kerala tour report

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

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

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

7 day Kerala backpackers’ itinerary guide

Vagamon – Alleppey – Varkala

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

14-day Kerala rejuvenation itinerary guide

Athirappilly – Vagamon – Varkala – Alleppey – Kochi

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

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

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

24 Day Ultimate Kerala Itinerary Guide

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

Day 1 – 3: Kozhikode

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

Day 3 – 6: Wayanad

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

Day 6 – 8: Athirappilly

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

Day 8 – 10: Munnar

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

Day 10 – 12: Thekkady

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

Day 12 – 15: Vagamon

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

Day 15 – 18: Varkala

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

Day 18- 21: Alleppey

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

Day 21 – 24: Kochi

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

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

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Unforgettable 10 Days Kerala Itinerary: see the Best of Kerala

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 days Kerala itinerary & Kerala Travel Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Explore Vibrant Kochi

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

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

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

Things to do in Kochi: Kochi Sightseeing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Munnar

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

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

Related Read: Ooty- the Tea Capital of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Thekkady-Periyar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5-6 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Kumarakom

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

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

Things to do in Kumarakom

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

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

Day 7: Alleppey : Cruising Through Coconut Groves

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

Things to do in Alleppey

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

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

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

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

Should you go to Alleppey or Kumarakom?

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Varkala

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

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

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

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

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

Day 9-10 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Thiruvananthapuram

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

Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best time to visit Kerala

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

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

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

Must visit activities in Kerala

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

Must try the food in Kerala

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

Some of the must-try vegetarian dishes are:

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

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

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

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

How to reach Kochi, Kerala for 10 days Kerala Itinerary

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

Reaching Kerala by Air

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

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

Train to Kerala

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

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

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

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

Getting around Kerala

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

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

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

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

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

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The Best Kerala Itinerary for 7 Days or More

Last Updated on April 17, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Quick Outline

The Best 1-week Kerala Itinerary at a glance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Weeks Itinerary for Kerala Roadtrip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7: Drive to Kochi via Athirapally falls

Day 8: Exploring Kochi

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

Day 10: Explore Alleppey and drive to Munnar

Day 11: Exploring the best of Munnar and Chinnakanal

Day 12: Skip Thekkady and drive to Varkala

Day 13: Take a memorable day trip to Munroe Island

Day 14: Explore Varkala and drive to Kovalam

Day 15: Drive to Trivandrum for departure

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

A quick note on name of the places

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

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

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

One Week in Kerala – The Plan in Details

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

Day 1 in Kerala – Arrive at the Historic Kochi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kochi Sightseeing Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best places to Stay in Kochi

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

Check out other options and get best prices below.

Day 2 – Relax in the backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarkom

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

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

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

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

A day in Alleppey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best places to Stay in Alleppey

Lemontree Vembanad Resort

☑️Affordable luxury ☑️Houseboat and Cottages

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

Xandari Riverscapes

☑️Organised houseboat tours

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

Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey

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

Day 3 in Kerala trip plan: Drive to Munnar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best places to Stay in Munnar

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

Sterling Munnar

☑️Family Activities ☑️Best Location

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

Elephant Passage Resort

☑️5-star luxury ☑️Great Views

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

Day 4 – Exploring Munnar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shall I tell you a secret?

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

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

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

Day 5 – Thrilling Thekkady

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

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

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

Thekkady Sightseeing Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best places to Stay in Thekkady

Abad Green Forest Resort ☑️Best Location

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

Chrissie’s hotel ☑️Pocket-friendly

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

Day 6 – Pamper yourself at Kovalam

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

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

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

Kovalam itinerary for the day

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

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

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

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

Best places to Stay in Kovalam

🥇 Raviz Kovalam (formerly Leela Kovalam)

☑️Stunning Location ☑️5-star Luxury

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

Samudra Leisure beach resort

☑️Pocket-friendly☑️Spa available

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

Day 7: Bidding goodbye from Trivandrum

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

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

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

A guide to Kerala Trip Planning

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

How to reach Kerala?

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

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

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

Going around in Kerala

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

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

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

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

Cuisine and Dining in Kerala

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the best time to visit Kerala?

