach beaches in Kerala for swimming, it’s perfect for families – also ideal if you’ve got younger kids and want to limit any journeys to about 90 minutes as well.

The five villas at Marari Villas are right on the beach – some have their own private pools, others share, while some even have a private beach area. Or if you prefer a hotel, check out the Marari Beach Resort .

Otherwise, beautiful Cherai beach on Vypin Island is north of Fort Kochi, so it’s a longer drive from Alleppey but much closer to the airport at Nedumbassery for the return journey. Almost 10 miles long, its seashell studded white sands are between the sea and the backwaters, which makes it unique.

The Sea Lagoon Health Resort also has a great pool plus views of the backwaters and beach, with a family-friendly welcome.

For more reasons to visit Kerala , check out my top six

*First published 2019, updated 2020*

Pin for later: one week in kerala itinerary.

Disclosure: Contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All the hotels included are ones I stayed in myself or would recommend.

Images copyright MummyTravels

Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

24 Comments

This is a random question, but do they have tea plantations you could visit? I’ve always wanted to visit one.

Not random at all – and absolutely, there are lots of plantation tours as well as trekking around the plantations (and you can stay on one, as we did). Because I’ve visited a few in other countries before, I didn’t actually go to one in Munnar but I’ve heard the Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation recommended as well as Kanan Devan Hills (with the tea museum too)

Wow – I wonder what prompted the man to gather all the artefacts now in the folklore museum? I hope he had a big house to stoe them in 🙂 This trip sounds amazing, Cathy. I loved following it on social media.

I think the intention was always to display them – so to showcase the area’s culture and history (sadly he died months before the museum opened but it’s quite a legacy). It was an amazing trip, so glad I went (and thank you for following on social media too!) 🙂

I really would love to visit India and this place looks amazing!! Thanks for sharing.

It took me a while to finally visit, and I’d already love to go back to India – I think this is a great first destination to see as well. So gorgeous, and loads to discover.

We visited Kerala for a week back in 2009 and our itinerary was pretty much the same! It’s such a beautiful part of the world. The houseboat Backwaters tour was definitely my favorite.We went from Kumarakom on the opposite side of the lake to Alleppey as we were there for a wedding.

It really is – and I could have spent so much longer on the houseboat, would be great to try your route next time.

I’ve fallen in love with Kerala just reading about the place. The tea plantations look so beautiful and I would be keen to take a look at those, but I might have to a lot a little more time to those beaches. They look like they tick a lot of boxes especially if you were visiting with kids

That’s so lovely to hear – the scenery around the tea plantations was just gorgeous. I suspect my daughter would be all about the beach though!

Munnar has a special place in my heart.Its tea plantations, the beautiful surroundings. I had been there a decade ago. Your post brought back wonderful memories. Beautiful photos and post.

Thank you! It is such a beautiful spot – I wished we had at least double our time to explore Kerala.

can we plan visit to Munnar from 10 th July 2019 to 17th July ? just asking due to rain and whether condition issue

I haven’t been there in summer myself but I know the monsoon season starts in June so it will be rainy and will already have had maybe a month or so of rainy weather. I’ve seen people suggesting that this means it’ll be quieter (although it wasn’t exactly busy in February!) but I’d have thought some of the activities might be harder depending how bad the weather is. It’s a lovely spot so if that’s your only chance to visit, it’s up to you whether to take the risk but personally I’d prefer to visit in one of the drier months.

I love that you have done this with a young one… I’m currently researching India and Sri Lanka as I haven’t even been to these areas myself, let alone with kids! Actually looks amazing 🙂

This one I actually did leave my daughter at home (it was a friend’s wedding) but having been, I wouldn’t have any qualms about going back. And if you’ve been to eg SE Asia, I don’t think Kerala is too big a culture shock, loved exploring there and it is a gorgeous part of the world. I haven’t been to the north of India yet though 🙂

How much does it cost? Since I’m on a limited bugdet and we are 3 adults. Can u please give an approximation of how much the least budget u need to enjoy beatiful kerala

It really varies – you could do a more luxurious version of our trip, or a more budget one. To give you an idea, I think we spent around £850 each excluding flights, but as we were visiting for a wedding, we did have some food and accommodation covered towards the end.

Hallo, I plan to visit kochi next week, but maybe only 2 days. Wht place I should visit for short trip near kochi airport? Is munnar near to Kochi airport? Tq.

Hi – Munnar is quite a drive from Kochi and the airport (there are some timings in the post) so if you only have two days, I wouldn’t suggest going there as it’s likely to be about half a day driving up and half a day driving back. I’d stick with Fort Kochi as there’s plenty to explore in a couple of days around there.

Or if you wanted to, you could just about get to Alleppey and do overnight on a houseboat, depending on your flights, if you preferred that to seeing Kochi itself.

Hiya love reading about your travels.we will be 3 adults and 2 kids (8+11) travelling to Cochin in 19th-25th Dec and we will go on to Maldives. Could you help me plan my itinerary – where are food places to go with the kids that they would enjoy, of course a day on the house boat will be important…

Tea plantations would be good one day is that in Munnar? How long do we need in munnar what else is there to do there ?

Hi – and thanks for reading! To be honest, most of my tips are in the itinerary post: food-wise, kids would be welcome in most places I think so it just depends what they enjoy eating. I definitely think at least a day on the houseboat, that was one of my favourites.

Munnar is mostly walking and the tea plantations, so if they enjoy hiking, you could spend longer or there are some animal sanctuaries in the area although I didn’t visit myself. It’s a long drive to Munnar so it’s a lot of time in the car if you only go for a day or two, but equally it’s probably not as exciting for kids as Fort Kochi/the houseboat/the beach.

Hello, You’re trip sounds amazing, and has given me some ideas, for planning my trip to southern India in October this year. I was wondering if you could tell me if there is a problem with mosquitos though, as I haven’t seen much info on this, but as I suppose it is warm and humid ….. Thanks Liz

I had such a fantastic time, and really glad it’s been helpful to inspire. I didn’t actually find the mosquitoes too bad at all: in Fort Kochi, there seemed to be enough breeze in the evenings as we were often by the sea to keep them away, and in Munnar it’s high enough to be fine. It’s definitely worth stocking up on repellent for the backwaters though, but having done that, it did actually seem to put them off for the most part. There’s no malaria which is a big bonus too.

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The Best Kerala Itinerary for 7 Days or More

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.

🚙 🚗 Rent a  Zoomcar  for self-driving in your Kerala Road Trip 🚔

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? Comment here or even better, post your queries on the awesome Backpack & Explore Facebook community .

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

Liked the post? Please share with your friends and family, and plan the trip now. Or you can save this guide to plan later.

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Sinjana Ghosh is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. Backpack & Explore is a journal of her travel stories and tips she collected from her experience. She is the author of the travel book “Postcards from India” which is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notionpress.com

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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Explore Kerala: One Week Itinerary

Dreaming of a Kerala vacation? This itinerary whisks you through Kochi's colonial past, Alleppey's tranquil backwaters, and Munnar's misty hills. Discover authentic experiences with homestays and cultural tours, all backed by trusted travel companies and rave reviews. Explore beyond the usual tourist trail using resources like Tripadvisor and Makemytrip. Kerala awaits - book your week-long escape and start creating unforgettable memories!

• Updated - 2024-03-24, 12:00 IST

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kerala Tourism (@keralatourism)

Days 1-2: Enchantment in Kochi

Days 3-4: Tranquility on the Backwaters of Alleppey

Days 5-7: hill station bliss in munnar, kerala: a journey beyond the itinerary.

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.

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• ONE WEEK ITINERARY
• TEA PLANTATIONS
• ALLEPPEY TRAVEL GUIDE
• ONE DAY IN ALLEPPEY
• FERRY TRAVEL GUIDE
• MUNROE ISLAND
• KOLLAM FERRY
• SEE KUTTANAD FERRY
• KOTTAYAM FERRY
• ONE WEEK IN KERALA
• PUBLIC TRANSPORT
• COCHIN TO ALLEPPEY
• GOA TO KERALA
• INDIA TRAVEL TIPS 101
• SOUTH INDIA ITINERARY
• NORTH INDIA ITINERARY
• GOLDEN TRIANGLE ITINERARY
• OVERNIGHT SLEEPER BUS
• GENERAL CLASS TRAIN
• TOURIST VISA
• FIRST TRIP TO INDIA? START HERE!

Backpacking Kerala India itinerary 🌴 One week in Kerala 🌴 Kerala travel blog

So you’re looking at planning your backpacking trip to Kerala.

And you’re trying to figure out your plan for India, including where to go and how many days to spend in each city.

One week can be a good amount of time to get a feel for a few different places in Kerala. (Of course, longer is better!)

But when you want to cover a lot of ground when backpacking India and you only have so much time, you can work with 7 days in Kerala.

This mini Kerala travel guide also includes ideas on your route and how you can get around from place to place using public transportation in Kerala , for example by bus, train, or even boat!

And if you’re traveling around India alone, you may also like staying at the  best hostels in Kerala and some more hostels in India .

First, the quick list of the must-visit places for backpacking Kerala.

Then, some ideas for your India itinerary and getting to Kerala.

And then, a more detailed look into how you can fit the top places to visit in Kerala into your one week itinerary, along with ideas for how to get around Kerala by public transportation.

Now first the quick list…

4 best places to visit in Kerala in one week

Colonial history in Kerala

Tea plantations in Kerala

3. Alleppey

Backwaters in kerala.

Beach vibes in Kerala

Side note!!

The need-to-know india travel tips.

If it’s your first trip to India, be sure to see  these tips for getting around India on a budget , and more!

Mosquito repellent tip!!

You can buy good mosquito repellent when you’re in India!

There’s a cream (and spray and lotion) called ODOMOS.

It works SO well for me! Why do I say that?!

Well, there had been times that I would wait until mosquitoes would start biting me to put on odomos.

Well, after I put it on, no more mosquitoes!

To me, that’s proof. 😉

But of course, your experience may vary. You can find odomos at street shops all over India to try it for yourself!

It’s a natural repellent, and it has vitamin E and almond oil in it too… meaning it’s good for your skin too. 😉

India tourist visa tip! 

See the current cost of an e-visa by selecting your country. (partner website.) If you’re American, know that you can get a 10-year tourist visa ! If you’re fairly certain this South India trip is your ONLY trip to India you’ll make, then the e-visa will be a simpler process. American or not, also see about how to get an e-visa for India . 

Next…

Arriving to Kerala

Backpacking in india.

If you’re making Kerala a part of your one month in India (or longer), and you’re starting in Delhi and North India, be sure to see  this 2 week Rajasthan itinerary .

Also see how to get around North India by bus , local train , and overnight train .

Then once you’ve finished up the north (that of course includes a Taj Mahal visit ), you can start making your way to South India by first going from Rajasthan to Mumbai or  Rajasthan to Goa … that maybe includes a stay at a beach hut in Goa !

See the basics to know about backpacking Goa.

Then once you’ve gotten your fill of the  best beaches in Goa , you can go from Goa to Kerala !

There are a few stops, like Hampi, that you may consider making along the way, and Bangalore can make an easy access point to Kerala too.

Depending on where you’re coming from outside of Kerala, it may also make sense to take an overnight bus to Kerala. It’s really not so bad!

You can see what it’s like on an  overnight sleeper bus in India , and also see an example of taking an overnight bus from Madurai to Kerala .

Airports in Kerala

There are 2 airports in Kerala  on the backpacker tourist trail:

• Cochin Airport in central Kerala (kind of near Fort Cochin, Alleppey, Munnar)
• Trivandrum Airport in south Kerala (kind of near Varkala)

If you’re interested in North Kerala, there are also 2 more airports:

• Calicut Airport (nearest airport to Wayanad )
• Kannur Airport

But most of the backpacker activity sticks to central and south Kerala, so that’s where the focus will be here.

Kerala by train

There are also train stations that can make Cochin (Ernakulam), Alleppey, and Varkala your gateway to Kerala by train.

Kerala by bus

It’s possible to arrive by bus to all tourist destinations in Kerala when covering a shorter distance.

When coming from outside of Kerala, you might consider arriving by bus to Munnar or Wayanad if you’re coming from Bangalore.

Kerala by ferry

And, this is Kerala, home of the famous Kerala backwaters !

You won’t be arriving by ferry to get TO Kerala, but when you are IN Kerala, there are some tourist destinations that are also accessible by the  backwaters ferry !

Mainly, to and from Alleppey – you can get in part by ferry to Varkala and  to Munnar .

More tips for public transportation in Kerala

See the guide for how to get to Alleppey .

Although this is specific to Alleppey, the general tips for getting around Kerala will apply!

In short, nothing is set in stone and be flexible! This is India. 😉 

How to put Kerala’s top backpacker cities into a one week itinerary?!

How to spend one week in Kerala:

• 1 day in Cochin
• 1-2 days in Munnar
• 1-2 days in Alleppey
• 1-2 days in Varkala

Kerala is a place where you could spend more days in any of the main backpacker cities if you’re looking for chill vibes and a place to relax.

That’s why Kerala can be a perfect place to visit following the (generally) more chaotic North India .

You might even consider giving one of the places a miss so that you can spend an extra day or 2 in another.

When in Kerala – take it easy, take it slowly!

Do you have more time in Kerala?

If you have more time, like 10 days or 2 weeks, consider extending your stay for any of the following:

• Meesapulimala Trek from Munnar
• Day trips from Alleppey
• Day trips from Varkala
• 1-2 days in Munroe Island backwaters

What are the best things to do in Kerala?!

Backpacking Cochin

Kerala travel in pictures: Best things to do in Cochin in one day

Cochin is one of the bigger cities in Kerala.

Fort Cochin is the backpacker area of Cochin, and you can see a mix of cultures in Fort Cochin with Kerala’s colonial past. This includes influences from the Dutch, Portuguese, Jewish, and British.

You can also go cycling in Cochin by renting a bike to ride around Fort Cochin, and then also head towards Marine Drive where you can go for a tourist boat ride.

Cochin also is known for its fishing nets, and this is something you can see too.

You can see fishing nets from land, and you can also see them from a  super cheap ferry  on your way to Cherai Beach.

When you first arrive to Cochin, your entry will probably be at the Ernakulam bus station or Ernakulam train station.

You can take a ferry to Fort Cochin from Ernakulam for a ferry ride in Kerala!

If you have even less time to spend, like say 5 days in Kerala, then you may consider skipping Fort Cochin and going straight to Munnar or Alleppey.

1. Fort Cochin

2. Marine Drive

3. Fishing nets

Hotels in Fort Cochin

Put in your travel dates below and you’ll be able to see the prices of hotels in Fort Cochin on the map!

I’ve stayed at Zostel Kochi .

Next up: Fort Cochin to Munnar by bus

You’ll be going from coastal Kerala (Cochin) to the hills of Kerala (Munnar).

There is no train station near Munnar, so bus will be the way to get to Munnar.

There are frequent government bus timings  between Cochin and Munnar, so it’ll generally be pretty convenient to get to Munnar from Cochin. You’ll also find plenty of direct buses.

No matter what city you are in, your guesthouse in Kerala will likely be able to give you accurate bus timings so be sure to ask!

You don’t need to book bus tickets in advance. You can just show up to the bus station and get on the next bus to Munnar. You’ll pay for the ticket once you’re on the bus.

The time on bus might be around 4 hours.

It can get chilly in the hills in the evening, so packing some layers of clothes to wear in Munnar can be a good idea.

It can also be a good idea to make sure the place you’re staying in Munnar has a hot water shower!

If you want to skip Munnar, see tips on taking the Cochin to Alleppey bus .

Backpacking Munnar

Kerala travel in pictures: Best things to do in Munnar in 1 or 2 days

Munnar is known for its tea plantations.

You can basically make it a travel day going from Cochin to Munnar, and then the next day, go for a day-long  Munnar tea plantation trek , which is generally more like a leisurely walk.

More places to visit in Kerala

If you have more time, or you are looking to go for a solid day hike, there’s the Meesapulimala Trek that you can do through the Kerala forest department.

This will take you to the second highest peak in Kerala.

The way to do this trek is as a guided group hike, and it’ll come with overnight camping in the mountains of the Western Ghats.

1. Munnar tea plantation trek

2. Meesapulimala Trek

Hotels in Munnar

Put in your travel dates below and you’ll be able to see the prices of hotels in Munnar on the map!

Next up: Munnar to Alleppey by bus

There are a few direct buses from Munnar to Alleppey that you can take, so once again, this can be a pretty convenient trip.

The bus will take around 5-7 hours.

If you’re not liking the timings of the direct bus, the next best option by road might be to get a bus from Munnar to Cochin, and then another bus from Cochin to Alleppey .

Although it’ll seem like you’re backtracking, it might be an option worth considering since there are generally very frequent timings of buses between Cochin and Alleppey. Locals will say “every 5 minutes.” Maybe not ALWAYS every 5 minutes, but there are tons of buses. 

Otherwise…

Munnar to Alleppey by ferry (in part)

You should totally also consider arriving to Alleppey in style, aka via the Kerala backwaters !

This basically means that you can take a bus AND ferry to get to Alleppey from Munnar .

First, you’ll take a bus from Munnar to Kottayam, and then you’ll take a ferry from Kottayam to Alleppey .

This WILL take longer for you to get to Alleppey, but… when in Kerala!

Backpacking Alleppey

Kerala travel in pictures: Best things to do in Alleppey in 1 or 2 days

Well, Alleppey is THE hub of the Kerala backwaters .

This means that you have a few different options for experiencing the backwaters.

You can go by canoe , kayak , ferry , houseboat, or even cycling on a road along the waters.

And after you’ve gotten your fill of the backwaters, you can finish it off with more things to do in Alleppey by relaxing with views of Alleppey Beach at a beachside Alleppey guesthouse  or beachside Alleppey hostel , along with eating at a beachfront Alleppey restaurant!

You can totally make it a perfect one day in Alleppey .

But if you’re looking to stay an extra day or 2, you can also make a day trip from Alleppey to Marari Beach.

You can walk the 10km to Marari Beach pretty much the whole way from Alleppey with coastal views and empty beaches.

Bus, rickshaw, or scooter rental are also options to get to Marari Beach, but without the views to get there!

A scooter to the backwaters of Kainakary and Kuttanad can also be a nice day trip from Alleppey.

1. Kerala backwaters

2. Alleppey Beach

3. Beachside stay in Alleppey

4. Beachfront restaurant in Alleppey

5. Day trips from Alleppey

Walk to marari beach.

Scooter to Kainakary

Hotels in Alleppey

Put in your travel dates below and you’ll be able to see the prices of hotels in Alleppey on the map!

I’ve stayed at Zostel Alleppey and Funky Art Beach House .

Next up: Alleppey to Varkala by train or bus

There are a number of  buses and trains  you can take to get to Varkala from Alleppey.

The bus will likely take around 4-5 hours, and the train will likely take around 3 hours.

Since this is a shorter distance, you can go for the train in general class so you won’t have to book a train ticket in advance.

You just show up to the Alleppey train station on the day you want to go to Varkala and buy a ticket before you board the train.

Taking the train in general class does mean that you do have a chance of not being able to get a seat.

Alleppey to Varkala by ferry (in part)

But once again, similar to Munnar to Alleppey , you should totally consider leaving Alleppey in style!

And that means leaving Alleppey via the Kerala backwaters!

And THAT means you can take a ferry in part to get from Alleppey to Varkala .

First, you’ll take the ferry from Alleppey to Kollam .

Then once you reach Kollam, you can take a bus or train to get the rest of the way to Varkala .

Note that this ferry doesn’t operate in the off-season, which generally speaking is during the summer months.

Alleppey to Amma’s ashram to Varkala

With more time in Kerala, you can also take the same ferry to Varkala to get to the world famous Amma’s ashram in Amritapuri.

This ashram, where you can practice yoga and meditation, is located right on the backwaters on one side, and just a few minutes walk from the ocean on the other side.

There’s a ferry stop directly at the ashram.

The train can also be a good way to get from Alleppey to Amritapuri and Amritapuri to Varkala.

The nearest train station to the ashram is around a 20-30 minute rickshaw ride away.

Alleppey to Munroe Island to Varkala

Also with more time, if you want to get in a little more of the Kerala backwaters, or you are looking for a quieter alternative to the Alleppey backwaters, then you just might love a Munroe Island backwaters homestay .

You can still take the Alleppey to Kollam ferry, and then once in Kollam, you can take a rickshaw to get to Munroe Island.

You can also consider taking the train  direct from Alleppey to Munroe Island. There’s also a train from Munroe Island to Varkala.

Trains passing through Munroe Island aren’t as frequent as other main cities in Kerala.

