Kerala

Kerala: The Backwaters, Beaches & Spice Gardens

Destination Type: Nature | Culture | Adventure | Relaxation
Best Time to Visit:

• October–March: Cool and pleasant, perfect for all activities

• April–June: Hot and humid, but ideal for Ayurvedic treatments
  Ideal Duration: 7 to 10 days

🧭 7-Day Travel Itinerary for Kerala

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi & Cultural Exploration

• Morning: Arrive in Kochi (Cochin), a blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture.

• Visit:

  • Fort Kochi: Explore Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Mattancherry Palace.

  • Jewish Synagogue: One of the oldest active synagogues in the world.

• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Keralan meal at Kashi Art Café or Sri Guru’s.

• Evening: Stroll around Marine Drive for a sunset view or enjoy a Kathakali dance performance at Kerala Kathakali Centre.

Day 2: Munnar – Tea Gardens & Scenic Views

• Morning: Drive to Munnar (~4 hours from Kochi) amidst the lush hills of Western Ghats.

• Afternoon: Visit the Tea Museum to understand the tea-making process and explore the Eravikulam National Park.

• Evening: Relax at Attukal Waterfalls or take a walk through Tea Estates and enjoy a scenic sunset.

• Stay: Spend the night in a cozy resort with tea garden views, such as Spice Tree Munnar.

Day 3: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Morning: Early morning drive to Thekkady (~3 hours), home to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Activity: Take a boat ride in Periyar Lake for a chance to spot elephants, bison, and various birds.

• Afternoon: Visit Spice Plantations for a guided tour, where you’ll learn about Kerala’s famous spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.

• Evening: Explore the local markets for handcrafted spices and goods.

• Stay: Overnight at Thekkady’s Jungle Palace or similar eco-lodges.

Day 4: Alleppey – The Backwaters

• Morning: Travel to Alleppey (~4 hrs) for a quintessential Kerala experience—the backwaters.

• Afternoon: Embark on a houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters of Vembanadu Lake.

  • Enjoy meals on board, cooked with fresh local ingredients.

• Evening: Relax as you glide through villages, lush greenery, and paddy fields. Watch local life unfold along the shores.

• Stay: Overnight on the houseboat (choose a luxury or traditional wooden boat depending on your preference).

Day 5: Kovalam – Beaches & Relaxation

• Morning: Head south to Kovalam (~4 hrs), one of Kerala’s most famous beach destinations.

• Afternoon: Spend your day at Lighthouse Beach or Hawah Beach. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or a leisurely beach walk.

• Optional: Indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage or a full spa day at one of Kovalam’s luxury resorts.

• Evening: Enjoy a beachside seafood dinner at The Leela Kovalam or Bait by the Beach.

• Stay: Relax in one of Kovalam’s beautiful beach resorts or boutique hotels.

Day 6: Varkala – Cliffside Views & Spiritual Retreat

• Morning: Travel to Varkala (~1.5 hrs from Kovalam), known for its dramatic cliffs and tranquil beaches.

• Visit:

  • Papanasam Beach: Famous for its clean sands and spiritual significance.

  • Janardhana Swamy Temple: A 2,000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

• Afternoon: Spend time exploring the Varkala cliffside, with shops, cafés, and views over the Arabian Sea.

• Evening: Watch the sunset from the cliffs, followed by a relaxing dinner at a café overlooking the sea.

• Stay: Overnight at a cliffside boutique resort, like Varkala Marine Palace.

Day 7: Departure from Trivandrum

• Morning: Drive to Trivandrum (~1.5 hrs), Kerala’s capital city.

• Visit:

  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Famous for its wealth and intricate architectural details (only for Hindus).

  • Napier Museum: A blend of Kerala art and history.

• Lunch: Try local Kerala-style seafood or a traditional thali.

• Departure: Head to Trivandrum International Airport for your onward journey.

🌟 Highlights of Kerala

• 🏞️ Munnar’s Tea Gardens & Eravikulam National Park

• 🌿 Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spice plantations

• 🚤 Backwater houseboat cruise in Alleppey

• 🏖️ Kovalam & Varkala Beaches

• 🛕 Temples & Ayurveda experiences

📌 Travel Tips

• Getting Around:

  • Hire a car with a driver for long-distance travel (affordable and comfortable)

  • Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available for local travel.

• Weather: Kerala is humid throughout the year; light cotton clothes and sunscreen are essential.

• Houseboat Bookings: Ensure to book houseboats in advance (especially during the high season from November to February).

• Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples; remove shoes before entering sacred sites.

🧳 What to Pack

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Light, breathable clothing (plus a shawl for temple visits)

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat

• Mosquito repellent (especially for backwater regions)

• Camera, power bank, and ID proofs

✨ Perfect For:

• Nature and wildlife enthusiasts

• Couples & honeymooners

• Wellness seekers (Ayurveda & spa lovers)

• Beach and adventure travelers

• First-time visitors to India