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

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

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

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

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

A few more Frequently Asked Questions Answered

How many days are enough for kerala.

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

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

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

Ofcourse the longer you stay the better.

How to explore Kerala in 5 days?

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

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

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

What souvenirs can I bring back from Kerala?

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

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

Is Kerala safe for solo travelling?

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

How expensive is Kerala?

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

Best of Karnataka – One state, many worlds

Best of Enchanting Tamil Nadu

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

Munnar travel guide

Thekkady travel guide

Wayanad itinerary

Kasargod (Bekal) travel guide

Top Travel Sites in India for 2024

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

🚗Get discounts on package tours and special experiences with Viator

💸Secure your vacation with travel insurance from Visitors Coverage

🚗Book local transport on 12Go

🚶🏼‍♂️ Free walking tours on Freetour

🛏️ For hostels around the world, check out Hostelworld

🛍️ Myntra for travel fashion and Amazon for travel gear

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

17 Comments

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

Thanks a lot Meggie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much. I hope you visit soon

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

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

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

What a wonderful guide — so much excellent information!

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

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

Explore Kerala with Asia Highlights

If you want to see the best destinations in Kerala and have meaningful cultural experiences along the way, then look no further than Asia Highlights. At Asia Highlights, we make tours that are specifically created to fit the needs of each individual customer. Let us plan your trip for you so that you can just relax and prepare for your dream vacation.

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Kerala Tours & Trips

Beautiful Kerala with its beaches and intricate series of backwaters is calling for you to explore. Take an adventure through India and explore this area by sailing over the canals or trekking inland, through the Western Ghats to walk through endless tea, coffee or spice plantations and learn more about the area.

187 Kerala tour packages with 352 reviews

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Exotic Kerala Tour (Coconut Holiday Of India)

I found the driving to much and exhausting . Our driver was very nice and helpful. I suggest for older people to spend more time in interesting places instead of driving on to the next destination in order to tick the boxes. cheers

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Best of Southern India with Houseboat Stay

Had a wonderful time on this southern India tour. Everything was very professionally organized.

• In-depth Cultural

Trip to God's Own Country

This tour was amazing, we really enjoyed it! Our driver Jinoy who was nice and helpful with everything.

Kerala South India

Romantic Kerala Tour

Sehr eindrucksvoll mit einem sehr zuverlässigen Fahrer.

Highlights of Southern India - Kerala with Houseboat Stay

Thanks for such an amazing trip . We could not have been happier with our experience. Your attention to detail is impeccable: all aspects of travel coordination were arranged for and executed smoothly. The guides are both knowledgable and personable and they organized visits according to our interests.

South India : Backwaters, Tea Plantations, Temples & Beach Stay W/Private Guide & Chauffer

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The best of Kerala in 9 days with idyllic houseboat and relax

Excellent tour with enough days at each location to really enjoy the area and not feel rushed. My driver, Manu, was very helpful and flexible to accommodate my wishes. Only me on this tour, which has advantages and disadvantages. Easier to tailor the trip to my preferences. The stay on the Houseboat was the highlight for me: very relaxing and felt like royalty being

Beautiful Kerala 5 Nights

Great service overall

Amazing Kerala Tour from Cochin - 6 Days

I had a great time in Kerala. I loved the scenery, the culture, and most of all, the people. Our driver, Mr. Sibu, was terrific. I'd love to come back to Kerala and have him as my driver again. The guides in Kochi and Munnar were also great—they were knowledgeable and flexible. We weren't too happy with the initial boat we were given for our Backwater tour, but the company quickly changed us to another boat, which was great. The hotels were all good and the staff were very helpful. All in all, it was a wonderful experience.

Relaxing kerala tour ( Cochin Munnar Alleppy Cochin)

Kerala is a great place to visit. It is peaceful and super cozy. My trip was very well organized. The food was great while the stay was quite comfortable. I loved the backwaters and I wished if I could have a little more time to stay here. Kerala tour packages are highly recommended.

Blissful Kerala

I booked a trip to Kerala for 4 nights through Kerala Holiday Club. It was a wonderful experience. Everything was perfectly arranged and we had no issues throughout our trip. I would definitely recommend Kerala Holiday Club for holiday bookings.