Other backpacker cities like Cochin, Alleppey, and Varkala get more long-distance trains passing through which means more train options.

You can also take this as a sign that Munroe Island really is located in a quieter area!

Backpacking Varkala

Kerala travel in pictures: Best things to do in Varkala in 1 or 2 days

Varkala is known as one of the beach towns in Kerala.

It’s also famous for the restaurants and accommodations that you can find on the cliff.

Kerala is also the birthplace of ayurveda, which is basically using natural herbs and remedies for treating chronic illnesses (and non-chronic), as well as to stay healthy.

You can find many yoga retreats with ayurveda across Kerala.

You’ll also be able to find a place to get an ayurvedic massage in Varkala pretty easily.

There will be beach resorts that offer them, and you can also find places as you walk along the Varkala cliff.

If you have a few more days in Kerala, there are a couple of day trips from Varkala that you can make too.

This can include a trip to the Ponmudi hills with a short waterfall trek along the way, as well as a trip to Kappil Beach.

It would also be an easy trip to head from Varkala to Trivandrum by train to the what’s been said to be one of the richest temples in Asia, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Unless you’re Hindu, this would be a temple that you would just see from the outside though, as they don’t allow non-Hindus inside.

Trivandrum is the capital of Kerala, so it’s a bustling big city.

Another pretty easy day trip from Varkala is a trip to Kovalam Beach. This is another one of the main beach towns in Kerala, and you may also consider staying in Kovalam for beach vibes.

To get from Varkala to Kovalam, first you would take a train to Trivandrum, and then a bus from Trivandrum to Kovalam.

1. Varkala Beach

2.  Varkala cliff restaurant

3. Ayurvedic massage

4. Day trips from Varkala

Waterfall trek near ponmudi.

Walk to Kappil

Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum

Kovalam Beach

Hotels in Varkala

Put in your travel dates below and you’ll be able to see the prices of hotels in Varkala on the map!

And there’s your one week in Kerala with Cochin, Munnar, Alleppey, and Varkala!

Where to go next after kerala, leave kerala by flight.

The closest airport to Varkala is the Trivandrum airport, and this is around 1.5 hours from Varkala.

If you’re doing this Kerala itinerary in the opposite direction and ending up at Cochin, it’ll take 1 to 1.5 hours to get to Cochin airport.

From Alleppey to the airport is around 2 to 2.5 hours.

Domestic flights are a convenient way to get around India, so depending on where you want to go next, this could be a good option.

You can use makemytrip to search for flights from Kerala.

Leave Kerala by train or bus

And, depending on where you’re going to next, train or bus may be a reasonable option too!

Search for trains using trainman .

More top destinations for your backpacking India itinerary

Kerala to kanyakumari, aka southern tip of india.

Kerala to Goa

Kerala to Rajasthan

Kerala to Sri Lanka

Happy kerala itinerary planning.

• Gokarna to Goa
• Alleppey to Cochin
• Kerala to southern tip of India
• Goa to Hampi
• Hospet to Hampi
• Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram
• Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry
• Palolem to Goa airport
• Pondicherry to Madurai
• Madurai to Kerala  (South India)
• Mumbai to Udaipur

"Let's skip to the part of our life where we just travel"

Rather b traveling.

• 17. Apr. 2019
• 6 Min. Lesezeit

The Ultimate Guide to One Week in Kerala

Here is your ultimate 7 Day Kerala Itinerary

Are you looking for a beautiful and exotic place to visit, but you only have little time?

This is the place for you!!! The beautiful State Kerala in the South of India

This is your ultimate itinerary for an unforgettable 7 day vacation in "Gods own country"

There is a lot to see and visit in the state of Kerala. Nevertheless, visiting in a week is possible, so let's get started and see what you could see and do!

1 night Fort Kochi

1 night Kerala Backwaters on a Houseboat from Alappuzha

2 nights Munnar

1 night by the airport COK to visit the Athirappilly Waterfalls and then, depending on your preferences you may also do or switch either of the above for:

Varkala Beach

Periyar National Park

Cochin International Airport (COK) in Nedumbassery, this is where you are most likely to fly into. From here you can easily start your Kerala adventure.

Fort Kochi, Fort Cochin or Cochin

From 1500 - 1663 Kochi was a Portuguese colony, followed by the Dutch and later by the British colonies. It is the old buildings which most clearly reveal this deep-rooted colonial influence. A leisurely walk through its streets is one of the best ways to discover all that the town has to offer.

One of the things you must do when in Fort Kochi is going to the beach for sunset. You can enjoy a gorgeous scenery. Not only is the sunset beautiful, but there is something incredibly unique about enjoying the sun setting behind the Chinese Fishing Nets that are fixed on the land for fishing.

"Must Do's" while visiting Fort Kochi

- Stroll around town

- Go to the beach for sunset

- Observe the fiserhmen take out the fish using the traditional Chinese Fishing Nets

How long should I stay? Stay one to two nights in Fort Kochi itself to have a nice stroll around the old Portuguese, Dutch and British houses from the colonial periods that line the streets of Fort Kochi. Enjoy a marvelous sunset and a delicious dinner in one of the many (although rather touristy) restaurants.

Whre should I stay? Stay in Fort Kochi itself. From here you can visit everything by foot. As it is quite touristy it is safe, and you have many dining options.

Sunset behind the Chinese Fishing Nets

Gorgeous sunset by the beach

The Kerala Backwaters

The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km of waterways.

Definitely one of the best things while visiting Kerala.

How to tour the Kerala Backwaters

You have three good options to experience the backwaters. You may chose either of them depending on your time, travel priority, budget and your lust for adventure!

Day Tour on the Backwater. Starting point: Fort Kochi

Overnight Backwater Tour on a Houseboat from Allepey (Alappuzha)

Special tourist ferry from Allepey to Kollam

1. Kerala Houseboat Rental

No question the most unique travel experience, and in my opinion one of the “must – do” when in Kerala, is renting a Houseboat for a night. The main house boat rental port is in Alappuzha, also known as Allepey.

Alappuzha is about 60km south of Fort Kochi. This will take you by taxi around 1.40hrs.

At the pier you will find hundreds of different providers and depending on your budget you can find different types of boats. It is basically a hotel room on a boat that will take you through the gorgeous canals.

The easiest way to find your boat is to go online and Google: Allepey (Alappuzha) Houseboat. In India people use What's App and it is quite easy to communicate with Houseboat Rental Agencies on What's App to coordinate a date and price for your boat rental.

To have an idea these are established providers with fair prices: (But you can really just Google and send out some What's App's to find your preferred Houseboat Provider)

Boats and Rides

Allepey Shikara Boats

Kerala House Boat Packages

Depending on the season a Houseboat including all food for one bedroom, 2 adults should be around 6'000 – 8'000 Rupees.

High season prices will be higher, weekends tend to be more costly as well.

2. Day Tour from Fort Kochi When in Fort Kochi you may also consider going on a day tour of the Kerala Backwaters. In Fort Kochi itself there are lots of travel companies who offer day trips through the Kerala Backwaters. It is definitely worth the experience if you do not have time to rent a houseboat for a night.

Half Day Tour per Person: 700 Rupees

Full Day Tour (including lunch): 1000 Rupees

3. Ferry Service Kerala State Water Transport Department (SWTD) is a governmental department that regulates the inland navigation systems in the Indian state of Kerala and provides inland water transport facilities.

Going on the ferry is an excellent option to explore the backwaters on a budget. This is the Kerala State Water Transport Department website with the boat schedules --> Tourist Boat Schedule

Enjoyingng our tour on the Backwaters / Daytrip from Kochi

Incredible Munnar a town surrounded by the most gorgeous Tea Plantations

As far as the eye can see → the emerald – green tea plantations of Munnar.

This was my favorite part about the trip. I had never before seen anything like this. The hills carpened in green – simply breathtaking. No picture can do justice.

Things to do in Munnar

Besides just taking in the beauty of the tea plantations itself you can visit:

Munnar town and Munnar Tea Museum

Visit Top Station – Echo Point

Attukad Waterfall

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Eravikulam National Park

stay at Fab Valley Homestay where you can enjoy a stroll in the spice garden, taste delicious home made food and walk down to the beautiful waterfall that is just 5 minutes from the Homestay their website: Fabvalley Homestay

Munnar Town and Munnar Tea Museum

Munnar, a small busy town surrounded by hills dotted with gorgeous tea plantations that were established in the late 19th century. You can learn more about the history of the plantations at Munnar Tea Museum also called Kannan Devan Tea Museum www.keralatourism.org

Entry fee 75 rupees p.P

Munnar is the starting point to many attractions such as:

- Echo Point and Top Station

About 15km from Munnar you'll find Echo Point. It has it's name thanks to its natural echo phenomenon. The place is on the way to Top Station. It is a scenic place which is surrounded by small hills and in the middle lies a lake.

Top Station is located about 35km from Munnar and gives a panoramic view of neighboring state Tamilnadu. It has on of the best of scenic beauty Munnar has to offer.

- Kolukkumalai Tea Plantations

Standing at 7900 Ft (2'100 meters) , Kolukkumalai is the world's highest tea estate. It is without argument one of the world’s most beautiful scenic destinations. Despite the hype around Munnar, a trip to Kolukkumalai tea estate remains off the tourist map.

How to reach Kolukkumalai Tea Estate?

To reach Kolukkumalai you need to hire a jeep "Jeep Safari" from the gate of Suryanelli (about 1.5hours from Munnar by car) from where the 9 kilometers of crazy off-roading will begin. And with off-roading I mean OFF THE ROAD!!

The easiest way to reach Kolukkumalai is driving from Munnar to Suryanelli for about 1.5 hours. From here you must hire a Jeep. No private cars are allowed in the premises of the Suryanelli Tea Estate.

Once in your Jeep the adventure can begin. And let me tell you this ride is not for the weak. The drive is about three hours long and it's all dirt and stones. Twice we told our driver we wanted to walk for a while. For one we wanted to enjoy the incredible scenery, but also we needed a break from the bumpiest ride we've ever experienced.

That being said, it is still worth the trip for anyone who has no back or leg problems.

Care rental Munnar – Suryanelli – Munnar per car: 2500 rupees

Kolukkumalai Jeep Safari per Jeep: 2500 rupees

Entrance Kolukkumalai Tea Factory: 100 ruppees per person

- Eravikulam National Park

As huge wildlife lovers we really wanted to visit Eravikulam, but unfortunately the park was closed during our stay in Munnar.

You can find all the information on their website: eravikulam.org

Pictures of our adventures around Munnar

Munnar the town

Our Jeep rented from Suryanelli "off road Jeep Safari"

A big thank you to the incredible women that are working every day out in the fields so all of us around the world can drink our nice cup of tee just the way we like it.

The incredible view en route to Kolukkumalai

As I mentioned before, no picture can do justice.

Athirappilly Waterfalls

I enjoyed our trip to the Falls tremendously. Athirappilly - the Niagara of India and definitely worth a visit! The top and the bottom of the falls are accessible (with some safety cordons). At the top, you can swim in the river and it's pools and enjoy the view over the falls to the valley below. The bottom is great to experience the force of the falls and get beautiful pictures. The area is pleasant, with plenty of wildlife around --> beware of the monkeys!! Definitely the place to be on a hot summer day to enjoy the cool water cascading down the rock!

Indian Style Swimming lol Women: NO swimsuits allowed!!!! I was already way too "naked" for Indian Standards

Enjoy your wonderful vacation in an incredible place!!!

Because we'd rather B traveling =) !!!

And if you find yourself with some extra time:

For Beach Lovers: Varkala Beach (tripadvisor reviews: www.tripadvisor.com)

For wildlife lovers: Periyar National Park (www.periyarnationalpark.org)

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1 Week in Kerala: the Ideal Vacation Itinerary

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Vacation is the time when the mind gets relaxed and life, cheerful. It has become important for everyone today, to go on a vacation every once in a while, to escape the rush and chaos of work life. India, being one of the most beautiful countries, never fails to provide options for those who love travelling. Each state has its own splendour which allows people to witness different cultures and traditions while staying in the country itself. If you are thinking about a vacation in the southern part of India, here is how we suggest spending a week in Kerala so as to completely rejuvenated.

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A little about Kerala

Kerala – God’s Own Country – is located on the Malabar Coast of India. Be it boathouses or Kathakali, Kerala has the capability to amuse visitors every time. Kerala is rich in art forms and its harvest festival, Onam is celebrated in a way which attracts tourists from all parts of the country. Not to forget, the local cuisines such as idli, dosa, payasam and idiyappam have been India’s favourite since ages.

ALSO READ: ? 25 breath-taking Photos of Kerala to inspire you to travel there

How to reach kerala.

Kerala has an efficient flight, bus and train services. The easiest way to reach Kerala is through the Kochi airport though it has other airports in cities like Trivandrum, Kannur, Calicut, Kottayam as well. And an interesting fact about Kerala is that it is the only state in India to have four international airports .

Trains in Kerala can easily take you to all the major cities consuming only 3-6 hours of your time every time you travel from one city to another. Travelling via bus is yet another option for transportation and has reasonable rates so that you do not end up spending lots of money only on travelling.

Tips for planning a week in Kerala

So, now that we have motivated you to plan your vacation in Kerala, here are some tips to stitch together a complete itinerary.

Start in Kochi

It is preferable to start your journey by getting down at Kochi airport or Kochi railway station as it will ensure accessibility to all major cities of Kerala. Kochi also has metro facilities for travelling within the city. You can spend a day or two exploring places such as Mattancherry Palace, Elephant training centre, Saint Francis church and so on. Some of the best places to stay in Kerala are situated in Kochi itself so finding a hotel would not be a problem too. There are a lot of budget hotels in Ernakulam providing both budget accommodation facilities. If you are looking for luxury accommodation, Ernakulam has various options for that also.

Drive to Munnar

Who does not love plantations all around? Munnar in Kerala makes sure that you view tea plantations along with the surreal sights of valley or dams. Places such as Mattupetty Dam and Pothamedu viewpoint offers amazing picturesque surroundings for you to capture some of the best memories of your life. Munnar is just a 4-hour drive from Kochi so you can book a private cab for yourself as it will allow relishing the exquisiteness of Kerala properly.

ALSO READ: ? Honeymoon in Kerala – must-not-miss Places & Activities

Head to varkala.

After staying for around 2 days in Kochi and spending a day in Munnar, you can catch a train or bus from Munnar to Varkala. It will take around 6 hours to reach Varkala so it is recommended that you book a room for one night there. Visit Varkala beach and Varkala cliff and soak in the divinity of nature. You will love how serene and peaceful the place is.

Get mesmerised in Alleppey

After hanging around for a day in Varkala, move on to the next destination that is, Alappuzha (Alleppey). A number of trains ply daily to and fro Varkala to Alappuzha. Since it is only a 3-hour long journey, you will not even feel tired while travelling. Try spending a day in Alappuzha. The district has a wide range of beaches so you can start your day with Alappuzha beach’s houseboat tours and end the evening with the soothing sunset view at Marari beach.

ALSO READ: ? Alleppey Houseboat Cruise: is it worth your time & money?

Finding a place to stay in Alappuzha would not be a difficulty. There are plenty of beach resorts which have all the amenities like wellness centres, Ayurveda camps so as to keep you stress-free.

End your vacation in Kovalam

If some vigour is still left, you can take a train again the next day to head towards the palm-lined beach town of Kovalam to soak in the fresh wind of Hawa and Samudra beach. It has a lighthouse with a viewing platform too which will make you feel that you are secluded from the world at large and thereby, have one of the finest experiences of your life. It is said that you have not visited Kerala until you have visited the beaches of Kovalam.

From here on, you may choose to return to Kochi or might even start your return journey from here itself.

In the end…

Kerala is a lovely place to visit either alone or with a family. It witnesses bag packers in huge numbers every year who just come into Kerala to appreciate the still pure form of nature difficult to find in any other part of the country. On the other hand, family visits to Kerala is also a common phenomenon. The local delicacies, colourful beaches, pristine churches provide every visitor with a handful of memories.

Yes, going a vacation would mean keeping all work aside for a while. But a one week trip to tourist destinations in Kerala would refresh your mind and memory. Have a happy vacation!

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• Top Kerala Tours
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Kerala in a week.

Cycle the Coast of Kerala

Itinerary focus:.

• Explore the old spice town of Cochin
• Experience warm hospitality in a village homestay
• Cruise the backwaters on a traditional houseboat
• Relax on the sandy beaches of Varkala

Kerala: Beaches & Backwaters

Flights & transport:.

• Relax in the calm backwaters
• Experience a local homestay
• Chill out on quiet beaches
• Explore ecosystems aboard an alleppey ferry cruise
• Sample south indian cuisine

A Taste of Southern India - Temples and Tea Plantations

• Get a taste for South India on this culinary and cultural journey through beautiful Kerala
• Relax on a traditional houseboat and journey through the famous Kerala backwaters
• Visit spice gardens and sample some of the region's most famous dishes with dedicated vegetarian departures

Kerala Backwaters

• Immerse yourself in Keralan culture on this exploration of 'God's Own Country'
• Experience Keralan hospitality and village life with a homestay at a local house

Kerala Backwater Tour

• See the Periyar National Park is located at Thekkady.
• Explore Munnar picturesque sights at this hill station
• Visit Rajamalai, the highest peak of Munnar where you can see the mountain goats, also called Neel Thar
• Explore Kettuvalam for an amazing experience of the backwaters of Kerala

• Lush green tea estates of Munnar
• Enjoy a boat ride in Periyar
• Cruise on a houseboat through the backwaters in Allepey
• Explore the vibrant city of Kochi
• Witness a kathakali dance performance

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Best of Kerala

• Tea museum which tells tales about tea in Munnar.
• Explore Mattupetty, known for lovely landscapes and dairy farm,
• See the Kundala plantations to see tea plucking to processing
• Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periayar
• Enjoy a backwater houseboat cruise. You can even opt for canoeing and fishing.
• A cultural evening awaits you, highlight being the vibrant Kathakali dance, with masks and bright make-up.

8 Days Best of Kerala, India

• Experience a traditional Kathakali dance show
• Witness the scenic beauty of Munnar
• Pay a visit to the big cats at Periyar Tiger Reserve
• Meet enormous elephants on safari at Periyar
• Enjoy the night relaxing on your houseboat

Kerala Tour Package

• Visit Munnar town and nearby places & Overnight stay in Munnar.
• Visit Eravikulam National park
• Visit Alleppey

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Discover Kerala

• Explore Kerala
• Discover Munnar
• Visit Mattupetty dam,  Kundala Lake
• Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves
• See the Houseboat which is also called as Kettuvallom

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One Week Kerala Itinerary – Exploring God’s Own Country

A lot of people often skip out on Kerala when planning a trip to India which is a shame because it happens to be one of the most beautiful states in India. Sure, Goa, Dharamshala, Pondicherry, etc. are good places to visit as well.

But if you want to experience the real charm of India and want to avoid the popular and often overcrowded cities then you should follow this fun one week Kerala itinerary and discover a part of India famous for its unrivalled nature.

Kerala is actually known as God’s own country in India because it is filled with mesmerizing nature which will make you feel like you are in paradise. From lazing on the Kerala backwaters to spending time in the Munnar tea estates, there is a lot to see and explore here. And trust me, you would definitely not get bored when exploring this beautiful state in India.

When I was in Kerala I had so many incredible experiences with the locals and couldn’t believe how friendly everyone was. I remember meeting some incredibly friendly locals while hiking the hills of Munnar, who kept encouraging and helping me and my friends to get to the summit.

It seemed everywhere we stopped in Kerala, everyone would always have the widest smile on their face, welcoming us with cold drinks and flowers. If there’s one reason you should travel around Kerala, it’s to interact with the locals and no doubt make many new friends for life.

Although 1 week in Kerala is too short to actually see everything that this place has to offer – bit’s enough to get a good taster. In a week, you won’t be able to cover all the main cities and towns in Kerala but you can focus on three different experiences here. So, here is a 1-week itinerary for you to make the most of your short time in India.  Hope you enjoy this fun Kerala itinerary – perfect for adventure lovers.

VIDEO: Kerala, Human By Nature

Fun-Loving 7 Day Kerala Itinerary

Day 1: arrival in kochi.

Kochi is the main hub for getting a flight into Kerala and then heading to most cities and towns in this state. You have several international and domestic flights arriving and leaving from Kochi every day so it would be a good idea to reach Kochi first and explore this city.

Ideally, 1 day is enough to cover all the major sights in Fort Kochi so you can set aside a day for exploration.

Where to Stay

Although you will get accommodations all over the city, you should find a hostel/hotel in the Fort Kochi area as it offers the most sightseeing options and  activities to do in Kochi . There are several hostels and restaurants for you to explore here in a decent budget. Also, Fort Kochi is directly accessible from Ernakulum and the Kochi airport via buses, taxis, ferries, etc. so you won’t have a lot of trouble moving around.

What to Eat

Seafood is really famous in Kerala so you can try out some local seafood dishes in Fort Kochi. You can also try the local fish thali here at any of the restaurants near the Fort Kochi beach.

What to Do in Fort Kochi

After reaching Fort Kochi, you can explore the place on foot as this area is quite small. You can start by going to the Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue to learn the history of Kochi. Then, you can head to Jew Street for a little shopping and eating. After that, you can make your way to the beautiful Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica for some peaceful time.

And then, you can walk over to the Fort Kochi beach and admire the beautiful Chinese fishing nets which are erected over here. On your walk, you will also come across several street arts which are beautiful to look at and photograph.

Day 2-3: Alleppey  

From Fort Kochi, you can go to Alleppey which will take around 2-3 hours by bus. So, if you start early in the morning around 6 a.m., you can easily be in Alleppey by 9 a.m. and check-in to a houseboat for an overnight stay.

Alleppey is best known for its backwaters so staying in a houseboat is a must. You can also take a canoe ride on the backwaters and explore more of the area here and can easily spend 2 days here.

I would suggest you to make the most of your stay here and spend a night on a houseboat in Kumarakom. You will find many options available online and can even check with the houseboat owners once you reach Alleppey.

In Alleppey, you have to try the local Kerala dishes like Appam, Puttu, etc. which are usually served for breakfast. For lunch, you will get a nice fish thali which is delicious and filling and will make you fall in love with their food here. As for the dinner, you won’t get a fish thali but there are other options like beef, vegetables, etc. which you will get in most small food joints and restaurants here.

What to Do in Alleppey

If you follow my advice then your 1 day will go on the houseboat so you will be left with only 1 day to explore Alleppey. On the houseboat, you will experience the backwaters of Alleppey and will be able to just relax and take in the view. You will also get a taste of the local cuisine and will watch an amazing sunset once you anchor near Kumarakom.

The next morning, you will be dropped off at the shore again so you can use the day to explore Alleppey. You can head to the Alleppey lighthouse and then to the beach, both of which offer an amazing view of the ocean. If you want to explore the canals in Alleppey then it would be a good idea to go on a shikhara/canoe ride for 1-2 hours in the evening.

Day 4: Varkala

After Alleppey, you can head to Varkala which is just 3-4 hours from Alleppey and can be reached via both buses and trains. Varkala is not a big town and has only a single beach but it is one of the most beautiful and relaxing places to visit in Kerala. Here, you can simply enjoy the view and chill on the beach or take a walk to the Varkala cliff to admire the ocean view in front of you.

In Varkala, you have many beach facing resorts where you can stay and several hostels for budget travelers as well. Most of the accommodations are close to the beach so you can choose any, depending on your budget.

In Varkala, you get a lot of restaurants and cafés which give you an amazing view of the beach and the ocean. So, you can come here to sit and relax while enjoying a delicious meal along with the cool ocean breeze.

What to do in Varkala

As I said earlier, there isn’t really a lot to do in Varkala and it is more of a relaxing place than an exploration town. So, you can head to the beach and get slightly suntanned and then you can head to one of the restaurants/cafés here to eat. You can also get a body massage or a foot massage as Varkala is quite famous for it.

And if you love to shop then you definitely should check out the beachside shops here which sell cheap but amazing clothes to the travelers.

Day 5: Kovalam

Another amazing place where you can spend at least 1 day is Kovalam which is just 2 hours from Varkala. While Varkala had a single beach for you to explore, Kovalam has a couple of beaches for you to choose from and is actually best-known for its lighthouse. So, you can take a bus to the Varkala Railway Station from where you will get a train to Trivandrum. In Trivandrum, you can take a bus to Kovalam which will take around 45 minutes to reach.

So, if you start from Varkala around 6 a.m., you will be in Kovalam by 9-10 a.m.

Similar to Varkala, you have options of the beachside resorts or the hostels in Kovalam for staying. The hostels are slightly on the inside but are just 5-minutes’ walk to the beach. I would suggest you stay near the Lighthouse beach as there is a lot to do and see here and you have many amazing sunbeds to relax under as well.

In Kovalam, you will find several beachside cafes and restaurants which will be slightly expensive but will serve good food and a variety of cuisines. But if you are on a budget then you can head to the local food joints which are away from the beach and include fish thalis, chicken thalis, etc. and are extremely delicious.

What to do in Kovalam

In Kovalam, you can head to the famous lighthouse from where you get an aerial view of the entire Kovalam town. It is quite windy here but the feeling of looking at the entire city from above is entirely something else. You can also head to other beaches like the Kovalam beach, Lighthouse beach, Samudra beach, etc. If you don’t feel like walking too much, you can also rent a sunbed for a couple of hours and just sleep on the beach, read a book, etc.

Also, make sure that you don’t forget to watch the sunset from the Lighthouse beach because it is really beautiful and a lot of people come here to admire the sunsets.

Day 6-7: Munnar

Finally, you can end your Kerala trip by heading to Munnar which is one of the most popular hill stations in Kerala. In Munnar, you can explore the tea estates and the beautiful mountain views and will be completely mesmerized by the greenery here.

In order to reach Munnar, you will need to take a train from Trivandrum to Kochi which will take about 4 hours. And from Kochi, you can take a cab or a bus which will take about 3-4 hours to reach.

In Munnar, you have a lot of options in the city but I would suggest you stay outside the main city as it would be peaceful and you will be able to explore better. You will find a few stay options near the Lakkam waterfall which is connected by the local bus. So, you can stay here and then head out to the nearby tea estates, waterfalls, etc.

You will also be closer to the Eravikulam National Park which is one of the major attractions in Munnar.

In Munnar, you will again get good Kerala thalis for a cheap price which will be delicious. Apart from that, you can also head to the main town and have a meal in one of the restaurants here. You will get all kinds of Kerala dishes and other South Indian dishes here and many bakery shops as well to try out.

What to Do in Munnar

When you reach Munnar, you can start by going to the Eravikulam National Park and spend a couple of hours here exploring the amazing flora and fauna here. You can spend time near the Lakkam waterfall and just walk around exploring the local tea plantations and villages here. You will also catch an amazing sunset here and will meet several other travelers in this area too.

Next, you can head to the Top Station viewpoint and get down at random, colorful villages, on the way. Also, go to the Mattupetty Dam where you can go boating and explore the surrounding tea gardens as well.

Once you are done with Munnar, you can head back to Kochi and catch a flight to your next destination and finally end your Kerala trip.

Bio:  Rachita Saxena is an Indian travel blogger who quit her job a year back to pursue her passion for traveling. She shares her travel stories and adventures on her blog,  Nomllers , and her  Instagram  account.

This post has been sponsored by Kerala Tourism.

Last updated on October 13th, 2023 at 02:07 pm

Tags: Itinerary

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How to Plan a Trip to Kerala (Guide for First-timers 2024)

4 reasons to visit kerala.

• Top 7 Places to Visit
• Best 11 Things To Do
• Festivals and Events

Keralan Food

Best time to visit kerala.

• Best Accommodation
• How to Travel

Tailor-Make Your Kerala Itinerary

Kerala is often called God's Own Country because of its incredible natural beauty and charm. This South Indian state is a tropical paradise with beautiful waterfalls, bountiful wildlife, and a laid-back and peaceful vibe.

If you want to explore the main highlights of Kerala, your trip should be at least 4-5 days but a full 7-8 days is better. The top 3 places to visit in the state are Kochi with its great food and culture, Munnar with its expansive tea plantations, and Alleppey with its canal networks.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about planning your trip to Kerala including why you should visit, where you should go, what you should do, what to expect with food and accommodation, as well as a sample itinerary for your trip.

• Kerala is the perfect place to visit for travelers who are looking for a relaxing and laid-back trip to India or those who have visited India once before.
• In Kerala, visitors can explore tea and spice plantations, take a boat ride through rural backwater villages, try great food, and experience Ayurveda or yoga retreats.
• The top places to go in Kerala include Cochin, Munnar, Periyar National Park, and Alleppey.
• Kerala has excellent heritage hotels and gorgeous resort accommodation that offer spa services and Ayurvedic treatments.
• The best time to visit Kerala is from December to February, but those who don't mind hot weather can also visit from March to May.

Kerala is not usually the first place that travelers think of when they start planning a trip to India, but it is the perfect location to relax and is especially great for travelers who have already visited the Golden Triangle and have seen classic India.

While the rest of India tends to be chaotic, crowded, and dry, Kerala is tropical, laid-back, and peaceful. The culture here is unique and the scenery and wildlife are unbeatable.

1. Culture and cuisine that are refreshing and different from anything else in India

Kerala is a small piece of land that contains a large mixture of unique cultures. From the influence of the Portuguese, Arabs, and Chinese that you will find in Kochi to the rural villages of the backwaters, in Kerala travelers can experience parts of India that are often unseen.

The uniqueness and diversity of Keralan culture can also be seen in the local cuisine. Out of all the states in India, Keralan food is the most loved for its sweetness, fresh seafood, and mixture of aromatic spices that provide a depth of flavor without too much heat.

2. An abundance of opportunities to experience Ayurvedic treatments or do yoga

Kerala is the best place to go to experience Ayurveda which is one of the world's oldest and best-known forms of traditional medicine. This state is known for its Ayurvedic retreats that give clients unique treatment plans to cure their ailments naturally.

Kerala also offers yoga retreats and classes for people of all levels. Yoga enthusiasts can take a few classes or enroll in a longer and more intense program that involves meditation and spiritual awakening.

3. The state is absolutely full of unique wildlife and animals

Kerala has more than 25 wildlife reserves and its vast jungles are teeming with beautiful wild animals like elephants, Bengal tigers, and monkeys.

Periyar National Park is one of the state's biggest wildlife reserves covering almost 100 square kilometers of jungle. This is one of the best places to see Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. The park also includes lots of other critters like flying squirrels and macaques.

4. A tropical paradise with beaches, jungles, and forests

The state's absolutely beautiful scenery is one of the reasons that Kerala that draws so many visitors and continues to leave them awestruck. The coasts are lined with white-sand beaches that are bordered by the Arabian Sea on one side and tall palm trees on the other.

Once you leave the coast, you can head into the villages of the backwaters which are small patches of farmland separated by deep canals with blue waters full of lotus flowers.

In the hill stations near the Western Ghats, visitors can take in the lush green mountain forests and the local tea and spice plantations. In the national parks, you'll find the dense jungles, calm lagoons, and picturesque waterfalls.

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Top 7 Places to Visit in Kerala

Although Kerala is a small state, it has a lot to offer and many incredible places that are worth visiting.

Travelers who have 4-5 days can spend time in Kochi, Munnar, and Alleppey.

Those who have 7-10 days can also add visits to some of the state's other beautiful destinations such as Periyar National Park or some top beaches.

Kochi or Cochin is often called the 'Gateway to Kerala' and is the first place travelers will visit upon their arrival in the state. Kochi was originally an important port city during the spice trade and was once a Portuguese colony . The city has also been influenced by the Arabs, British, Dutch, and Chinese.

Walking through Fort Kochi, visitors can take in the charming colonial architecture, see the Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset, stop inside a spice shop to try the locally grown pepper or cardamon, and relax in boutique coffee shops near the Arabian Sea.

Munnar is Kerala's most famous hill station which was originally founded by the British as a place to grow tea. Today, Munnar is still famous for the variety and flavors of tea it produces. It also has coffee plantations and spice farms that grow everything from ginger and garlic to vanilla, cloves, and cardamom.

Munnar is located in the Western Ghats and because of its higher elevation is a great escape from the heat and humidity of the rest of the state. Here you can stay in a resort and spend your days taking in the rainforest scenery or touring aromatic plantations.

3. Alleppey

Alleppey is the name of a small island that is located in Kerala's famous backwaters . The backwaters are an area of Kerala with many small villages and farms that are separated by a complex system of canals . The people in these villages have their own unique culture and language.

The best way to explore this area is to rent a houseboat. Houseboats are comfortable and private boats that come with a captain and a chef and take travelers on excursions through the backwater canals.

4. Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park is located in Thekkady and is one of the most popular wildlife reserves in South India. This is a great eco-tourism destination where travelers can explore the jungles and see animals in their natural habitats instead of in captivity.

In Periyar, visitors can take a safari through the jungle or boat through the waterways in search of Bengal tigers, wild Asian elephants, and mischievous monkeys.

5. Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach is one of the best beaches in India due to its striking views and location. Varkala is a long stretch of land that is bordered by sheer cliffs on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other.

When visiting, travelers can stay in resorts and hotels on the cliff that overlook the beach and sea below. Varkala is becoming more and more popular these days but is still less developed than Kovalam while also offering plenty of beach shacks and shops for travelers.

6. Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach is the most popular and most developed beach in Kerala. This is the perfect place to go if you are looking for plenty of things to do, great restaurants, and adventure sports.

Kovalam is a great place to get a traditional Ayurvedic massage which will helps your body achieve balance and calm. Kovalam is full of massage parlors and most hotels here offer Ayurvedic treatments too.

7. Marari Beach

Marari Beach is located about 30 minutes north of Alleppey and is a quieter and less developed beach that is off the normal tourist track.

Marari is the perfect place to go after taking a tour of the backwaters on a relaxing houseboat. Here you can continue your relaxation by spending some time on the sand near the coconut groves.

Get some inspiration about  How to Plan an Affordable Luxury Trip to India .

Best 11 Things To Do in Kerala

A good way to figure out where you want to go in Kerala is to first decide which experiences you are most interested in.

Check out the top 11 things to do in Kerala below:

1. Cruise Through the Backwaters

One of the most popular things to do in Kerala is to explore the backwaters on a houseboat. Taking a houseboat through the canals of local villages is an incredibly relaxing experience. On the boat, you can sit on the upper deck and unwind while your personal chef and captain take care of the rest.

Taking a cruise through the backwaters gives travelers an opportunity to see culturally unique villages that would otherwise be difficult to reach. It is also a great way to take in the tropical scenery of the Keralan countryside.

2. Get an Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda is a traditional medicine practice that includes many different methods to bring the body back into balance through a variety of techniques that have been studied for 5000 years.

Those who are interested in learning more about Ayurveda can spend some time at an Ayurveda retreat where they will get a personal diagnosis and treatment plan. Most hotels and resorts in Kerala offer Ayurvedic massages for those who are curious but don't want to take the retreat route.

3. Relax with Yoga

Kerala is a popular destination for travelers who want to learn more about yoga and meditation from the place they originated.

Yoga practitioners of all levels can spend time at an Ashram where they will learn about the principles of yoga and follow a strict schedule and regimen. There are also plenty of options for more laid back yoga retreats that include yoga on the beach and massage treatments.

4. Take a Cooking Class

Keralan cuisine is famous for the way it achieves a perfect balance in the use of local spices and ingredients. Compared to North India, Keralan food is lighter and sweeter in flavor.

Taking a cooking class is a great way to get hands-on experience with this important part of Keralan culture. In your class, you can learn how to make the classic sambar (veggie curry), dosa (a flat rice batter crepe), fish masala, and more.

5. Explore the Tropical Jungles and See Native Wildlife

Kerala has a large variety of national parks and wildlife reserves. The most famous is Periyar which is a great place to see wild tigers and elephants while on a jungle safari.

Eravikulam is a beautiful park that is located near Munnar and is full of great forest treks and famous waterfalls and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful parks in the state with its expansive evergreen forests.

6. Visit a Tea Plantation

Kerala is one of the top tea producing states in India and has some of the best plantations that grow the most high-quality tea. The Munnar hill station is covered in tea fields and plantations that visitors can explore.

All the tea in Munnar is handpicked by field workers to ensure quality. After exploring the plantations, travelers can hike around the surrounding hills or check out the local Tea Museum.

7. Explore the Spice Plantations

The high elevation hills of Munnar aren't just perfect for growing tea but are also great places to grow a variety of spices. The spices grown on plantations in Munnar have long been very lucrative for the state of Kerala and were once considered to be highly valuable by merchants from Europe, China, and the Ottoman Empire.

When exploring a spice plantation, you'll find a variety of spices including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, mace, and ginger all growing in their separate sections of the field.

8. Take a Food Tour

When talking about Kerala, one thing that is always mentioned is its incredible food. While it might seem like we are over exaggerating when we say Keralan food is amazing, our proof is in the travelers who return from India with nothing but love for this fresh and balanced cuisine.

The best way to experience everything that Keralan cuisine has to offer is to take a food tour. These tours often include cooking classes, visits to plantations, and lots of sampling and tasting.

9. Join in a Festival

Because the culture of Kerala is completely different from the rest of India, the state also celebrates unique and interesting festivals. Participating in a festival is one of the best ways to understand more about India's complex relationship with religion and local heritage.

Onam is Kerala's biggest festival of the year and is celebrated in late August or early September. This festival lasts for 10 days and includes large feasts, traditional Kathakali dance performances, music, intricate rangoli decorations, rituals, and boat races.

10. Hike Through the Lush Green Landscape

The Himalayan region of India is the most famous amongst trekkers who are interested in difficult climbs at high elevation. Kerala offers a different type of hiking that is more relaxed with the goal of taking in rural villages and tropical scenery.

The Western Ghats are the best area in Kerala for hiking or walking tours. Here you will find a large variety of landscapes including shrub forests, tropical jungles, evergreen forests, and rolling grasslands. On your walks, you will also see plenty of local wildlife including birds and small animals.

11. Unwind at the Beach

Kerala has a long coastline filled with beautiful tropical beaches that are surrounding by tall palm trees and the Arabian Sea.

Besides relaxing in the sun, Kerala's beaches offer plenty of things to do. In recent years, many beaches have become popular places for Ayurveda or yoga retreats where clients can learn about these traditional practices while also catching some rays.

The Keralan coast is also the best place to try local seafood dishes. Here, fish is caught and then immediately brought into restaurants where it is freshly cooked. Nowhere else does fish masala taste better than on the beaches of Kerala.

Festivals and Events in Kerala

While the most important festival for most Indians is Diwali, the most important holiday of the year in Kerala is Onam . Onam is a 10-day celebration that occurs in early September and is celebrated through many rituals and events.

During Onam, travelers can watch as people perform pujas or rituals at temples and celebrate in the streets of Kochi with dance performances and music. Onam is also famous for the beautiful rangoli which are designs that are made from colored rice and flowers.

Kerala also holds many temple festivals that celebrate one specific temple with rituals and parades of painted elephants. Our favorite temple festival is Thrissur Pooram which is celebrated at Vadakkunnathan Temple.

Other great festivals to experience in Kerala include Theyyam , the 800-year-old celebration of deities, and the boat races including Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alleppey.

If there is one thing that travelers can't stop talking about in Kerala, its the food. While food all over India is incredible, Keralan food is beloved by so many for its fresh ingredients, sweetness, and flavor that includes many spices but is not too hot.

One of the most famous and commonly eaten dishes in Kerala is fresh fish masala . This dish includes the catch of the day cooked in a spice-filled coconut sauce.

Another great thing to try in Kerala is the South Indian dosa . Dosas are a typical South Indian breakfast food that are made from rice batter and are fluffy and light pieces of flatbread. Dosas are often dipped in sauces or gravies like sambar.

Hotels and resorts in Kerala often have great chefs that serve some of the best authentic local food along with some western options. Eating in your hotel for lunch is a great way to get an introduction to Indian food. We also recommend eating in specialty restaurants or cafes to try out some local specialties.

If you want to learn more about Keralan food and spices, then make sure to take a cooking class to get first-hand experience with how authentic local food is made.

Kerala has a tropical and humid climate.

The best time to visit is typically from December to February when the state experiences dry and slightly cooler weather. This is the high season for tourism in Kerala which means higher prices on accommodation and travel. With Asia Highlights , you enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure ( detail⇒ ).

It is possible to visit Kerala during the hot season from March to May. During this time you can expect hot and humid days with temperatures typically 28 and 32°C (82 and 90°F). The hot season is the best time to visit Kerala's wildlife reserves because the animals are more active in hot weather.

Kerala experiences a long monsoon season that typically lasts from June to November. The state actually gets hit with two monsoons. The first brings the most rain and lasts from June to September. Kerala sometimes experiences flooding at this time.

The second monsoon hits in November and December, but brings much less rain and can be a great time to visit for those looking for more affordable prices on yoga retreats or Ayurveda resorts.