Quick Cochin Munnar Thekkady Alleppy Kovalam 8 Days Tour

what a great time to sightseeing . just completed trip to Cochin Munnar, Thekkady, Allppey, kum arakom , kovalam, Trivandrum . Cochin days fixed the travel between cities. The things I liked food , good organized tour , hotel , knowledgeable driver cum Guide . Driver details provided much in advance.Driver called in advance to confirm flight timings. Received on time at Kochi airport.driver completely professional during the trip.his suggestions at all the places about places to visit were spot on.Thank to Real viaggi india Team . all tour was nice opreated .we don't get any problems during this tour. I would highly recommend Kerala Days ! great job!

Southern India Tour with Beaches and Houseboat Experience

Southern India that included visits to some of the region's most beautiful beaches and a unique houseboat experience. It was truly a memorable trip that left me with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and cultural diversity of this part of the country. Our journey began in the bustling city of Chennai, where we were immediately immersed in the vibrant energy and rich history of South India. We visited iconic landmarks such as the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and the Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world. The city's mix of modernity and tradition was evident in its bustling markets, ancient temples, and colonial-era buildings. From Chennai, we made our way to Mahabalipuram, a small coastal town known for its ancient rock-cut temples and stunning beaches. We spent a few days exploring the intricately carved monuments and relaxing on the golden sands of the beach. The highlight of our stay in Mahabalipuram was watching the sunset over the Bay of Bengal, a truly breathtaking sight. Next, we headed to Pondicherry, a former French colony that still retains its colonial charm. The quaint streets lined with French-style buildings, along with the serene beaches, made for a picturesque setting. We also had the chance to visit Auroville, an experimental township where people of different nationalities and cultures live together in harmony. The highlight of our trip was the houseboat experience in the backwaters of Kerala. We boarded a traditional houseboat and cruised through the tranquil backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery and local villages. It was a peaceful and unique experience, and we were able to witness the daily life of the locals living along the waterways. Our journey ended in Goa, a popular beach destination known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches. We spent our days soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches, trying out water sports, and indulging in delicious seafood. We also explored the charming Portuguese-influenced old town of Panjim and visited the famous Basilica of Bom Jesus. my Southern India tour with beaches and a houseboat experience was a perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation. I was able to see the diverse landscapes of South India, from bustling cities to serene backwaters and stunning beaches. The warm hospitality of the locals, the delicious cuisine, and the rich cultural heritage of the region made this trip truly unforgettable. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a unique and enriching travel experience in India.

Romantic Beaches and Backwaters 10 Days Tour of Kerela

Me and my Family recently visit 10-day Romantic Beaches and Backwaters tour of Kerela with this company. I must say, it was a fantastic experience! The tour guide was knowledgeable and passionate about the area, and his passion showed in his explanation of the history and culture of the region. He also made sure to give us plenty of time to explore on our own. The scenery was breathtaking. We saw beautiful beaches, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests. The food was delicious, and the accommodations were comfortable and stylish. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore beautiful Kerela province in India.

What people love about Kerala Tours

Overall you provided good transport & Hotels . Excellent guides at Munnar Tea Plantations and other sites. Our only disappointed was a non English speaking driver who couldn’t arrange tea or toilet breaks unless we requested , However didn’t spoil a fantastic experience, thank you

All went smoothly, good srandard of accommodation and flexibility in the itinerary. Driver spoke reasonable English so we were able to communicate and he made some suggestions which were appreciated. Houseboat was relaxing, great crew and experience.

It was an incredible and well organized trip. We highly recommend!!

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Though we were planning for last 30-40 days but could not finalized hence missed some good opportunity. I found that Air+ Hotel combo is best option. around 30-40 days ago I was getting a Room of Taj Gateway Cochin around Rs 2500/ a day !!! Amazing !!!! isn't it ? yes believe it or not but I missed this opportunity as could not finalize the programme...Hence my First advise is, book flight + Hotel combo through any Travel site. I used GOIBIBO...it will give you best hotel around 50% discount..again this benefit is not only for any day but as many days as you want..so friends donot miss this opportunity.

we are a family of 4. Three started from Delhi by spice jet around 7.10 AM on 25th Feb and reached cochi at 10.15 AM. one of our member was to arrive from Hyderabd and his flight came around 12.15 Noon..