Best Accommodation in Kerala

Kerala is the perfect place to spend your holiday if you are interested in staying in beautiful colonial heritage hotels or resorts with pools, spas, and massage treatments. No matter where you go in Kerala, you'll be able to find great options for accommodation.

Check out some of our recommendations below:

Cochin is the largest city in Kerala and was once colonized by the Portuguese. This area's unique history makes it the perfect place to stay in a beautiful heritage hotel. We love the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa for its old-world charm, first-rate spa, and views of the harbor.

We also love the Trident Cochin for its 5-star facilities, beautiful gardens, and Ayurvedic center. If you would like to stay in a beautiful location that's farther away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, you can check out Le Meridien Kochi which overlooks the Cochin backwaters and has two beautiful restaurants that serve great western and Indian dishes.

Munnar is Kerala's best hill station and is famous for its cool and comfortable weather. This is a great place to stay in a luxurious hotel with views of the surrounding tea plantations.

One of our favorite hotels in Munnar is Fragrant Nature Munnar which is located in the mountain forest surrounded by wildlife. This hotel offers comfortable bungalows with mountain views and cozy fireplaces. Fragrant Nature also has a restaurant with all-day dining that serves North and South Indian cuisine.

We also love the Windmere Estate for its great views and location near the aromatic coffee and spice plantations and Ragamaya Resort & Spa for its luxurious rooms and on-site authentic Ayurvedic treatments.

When traveling to the backwaters of Alleppey, you will spend at least one night on a houseboat. If you would like to stay in the area for a longer period, then there is nowhere better than at a homestay. Homestays are a great way to get to know the local people. Most homestays in Alleppey offer simple but comfortable accommodations.

Our favorite homestays include Venice Castle and the Bella Art and Meditation House .

How to Travel in Kerala

In order to get to Kerala, most people will fly into the Cochin International Airport. This airport receives flights from many domestic cities including Delhi and Mumbai and a few international flights as well.

Once you have arrived in Kerala by plane, the best way to travel throughout the state is with a private chauffeured car. Hiring a chauffeured car is quite affordable in India and is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel in Kerala.

Here are the normal travel times by private car:

• Cochin to Munnar: 4 hours
• Munnar to Periyar: 4 hours
• Periyar to Alleppey: 3.5 hours
• Alleppey to Cochin: 2 hours

It is also possible to travel between these cities by bus. Local buses normally take longer than traveling by a private car and are often uncomfortable and crowded.

While there are some trains in Kerala, train travel is not as convenient as other methods of transportation. Kerala is a very hilly state that is full of dense jungles and wet lowlands making building large highways and train routes difficult.

At Asia Highlights, we tailor-make the itinerary of every guest to suit each traveler's specific interests and travel goals.

Our basic Kerala itinerary consists of visiting Cochin, Munnar, Periyar, and Alleppey. Go ahead and take a look to get some inspiration and then contact us if you would like to make changes or add on different destinations.

There are many benefits of taking a private tour of Kerala. Through a private tour, you will be able to see the best parts of this beautiful state conveniently and comfortably. The cost of a private tour includes a chauffeured car, private English-speaking guide, breakfast and lunch, and your gorgeous hotel.

Day 1: Arrive in Cochin

On the first day of your Kerala journey, you will arrive at the Cochin International Airport and then will be met by one of our representatives at the arrivals gate. Afterward, you will be introduced to your private chauffeur who will take you to your hotel.

Feel free to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel spa or exploring nearby neighborhoods.

Day 2: Cochin

On your second day, your private guide will take you around this ancient port city to explore the streets of Fort Kochi and other areas. Here you can learn about Cochin's diverse heritage by visiting the Dutch Mattancherry Palace, Portuguese Santa Cruz Basilica, and the St Francis Church which is believed to be one of the oldest churches in India.

In Cochin, you can also take a cooking class, visit spice shops, relax in high-end restaurants, and explore local art galleries.

In the evening, head to the waterfront to see the fisherman using the famous Chinese fishing nets and get great photos of the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Day 3: Munnar

After Cochin, you will take a private transfer to Munnar where the weather is cooler and the vast tea plantations are surrounded by misty jungles. Here, you can spend your first day touring a tea plantation, visiting the tea museum, or simply taking in the views of the surrounding forests from your hotel.

Day 4: Munnar

Wake up in the early morning to take a trek through the gorgeous forests and surrounding hills. On your trek, you will see various animals and plants and take in the beautiful views.

After your hike, you can check out some of the local coffee and spice plantations to learn more about Kerala's flavors. You can also take an excursion to the nearby Eravikulam National Park.

Day 5: Periyar

Spend the next morning in Munnar at your hotel spa or sipping a cup of tea while taking in the surrounding scenery. In the afternoon, you transfer to Periyar National Park via private car.

Day 6: Periyar to Alleppey

Wake up in the early morning to take a jungle walk with a park ranger to see monkeys, deer, giant squirrels, and some beautiful birds. Jungle walks typically last for around 3 hours and it's important to wear good shoes and comfortable clothes.

For those who don't want to walk, it is possible to take a boat safari through the jungles. Periyar National Park has wild Bengal tigers but spotting them often takes multiple days spent inside the park.

Day 7: Alleppey and the Backwaters

In the afternoon, head to Alleppey where you will meet the captain of your gorgeous houseboat. Spend the afternoon cruising through the canals and trying authentic local cuisine.

You can sit on the boat's upper deck to catch some sun with views of the surrounding villages.

Spend the night on the boat in your own private room.

Day 8: Return to Cochin Airport

The next morning, your driver will meet you at the docks and take you back to Cochin where you can catch your flight to your next destination.

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How to Plan your trip to Kerala for 1 week

Kerala is known as a tropical paradise of waving palm trees and wide sandy beaches. It is a narrow strip of coastal territory that slopes down the Western Ghats in a cascade of lush green vegetation, and reaches to the Arabian sea. It is also known for its backwaters, mountains, coconuts, spices and art forms like Kathakali and Mohini Attam.

Exciting right? Well, if your're planning a trip to Kerala, here is the perfect Itinerary to make the most of it in a week.

Arrive in Kochi, the commercial capital and the cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi along with its mainland part, Ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. This afternoon you will visit the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, and the Chinese fishing nets. Overnight at hotel.

Chinese Fishing Net

Kochi – Munnar

After Breakfast at hotel, proceed on a picturesque drive through the countryside of Munnar. It’s one of the most popular hill stations in southern India known for its sprawling tea gardens. Overnight stay at hotel

After breakfast at hotel, proceed for sightseeing to Topstation & Mattupetty Lake, where you have an opportunity to go boating. Continue your tour to Echo Point. Overnight stay at hotel.

Munnar – Thekkady (120 kms/4 hrs)

Transfer to Thekkady. Set in the heart of the Cardamom Hills of Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy South India’s wild life. Enjoy a boat safari (booking to be done on own) on Periyar lake to view the varied wild life of this region. In the evening, attend Kathakali Dance Show. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Thekkady – Alleppey/Kumarakom (130 kms/4.5 hrs)

After early breakfast, check out of the hotel at Thekkady and go for the Spice Plantation Tour which will last for an hour and proceed to Kumarakom. After returning back to the hotel, you can indulge in a traditional Ayurveda massage. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Alleppey/Kumarakom – Kochi (70 kms / 1.5 hrs)

After Breakfast, check out from hotel. Proceed for Kochi Airport / Railway Station to board your flight / train for onward destination.

I am Mahesh, a full time traveler and a YouTube Vlogger. I am also a Drone photographer. Feel free to check out my Youtube channel " SOUL AND FUEL" for some amazing travel videos.

#Kerala #Vlog #Allepey #munnar #kochi #thekkady

Holiday Landmark Blog

Week Trip to Kerala – Travel itinerary

Here’s a detailed itinerary for a week-long trip to Kerala, covering the mentioned places. This itinerary includes places to visit, recommended foods, transportation information, sightseeing options, and activities for each destination.

Providing an overview of the locations, directions, and approximate travel times for each destination in your Kerala itinerary:

Day 1: Cochin

Places to Visit:

Cochin, also known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” is a city that seamlessly blends its historical past with modern urban development. With its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and vibrant arts scene, Cochin offers a delightful introduction to Kerala.

• Fort Kochi: This historic neighborhood is known for its charming streets, colonial-era buildings, and a relaxed ambiance. The iconic Chinese Fishing Nets along the shore are a unique sight.
• St. Francis Church: This ancient church holds historical significance as the resting place of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer.
• Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Explore the palace to see intricate murals depicting Hindu mythology and historical events.
• Jew Town: Wander through narrow streets lined with antique shops, art galleries, and visit the historic Paradesi Synagogue.
• Marine Drive: A picturesque promenade offering stunning views of the backwaters and the modern skyline.

Recommended Foods:

• Kerala Seafood: Try dishes like meen curry (fish curry), prawn curry, and karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish cooked in banana leaf).
• Appam with Stew: Enjoy fluffy rice pancakes served with a fragrant coconut milk-based stew.
• Sadhya: Indulge in a traditional feast served on a banana leaf, featuring an array of vegetarian dishes and desserts.
• Kerala Sadya: Similar to sadhya, this is a special meal served on a banana leaf during occasions.

Transportation:

• Arrival: Cochin International Airport is well-connected to major Indian cities and international destinations.
• Within the City: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based ride services are readily available for local transportation.

Sightseeing & Activities:

• Explore Fort Kochi: Stroll through its quaint streets, visit the charming cafes and art galleries, and admire the colonial architecture.
• Chinese Fishing Nets: Witness the unique sight of these iconic fishing nets that have been in use for centuries.
• St. Francis Church: Explore the historical significance of the oldest European church in India.
• Kathakali Performance: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Kathakali, a traditional dance-drama art form.
• Local Markets: Explore the vibrant markets for spices, textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
• Cultural Performances: Attend a traditional Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance to experience Kerala’s art forms.
• Heritage Walks: Consider joining guided heritage walks in Fort Kochi to learn about its history and culture.
• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the chance to savor authentic Kerala dishes, especially seafood specialties.
• Sunset at Marine Drive: Enjoy a leisurely walk along Marine Drive during sunset for beautiful views of the waterfront.
• Boat Rides: Take a ferry ride to the nearby islands and experience the backwaters of Cochin.

Cochin offers a blend of history, culture, and modernity, making it an engaging and vibrant destination to explore during your trip to Kerala.

Day 2: Munnar

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Munnar is a popular hill station known for its lush tea plantations, cool climate, and breathtaking landscapes. It offers a serene escape into nature’s beauty.

• Tea Gardens: Explore the picturesque tea estates, take guided tours, and learn about the tea-making process.
• Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, this park features rolling hills, grasslands, and lush forests.
• Anamudi Peak: The highest peak in South India, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
• Mattupetty Dam: A serene reservoir surrounded by lush hills, offering boating and horse riding.
• Attukal Waterfalls: A scenic waterfall with trekking trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints.
• Kerala Biryani: Fragrant rice cooked with aromatic spices, served with a side of flavorful curry.
• Puttu with Kadala Curry: Steamed rice flour cylinders paired with a chickpea curry.
• Appam with Stew: Soft and fluffy rice pancakes served with a coconut milk-based stew.

Transportation: Munnar is approximately 125 km from Cochin International Airport. The journey takes around 4-5 hours by road. Taxis are the recommended mode of transport due to the hilly terrain.

• Tea Garden Visits: Wander through the emerald green tea gardens, capture stunning photographs, and experience the tranquility.
• Eravikulam National Park: Explore the park’s biodiversity, spot Nilgiri Tahrs, and enjoy guided trekking experiences.
• Anamudi Peak Trek: For experienced trekkers, this trail offers spectacular views and a challenging ascent.
• Mattupetty Dam: Enjoy boating on the reservoir, surrounded by lush hills and tea plantations.
• Attukal Waterfalls: Embark on a short trek to the falls and enjoy the refreshing cascade amidst scenic beauty.
• Weather: Munnar enjoys a cool climate throughout the year, so pack accordingly.
• Entry Fees: Check for entry fees and timings of attractions, especially Eravikulam National Park.
• Local Tea: Don’t miss the chance to buy high-quality tea leaves and tea-related souvenirs from local markets.
• Trekking: If you’re planning to trek, wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and consider hiring a local guide.

Munnar’s serene landscapes, lush tea gardens, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation make it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Day 3: Thekkady

Thekkady is a serene hill station located in the Periyar National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and lush green landscapes. It offers a unique blend of wildlife, nature, and cultural experiences.

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Spread over 777 sq. km, this sanctuary is home to diverse flora and fauna. Take a guided jungle walk or boat cruise to spot animals like elephants, tigers, deer, and various bird species.
• Elephant Junction: Interact with elephants, enjoy elephant rides, and even participate in activities like elephant bathing and feeding.
• Spice Plantations: Thekkady is renowned for its spice gardens. Take a guided tour to learn about the cultivation of spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and more.
• Mangala Devi Temple: Located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, this ancient temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Kalari Center: Experience Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art of Kerala, at a traditional Kalari training center.
• Kerala Cuisine: Try authentic Kerala meals, which typically include rice, a variety of curries, and traditional accompaniments served on a banana leaf.
• Spice-Infused Dishes: Indulge in dishes infused with locally grown spices, enhancing the flavor of your meals.
• Tapioca with Fish Curry: Savor this delicious combination of tapioca (cassava) served with spicy fish curry.

Transportation: Thekkady is accessible by road from major cities in Kerala. The nearest major airport is Cochin International Airport, which is around 145 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or use local buses to reach Thekkady.

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Embark on a guided boat cruise on Periyar Lake to observe wildlife by the water’s edge.
• Elephant Junction: Spend time interacting with elephants, learn about their behavior, and enjoy an elephant ride.
• Spice Plantations: Take a guided tour of a spice plantation to learn about the cultivation and processing of various spices.
• Mangala Devi Temple Trek: If you’re interested in trekking, embark on a trek to Mangala Devi Temple for breathtaking views of the surroundings.
• Kalari Performance: Watch an exciting Kalaripayattu performance, showcasing the martial arts skills of trained artists.
• Boat Cruise: The boat cruise at Periyar Lake is a popular activity. Book your tickets in advance and opt for the early morning or late afternoon slots for better wildlife sightings.
• Ecotourism Programs: Thekkady offers various ecotourism programs, including nature walks, bamboo rafting, and tribal village visits. These provide unique insights into local culture and nature.
• Weather: Thekkady enjoys a pleasant climate, but it can get cool in the evenings. Pack accordingly, especially if you plan to engage in outdoor activities.

Thekkady offers a mix of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and natural beauty, making it a memorable destination for those seeking a tranquil and enriching getaway.

Day 4: Alleppey

Alleppey is renowned for its enchanting backwaters, houseboat cruises, serene beaches, and vibrant cultural heritage. It offers a unique experience of Kerala’s natural beauty and traditional way of life.

• Backwater Cruises: The highlight of Alleppey, these cruises let you glide through tranquil canals, lakes, and lagoons, surrounded by lush greenery.
• Alappuzha Beach: A serene beach with a long sandy shoreline and a historic pier.
• Punnamada Lake: Known for hosting the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, this lake is perfect for leisurely boat rides.
• Krishnapuram Palace: A historic palace with impressive architecture and a museum showcasing ancient artifacts and paintings.
• Marari Beach: A peaceful and less crowded beach where you can relax and unwind.
• Kerala Fish Curry: A tangy and spicy fish curry made with local catch and coconut.
• Karimeen Pollichathu: Pearl spot fish marinated with spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, and grilled.
• Toddy: A traditional local alcoholic beverage made from the sap of palm trees.
• Kerala Sadya: A sumptuous vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, featuring an array of dishes and desserts.

Transportation: Alleppey is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest major airport is Cochin International Airport, which is approximately 85 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Alleppey.

• Houseboat Cruise: Embark on a houseboat journey through the backwaters, enjoying scenic views, lush landscapes, and local life.
• Alappuzha Beach: Relax on the sandy shores, take a stroll, and enjoy the view of the Arabian Sea.
• Nehru Trophy Boat Race: If visiting during August, witness the exhilarating boat race on Punnamada Lake.
• Shopping: Explore local markets for handicrafts, coir products, and spices.
• Village Walks: Experience the local way of life by taking guided village walks and interacting with villagers.

Local Specialties:

• Coir Products: Alleppey is famous for its coir industry. You can find a variety of coir products such as mats, rugs, and ropes.
• Handicrafts: Look for wooden carvings, pottery, and traditional Kerala artifacts in local markets.
• Boat Races: Besides Nehru Trophy, there are several other traditional boat races held in the region, showcasing Kerala’s vibrant cultural heritage.
• Houseboat Booking: If planning a houseboat cruise, book in advance to secure the best options.
• Beach Time: Spend some leisurely time at Alappuzha Beach to enjoy the tranquility and scenic beauty.
• Local Experiences: Engage with locals to learn about their way of life and cultural practices.

Alleppey offers a unique and picturesque experience, allowing you to unwind amidst nature’s beauty while immersing yourself in Kerala’s cultural heritage.

Day 5: Varkala

Varkala is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, and spiritual ambiance. It’s a popular destination for relaxation, beach activities, and enjoying the serene seaside.

• Varkala Beach: A pristine beach known for its golden sands and clear waters. The beach is flanked by stunning cliffs, offering breathtaking views.
• Varkala Cliff: The cliff area overlooking the beach is dotted with cafes, shops, and guesthouses, creating a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.
• Janardana Swamy Temple: An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located near the beach. It’s a significant pilgrimage site.
• Sivagiri Mutt: A spiritual ashram founded by the philosopher and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The Sivagiri Pilgrimage is a major event here.
• Anjengo Fort: A historical fort with colonial architecture, situated a short distance from Varkala. It offers glimpses into Kerala’s past.
• Fresh Seafood: Varkala offers a variety of seafood delicacies, including grilled fish, prawns, and crab.
• Traditional Kerala Sadya: Experience a traditional Kerala feast with an array of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf.
• Seafood Curries: Try local curries like Kerala fish curry and prawn curry, served with steamed rice or appam.
• Beachside Cafes: Varkala’s cliff area is dotted with cafes offering a range of cuisines, including international and fusion options.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, located about 37 km away from Varkala. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Varkala.
• By Train: Varkala has a railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in Kerala and other parts of India.
• By Road: Varkala is easily accessible by road. Buses and taxis are available from nearby cities like Trivandrum and Kollam.
• Relax on the picturesque Varkala Beach, swim in the sea, and soak up the sun.
• Explore the Varkala Cliff area, known for its cafes, shops, and yoga centers.
• Visit Janardana Swamy Temple and experience the spiritual ambiance of the place.
• Participate in yoga and meditation classes offered at various centers along the cliffs.
• Take a walk along the cliff path during sunset to enjoy breathtaking coastal views.
• Enjoy water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, and surfing, offered at the beach.
• Respect the local culture and dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites.
• The best time to visit Varkala is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
• Explore the local markets and shops for souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts.
• Be cautious while swimming in the sea, as the currents can be strong. Stick to designated swimming areas.

Varkala offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a spiritual experience, Varkala has something to offer for every type of traveler.

Day 6: Kovalam

Kovalam is a popular coastal town located near Thiruvananthapuram, known for its beautiful beaches, relaxing ambiance, and water sports activities.

• Kovalam Beach: Kovalam boasts three pristine beaches – Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach (Eve’s Beach), and Samudra Beach. Each beach offers a unique atmosphere and various activities.
• Kovalam-style Seafood: Enjoy fresh catch of the day prepared in Kovalam’s traditional style.
• Kerala Sadya: Savor the flavors of an elaborate traditional Kerala meal served on a banana leaf.
• From Cochin: You can drive to Kovalam from Cochin, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Thiruvananthapuram and then a local bus or taxi to Kovalam.
• Relax on Kovalam Beach: Spend your time sunbathing, taking leisurely walks, and enjoying the sea breeze on the golden sands of Kovalam’s beaches.
• Water Sports: Engage in various water sports activities such as surfing, kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing. The beaches have many operators offering these experiences.
• Visit Lighthouse Beach: Named after the lighthouse situated on a rocky promontory, this beach is popular for its iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse and panoramic views from the top.
• Hawa Beach (Eve’s Beach): Known for its laid-back atmosphere and tranquil surroundings, Hawa Beach is perfect for relaxing and watching beautiful sunsets.
• Lighthouse Viewing: Climb the lighthouse for panoramic views of the coast, sea, and surrounding landscape.
• Ayurvedic Therapies: Kovalam offers a range of Ayurvedic spas and wellness centers. Indulge in rejuvenating massages and therapies.
• Shopping: Explore the local markets for souvenirs, handicrafts, beachwear, and accessories.
• Sun Protection: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated, especially if spending long hours on the beach.
• Water Sports Safety: Ensure you follow safety guidelines and receive proper instructions before engaging in water sports activities.
• Lighthouse Timings: If you plan to visit the lighthouse, check the timings and consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon for better lighting and views.

Kovalam offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and coastal beauty. Whether you’re a beach lover or seeking a serene getaway, Kovalam has something for everyone

Day 7: Poovar

Poovar is a serene and less crowded destination in Kerala, known for its tranquil beaches, backwaters, and the unique confluence of the river, lake, sea, and beach. It’s a perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.

• Poovar Beach: A pristine and secluded beach offering tranquility and stunning views.
• Poovar Backwaters: Experience a peaceful backwater cruise along the scenic waterways.
• Poovar Island: A picturesque island located at the mouth of the Neyyar River, accessible by boat.
• Golden Sand Beach: A secluded beach accessible only by boat, surrounded by lush greenery.
• Kerala Meals: Savor a traditional Kerala meal (sadya) consisting of rice, various curries, and side dishes served on a banana leaf.
• Fresh Seafood: Indulge in locally caught and prepared seafood delicacies, such as fish and prawns.
• Coconut-based Dishes: Enjoy dishes cooked with fresh coconut, a staple in Kerala cuisine.

Transportation: Poovar is approximately 30 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and can be reached by road. Taxis, private cabs, and local buses are available for transportation.

• Relax on Poovar Beach: Spend leisurely hours on the pristine beach, surrounded by natural beauty and tranquility.
• Backwater Cruise: Experience the serenity of the backwaters with a cruise on traditional Kerala houseboats or smaller motorboats.
• Poovar Island Excursion: Take a boat ride to Poovar Island, where you can enjoy the confluence of the river, lake, and sea. Explore the scenic landscapes and capture breathtaking views.
• Ayurvedic Treatments: Many resorts in Poovar offer Ayurvedic spa treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Village Walks: Explore the local village and interact with the friendly residents, gaining insights into their way of life.
• Boat Tours: Plan a boat tour during sunrise or sunset to witness the magical colors reflecting on the water.
• Photography: Poovar offers picturesque views, so make sure to capture the stunning landscapes.
• Resort Stays: Consider staying at one of the beachside resorts to fully immerse yourself in the serene surroundings.
• Pack Essentials: Sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and insect repellent are recommended for a pleasant stay.

Poovar offers a peaceful and unique experience, allowing you to connect with nature, enjoy the tranquility of the beaches, and explore the backwaters of Kerala. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing getaway off the beaten path.

The perfect one-week itinerary for Kerala, and the 7 places to cover

Mar 17, 2024

The ultimate itinerary

It’s a quick guide that will let you have a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation. Each destination has its unique charm, ensuring that you have enriching experience to create lasting memories.

The best time to visit Kerala

Plan your trip between the months of September and March; you will love it for sure.

Day 1: Kochi - The Gateway to Kerala

Start your journey here, a bustling port city, where you can explore the historic Fort Kochi, with its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Don't miss the vibrant Jew Town, and wrap up your day with a Kathakali performance.

Day 2: Munnar - Tour the tea gardens

Head to Munnar, a hill station surrounded by lush tea plantations. Enjoy the breathtaking landscape views, visit the Tea Museum, and take a stroll through the enchanting Eravikulam National Park.

Day 3: Thekkady - Wildlife and spice plantations

Head to Thekkady on day 3, renowned for Periyar National Park. Try a boat safari in Periyar Lake, surrounded by dense forests, explore spice plantations, and witness traditional martial arts performances in the evening.

Day 4: Alleppey - Backwaters bliss

No trip to Kerala is complete without experiencing the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. Board a traditional houseboat for a leisurely cruise through the intricate network of canals.

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Day 5: kovalam - sun, sand, and sea.

Head to Kovalam, famous for its pristine beaches. Relax on the golden sands, indulge in water sports, and visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach. The laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking sunsets make it an ideal spot for unwinding.

Day 6: Thiruvananthapuram - Historical marvels

Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple here, an architectural marvel with a rich history. Explore the Napier Museum, housing an impressive collection of artifacts, and stroll through the lush grounds of the adjacent Zoo.

Day 7: Varkala - Cliffs and spiritual vibes

End your journey in Varkala, a coastal town known for its stunning cliffs and pristine beaches. Visit the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple and take a leisurely walk along the cliff-top, while enjoying panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.

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How To Spend One Week in Kerala, India and What to Visit

I hadn’t been back to India since my wedding in 2012, so this year my husband decided it was time to go back and spend Diwali with his family in Mumbai . I had only one condition: this time we would visit Kerala.

Kerala is a state in the south-west of India on the Malabar coast; it is a long and narrow area facing the Lakshadweep Sea on the west, and bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu states on the north, east and south. It is a very popular tourist destination, not only for foreigners but also for Indian tourists from the north of the country. It is not hard to see why: Kerala is beautiful and diverse, with secluded beaches, palm-fringed backwaters, picturesque hill stations, lush forests, spectacular waterfalls, delicious food and welcoming people.

We managed to take a week off from our busy Mumbai schedule to visit Kerala. Six days are obviously not enough to see a state of nearly 40.ooo sqm, but it’s enough to get a taste of it.

Having had a bad experience in the past travelling around Rajasthan without a guide, this time I enlisted the help of a tour operator,  Travel Spirit International . I chose TSI after meeting a company representative at a travel fair. I emailed my travel dates and proposed itinerary to the TSI agent and he sent back a tailor-made tour, complete with activities and suggested accommodations.

Initially I wanted to spend two days at the beach in Varkala, but eventually decided to skip it so that we didn’t have to rush every day. It’s a shame I couldn’t spend time on the beach but it was good to have a bit of leisure time to spend in Munnar and Fort Kochi.

Day 1: Kochi to Munnar

We landed at Kochi Airport and met our TSI agent, Philippe, who stayed in touch with us over the phone throughout the holiday. We also met our amazing driver Shamkar who drove us around Kerala for the whole trip. It takes around 3 1/2 to 4 hours to reach Munnar (including a quick lunch stop of curry and rice). The road is steep and winding, and as you get higher, the surrounding landscape disappears in a thick blanket of fog.

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, 1600m above sea level. Nowadays the land has mostly been converted to tea and spice plantations, which the main source of income for the local population.

We stayed at Shamrock Hotel in Pothamedu (20′ drive from Munnar), a guesthouse set amidst the tranquil tea plantations and forests. I loved waking up every morning, draw the curtains and take in the stunning view from our balcony, where we also had breakfast every day.

We spent the evening walking around the tiny town of Munnar, buying homemade chocolates and souvenirs and eating delicious veg food on banana leaves at Saravana Bhavan.

Day 2: Munnar

One full day is enough to see Munnar and the main attractions around the city. In the morning we drove to Mattupetty Dam, Echo point and up to the Top Valley Station (which is actually located in the state of Tamil Nadu).

Then back to Munnar for lunch and a visit to the KDHP Tea Museum. We did a tea tasting with the museum’s manager and learn the difference between black, green and white tea as well as the process of tea making. KDHP (formerly Tata tea) functions as a cooperative and 90% of the people working in tea-picking and productions also have shares in the company. The women working in the plantations earn as little as £3 a day (300 rupees), but get free accommodation, electricity, healthcare and firewood.

By this point we had already chosen our favourite restaurant in Munnar: Guru Bhavan! A no-frills eatery serving a Kerala dishes at ridiculously cheap prices. No wonder it was constantly packed with locals and Indian tourists. We went back three times but I wish we could have eaten at Guru Bhavan everyday of my Indian trip, it was that good! Especially the Chicken Curry with Kerala parotta (paratha)!

Day 3: Munnar, Chokkarmudi Trek

We booked a full day trek of the Chokkarmudi peak (2,200m) with an expert local guide. At 9am we started the hike through tea plantations.

The weather was foggy and chilly, but the experience of walking so close to the tea trees was incredible. Tea is a tree, not a plant, and it can grow as high as 20 meters! But it is kept short to make it easy for women to pick the leaves.

We followed the beaten track up to the ridge of the rocky mountain slope, where we could see beautiful views of the Idukki district.

From this point on, the trek became really REALLY hard! The track disappeared se we followed our guide through the “elephant track”. We were walking over bamboo branches and other plants that had been recently flattened down into some kind of path by elephants…the ground was wet because it’s monsoon season and FULL of leeches! We had protective covers for the feet / legs which the leeches cannot penetrate, but the experience of seeing the worms attached to your own body was nonetheless traumatising. I *may* have had a panic attack at one point and cried my eyes out…

The weather got really bad and by the time it started raining we decided to turn around and go back. It was not possible to complete the hike in the rain…and I was quite happy to escape the shola forest!

Day 4: Munnar to Alleppey

We left Munnar in the early morning and drove to Alleppey (Alappuzha) where we arrived around lunch time to start our backwaters cruise.

The city of Alleppey is surrounded by a large network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers known as the backwaters. Taking a cruise through the narrow canals is the ultimate Kerala experience. You can choose between short tours of a few hours or overnight cruises, like the one we did with Evergreen Tours . You’ll skim past palm trees, water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, ancient temples, churches and coconut groves. It’s a wonderful experience!

We had lunch, dinner and breakfast on the boat, and spent the rest of the time relaxing on the deck, reading a book, admiring the view and taking photos (at night were were also eaten by mosquitos, sigh…). Lunch on the boat was particularly delicious, as we had the traditional “Kerala Meals” with fried fish, curry, Kerala rice, pappadom and chutneys.

Day 5: Alleppey to Fort Kochi

The boat docks overnight and departs shortly after sunrise to make its way back to the city. We had breakfast on board and reached Alleppey around 9am, and our driver Shamkar was waiting to take us to our hotel in Old Kochi.

Fort Kochi is a region of the big city of Kochi (Ernakulam). Kochi is on the mainland, while Fort Kochi is surrounded by water and is reached by ferry or through bridges. It is counted among the major tourist attractions in Kerala and it is the city with highest concentration of Western tourists I have ever seen in India.

We had the day off (no tours), so we spent a few hours at Pepper House Cafe where we had lunch. There are many cute cafes and shops in Fort Kochi, check out Kashi Art Centre and Teapot. We dinner in the garden of the Old Harbour Hotel, to the sound of live tabla, it was a beautiful setting.

For a similar experience you can visit the nearby hotel Malabar House. If you don’t want to spend hundreds of pounds on hotels, there are 500 homestays (B&B) in Fort Kochi. They often offer homemade food and also cooking classes. The most popular one is Nimmy & Paul .

Kerala is renowned for ayurveda , a lifestyle which combines medicine and philosophy. It’s also the oldest healthcare system in the world. My husband and I booked a one hour massage at Dr Veena’s Ayurmantra and can vouch for this studio to be very professional. Before the treatment the doctor will ask you what your main health concerns are, and based on that he/she will choose which essential oils to use during the massage. Obviously just one treatment cannot cure a disease and ayurveda is usually based on 21-day courses. If you buy ayurvedic medicines in Kerala remember that nothing is going to work in one day, you need to follow a cycle and let the body heal (Dr Veena recommends using Ayurvedic oils and powders, rather than tablets which are less effective).

Day 6: Fort Kochi

The next morning we woke up early to walk to the harbour and watch the fishermen working with the Chinese fishing nets. These structures are 10m high and operated by 5-6 men who have to pull up and push down the net every 5 minutes throughout the day. It’s hard work and they don’t catch a lot of fish. The fishermen are happy to pose for photographs or asked my husband to help pulling the ropes (we left them a tip afterwards).

Afterwards we did a tour of Fort Kochi with a local guide, again this was booked through TSI and we were driven around by our driver (though most of the tour was done on foot). We started from the (not particularly pretty) beach and walked towards the harbour where we had been already in the early morning.

Since Fort Kochi was under the possession of the Portuguese, Dutch and British at different points of time, the region still bears a European influence in the names of streets and churches and in the architecture. We walked past the Parade Ground, where the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British had once conducted military parades, and reached St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India (and where Vasco-da Gama had been buried).

We also visited Dhobi Khana, where the members of Vannar community have been washing clothes since 1720 (they used to wash the Dutch army’s uniforms).

We then drove to Mattancherry (also known as Jew Town) where we visited the Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue. This is my favourite part of Fort Kochi, I loved the colourful streets of Mattancherry. Unfortunately it was also packed with tourists and I didn’t get the chance to spend enough time around there taking photos.

We spent the afternoon with an Instagram friend at Lulu Mall, a massive shopping centre in Ernakulam. It was worth the 45′ drive through traffic, just to get this lunch at Paragon restaurant (fish mango curry, Kerala paratha, chicken biryani)!

In the evening we watched a Kathakali show at the Greenix cultural art centre in Fort Kochi and I would definitely recommend it.

Kathakali is Kerala’s best known art form, a unique blend of dance, drama, music and literature. The actors wear elaborate make up and costumes, and tell the story through intricate gestures and facial expressions, to the sound of drums playing live.

We had dinner at Dal Roti where we ordered kati rolls , not a traditional Kerala dish (it’s from Kolkata), but at this restaurant they make the best ones I have ever had!

The next morning we had our last Kerala breakfast with puttu, a roll of steamed rice and coconut with can be eaten plain with a chickpea curry or served with ghee, sugar and roasted bananas. So tasty!

One week passed by really quickly and it was soon time to board the plane and wave goodbye to Kerala, God’s Own Country !

Giulia Mulè

I'm a writer and photographer passionate about sharing the best travel and food tips with my readers and followers. Originally from Rome, I have spent the past 16 years living abroad and travelling around the world. I currently split my time between London and Wroclaw, Poland. I am passionate about speciality coffee and write about it on Sprudge. I am the author of a guide book on London best restaurants, "Londra WithGusto - Capitale mondiale del cibo".

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• Kerala India Travel

Kerala Suggested Itineraries – 1 week

This is the first in a new Kerala India Travel series on suggested itineraries for trips to Kerala. I have received many queries from people who are unsure about the best places to visit in Kerala, and what’s possible within a certain time frame. These suggested itinerary articles should give you some ideas for planning your trip.

Many people visit Kerala on short trips of around 1 week. Luckily, as Kerala is a compact state it is possible to see some of the highlights in this timeframe , especially if you hire a car and driver. I would recommend focusing on the Kerala backwaters . They are unique to Kerala, and one of the most beautiful, relaxing parts of India.

Here are some suggestions for 1 week itineraries in Kerala:

Backwaters Experience

Cochin- Alleppey -Houseboat- Homestay -Cochin The Backwaters Experience focuses on my favourite part of the state- the beautiful backwaters. A full day’s sightseeing in Fort Cochin is enough to take in the Chinese Fishing Nets, art galleries, colonial architecture and an evening Kathkali performance, and then it’s time to head out of the city.

Spend the rest of your week sampling the full range of backwaters experiences , using Alleppey as your base for an overnight houseboat trip, canoe ride and local homestay .

Kathkali Performance in Cochin

Backwaters & Beach

Cochin- Alleppey – Marari Beach-Cochin The Backwaters & Beach route is similar to the above Backwaters Experience , but includes a day or two at the beach. You’ll still have time for a houseboat trip and homestay , but the trip will be more rushed.

Unspoilt Marari Beach is the ideal beach to include on this itinerary as it is located only a short taxi ride from Alleppey , and an hour’s drive to Cochin airport for your departure.

Backwaters & Hills

Cochin- Munnar – Alleppey -Cochin I wouldn’t recommend the Backwaters & Hills itinerary in a week for travellers using public transport. It can take 6-7 hours on the bus from Cochin- Munnar , and the same back down to Alleppey . However with a car and driver the trip can be done in much less time.

You’ll be able to enjoy the highlights of Fort Cochin, before wandering in luscious tea plantations in the cool mountain air of Munnar , then head back down to Alleppey to explore the backwaters.

If you are more interested in wildlife than tea and pretty mountain views, then you could substitute Periyar Wildlife Sanctaury for Munnar , for the chance to see elephants and monkeys. Visiting both would be too rushed in just a week though.

• Kerala Backwaters

Keralan Coast

Cochin- Alleppey -houseboat to Kollam -Varkala-Trivandrum If you are arriving in Cochin or Trivandrum and leaving from the other, the Keralan Coast itinerary is the best use of time to combine backwaters and beaches. It starts by following the same route as the above Backwaters Experience but you’ll take an overnight houseboat from Alleppey – Kollam , saving you time and exploring some of the quieter backwaters.

From Kollam you can head straight for Varkala , or spend half a day on the fantastic village canoe trip run by the DTPC Tourist Office. The lively beach scene and clifftop views of Varkala beach are only 30 minutes away, and it’s another short hop from here to Trivandrum. On a short trip there are better places to spend your time than Trivandrum, so arrive here just in time for your departure.

Hopefully these suggested itineraries will give you some ideas of places to visit in Kerala on a 1 week visit. If you have less than a week I would recommend focusing on just one of the locations detailed above – preferably the backwaters. If you have longer than 1 week then see our suggested itineraries for 2 weeks in Kerala .

For more information about the destinations covered above read our Backwaters , Beaches , Canoe Trip , Houseboats , Homestay and Top 10 Places to Visit articles.

• Kerala India Travel – Tips to Plan Your Trip (Part 1)
• Kerala Houseboats – The Essential Guide (Part 5)
• Kerala, India – Travel the Backwaters by Canoe
• Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala, India
• Kerala India Travel Guide – The Best Ways to Experience the Backwaters

Tags: blogsherpa , India , Kerala , Kerala Backwaters , Kerala India Travel , Kerala itineraries , Trip Planning

This entry was posted on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 at 8:16 pm and is filed under Kerala Backwaters , Kerala India Travel , Kerala Suggested Itineraries , Trip Planning Tips . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

35 Responses to “Kerala Suggested Itineraries – 1 week”

Hey there, The blogs have been a great read. We are 2 girls planning to stay at the Marari beach( in this we are including a day houseboat trip at Alleppey and a day’s chilling at Fort Cochi ) After this we have a day and 2 days more days on hand before we catch our flight out from Cochin.. Could you suggest some other option close to Cochin we could go which wouldnt include too much travel? Thx, Nirmala

oops, ignore the prev. post… Hey there, The blogs have been a great read. We are 2 girls planning to stay at the Marari beach( in this we are including a day houseboat trip at Alleppey and a day’s chilling at Fort Cochi ) After this we have 2 days more before we catch our flight out from Cochin.. Could you suggest some other option close to Cochin we could go which wouldnt include too much travel? Thx, Nirmala

Hi Nirmala, I think the backwaters are worth more than a day trip. Options from Alleppey could include a homestay or a canoe ride to visit villages. You could also visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary near Kottayam. Or if you are interested in temples you could visit Thrissur, 2 hours from Cochin.

I hope this helps, Erin

Thanks Erin, The bird sanctuary sounds like a good idea..

Sure seems like it would be a fun place to visit. See the Taj Mahal as well as the exciting jungles. -Jack

My name is jay and I am planning for my honeymoon between Dec 4 – Dec 15 I am planning to spend about 6-7 days there but we really don’t want to do too much traveling, instead we like to go out for seightseeing and sped time with each other more! Here is plan; something I put togather for 3 days–What are other good places I can visit aroud Munnar? How far is Alleppey Backwater and what is a MUST seen stuf around Munnar? Thanks in advance for helping! Also, any good airline I can purchase tickets for good price? Should I get a package form an agent or book hotels/airfar by myself?

Day 01: Cochin –Munnar

Day 02 :Munnar full day sightseeing trip of Munnar –visit – Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Echo Point, Kundale Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai, (pls help me add if I am missing any MUST seen place)

Day 03: Munnar visit Eravikulam Wildlife sanctuary & Tea Plantation. (pls help me add if I am missing any MUST seen place)

Hi Jay, If you don’t want to rush around too much then combining Munnar with the backwaters would be possible in that time if you hired a car and driver to take you from Munnar-Alleppey. It can take 6 hours on the bus, but 3-4 hours by car.

I think you have planned all the main sights around Munnar- I’m sure you’ll have a great time.

It will probably work out cheaper to book the hotels and flights yourself. I use http://www.kayak.co.uk to find flights. It depends where you are flying from though. If you are flying within India there are lots of budget airlines that Kayak doesn’t cover.

Regards, Erin

Your posts are so helpful and interesting to read. My husband and i are planning our first trip to Kerala this January – about 6 days. We are definitely planning on some time in Thekkady – at the Muthoot Cardamom County. That seems like it would be a bit too quiet for 6 full days though. We would also love to spend a couple days exploring villages, the backwaters (can you do that from Thekkady?) and maybe beaches unless that is overkill for 6 days. Can you suggest a possible itinerary for this? Is Kovalam a good option?