Airport is very small and beautiful. It does not use bus from Aeroplane to arrival lobby. distance is hardly 200 ft. it was a pleasant surprise. Luggage belt is just entering the arrival lobby. entry to exist of arrival lobby is around 200 ft only.

At airport Uber and Ola were not available, hence don't waste your time in searching Uber/ Ola. You have following option

1. Pre Paid Taxi- Rs 900/ to Rs 1200/

2. City Buses. Good Nos of buses to many side of Kochin. Fare Rs 60/ to 100/

3. Hire a Outside Taxi for Airport Pick up...

We had already hired Ertiga for our entire Journey hence Our Ertiga Cab came to pick us. we booked the same through my local friend @ Rs 1750/ per day..

we started from Aiport and went to KTDC office at Shanmugam Road to explore Sunset Cruise. But as sufficient Nos of Passenger were not available it was cancelled. There fore we head towards our Hotel . As we could not book Taj Gateway we booked Hotel Millennium Continental which is just 200 meters from M G Road and situated on Narakatra Road which is opposite Shenoys. This is a small and new Hotel. when we entered in the compound of Hotel All the staff of Hotel cam out to receive us. what a warm welcome !! Though Rooms of Hotel were small but it was neat and clean. I am writing separate review for the same,

After a very brief rest we started for Mattancherry . First of all we visited Mattancherry Palace, which is also known as Dutch Palace, This was constructed in the mid-1550s by the Portuguese. It was given to the Maharaja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights.later on it came into the possession of Dutch. In fact it is a small structure outside the main building whole campus is not well maintained. inside the building there is a museum which contain a rare collection of vivid murals and royal artifacts like Palakis, furniture, paintings, robes and weaponry. I am writing separate review,

next was Synagogue, nothing special to mention and then visited Local Market which is one of the oldest Market. next was Fort Kochi . First we saw Chinease fishing net. On one of the fishing net one senior Fishermen explained us the working of Net. They pull down the net into water with the help of some pully and after few minutes they pull out net. we tired with Fishermen but in our turn no fish was caught.

After that we went towards Fort Kochi beach ,, a good walkway. Beach was good No garbage but water was muddy. we enjoyed Khatta Mitha Salad ( made of unripe Mango and pineapple) & Tender Coconut water.

Meanwhile we recd Tel call from our Local friend that he has arranged one Boat for our sunset Tour. so we rushed to Marine Drive from there we took the boat..

Boat was a large enough to accommodate 25 persons but we hired it for Rs 1500/ only for 1 & 1/2 hrs. we seated on upper deck and Boat started around 5.40 PM. it first took a round of Vembanad lake and then headed towards Arebian sea. en-route we saw willingdon and Bolgatty

island. over all it was a good experience.

after our boat journey we took a stroll on MG road and Finally landed at Ambiswamy's, pure vegetarian restaurant on MG road, it is a variety of menu at incredibly low prices that too on MG Road. Food was OK for the Price we paid..From Ambiswamy's, we returned to our hotel on foot.

it was surprising that around 8 Market was almost close...

overall first day was good.

Excellent...Waiting for next day...

hi Guptha Ji,

wonderful post.nice writing

waiting for next part

Day 2 Report: I am sorry that I could not continue my daily reporting. However I resume My day to day Report.

On day two ie 26th February : we had a good sleep at Hotel Millennium Continental. Though Rooms were small but neat and clean. We woke up at around 7..took a morning walk on the small streets between shanmugam road and legendary MG road.

Breakfast at Hotel Millennium Continental: Though variety was limited yet it was tasty. Quality and taste of sambhar was very good. it was pleasant surprise to have north indian Parantha, Pakoda in breakfast.

Though we were ready at 9 AM but our Cab was a bit late to come hence we started for Munnar at 10 AM only. We hired a Ertiga for 4 person. it was a long journey on MG Road. it appeared that MG road is quite long and it took around 45 mts to clear the road. Originally we planned to go Munnar via Aritharapally falls but due to communication Gap with our Driver we could not go on that side. we felt it very bad but we didn't want to spoil our holiday hence adjusted ourselves to the situation. First leg of our journey through plains.. En route we bought a pineapple of over 2 KG. It was so tasty.. never had such a tasty pineapple before...

After we started our journey on hills. way is very picturesque. But due to Hilly and sharp curves three of My family members started Vomiting. So we kept on our journey after stopping every 20-30 Kms. Just before 40-50 Kms we watched water falls with two stream. View was breathtaking..Overall 5 Hrs journey was a good view of Nature.. Around 3PM we reached at Aranayaka Resort.

The Aranyaka Resort is just 6 kms earlier at Pallivasal on Kochin Munnar route. It is situated on the slopes of a Valley amidst Tea Plantation. When our cab reached there, we were mesmerized by its location and build up of entire resort and area. Across the valley on other slope we find a beautiful waterfall, which is also visible from rooms. We have been told that water fall is just two kms away from Resort..

The Resort is having a block of three story building called Narmada and few cottages scattered on an enchanted landscape. we had booked ground floor of three story building called as Narmda because I have some health Issues. Though our rooms are on ground floor yet being on slope they are elevated and have a spacious Balcony. Way to rooms from reception is through a rising ramp ( not satires) which is easy to climb. From Balcony of room we can see Waterfall, Tea plantation and breathtaking view of valley and landscaped and blossoming resort. In nutshell we felt that we are in the lap of mother nature.

Rooms are of quite big size. Interiors of rooms were also good. One side is fully covered Cup boards and long shelf for our belongings. A Glass Center Table with two lightweight easy sofa chairs. Bed quality was also good. An elegant interior in deed. While seating in Balcony we enjoyed the valley view , waterfall, tea plantation and felt fresh breeze which was awesome experience. ( I have written separate review for the same).

After taking some rest we head for the Market. After strolling in the Main Town we found that Shop of KDHP is best for Buying the Tea and spices at Munnar. ( for spices at Munnar Only otherwise Buying of spices is best at Kumily). KDHP Kanan Devan Hills Plantations is an Ex British and Ex Tata concern and Now run by cooperative of Workers. it has biggest outlet at Munnar. We bought a lot of Tea, Masala tea and Green Tea.

Munnar is also famous for Home made Chocolates. The cost range from Rs 300 Kg to Rs 1500 Kg. we find one shop which was underground and is titled as Chocolate Factory as best in Town. Overall we feel that General Quality of chocolates is average.

We bough various types of oils and also some dry fruits from Local Market.

At the fag end of day we searched for Pure vegetarian Restaurant and finally reached at Sarwana Bhawan.. The seating and set up was just an average and we feel it has no relation with famous Chain of Sarwana Bhawan. However Food was good and very reasonable. We 4 + Driver finished our Dinner with in Rs 500/

We liked sambhar and other south Indian Dishes..

Around 7. 30 we returned to our Resort.. Ambiance of Resort was awesome..Rooms were cozy and spacious. Strolled in the Resort for some time and had a good sleep.

Very informative reports Gupta. Looking forward to more:)

Incidentally, MG Road is not a very long road. It's just over 5 kms from Madhava Pharmacy junction up to Venduruthy Bridge. I am sure that you must not have gone the entire stretch but, since the metro works are going on, traffic is at snail's pace.

Regarding Saravana Bhavan, there are lots of fake Saravanas all over South India.

Did not know they were abroad as well. Did not see one in Doha but don't want to go off topic:)

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Foreign tourists are drawn to Kerala, India, for a variety of reasons, making it a preferred destination for international travellers. Some of the key factors that make Kerala an attractive choice for foreign tourists include:

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Overall, the combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, wellness opportunities, and the warm hospitality of the people makes Kerala travel an appealing destination for foreign tourists. Kerala's unique offerings, combined with its commitment to responsible tourism, continue to make it a preferred choice for international travelers.