Also, would we need a car/driver and what those costs might be? Thanks! Nitika

Hi Nitika, Thanks for your comment. It is possible in 6 days to visit the backwaters as well as Thekkady, but I would recommend hiring a car and driver as the bus can take the best part of the day, while the car journey is only 3-4 hours.

A homestay in the backwaters would be a great way to experience another side of Kerala. Have a look at my Community Greenpalm Homes Review – I love that place!

Thekkady and the backwaters homestay would be a good plan for just 6 days. I think Kovalam is too far away and isn’t as unique as these other parts of Kerala. If you wanted a day at the beach you could visit Marari Beach which isn’t too far from the backwaters, or Cherai beach near Cochin. Have a look at my article Which Kerala Beach is Right For You? Part 2-Central Kerala .

A car and driver should cost about 1500 rupees a day, and can easily be arranged in the country through your hotel or the tourist office.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Have a great trip, Erin

Dear Friend,

we are a group of 7 italian friends. We will stay for a few days in Amritapuri and then we have 2nts for the backwaters.

What to choose one day on a houseboat and 1 in a homestay or have an excursion to Munnar?

Do you know Olavipe homestay?

Dates would be 3 or 4/6 January.

Could you suggest a company which has good eco-houseboats, I would not like to spend too much time looking for a good one. Also coming from Amritapury were would you suggest we take a houboat? From Kumarakom or Kottayam (better than from Allepy, wright?)

Thanks for your help,finally a clear, concise guide which answers many questions.

Gabriella Fusi

Hi Gabriella, If you only have 2 nights in the backwaters I think one night on the houseboat and one night in a homestay is a good plan. Munnar is too far away for that short a trip.

To avoid the houseboat jam you could travel from Kollam-Alleppey on an overnight houseboat.

I don’t know Olavipe Homestay but it looks very nice. It should be possible to visit Fort Cochin for the evening if you take a taxi- it is best to check with the homestay that this is possible.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Have a great trip. Best Wishes, Erin

[…] It’s only a 30 minute train ride from Varkala. Read our Keralan coast itinerary in our 1 Week Kerala Suggested Itineraries post for an idea of how to fit Kollam into your […]

I’m heading to Trivandrum for work, but staying in Kovalam. Following the couple days of work I have 5 days free to roam around Kerala, but need to fly back out of Trivandrum.

I was wondering if you could help recommend an itinerary for me? I’ve never been anywhere in India before, but am really interested in outdoorsy stuff more than sightseeing. I’m interested in seeing a wildlife reserve (or at least seeing animals somewhere other than a zoo), doing a backwaters tour (probably by canoe).

Would you be able to offer any suggestions?

Oh, I should mention I’m travelling alone as well and on a fairly tight budget (around £200).

Hi Mo, I would head first to Kollam for a day to do the backwaters canoe trip , before heading to the Green Palms homestay near Alleppey. This would be enough for 5 days and you would definitely see lots of birdlife, but not necessarily animals. For that you would need to head to Periyar (although even there sightings aren’t guaranteed). It’s about 6 hours on the bus though from the homestay so it would use up a lot of your time, although is doable.

An alternative to Periyar would be to go to Cochin and visit the nearby Elephant training centre , where you can wash and ride elephants.

I hope this helps. Have a great trip.

Hi, Your website and content is great and helpful. I am compelled to seek suggestion from you :) We are 3 friends planning to visit Kerala in Jan First week with our families. ( 4 members including 2 kids each family) We should be starting from Delhi on 4th Jan , early morning and returning back on 10th Jan. Flights etc are booked already for these days.

We want to visit Hills ( Munnar), Backwaters ( Alleppey) and Beaches during our travel. Can you suggest what should be our itinerary for our trip? Thanks in advance. Awaiting your response. Lalit Balodi

That’s quite a lot to fit in but it is possible if you hire a driver. Have a look at this post for some ideas: https://www.keralaindiatravel.net/kerala-india-travel/kerala-suggested-itineraries-1-week

i’m planning to go to kerala with my family for one week trip i’ll be leaving bangalore on 23rd dec and returning on 31st dec. i’ll be staying in kothamangalam.i request you to suggest some places to visit in kerala. from the place i stay .if it is 200km from the place i stay that’s fine.

Actually i and my husband… is already purchase flight ticket coming down to kerala on 21/june flight back will be on 1/july, i was planning to go around kerala to the famous temple, and place to learn and enjoy the view, kindly highlight me the famous place around there….i tot of staying in kerala for 3 to 4 days

Kind Regards,

Hi friends, I need a plan to spend a week in and around cochin. I would wish it could be little cheap too…

It would be greatful of you if you could send me the details of your personal experience or your friends.

expect to get a reply from you guys.. Thanks a tonn!! Dix 09663377502

Thanks for helping out people in exploring Kerala! My wife and I are planning a 7-8 day trip in July. I have heard it is an amazing place in monsoons. but recently a friend told that it might be a difficult place to move around during monsoons, is that the case?

Also, can you pls help us with some options we can explore. I wanted to spend a couple of days on houseboat and also explore Munnar/thekkady.

best, Shantanu

Hi Shantanu The monsoon can be a problem – you might need to allow more time to get to Munnar in case of flooding, but it really depends on how bad the rain is at the time. I’m sure you’ll still have a fantastic trip and the rain can be very dramatic.

hello erin, im planning a trip to kerala. v r a gang of five, and v hav a time of 1 week, wat places do u suggest to visit and v would love to see boat races and staying on boathouses, reply ASAP.

I’m planning for a family visit to kerala booked two resorts of munnar 2 days and next three days at ashtamudi.3/4 days stay in cochin stay can be prefixed or suffexed to the tour.An iternary help is most desired alongwith how to travel and which place to stay.Chander 7738671898

Hi, I am planning to visit Kerala during Diwali time. Planning for 4 Day trip. 27th October to 30th October. We are in Mysore. We want to spend some time enjoying the nature. Need places like backwaters, landscapes, boating etc.., No need of any adventure spots… Please help me out in having a best trip to Kerala.. Thanks in advance.

Hi Erin, Me and my family of 5 are visiting Kerala from jan 9 ,2012. -14 jan and will be flying to and back from kochi …. I have checked out many sites with different itenaries but still want ur view . I Wud like to see some of kochi , visit perriyar sanctuary, munnar, house boats, visit a waterfall , go on atrek or the springs And have the famous ayurvedic massage. Wud love to hear from you. Kind regards Herman

I, along with my parents and brother, am planning a 4-5 days trip to Kerala during the new year’s time. We are planning return flight journeys from Delhi to Cochin but do not have much idea of the must see places in Kerala.

Please suggest a macro itinerary that includes the back waters, wild life sanctuary visit and experience of the house boats too.

Thanks a lot !

Hello Erin,

Not your if you are still reading the posts as its been a while since saw you writing.

Articles are great, so think you are best one to help out currently .

Here is the situation , I have planned a road trip come this weekend. Along with a friend of mine, we are heading to Kanyakumari from Banagalore first. Then from there we are heading to Trichur. Can you suggest a few places in and around Trichur.

Thank you for your help.

Hi Anirudha Wikitravel has some good information about places to visit around Trichur including waterfalls and an elephant sanctuary: http://wikitravel.org/en/Thrissur

Have a great trip!

hello Erin,

I am planning to visit kerala wid my frns for a week. can u plz suggest me schedule. We are planning to stay for 6 days and want to visit as many places as possible.plzzzzz help Waiting for ur reply.Thanks

Regards shikha

[…] 4) Kerala Suggested Itineraries – 1 week It can be difficult deciding where to visit if you have limited time in Kerala. This helpful post suggests four possible routes for one week trips. […]

[…] Kerala Suggested Itineraries – 1 week – It can be difficult deciding where to go when you have limited time. Here we suggest four possible routes. […]

Hi Erin, Thanks for writing a lovely blog. My wife and I are planning for a kerala trip between 7th Aug-12th Aug (4N/5D) from Bangalore. I read about Alleppey’s snake boat race which may happen on 11th Aug this year (correct?) and very keen to watch that. Also, i want to celebrate my wife’s birthday (8th Aug) on a houseboat. This would be my first visit to kerala. We are interested to explore backwater and beaches to have unique experience. Can you please suggest an itinerary?

This is what I thought of: Reverse of “Cochin-Alleppey-houseboat to Kollam-Varkala-Trivandrum” with Marine beach?

Thanks a bunch!

I along with 3 friends of mine are planning a kerela trip this August. What do you think should be the optimum duration of the trip so that I can enjoy all the sights and essences that Kerela has to offer, right from the backwaters , the houseboats,the beaches , periyar, munnar, and the Ayurvedic massages.

Two weeks would be great.

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Kerala Tour Packages: A heartfelt trip to God's own country

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Kerala Tour Packages: Kerala, located in the southwestern region of India, is known as "God's Own Country." This title is not only due to the state's stunning natural beauty but also because of its rich cultural heritage, diverse communities, and warm hospitality. Kerala's Tour gives you a chance to witness the natural beauty. It is one of its most significant attractions, with serene backwaters, beautiful beaches, lush green forests, and hill stations that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Kerala Tour packages are the best to choose for your next travel destination.

The state is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Kerala is a popular tourist destination in India, known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. Kerala tour packages offer an opportunity to explore the best of the state, including its beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, and historical monuments. These tour packages can be customized to suit different budgets, interests, and durations. A trip to Kerala is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure. Kerala, also known as "God's Own Country," is a popular tourist destination in India that offers a unique experience to visitors. With a variety of Kerala tour packages available, planning a Kerala trip has become easier and convenient for travelers.

Kerala packages offer a plethora of options, including Kerala holiday packages, Kerala travel packages, and Kerala tour packages. These packages are designed to cater to the needs and preferences of different types of travelers. Whether you want to explore the backwaters, indulge in adventure activities, or relax on the beach, Kerala tour packages have got you covered.

A Kerala trip is incomplete without experiencing the serene backwaters of Alleppey. The backwaters offer a tranquil environment where you can relax and rejuvenate while cruising through the waterways. Kerala tour packages also offer opportunities to explore the rich culture and heritage of the state. The colonial architecture of Fort Kochi and the traditional art forms of Kathakali and Mohiniyattam are a must-see for any tourist.

For adventure enthusiasts, tour packages in Kerala offer trekking, camping, and wildlife safaris in the Western Ghats. Thekkady, Munnar, and Wayanad are popular hill stations that offer breathtaking views of the mountains and tea plantations. Kovalam and Varkala are famous beach towns that offer water sports and sunbathing opportunities.

Kerala holiday packages are perfect for those who want to relax and unwind. The state is known for its ayurvedic treatments and spas that offer a rejuvenating experience. You can also indulge in the local cuisine, which includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Kerala tour packages offer a unique experience that is hard to find elsewhere. The state's natural beauty, culture, and adventure activities make it a must-visit destination for any traveler.

So, whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo trip, Kerala packages have something for everyone. Book your Kerala trip today and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Why To Visit Kerala?

Kerala's cultural heritage is another reason why it's known as "God's Own Country." The state is home to various communities, including Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, each with its unique customs, traditions, and festivals. Kerala is also famous for its classical dance forms, music, and art, which are a reflection of the state's rich cultural history.

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"God's Own Country," is a testament to the state's natural beauty, cultural diversity, and warm hospitality. It's a perfect destination for travelers looking to experience a unique blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.

Places To Visit In Kerala

Here are some of the best places to visit in Kerala that you should not miss.

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Munnar is a picturesque hill station that is popular for its tea plantations, verdant valleys, and waterfalls. Visitors can go trekking, hiking, and camping in the hills or explore the tea estates and spice plantations. The Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, is also located in Munnar.

Location : Situated in the Idukki district of Kerala and is approximately 130 km east of Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala. Munnar is located at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level

Best time to visit : Between December and February, which is the winter season

2. Alleppey

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. Visitors can sail through the scenic canals and lagoons, watch the sunset over the water, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Alleppey also has a beautiful beach and is known for its coir industry.

Location : It is situated on the Malabar Coast and is approximately 155 kilometers north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram.

Best time to visit : The best time to visit Alleppey is between November and February, which is the winter season.

Wayanad is a popular hill station in Kerala, known for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. Visitors can explore the dense forests, go trekking, and indulge in adventure activities such as ziplining, rock climbing, and rappelling. Wayanad is also home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bandipur National Park.

Location : Wayanad is approximately 76 kilometers east of the coastal city of Kozhikode (Calicut), and 250 kilometers north of Kochi. Wayanad is situated at an altitude of 700 to 2100 meters above sea level.

Best time to visit : The best time to visit Wayanad is between October and May, which is the winter and summer season

4. Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi, located in the city of Kochi, is a historic neighborhood that is known for its colonial architecture and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Chinese Fishing Nets, and St. Francis Church, which is the oldest European church in India. Fort Kochi is also a hub for artists and writers and is known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Location : It is located on the banks of the Arabian Sea and is approximately 13 kilometers northwest of the city center.

Best time to visit : The best time to visit Fort Kochi is between October and February, which is the winter season

Kovalam is a beach town located near Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. It is known for its three crescent-shaped beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Visitors can also explore the lighthouse, visit the nearby Vizhinjam Fishing Harbor, and enjoy delicious seafood.

Location : It is situated on the Malabar Coast and is approximately 16 kilometers south of the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala.

Best time to visit : Between September and March, which is the winter season.

6. Thekkady

Thekkady is a popular destination in Kerala, known for its spice plantations, wildlife sanctuary, and scenic beauty. Visitors can go on a jungle safari, go trekking, and explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to elephants, tigers, and several other species of animals. Thekkady is also famous for its cardamom, pepper, and coffee plantations.

Location : It is situated in the Idukki district of Kerala and is approximately 257 kilometers southwest of the city of Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala

Best time to visit : Between October and February, which is the winter season

Varkala is a beach town located in the southern part of Kerala. It is known for its stunning cliffs, golden sand beaches, and natural springs. Visitors can go surfing, parasailing, and paragliding, or relax in the mineral-rich hot springs. The town also has several restaurants and cafes that serve delicious local cuisine.

Location : It is situated on the Malabar Coast and is approximately 40 kilometers northwest of the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala.

Best time to visit : The best time to visit Varkala is between December and February, which is the winter season.

Kerala is a state that offers a range of experiences, from scenic hill stations to serene backwaters and beautiful beaches. These are just some of the best places to visit in Kerala, and there are many more that are worth exploring. Plan your trip to Kerala today and experience the beauty and diversity of "God's Own Country."

A number of adventures activities that can be done in Kerala

With its diverse landscapes ranging from hills to beaches and backwaters, Kerala offers a wide range of adventures to explore.

1. Trekking

Kerala is a trekker's paradise with many hills and mountains to explore. The Western Ghats offer a range of trekking options, including the famous Munnar trek and the Chembra Peak trek in Wayanad.

Camping is an adventure that can be enjoyed in Kerala throughout the year. You can camp in the forests of Wayanad, in the tea estates of Munnar, or on the beaches of Varkala.

3. Wildlife Safaris

Kerala is home to many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including Periyar National Park, Silent Valley National Park, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. You can take a wildlife safari and explore the diverse flora and fauna of the state.

4. Water Sports

Kerala's long coastline and backwaters offer many water sports options such as kayaking, canoeing, banana boat rides, and jet skiing. You can also go surfing in Kovalam or Varkala.

5. Paragliding

Paragliding is an adventure sport that can be enjoyed in Vagamon, a hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala. You can experience the thrill of flying over the lush green valleys and hills.

6. Houseboat cruises

A houseboat cruise through the backwaters of Kerala is a unique experience that should not be missed. You can enjoy the serene beauty of the backwaters while sailing on a traditional houseboat.

7. Zip-lining

Kerala offers many zip-lining options, including the famous Flying Fox adventure in Wayanad. You can zip-line through the lush green forests and enjoy a bird's eye view of the landscape.

8. Rock climbing

Kerala's rocky terrain offers many rock climbing options, including the famous Chimmini Hills and Munnar. You can climb the rocks and enjoy the stunning views from the top.

Kerala is a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts and offers many exciting adventures to explore. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime!

Perfect Places To Eat In Kerala

Kerala is famous for its delicious cuisine, which includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here are some of the best places to eat in Kerala:

1. Paragon Restaurant, Calicut

Known for its Malabar cuisine, Paragon is a popular restaurant in Calicut that offers a range of mouth-watering dishes, including biryanis, seafood, and traditional Kerala snacks.

2. Kayees Biriyani, Kochi

Kayees Biriyani is a must-visit restaurant in Kochi, known for its famous Thalassery-style biryanis, which are made with a special blend of spices and herbs.

3. Saravana Bhavan, Kochi

Saravana Bhavan is a vegetarian restaurant chain that offers a range of South Indian dishes, including dosas, idlis, and uttapams, along with a variety of chutneys and sambar.

4. Malabar Junction, Trivandrum

Malabar Junction is a popular restaurant in Trivandrum that offers a range of authentic Kerala dishes, including seafood, appams, and stews.

5. Dal Roti, Alleppey

Dal Roti is a restaurant in Alleppey that offers a range of North Indian dishes, including dal makhani, butter chicken, and naan, along with a variety of vegetarian options.

6. Pai Dosa, Kochi

Pai Dosa is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Kochi that offers a range of dosas, including the popular Masala Dosa, along with a variety of chutneys and sambar.

7. Kashi Art Cafe, Fort Kochi

Kashi Art Cafe is a popular cafe in Fort Kochi that offers a range of sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes, along with a variety of desserts and freshly brewed coffee.

8. Fusion Bay, Varkala

Fusion Bay is a popular restaurant in Varkala that offers a range of fusion dishes, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine, along with a variety of seafood options.

9. Cafe Papaya, Wayanad

Cafe Papaya is a popular cafe in Wayanad that offers a range of Continental dishes, including pasta, burgers, and sandwiches, along with a variety of freshly brewed coffee.

10. Pappadam, Munnar

Pappadam is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Munnar that offers a range of South Indian dishes, including dosas, idlis, and vadas, along with a variety of chutneys and sambar.

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Parasailing

Parasailing in Kerala offers breathtaking views of the coastline and beaches, and is a thrilling adventure activity for tourists.

Trekking in Kerala takes you through lush forests, hills and scenic landscapes, offering an exciting and adventurous experience for nature enthusiasts.

Kayaking in Kerala allows you to explore narrow canals, lagoons, and rivers, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and greenery.

Snorkeling in Kerala offers a chance to explore the diverse marine life, including colorful coral reefs and fish, along the coastline.

Paragliding

Paragliding in Kerala provides an adrenaline rush and stunning aerial views of the hills, valleys, and tea plantations.

Bamboo Rafting

Bamboo Rafting in Kerala offers a unique experience of sailing through the calm backwaters surrounded by serene nature and lush greenery.

Discover the Best: Places to Visit in Kerala

Munnar is a popular hill station in Kerala, known for its picturesque landscapes, tea plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Alleppey is famous for its serene backwaters, houseboat cruises, beaches, and coir industry, making it a popular tourist destination in Kerala.

Wayanad is a scenic district in Kerala, known for its misty hills, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and historical caves.

Fort Kochi is a historic neighborhood in Kochi, Kerala, known for its colonial-era buildings, churches, synagogues, and spice markets.

Kovalam is a popular beach town in Kerala, known for its sandy beaches, lighthouse, water sports, and Ayurvedic spas.

Varkala is a tranquil seaside town in Kerala, known for its cliff-lined beaches, temples, mineral springs, and surfing spots.

Discover Authentic Flavors: Places to Eat in Kerala

Paragon Restaurant

Kayees biriyani, saravana bhavan, malabar junction.

North Indian

South Indian

Shop till You Drop: Best Places to Shop in Kerala

Shop For: Antique Items

Shop For: Boutiques

S.M. Street

Shop For: Perfumes

Connemara Market

Shop For: Souvenirs

Shop For: Street Shopping

Spice Market

Shop For: Spices

Frequently Asked Questions Your right to Know!

Q: how much will kerala trip cost, q: how much does a 1 week trip to kerala cost, q: which is the best time to visit kerala, q: which are the best selling kerala tour packages, q: how to arrange kerala trip, q: which is the coldest month in kerala, q: is there snowfall in munnar, kerala travel guidelines.

• Kerala promotes responsible tourism, which emphasizes sustainability and ethical tourism practices.
• It is a conservative state, and visitors are expected to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
• A home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park, and Eravikulam National Park.
• Kerala's beaches are popular among tourists. It's advisable to swim only in designated areas and avoid swimming during high tide or rough seas.
• Backwater cruises are a popular attraction in Kerala. It's advisable to take the cruises from reputed operators and check the safety equipment onboard.
• Kerala offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, and visitors should be aware of the guidelines and regulations in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Tour operators offering Kerala packages should inform their customers of these guidelines and ensure that their tours adhere to them. By following these guidelines, visitors can have a memorable and responsible trip to "God's Own Country."

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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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A 7-Day Kerala Itinerary (Solo Female Traveler Approved!)

Kerala is one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet, and my Kerala itinerary will help you see the most spectacular places in this region in just seven days.  This is the exact route that I followed while I was traveling as a solo female in South India, but the only difference is that I stayed in the region for several weeks, and I know that not everybody has that much time.

I have seen other Kerala itineraries that have you moving between different cities and towns every night, but that’s not my preferred travel style. I like to take things more slowly, so I have time to wander, explore and get immersed in the local culture. India is one of those places where everything moves impossibly quickly and impossibly slowly at the same time, and this itinerary has enough flexibility to accommodate those ebbs and flows.

Day 1 – Arrive in Kochi

The first stop on your Kerala itinerary will likely be Kochi, where you can fly into the Cochin International Airport. From there, it’s almost 90 minutes by taxi to the historic Fort Kochi district, so factor that transfer into your plans for your arrival day in Kerala.

Spend some time strolling around the quiet historic center of Fort Kochi, which is infinitely more peaceful than most of the other cities you’ll visit in India. Stop at Saint Francis Church, which was the original resting place of Portuguese explore Vasco de Gama (now he rests in Belem , Portugal). As sunset approaches, head to Vasco de Gama Square to see the famous Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the skyline.  End your night with a leisurely dinner.

Where to Stay in Kochi

The guesthouse where I stayed in Kochi is now closed, but it was in a great location. Some nearby properties with very good reviews include Sajhome Fort Kochi and Bastian Homestay . As a solo traveler, I liked staying in guesthouses where I could get recommendations from the local owners and meet other backpackers.

If you’d prefer a more upscale hotel, there are two luxury properties right on the waterfront in the Old Town. Forte Kochi is a historic heritage hotel, and nearby Neemrana’s Tower House (part of a nationwide group of boutique hotels) has antique-adorned rooms around a beautiful outdoor pool.

Where to Eat in Kochi

There are lots of cute little restaurants in Fort Kochi, many of which are concentrated around Princess Street.  Here are a few you might want to check out:

• Tibet Kitchen – I really like Tibetan food, and this restaurant near the Kerala Kathakali Center does it really well. I recommend the thukpa (noodle soup).
• Kashi Art Cafe – This art gallery doubles as a delicious restaurant with international flavors ranging from vegan breakfast platters to hummus and pita.
• Anantha Bhavan Inn – This pure veg restaurant gets great reviews for affordable set-price meals served on banana leafs.

Day 2 – Kochi

The highlight of your second day in Kochi will be a performance at the Kerala Kathakali Center, where you can see the traditional masked dances and musical performances of the region.  Book your tickets in advance, and be sure to show up for the early seating where you get to watch the performers apply their elaborate makeup.  You’ll need to be at the theatre around 4:45 pm, so plan the rest of your day accordingly.

I would recommend working with your accommodation to hire an auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) driver for the day. Tell him what you’d like to see and he can plan a suitable route.  Some spots to consider include:

• Mattancherry Palace – It’s not necessarily the most palatial palace you’ll ever see, but it is famous for its interior murals. It’s closed on Fridays and Saturdays, so I didn’t make it inside.
• Jew Town – That’s the actual name of the neighborhood just south of Mattancherry Palace. There’s a sixteenth-century synagogue here, along with antique shops and a few quaint cafes.
• Magic Pigeon Ceremony – Every day, around noon (arrive a bit early) the pigeons who reside at this Jain temple preform a “magical” ritual where they fly in circles around the temple three times before descending to be fed by worshippers and visitors.
• Dhobi Khana Public Laundry – I could have spent all day at this massive public outdoor laundry facility. Seeing people wash their clothes the same way it was done a hundred years ago is a stark reminder that India is not a fully-developed country.
• Bishop’s House and the Indo-Portuguese Museum – If you want to learn more about Portuguese colonialism in Kerala, visit these two spots near the Fort Kochi Beach.
• Jail of Freedom Struggle – This small museum, situated in the local police station, tells the stories of the local people who resisted British colonialism and fought for Indian independence.

With a stop for lunch that should be more than enough to fill your day before the Kathakali show.  After the show, go out for a relaxed dinner. I’m a vegetarian, but if you’re not then you’ll probably want to try one of the local fish curries made from the daily catch.

Day 3 – Kochi to Alleppey

The second stop on your Kerala itinerary will be Alleppey (Alappuzha in Malayam). I did the trip by taxi and the drive was absolutely, unbelievably beautiful. Wikipedia calls the land here a “narrow landform”, not an island or a peninsula, and for most of the trip you get these spectacular jungle and sea views. I think that most of the buses drive further inland, so if there’s room in your budget do consider a taxi (and negotiate a bit of extra money for some photo stops en route).

Upon arrival, work with your accommodation to organize a boat cruise for the following morning. Then, walk towards Alappuzha Beach, a long stretch of golden sand that is popular with both locals and tourists. It’s possible to swim here (and it looks quite clean) but as a solo female traveler I didn’t feel comfortable going in solo, so I just waded in up to my knees. Even that caught the eye of quite a few local men!

While you’re at the beach, ascend the striking lighthouse, which dates back to the 1860s. You’ll get panoramic views of the beach and the town, and a sneak peak at some of the canals you’ll sail down tomorrow.

If there’s still time left in the day, you can walk or take an autoricksaw to the Mullakkal Market, a bustling shopping street (be careful of the traffic!). The nearby Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple is 500-year-old Hindu temple built in the typical style of Kerala. People come from around India to see the famous idol of the goddess Durga that is kept inside.

Where to Stay in Alleppey

I chose to stay in a hostel in Alleppey because I was hoping to connect with other travelers for a shared backwaters boat tour. I stayed at goSTOPS Alleppey , although at the time it was under a different name. I had a spacious private room, but it ended up being hard to meet other travelers as there wasn’t a common area.  When I went out for dinner I noticed that Zostel Alleppey looked busy, with lots of foreign travelers mixing and mingling in the common areas.  I wish I’d stayed there, even if the reviews aren’t quite as good.

If you want something a bit nicer, there are some lovely beachfront homestays on the beach, just north of the lighthouse. I’d start my search with Neela Waters or Asthamaya Beach Homestay .

⭐ You can also spend one or both of your nights in Alleppey on a houseboat!  This tour is rated 4.9/5 and includes a houseboat cruise through the backwaters from noon until 9:00 am the next day. It includes pick-up in Kochi. ⭐

Where to Eat in Alleppey

Unsurprisingly, Alleppey is known for its fish dishes. Ask your guide or your hotel where they recommend going for great fish and seafood. As a vegetarian, I can recommend these spots:

• Hotel Aryaas Vegetarian Restaurant – When the staff at my hotel found out I was a vegetarian they put me in an autorickshaw and sent me to this pure veg restaurant, where they just kept putting more and more and more food on my plate. I was the only foreigner and I had lots of fun.
• Cafe Catamaran – A fun and trendy beachfront restaurant that mostly caters to foreigners. The menu has a combination of Indian and international dishes.
• Cafe Paradiso Espresso – Right by the pier where you catch the boats into the backwaters, this eclectic cafe does great coffees, juices and sandwiches.

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Day 4 – Alleppey Backwaters

I visited India as part of an eight-month around-the-world trip, and when I think back to the top three most memorable experiences from the trip, my day spend sailing through the Alleppey backwaters ranks right up there. Truly, it is like you’re in the Jungle Cruise.

It’s possible to cruise the backwaters entirely by public ferry, but I don’t know how a foreigner could do that and not end up lost in a distant canal with no way to get home that evening. Routes and schedules for the ferries that sail through these waters are hard to find, hard to read and nearly impossible to actually confirm. So, the safest, easiest and most comfortable way to spend a day in the Kerala backwaters is through an organized boat tour. Most of these tours will start on the public ferries, and once you’re well into the canals you will switch to a canoe or kayak that is paddled by a guide.

Your accommodation should be able to help you book a tour, as long as you give them a day or two of notice. The tour will start in the early morning at the jetty, and will likely include a stop for lunch (we stopped in a local home) and at least one other stop to buy cold drinks and snacks. The rest of the time you’ll be sailing through the backwaters, taking in the beautiful views, watching people who live on the water go about their daily lives, and waving at people passing on other boats.

I can’t recommend this experience enough, and even if you don’t have a full week I think it’s worth spending just two or three days in Kerala so that you can include this on your India itinerary.

Day 5 – Alleppey to Munnar

The final stop on your Kerala itinerary will be Munnar, a hill station in the nearby Western Ghats mountain range.  I took a bus directly from Alleppey to Munnar, but if the schedules have changed you may need to backtrack and change in Kochi.

You could also make the trip in a taxi for about $50 USD – it’s expensive because you’ll probably have to pay for the driver to go both ways, as he’s unlikely to get a fare back. Still, if you’re in a group it cuts the travel time by almost half, and you can stop for photos at some of the waterfalls on the way up.

You’ll probably arrive in Munnar in the early afternoon.  Get checked into your hotel, grab a light meal and then head to the Tea Museum. Here, you can learn about the history of the tea industry in the region and see how tea leaves go from field to cup. The tea museum is owned by Tata, an Indian conglomerate, and once you’ve visited you’ll start noticing the Tata name everywhere (even when you’re back home).

The center of Munnar is mostly for tourists, with shops selling expensive teas, spices and souvenirs. Feel free to browse around a bit before or after dinner, but retreat to your hotel early so that you’ll be ready for a big day tomorrow.

Where to Stay in Munnar

In Munnar, I stayed at Greenview Holiday Inn . It’s about 500 meters (slightly) downhill from the town center, but it has the added bonus of being quiet. The staff here helped me book my treks and tours to the surroundings.  Nearby, there is also Maharaja Cottage and SMM Cottage , which both also have good reviews. All three of these properties are basic, no-frills guesthouses.

If you’re looking for something fancier, you have to go further away from town. Blackberry Hills Nature Resort and Spa looks lovely, and the staff can assist with transportation into town for sightseeing and restaurants.

Where to Eat in Munnar

If you’re getting tired of eating vegetarian food, you’ll find more meat dishes in Munnar as many of the local restaurants are owned by Muslim families who don’t adhere to a vegetarian diet. Either way, you might want to consider these Munnar restaurants:

• Saravana Bhavan – You’ll find these vegetarian restaurants across India, and the location in Munnar has some great dishes (you have to order their special, towering, cone-shaped dosa).
• Rapsy Restaurant – I’m a vegetarian so didn’t come here, but my hotel recommended it for big portions of meat-based curries (including beef, chicken and seafood).
• Tea Tales Cafe – If you’re missing Starbucks, this cafe has lots of sweet coffee drinks served hot and cold.

Day 6 – Munnar

There are several different ways to spend a full day in Munnar.  I was here for a few days and organized all of my excursions through my guesthouse – chat with them when you’re checking in to see what is available for the next day.

I spent one full day hiking in the hills around Munnar.  Although the hike was long it was not overly strenuous, and the views were beautiful. We got to see locals really working in the tea plantations (not the sanitized version you see in the Tea Museum) and it really gave me a new appreciation for the hard labor that goes into harvesting tea. We also saw some elephant droppings, but unfortunately we didn’t see any elephants on our trek.

Another day, my guesthouse organized an autorickshaw driver to take me on a full-day sightseeing tour . He took me through the tea plantations and up into the hills, all the way to the Top Station (the highest point) and the border with the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately it was quite foggy during my visit so the views were obscured, although this made the high-speed return drive a white-knuckle experience I will never forget!

If the weather is good you can also do one of a few different sunrise hikes from Munnar. These begin with a 4:30 am Jeep or autorickshaw ride to the trailhead, followed by a short trek to a beautiful lookout point where you can take in the views with a cup of steaming masala chai.

Be aware that even in the dry season, Munnar can be cold and damp due to its altitude. You’ll need warm clothes, and I would personally recommend hiking boots (or other shoes with non-slip soles) for any walking on trails outside the town center. I was just wearing my Nike running shoes and there were a few close calls.

Day 7 – Munnar to Kochi

I couldn’t find a photo of the bus that I took from Munnar back to Kochi, but I did find this photo of a very cute kitten underneath a motorcycle, and motorcycles have wheels, and buses have wheels, so it’s practically the same thing! 😉

From Munnar you will probably need to end your Kerala itinerary by traveling back to Kochi, either to catch a flight or to get on a train or bus to your next destination.  There are sleeper buses that travel from Munnar to both Bangalore and Chennai overnight, but I can’t imagine they would be particularly comfortable.

Make sure to follow along the drive on your phone using Google Maps (if you’re low on data you can download the offline map beforehand).  You probably noticed the waterfalls on your way up – now is your chance to get photos on the way down!

When you get back to Fort Kochi, end your trip to Kerala with a relaxing massage and skincare treatment at an Ayurvedic health care center like Ayushveda Spa or Ayurveda Sanctum . This will help heal your sore muscles (whether that’s from yesterday’s hike or yesterday’s bumpy autorickshaw ride!) and relax you before you embark on your next adventure!

8, 9 or 10 Days in Kerala

If you have more than seven days in Kerala, there are are few different ways you can extend my recommended Kerala itinerary:

• If you didn’t do the overnight houseboat tour in Alleppey , that would be the first thing I added to my itinerary.
• Further down the coast, Varkala is famous for its cliff-lined beach and a 2000-year-old Hindu temple
• Periyar Tiger Reserve is about 90 kilometers south of Munnar, and by joining a guided tour of this national park you could see more than 60 species of mammals including elephants, tigers and leopards

While you’re in South India, I recommend spending at least one week at an Ayurvedic yoga retreat .  The one that I visited was located in an Ayurvedic doctor’s family-run guesthouse and featured vegan meals, daily Ayurvedic treatments and daily excursions around the region.

If you’re hesitating to book a trip to India, I can quell some of your worries with my India Travel Q&A .  I wrote down my questions before I traveled to solo to India, and then at the end of my trip I went back and answered them all.

Planning a trip to India?  Pin this post for later!

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Kerala: one Indian state, four exhilarating ways

The southwestern region pretty much has it all, from beachfront, to port metropolis, to verdant mountainside

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Kerala is a microcosm of India itself. The 360-mile-long sliver abutting the Arabian Sea is a bewildering jumble of people, places and cultures. Impossible to get a handle on with one lone visit — or six visits even. The startling breadth of Kerala is almost preternatural. Well, better to say it is extra natural, because the mountainous Western Ghats and the topographical marvel of the coastal backwaters are acute embodiments of the natural world. Discover how Kerala does what it does with these four guides to four very different parts of the state. 

Do nothing on the coast

The sprawling beauty of Marari Beach

Beach nuts and laze-abouts will relish the tranquility of Marari Beach . There is not much there, and that is the entire point. Just stretches of sand and the waves of the Arabian Sea. Fishermen ply their trade on the beach's shore, so the morning rush can be a bit intense. Otherwise, the vibe is permanent-mellow. The aptly named Fisherman Cafe is tucked back off the shoreline and serves seafood with both Keralan influences and European ones. That means you can order a paratha to go with your whole grilled snapper, stuffed with lemon, butter and rosemary, and served with potatoes and zucchini. The stillness can be deceptive. The sun is a force even on the most tranquil days. So lather on that sunscreen when you take those beachfront strolls. 

Get friendly with elephants and spices in the mountains

An elephant sighting at Periyar Tiger Reserve!

Munnar is probably the most well-known of the mountainous destinations in Kerala. It does, after all, have a litany of mountainsides teeming with tea plants and tea plantations. For a more surprising but kindred experience, head to Thekkady. There, you can experience a tour of a spice farm , where, if you are blessed, you might also get a home-cooked Keralan meal. You will learn the differences between a variety of black peppercorns, see what exactly a cardamom plant looks like and likely sample green clove buds straight from the plant. Should a botanical wander prove too tame, book a tour through one of two reserves: Periyar and Gavi. Periyar is a tiger reserve, so while visiting, cross your fingers that you are lucky enough to catch a Bengal tiger in its habitat. In Gavi , if you elect the more arduous hike — which, fair warning, is indeed arduous — you might also glimpse an elephant , a tiger or the fearsome wild dogs. At minimum, you will see evidence of elephants, if you catch our drift.

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Wander the labyrinthine backwaters

The lush backwaters of coastal Kerala

First, a clarification. "Backwaters," the term for the nearly 600 miles of lagoons and canals just east of the Malabar Coast, does not refer to the system's placement back from the shoreline. No, the system is dubbed "backwaters" because the coast's abundant seawater is backed into the region as a result of the area's singular topography, creating brackish waterways. It is a marvel of an ecosystem, and a robust houseboat business is designed to provide tours for every type of traveler . Want a highly trafficked route where you can wave at a parade of other travelers on different houseboats? Take a round-trip jaunt from Alleppey to Kumarakom and back. Eager to experience a backwater-less-traveled? Head north to Kozhikode, near the site of explorer Vasco da Gama's first landing in India, for a wander across the Kallayi River.

Roam the ancient, urban port

A row of buildings in Kochi

You can feel Kochi's age. The port city, in ancient times, was a significant hub for spice seekers. Then a sequence of colonizations over four centuries by the Portuguese, Dutch and British shaped the city. Those colonizers' influence remains, in part, in the city's structures: the Portuguese in the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica; the Dutch in the Bolgatty Palace on Bolgatty Island; the British in the Old Harbour Bridge, built in 1940.    Long before that spate of colonizers, though, the Arab world had strong ties to Kochi. You can still see the presence of the Arabic diaspora in 2024. Should you need a (temporary) break from coastal Keralan dishes , try mandi, a Yemeni dish of rice and meat advertised on endless storefronts on the route from the airport into Kochi. There are also shawarma spots, like the mini-chain Al-Taza , where you can order your shawarma on the prototypical Middle Eastern lavash or the flaky south Indian parotta, plus a bounty of restaurants that specialize in kunafa, that Arabic dessert of crackling shredded pastry and cheese doused in sugar syrup.

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Scott Hocker is an award-winning freelance writer and editor at The Week Digital. He has written food, travel, culture and lifestyle stories for local, national and international publications for more than 20 years. Scott also has more than 15 years of experience creating, implementing and managing content initiatives while working across departments to grow companies. His most recent editorial post was as editor-in-chief of Liquor.com. Previously, he was the editor-in-chief of Tasting Table and a senior editor at San Francisco magazine.  

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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.

If you like this article, pin it

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.

The Revolving Compass

To share our love for travel….countless soul enriching experiences

Bangalore to Kerala road trip – Our Kerala road trip itinerary

Hello friends! We are back from an awesome Bangalore to Kerala road trip. And I am all excited to share our Kerala road trip itinerary with you all. Off late, we have been enjoying a lot of road trips. And if you are a regular reader on the blog, you already know about them. Some of our road trips across India that we did in recent past include :

Our 3 weeks Bangalore to Madhya Pradesh road trip

A road trip to Goa from Bangalore, working from Goa for 2 weeks

Our road trip to Rameshwaram, Madurai, Chettinad, Karaikudi and Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu

A 4 days road trip from Bangalore to Pondicherry

After enjoying these road trips across India, we decided to once again explore God’s own country – Kerala . Years back, we had visited Kerala. And on that trip, we visited the hills of Munnar , stayed in a houseboat in Alleppey on the Kerala backwaters and did river safari in Thekkady. However, we couldn’t get enough of Kerala on this trip. And since then, we were yearning to visit Kerala again. So, finally materialised our Bangalore to Kerala road trip.

Table of Contents

Bangalore to Kerala road trip planning

To be honest with you, Kerala has so many beautiful places to visit. Charming green hills, beautiful coastlines, unique backwaters and historical places. That it was really difficult for us to decide which place to include and which to exclude. We had a one week vacation in Kerala planned. Thus, we could accommodate only as many places as comfortably possible in one week. So, we decided on several possible Kerala road trip itineraries. And then decided on the one which everyone in the group liked the most. So, here are all the Kerala road trip itineraries that we delved upon.