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Tour Packages for Corporates (06 Nights / 07 Days) Routing: Cochin | Munnar | Thekkady | Houseboat | Kovalam INR 26,000 onwards

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Kerala is a diverse country with an abundance of tourist attractions to suit the needs of any kind of traveler. Kerala offers you all, from stunning hill villages to immaculate beaches and ancient artifacts. Our website is your go-to resource for learning about the most fascinating tourist destinations in Kerala that this magnificent state has to offer.

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If your traveling is all about taking time out to reconnect with nature and recharge your soul, Kerala will make the perfect holiday destination. From the people, the culture, and the pristine scenic locations ranging from sandy beaches and tropical jungles to the serene backwaters, Kerala will make you remember how life should be.

Kerala is Traditional but Forward Thinking

For most visitors, a trip to Kerala will be like taking a journey through a time when life was simple and less complicated. However, a relaxed lifestyle steeped in old-time traditions hasn't stopped the local population from keeping pace with the modern world where it counts. For instance, education is highly prized, and literacy is almost universal throughout Kerala. Newspaper readership is one of the highest in the world. One of the most significant concerns for tourists traveling the world is healthcare while in foreign lands. Medical care isn't a problem in Kerala, as all medical services are free and provided by Government hospitals.

The People of Kerala

Keralans are friendly, welcoming people, but as you tour the area, you may notice that the women have a deep and abiding fascination with gold. You won't find a woman in Kerala who doesn't have at least one or two gold pieces on their person.

Women love their gold, but all the men wear their mustaches with pride. Kerala girls find mustaches on men handsome and dignified, so it's no surprise that all men maintain at least one, but often both.

Unlike many other parts of the world, the women of Kerala are just as active as men in the government. If you want to look at a part of the world that's doing great things for the empowerment of women, then Kerala can show you how it's done.

Life in Kerala is scenic, pristine, and inextricably intertwined with nature. You can't help but feel the beautiful locale has helped shaped the culture and laid-back welcoming nature of Kerala's people.

Far away from the hustle and bustle of India's major cities, you won't feel like a tourist in need of forced entertainment for the sake of the mighty dollar. Instead, you will be treated more like an honored guest or a friend who hasn't visited for a while.

Walk down the street, and you will be greeted with happy smiles from the local populace as they go about their day.

Keralan people are proud of their state, heritage, and unhurried, relaxed lifestyle, where the distractions of technology have taken a back seat to peace and serenity.

Things To Do in Kerala

As we mentioned, Kerala is a fantastic location for witnessing the glory of nature and soaking up the serenity.

Every scenic experience you could want is represented in Kerala's tourist attraction. There are sandy beaches and forests full of wild animals, exotic birdlife, and cheeky giant squirrels. Quiet waterways, scenic lakes, and breathtaking mountain views are also reasons Kerala is such a popular tourist destination.

Take your pick and enjoy the ultimate luxury at one of the many resorts in Kerala, where you can relax in comfort, style, and safety in a private cabin.

Enjoy a boat trip down one of Kerala's many breathtaking backwater locations, where the pace of life is slower and more relaxed. Houseboats are available for those who want to immerse themselves in Keralan culture and take in all that the backwaters have to offer.

Hill stations are some of the most historical and popular destinations in Kerala. Looking out over the plains below and taking in the view of rolling green hills and miles of tea plantations while filling your lungs with fresh mountain air is not an experience you will soon forget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the Kerala Tour

How much will a kerala trip cost.

The cost of a Kerala trip can vary widely depending on factors like the duration, type of accommodation, activities, and your travel preferences. Typically, a moderate budget can range from $500 to $1500 per person for a week-long trip, but it's best to get a personalized quote from a tour operator for a more accurate estimate.

Which month is best for Kerala?

The best time to visit Kerala is from September to March when the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy the lush greenery and cultural festivities. However, the choice of the month depends on your preferences, as some travelers prefer the monsoon season (June to August) to experience the romantic rains.

Which travel agent is the best in Kerala?

There are several reputable travel agencies and tour operators in Kerala. To determine the best one for your needs, consider factors such as customer reviews, the range of packages offered, pricing, and the company's reputation in the industry.

Which is the best tour company for Kerala?