Bangalore to coastal Kerala road trip itinerary for one week

Bangalore -> Kannur (day 1) | Bekal day trip from Kannur (day 2) | Kannur to Kochi (day 3) | Kochi to Athirapally waterfalls day trip (day 4) | Kochi to Alleppey via Marari beach (day 5) | Alleppey to Varkala (day 6) | Varkala to Kovalam (day 7) | Kovalam to Madurai via Kanyakumari (day 8) | Madurai to Bangalore (Day 9)

Although it excited us so much to do the complete coastal Kerala road trip on this road trip from Bangalore to Kerala. But, we just couldn’t make up our minds to leave the hills completely behind. Hence materialised some more Bangalore to Kerala road trip plans.

Bangalore to Kerala road trip – Week long Kerala road trip itinerary 2

Bangalore -> Wayanad (day1 & day 2) | Wayanad to Athirapally (day 3) | Athirapally to Kochi (day 4) | Kochi to Alleppey via Marari beach (day 5) | Alleppey to Varkala (day 6) | Varkala to Kovalam (day 7) | Kovalam to Madurai via Kanyakumari (day 8) | Madurai to Bangalore (Day 9)

Then we thought, we could as well leave Wayanad out of this itinerary. Because Wayanad is quiet close to Bangalore. And thus, we can do any long weekend trip to Wayanad easily. Thus materialised the next week long Kerala road trip itinerary.

Bangalore to Kerala road trip – Week long Kerala road trip itinerary 3

Bangalore -> Coimbatore (day 1) | Coimbatore to Kochi via Athirapally (day 2) | Kochi to Vagamon (Day 3) | Vagamon to Munnar (day 4& 5) | Munnar to Alleppey (day 6) | Alleppey to Varkala (day 7) | Varkala to Kovalam (day 8) | Kovalam to Madurai via Kanyakumari (day 9) | Madurai to Bangalore (Day 10)

Unfortunately, the above itinerary was adding an extra day to our trip. Thus, we decided to drop Vagamon from our itinerary and go with this final one.

Bangalore to Kerala road trip – Week long Kerala road trip itinerary 4

Bangalore to Coimbatore (day 1) | Coimbatore to Kochi via Athirapally (day 2) | Kochi to Munnar (day 3, 4 & 5) | Munnar to Alleppey (day 6) | Alleppey to Kovalam via Varkala (day 7) | Kovalam to Madurai via Kanyakumari (day 8) | Madurai to Bangalore (Day 9)

And thus started our Bangalore to Kerala road trip.

Bangalore to Kerala Road Trip Map

You can choose any of the above road trip itineraries as per your choice. For instance, if you are not that excited about the hills, you can choose the Bangalore to Coastal Kerala road trip itinerary. But, if you are more excited about the hills and don’t mind missing on some of the beaches, you can choose from the next 3 itineraries. Also, Kanyakumari is not in Kerala. But, we were not able to visit here on our previous road trip to Madurai and Rameshwaram earlier this year. So, we included it in our trip itinerary. If you have time, you can as well exclude Kanyakumari. And rather include some other place in Kerala in your trip itinerary. Here’s one example of a trip where you could absolutely start from Kerala and end in Kerala :

Bangalore to Kerala road trip – Week long Kerala road trip itinerary 5

Bangalore -> Kannur (day 1) | Kannur to Kochi (day 2) | Kochi to Athirapally waterfalls day trip (day 3) | Kochi to Alleppey via Marari beach (day 4) | Alleppey to Varkala (day 5) | Varkala to Kovalam (day 6) | Kovalam to Munnar (day 7) | Munnar to Wayanad (day 8) | Wayanad to Bangalore (day 9)

And, best case, if you have enough time at hand, here we suggest a road trip from Bangalore to Kerala that can cover all the highlights of Kerala. But, it is definitely way longer than one week.

Bangalore to Kerala road trip – Kerala road trip itinerary covering all highlights of Kerala

Bangalore -> Kannur (day 1) | Bekal day trip from Kannur (day 2) | Kannur to Kochi (day 3) | Kochi to Athirapally waterfalls day trip (day 4) | Kochi to Kumarakom (day 5, 6) | Kumarakom to Alleppey (day 7) | Alleppey to Varkala (day 8) | Varkala to Kovalam (day 9) | Kovalam to Thekkady (day 10) | Thekkady to Munnar (day 11) | Munnar (day 12,13) | Munnar to Vagamon (day 14) | Vagamon to Wayanad (day 15)

Details of the above Bangalore to Kerala road trip

Day 1 : bangalore to coimbatore, bangalore to coimbatore driving duration : 8 hrs including breakfast and lunch breaks., total distance covered driving from bangalore to coimbatore : ~360 km, where to stay in coimbatore : hotel c a g pride, pro tip: start as early from your home in bangalore as possible to avoid bangalore traffic..

Except for Wayanad or Kannur, driving directly to any other place in Kerala will take too much time. Since, we were traveling with kids. And as usual, didn’t want to overexert them. So, after much consideration we decided to halt for the first night in Coimbatore. So can you. As,

• It is a well developed town where you can stock up for rest of the trip.
• And you can visit Adiyogi Center near Coimbatore
• Further, a road trip from Coimbatore to Athirapally would give you a chance of driving through Palakkad. Another beautiful green belt of Kerala. Although we very much wanted to halt in Palakkad and explore around. But, we have saved that for another day.

So, visit the Adiyogi Center and then stay overnight in Coimbatore. You can browse this list of hotels in Coimbatore for your stay.

Day 2 : Coimbatore to Kochi via Athirapally & Palakkad

Coimbatore to athirapally driving distance : ~3 hr 30 mins , 165 km, athirapally to kochi driving distance : ~2 hr 30 mins , 80.5 km, where to stay in kochi : hotel p j princess regency.

Above is the hotel in which we stayed in Kochi. Although there are numerous stay options in Kochi. You can browse them here . Also, there are many heritage hotels in Fort Kochi area. You can try booking one of those. Because of lack of ample parking, we didn’t book them. But I really liked the vibe of some of these hotels. And also found their reviews to be very strong. These include :

The Sunset Bay

CSI Heritage Bungalow

Anyways, coming back to the day. Start early after having breakfast at your hotel in Coimbatore. Then drive from Coimbatore to Athirapally waterfalls . Since we visited right after the monsoons, the waterfalls were in full volume. If you also visit in October, you will have similar experience. We spent couple of hours at Athirapally falls. And then drove from Athirapally to Kochi. Thus, our complete trip from Coimbatore to Kochi via Athirapally was covered in 9 hrs including the halt for lunch.

PS: Listening to the sound of music at Athirapally Waterfalls

If you drive directly from Coimbatore to Kochi, it will take 4.5 hours only for the same. So, if you want to rather spend more time in Kochi, you can skip Athirapally waterfalls altogether.

Also, if you get time in Kochi in morning or evening, do try this Fort Kochi Heritage walking tour .

Day 3 : Kochi to Munnar road trip

Kochi to munnar driving distance : ~ 127 km, time taken to drive from cochin to munnar : ~ 4 hrs, where to stay in munnar : abad copper castle.

Being one of the most famous hill stations in Kerala, there is no dreath of hotels, homestays and airbnbs in Munnar.  You can browse the list here . Better to book online in advance as the place is so famous amongst tourists in Kerala. We booked Abad Copper Castle. Because we wanted to have ample parking space. As well as a mid-budget hotel to stay in. And also, a little further than the main town of Munnar, amidst greenery.

Post breakfast, drive from Cochin to Munnar. The road trip from Kochi to Munnar is one of the most scenic road trips in India . This road trip brought back memories of our road trip from Kochi to Munnar years back. On the way you get to stop at the Cheeyappara Waterfalls and one of the many spice gardens of Kerala where you can take a guided tour and even buy spices. Well, can a trip to Kerala really complete without a tour of the spice gardens of Kerala ? The whole state is world famous for it’s spices after all.

If you decide to stay Abad Copper Castle like us, and start your day early from Cochin, you will reach Munnar by lunch time. You can then spend the second half of the day exploring some of these places which are very near to the hotel –

• Pothamedu View Point
• Attukal Waterfalls

PS: you can get a cab from hotel if you don’t want to drive yourself.

Read : 4 days Munnar trip itinerary covering the length and breadth of the place

Day 4 : Munnar sightseeing

Today, do a local sightseeing in Munnar. Cover these places as a part of sightseeing in Munnar :

• Flower Garden
• Photo Point
• Elephant Ride
• Mattupetty Dam
• Mattupetty Tea Factory
• Boating Center
• Kundala Dam and Boating
• Top Station

Day 5 : Munnar sightseeing continued

Once again, spend the day covering another set of beautiful places in Munnar, in a different direction.

• Eravilukam National Park
• 8th Mile Gap View Point
• Talliar Valley
• Lakkam Waterfakks
• Marayoor Sandal Wood Forest

If you are not that interested in the above then there are a lot of other places to explore in Munnar itself. You can rather stay back and explore these places in Munnar :

• Waterfalls and wild animal spotting zones which are offbeat, locals can guide you to the same.

Day 6: Road trip from Munnar to Alleppey

Munnar to alleppey driving distance : 180 km, driving duration from munnar to alleppey : ~ 5 hrs, where to stay in alleppey : sterling lake palace, alleppey.

Earlier, we have already s tayed on a houseboat in Alleppey . And also taken a boat cruise on the backwaters of Kerala when on our trip to Kumarakom . So, this time around, we just wanted to stay by the backwaters. In a serene resort in Alleppey. And enjoy the calm atmosphere that is much associated with the backwaters of Kerala. So, we stayed in Alleppey at Sterling Lakeside resort . And after continuous driving for days, just relaxed for the day here. We didn’t do any specific sightseeing in Alleppey. Rather, we enjoyed the complimentary sunset cruise on the backwaters of Kerala offered by the resort. And then relaxed in the swimming pool there.

But, if this is your first trip to Alleppey or you have not stayed in a houseboat in Kerala. We highly recommend staying in a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala instead of a hotel. Because that is definitely a lifetime experience. Here’s a list of things you can do in Alleppey for your first time visit.

An alternative to staying in Alleppey is staying in Kumarakom. Kumarakom is located on another end of Lake Vagamon, one of the largest backwater lakes of Kerala. And Alleppey is located at the opposite side. There’s a lot more to do in Kumarakom. Including venturing through the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary . And a lot of other things. Here’s the details from our previous visit to Kumarakom :

10 things to do in Kumarakom , Kerala

Day 7: A long day driving from Alleppey to Kovalam via Varkala

Alleppey to varkala driving distance : 110 km, ~ 3 hrs, varkala to trivandrum (thiruvananthapuram) driving distance : 35 km, ~ 1 hr, driving duration from alleppey to thiruvananthapuram by road : ~ 4 hrs, where to stay in thiruvananthapuram / kovalam : vivanta by taj.

Kovalam is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches of Kerala. It is romantic, serene and a dream of travellers. But unfortunately, all the resorts in Kovalam were exorbitantly priced or booked when we tried our luck. So, we decided to stay in Thiruvananthapuram – the capital city of Kerala which is just at a 15km distance from the Kovalam beach. We got a really good deal at the Vivanta Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram that included both breakfast and dinner in the deal. So, it was a steal.

But if you book early, you can book your stay in a beach side resort in Kovalam like the Leela Kovalam for a really luxurious vacation!

What we had to give up in the process of staying in Trivandrum, was staying right on a beach. But it didn’t feel like a big loss given our recent trips to Goa. Wherein we have stayed at some of the best beaches in Goa including a beach hut stay at Palolem Beach in Goa , Biera Mar Beach Resort right on the Benaulim beach for our 2 weeks of Goa workcation and the very beautiful Agonda beach on our last trip to Goa.

Today start your day as early in the morning as possible. Post breakfast in Alleppey, drive to Varkala. The driving distance from Alleppey to Varkala is just 110km. Your first stop should be Kappil beach near Varkala. As you approach the beach, you will drive through a stretch of road with the sea on one side and backwater lakes on the other. It is definitely going to be a highlight of your trip like it was for ours.

Varkala is a beautiful coastal town in Kerala. And it is particularly famous for it’s “backpackers” vibe. There are so many cute cafes and beautiful hostels in Varkala. We had our lunch at the Inda cafe which is located at the Varkala cliff and is the most popular cafe of Varkala. There after, stroll to the Varkala beach. It is one of the most popular beaches in Kerala. And you will know why as soon as you reach here. It is a neat and clean beach with a dramatic backdrop of the mountain cliff.

After spending time at the Varkala beach, head to Thiruvananthapuram. The drive from Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram is going to take around 1 hour.

And after checkin, headed to the beach in Kovalam. After which return back for dinner. And enjoy a good night’s rest.

Day 8: Kovalam to Kanyakumari day trip, overnight halt at Madurai

Today drive from Thiruvananthapuram to Madurai via Kanyakumari. This is going to be a really long day. If it is possible for you, I highly recommend extending your itinerary by a day. And taking a halt at Kankyakumari.

Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari driving distance : ~ 95 km

Driving duration from thiruvananthapuram to kanyakumari: ~ 2 hr 30 mins, kanyakumari to madurai driving distance : ~ 250 km, driving duration from kanyakumari to madurai : ~ 4 hrs, where to stay in madurai : amika hotel madurai.

Today, we do a day trip via Kanyakumari while driving from Thiruvananthapuram / Kovalam to Madurai. Since we just have few hours to spend in Kanyakumari, we visit the main highlights of the town like the Kanyakumari beach, the Kanyakumari Temple and Vivekanand Rock Memorial. The good news is that all these places are located close to each other.

Here’s our upcoming detailed writeup on spending a day in Kanyakumari :

Kanyakumari sightseeing in one day

And then around 4:30pm, start from Kanyakumari to Madurai. Reaching Madurai by 6:30pm. Good to book a hotel in Madurai which is  We booked Amika Hotel near Madurai Airport which was right on the highway.

If it is possible for you, we highly recommend staying for a night in Kanyakumari. Since, there are so many more places to see and things to do in Kanyakumari. And then there are some really beautiful sea side resorts in Kanyakumari.

Or else, it is also possible to base yourself in Trivandrum. And do a day trip to Kanyakumari from Trivandrum. There are several day tour options from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari. And you can also hire a cab from Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari for a day trip.

Also, If you have time at hand and you are interested to explore the town of Madurai, here are our blog posts from our previous trip to Madurai to help you out:

Why you should visit Thirumalai Nayakar Palace Madurai

Things you should know before you visit Meenakshi Amman Temple Madurai

Places to see and things to do in Madurai in a day

A complete guide to temple hopping in the temple town of Madurai

Day 9: Madurai to Bangalore

Finally arrived the last day of our Bangalore to Kerala road trip. Today, post breakfast, we checked out from our hotel in Madurai. And proceeded back to Bangalore. The drive from Madurai to Bangalore is a smooth one. All through NH44. Which is one of the most excellent highways in India. But, try to start as early in the morning as possible to be able to reach Bangalore in time. And avoid the traffic in the city which starts to build up in the day.

Hope you enjoyed this virtual Kerala road trip with us. And the alternative Kerala road trip itineraries that I have suggested for Bangalore to Kerala road trip will help you plan your trip to Kerala in the best way that suites you. Do share your thoughts on how you liked the post…..

General tips on planning this road trip across Kerala

• Start most of your days on this trip as early as possible. We missed a few spots here and there because we started our day little late.
• Most of the highways in Kerala are 2 lanes only, which means you often will drive slower than anticipated by google.
• Buy Kerala chips from Alleppey and homemade chocolates from Munnar, spices from Kanyakumari or Kovalam.
• This trip itinerary mostly covers naturally beautiful places in Kerala. If you want to include temples and museums, please feel free to add more days as required.
• Finding clean washrooms can be a task, so, use one when you see one 🙂
• Cards work everywhere, in shops and petrol pumps. If not cards then phone pay works. So, you really don’t need to carry too much cash on you.
• Pack for both beach vacation as well as winter vacation as you are going to encounter both cold and hot climates on this one week trip to Kerala itself!
• Have general medicines and latest prescription with you.
• Also, pack your swimwear for the coastal resorts and beaches.
• Wear comfortable shoes at all hilly places and slippers on beaches. I forgot to change into my shoes in Athirapally and ended up slipping and spraining my ankle which troubled me for next few days.
• Carry mosquito repellants with you. Even the best of best hotels that we stayed at had mosquitos.
• If possible, return to Bangalore on a week day as weekends are getting very busy, particularly after entering the city, it takes a lot of time to reach our home.
• Also, try visiting in off season, and avoid holiday seasons, we had to drop quiet a few sightseeing because of rush, particularly in Munnar.
• The roads in Kerala are narrow. Even the national highways in Kerala are only 2 lane. So, you will be forced to go slower than what google map suggests actually. Always add 1-2 hours extra to the suggested time and then plan your day accordingly.

Cost of our one week Kerala road trip itinerary

• We stayed in some high end and some mid budget hotels. Our total cost of stay (with breakfast included) came to INR 35000/- per room which was shared by 2 people. So, INR 17500 per person.
• Most of the time, we had lunch at a roadside south Indian joint and dinner at our hotel. Overall food cost was INR 3000/- per head or INR 6000/- for a couple.
• We mostly visited naturally beautiful places on our one week Kerala road trip itinerary and thus hardly spent over  INR 1000/- on tickets.
• In total, we drove ~2000km on this trip. Our total fuel cost was around INR 15000/-

Overall, for one individual, the cost came to around INR 30000/- for the complete one week trip

PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.

8 thoughts on “Bangalore to Kerala road trip – Our Kerala road trip itinerary”

Dear Neha,Very well done the sailing seems smooth to read through and interesting to know varied iteniery it is very difficult to customise to individuals but,You have given many options by going through your read it feels the drive is not going to be harsh or tough

Very well done Thanks With Kind Regards S.Kanniah 9844121410

Thank you so much Sir!!

Hi Neha, Your vlog gave insight for a person like me to get to know about the places in kerala. Can you suggest me an iternity for 6 days 5 nights and the must visit places in a 1st trip to kerala.?

Hi Mihika, thanks for the kind words Like I mentioned in the blog, most of the first timers prefer Munnar – Alleppey – Thekkady circuit which can be easily done in 6 nights. Spend first 3 nights in Munnar and subsequent one night each in Thekkady and Alleppey

I am planning with my family in october with 7 members adult and 5 childrens by car, please advise me kerala trip with mid budget for 7 days.

You can follow my itinerary if you liked it. But you can cut one place. Maybe spend 2 nights in Munnar or leave Kanyakumari for another trip. Then you will be able to cover rest everything in 7 days

Very nice and detailed post…looking at this …I also want to plan kerala trip but I need some guidance in planning since I am not that much travel guy…and don’t know car driving…can u help me in planning kerala trip waterfalls and boathouse ….thx Pls let know how can I contact you

Hi Raj. You can send your query to our email address – [email protected] along with details of how many days trip you want to plan? How many people? Are there kids etc.

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Thrissur Pooram on April 19: Details on tourist pavilions, safety arrangements, fireworks and more

Thrissur: The city is gearing up for this year's Pooram on April 19 and arrangements are in progress to conduct a safe yet vibrant festival. The 'sample vedikkettu' (fireworks) will be held on April 17 night. The 'aana chamayam' exhibion (display of elephant caparisons) used by the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Dewaswoms as part of the Pooram festivities would also begin on April 17.

Thiruvambadi’s aana chamayam will be displayed on April 17 and 18 at the Kausthubam Hall from 10 am to 12 pm. Paramekkavu will hold its display at Agrashala Hall in Round East. The exhibition will be inaugurated on April 17 at 10 am followed by the distribution of various awards and honours. Visitors could see Paramekkavu’s aana chamayam display until 10 pm on April 17 and from 8 am to 12 am on April 18.

Tourist pavilions This year, the district authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure to make the Pooram festivities enjoyable for all spectators. A separate pavilion has been arranged for foreign tourists to enjoy the iconic ‘kudamattam’ ritual held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple on April 19. The district promotion council has built the pavilion close to the Thekke Gopura Nada (southern entrance) at the Thekkinkadu ground. Those who need the passes for entering this pavilion should contact the district promotion council’s office at Palace Road. Phone – 0487 2320800, 9496101737, [email protected] .

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Pink police on duty The city police authority will set up pink spaces to ensure the safety of women and children during the Pooram festivities. The pink space will have resting centres, rooms for breastfeeding mothers, bathroom facilities and drinking water for the women who visit the grounds. Meanwhile, the arrangement of facilities at seven spots in and around Thekkinkadu ground is overseen by the Women’s Cell Inspector PV Sindhu. The pink spaces are at SBI Naduvilal, CMS School, City Centre, KESS Bhavan, Banerjee Club, women’s resting centre at the North bus stand and Catholic Syrian Bank.

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