The "best" tour company for Kerala can vary depending on individual preferences. Look for tour companies that have a strong reputation, specialize in Kerala tours, offer excellent customer service, and provide packages that align with your interests and budget.

Which tour package is the best?

The best tour package for Kerala depends on your interests and budget. Some travelers prefer adventure packages, while others opt for cultural experiences or honeymoon packages. It's essential to choose a package that aligns with your desires and includes the destinations and activities you wish to explore.

How do I choose a tour package?

To choose the right tour package, consider your interests, budget, and the duration of your trip. Research different tour operators read reviews, and compare itineraries. Be sure to communicate your preferences and expectations with the tour operator to ensure a tailored experience.

What are the 3 main types of package tours?

The three main types of package tours include: a. Group Tours: These tours involve traveling with a group of people, typically with a fixed itinerary and set departure dates. b. Private Tours: These tours are customized for a single traveler, a couple, or a small group, allowing for more flexibility in the itinerary and travel arrangements. c. Custom Tours: Custom tours are entirely tailored to your preferences, allowing you to design your itinerary, accommodation, and activities.

How is the tour cost calculated?

Tour costs are calculated based on various factors, including the duration of the trip, type of accommodation, activities, meals, transportation, and any additional services included. Tour operators use these factors to determine the overall cost of the package.

Is it cheaper to book a tour?

The cost-effectiveness of booking a tour depends on several factors. Booking a tour can often provide cost savings through group rates and pre-negotiated deals. However, it's essential to compare the cost of booking a tour with planning the trip independently to ensure you're getting the best value for your budget and preferences.

Where is Kerala situated?

Kerala is a small state located in the southern part of India. It is a slender strip of land wedged between the Eastern slopes of the Western Ghats mountain range to the East and the Arabian Sea to the West. Approximately 4 percent of the state's total land area comprises wetlands. Kerala's natural landscape covers an area of 12,477 square kilometers, which accounts for 32.1% of the state's total land area. The state has a coastal region stretching over 587.8 kilometers and boasts 11,305 square kilometers of lush forest area.

Why is Kerala renowned?

Kerala's fame can be attributed to several key factors:

• The Western Ghats, which include one of the world's ten most biodiverse regions, are a part of Kerala. These "hot-spots" are areas teeming with diverse flora and fauna, featuring a high percentage of species that are unique to the region.
• Kerala is a 100% literacy state, boasting a highly educated and progressive society.
• Known as a paradise on earth, Kerala's natural beauty, backwaters, and unique houseboats attract visitors from around the globe.
• Kerala offers an array of diverse tourist attractions, including backwaters, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, plantations, pristine beaches, Ayurveda wellness, rich biodiversity, and a strong commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

What are the must-visit Tourism Places in Kerala?

When planning your Kerala travel, make sure not to miss these top tourist destinations:

• Experience a stay on a houseboat, floating along the tranquil backwaters.
• Stroll through the lush tea estates of Munnar, where the landscape is adorned with rolling hills and tea plantations.
• Enjoy a serene boat ride in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by diverse wildlife and lush greenery.
• Purchase aromatic spices from Thekkady, known for its spice markets.
• Unwind on the sun-kissed beaches of Kovalam or Marari, where relaxation meets natural beauty.
• Savor a traditional Kerala meal served on a banana leaf, a unique culinary experience.
• Treat yourself to an Ayurvedic rejuvenation massage, a holistic wellness practice.
• Explore the historical sites of Fort Cochin, known for its rich heritage and colonial architecture.
• Visit the Padmanabha Swamy Temple, considered one of the world's wealthiest temples.
• Delight in a seafood feast along the shores of Kovalam Beach, known for its delectable coastal cuisine.
• Head to Varkala Beach for surfing and kayaking adventures along the stunning coastline.
• Travel to Wayanad to experience lush green landscapes and a cool, refreshing climate.

Kerala is a treasure trove of unique experiences and breathtaking natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking diverse and enriching adventures.

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Though we were planning for last 30-40 days but could not finalized hence missed some good opportunity. I found that Air+ Hotel combo is best option. around 30-40 days ago I was getting a Room of Taj Gateway Cochin around Rs 2500/ a day !!! Amazing !!!! isn't it ? yes believe it or not but I missed this opportunity as could not finalize the programme...Hence my First advise is, book flight + Hotel combo through any Travel site. I used GOIBIBO...it will give you best hotel around 50% discount..again this benefit is not only for any day but as many days as you want..so friends donot miss this opportunity.

we are a family of 4. Three started from Delhi by spice jet around 7.10 AM on 25th Feb and reached cochi at 10.15 AM. one of our member was to arrive from Hyderabd and his flight came around 12.15 Noon..

Airport is very small and beautiful. It does not use bus from Aeroplane to arrival lobby. distance is hardly 200 ft. it was a pleasant surprise. Luggage belt is just entering the arrival lobby. entry to exist of arrival lobby is around 200 ft only.

At airport Uber and Ola were not available, hence don't waste your time in searching Uber/ Ola. You have following option

1. Pre Paid Taxi- Rs 900/ to Rs 1200/

2. City Buses. Good Nos of buses to many side of Kochin. Fare Rs 60/ to 100/

3. Hire a Outside Taxi for Airport Pick up...

We had already hired Ertiga for our entire Journey hence Our Ertiga Cab came to pick us. we booked the same through my local friend @ Rs 1750/ per day..

we started from Aiport and went to KTDC office at Shanmugam Road to explore Sunset Cruise. But as sufficient Nos of Passenger were not available it was cancelled. There fore we head towards our Hotel . As we could not book Taj Gateway we booked Hotel Millennium Continental which is just 200 meters from M G Road and situated on Narakatra Road which is opposite Shenoys. This is a small and new Hotel. when we entered in the compound of Hotel All the staff of Hotel cam out to receive us. what a warm welcome !! Though Rooms of Hotel were small but it was neat and clean. I am writing separate review for the same,

After a very brief rest we started for Mattancherry . First of all we visited Mattancherry Palace, which is also known as Dutch Palace, This was constructed in the mid-1550s by the Portuguese. It was given to the Maharaja of Kochi in exchange for trading rights.later on it came into the possession of Dutch. In fact it is a small structure outside the main building whole campus is not well maintained. inside the building there is a museum which contain a rare collection of vivid murals and royal artifacts like Palakis, furniture, paintings, robes and weaponry. I am writing separate review,

next was Synagogue, nothing special to mention and then visited Local Market which is one of the oldest Market. next was Fort Kochi . First we saw Chinease fishing net. On one of the fishing net one senior Fishermen explained us the working of Net. They pull down the net into water with the help of some pully and after few minutes they pull out net. we tired with Fishermen but in our turn no fish was caught.

After that we went towards Fort Kochi beach ,, a good walkway. Beach was good No garbage but water was muddy. we enjoyed Khatta Mitha Salad ( made of unripe Mango and pineapple) & Tender Coconut water.

Meanwhile we recd Tel call from our Local friend that he has arranged one Boat for our sunset Tour. so we rushed to Marine Drive from there we took the boat..

Boat was a large enough to accommodate 25 persons but we hired it for Rs 1500/ only for 1 & 1/2 hrs. we seated on upper deck and Boat started around 5.40 PM. it first took a round of Vembanad lake and then headed towards Arebian sea. en-route we saw willingdon and Bolgatty

island. over all it was a good experience.

after our boat journey we took a stroll on MG road and Finally landed at Ambiswamy's, pure vegetarian restaurant on MG road, it is a variety of menu at incredibly low prices that too on MG Road. Food was OK for the Price we paid..From Ambiswamy's, we returned to our hotel on foot.

it was surprising that around 8 Market was almost close...

overall first day was good.

yes Jacpaul, As undercurrent was strong and Gaurds have not turned up in the morning, we feared to go beyond 20 ft. waves were very strong...

Thanks to all who appreciated and enjoyed my report...

Fantastic gupta, can you share your entire trip with us, it would be very very helpful for TA lovers.

Thanks lgirl.

17th Feb 10 AM Cochin airport pickup, directly to athirapally falls then Munnar

18th Feb Munnar sightseeing

19th Feb Munnar to Alleppey

20th Feb Alleppey sightseeing

21st Feb Cochin airport drop

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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