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Steal this 7 Days in Kerala Itinerary for the Perfect Trip (2024)!

Having lived in Delhi for over a year and backpacked (almost) all over this country, I couldn’t believe that I still had the southern state of Kerala to check off my list. 

It’s almost could be considered criminal as most tourists flock to Kerala and rave about it. So, on this recent trip to India, I knew that all had to change! 

Thankfully, India Someday came on board to plan out the perfect 7 days in Kerala itinerary for me to make it happen. 

I gave them the number of days I was planning to visit Kerala and they worked out the ideal itinerary to make the most out of my trip there! It really took the stress out of it, as they booked my transport, hotels, activities, the lot. 

I spent a week in Kerala exploring the historic Fort Kochi, frolicking in the tea plantations of Munnar, and cruising down the Alleppey Backwaters. 

Here is my perfect 7 days in Kerala itinerary, make sure you steal it to have the best trip.

Table of Contents

Who are India Someday?

India Someday is a trip planning company that is based in Mumbai, India. They specialise in planning travel itineraries for those that want to go to India but don’t necessarily know where to start planning their trip. 

They have extensive contacts with luxury hotels and cosy homestays so you can plan your holiday based on your budget and preferences. 

I personally stayed at a lot of boutique homestay’s while in Kerala and absolutely loved them! They were so unique and the cherry on top (for me at least) was that they were in heritage buildings so you were living the history while there too! 

As well as places to stay, they can plan out your transport to reach each location and organise activities for you too. So, everything will be taken care of. All you have to do is show up and enjoy your holiday. 

To read more about their services, read my full review of India Someday here.

Did you know that India Someday offer 20% off for solo travellers? As a bonus, add on my code “THIRDEYE05” to get an extra 5% off. That’s a whole 25% off your trip!

How to reach Kerala

• By plane: Kerala is easy to access by flight as it has a huge international and domestic airport. I flew into Kerala from Delhi with Vistara and the prices were pretty reasonable for a one-way ticket at £50. But, if you book further in advance tickets can be considerably cheaper. I always use Skyscanner to book flights and compare prices. 
• If you’re flying internationally from the UK straight into Kerala, you can take a flight from Birmingham, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh. Most of these stop  over in Dubai, Doha or Delhi first. 
• By Train: Kerala is also accessible by direct train from Mumbai, Goa and Bangalore. I always book my trains online to save the hassle of the dreaded India train company website. You can see my full post on how to book trains in India here . If you’d rather book on the day, you can get a Taktal ticket at the station but chances can be slim!

How to get around Kerala 

Kerala is not the easiest state to navigate with a lot of places, like Munnar and Alleppey, requiring private transport.

Of course, you can take sharing cabs and public government buses to reach main locations, but after that you’re on your own! 

Fort Kochi is easily accessible from Kochi airport and you can get around on foot but if you’re heading to the hill stations, national parks, and the backwaters, this is where it gets a tad complicated. 

Munnar doesn’t really have public buses and the buses that are there stop quite early in the day.

So, unless you’re staying in the hectic Munnar city, rickshaws and taxis can be difficult to secure and book to head to some of the tourist attractions which are spread out in the hills. So, you will need a private car hire anyway.

Luckily, India Someday booked me a private driver for the week while I was staying in Kerala. This was the perfect way to make the most of my time and I highly appreciated the air conditioning as Kerala was scorching! 

I would highly recommend hiring a driver to explore Kerala, or hiring a vehicle to take you around. 

The ultimate 7 days in Kerala itinerary 

So, let’s get started on the 7 days in Kerala Itinerary! It’s good to note that Kerala is HUGE and so there is only so much that you can cover in one week. 

India Someday was on hand to make sure that I saw the best of Kerala in the time that I had and it worked out perfectly. So, I thought I would pass on this onto you.

In this Kerala itinerary, I’ll be covering Fort Kochi, Munnar, and Alleppey. This gives you the perfect balance of heritage, culture, tea plantations, beaches, and backwaters. 

How to get from Kochi Airport to Fort Kochi 

Kochi Airport is around 36 kilometres from Fort Kochi, so I was glad to have a car to take me there. The heat in October was stifling and the air conditioning in the car was a must!

If you don’t have transport booked you will need to book a transfer to the town after your flight. The airport will have pre-paid taxi services that you can buy at the airport.

I would highly recommend these booking counters as they can save you a lot of money rather than negotiating outside of the airport. 

Bus from Kochi Airport to Fort Kochi  

There is also a Volvo bus transfer service from Kochi airport to Fort Kochi if you would prefer.

This is a great budget option at 90 rupees per head and it does have comfortable seats and air conditioning! There is also the option for Non A/C but it would be pretty grim with the heat. 

The only downside is that these do have a strict schedule for timings. But, if you’re not in a hurry, it’s perfect. 

Day 1-2 explore the historic Fort Kochi 

Fort Kochi is the perfect starting place for your Kerala Itinerary. For such a small fishing town, this place is a powerhouse of history!

But, despite the name, don’t expect to find anything remotely resembling a fort here. Okay, except for maybe one canon lol. 

The current history of Fort Kochi really began when a merchant sailor by the name of Vasco de Gama rediscovered the old spice trade route from Europe. He sailed from Portugal to India and landed on the shores of Kerala in 1501.

After a rather unsuccessful meeting on southern shores with the Zamorin (king) of Calicut, he ended up making an alliance with the Rajah (another king) of Kochi.

The deal was, in exchange for defeating the Zamorin, Vasco de Gama had permission from the Rajah to trade and build in the area. Thus, the first settlement in Fort Kochi was born! 

Many of the Portuguese churches and historic buildings are still here today.

Two centuries later the Dutch wanted to take over the spice route and created the Dutch East India Company, a business that equated to over 8 trillion dollars in today’s society! 

Eventually, the British Raj took over power and built more houses, hospitals, train lines, and clubs for those of the Empire to meet. 

Today, since India’s independence, there’s a perfect synergy of colonial heritage, religious temples, and local culture here. Something you’ll notice very quickly as you wander around. 

Read more places to visit in Fort Kochi here

Places to visit in Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is a tiny picturesque fishing village and so it’s really accessible to explore on foot self-guided.

But, if you were looking for a little bit of direction and to learn some history, I would recommend going on a walking tour with Gully Tours .

The ’spice trail’ walking tour allowed me to understand way more of the history than discovering it for myself! 

On our tour, we visited many of the churches, historic buildings, the sea front and I was really impressed with a lot of the street art in the area.

We had lots of fun taking photos against the many ‘Instagram walls’ and visiting some of the trendy art cafés.

One that particularly caught my interest was The Pepper House Café , it used to be a heritage pepper exchange and now it serves up fair trade coffee. 

Chinese Fishing Nets 

No visit to Fort Kochi would be complete without a visit to the famous Chinese Fishing Nets on the seafront.

The legend goes that a Chinese fisherman named Zang He introduced these nets to Kerala over 500 years ago and they’ve stuck ever since. They are a bit of a tourist trap though, so, haggle if you want photos! 

What I also loved about this walking tour was the fact that we visited the colonial side but also the Indian side of town.

This is where you got to see some of the ‘real’ Kochi, where locals go about their day, sell their wares in the market and eat in cafés once the workday is done.

Click here to read tips on how to not get scammed at the fishing nets!

Where to eat in Fort Kochi

We stopped by a local restaurant called Kayeez Rahmathulla Café which is the most popular restaurant in Fort Kochi with locals! 

It was packed and apparently is that way from morning until night. We had an absolute feast of buffalo curry, Kerala roti, rice, and even chai tea and it cost next to nothing. Such a great way to experience life in the city. 

Don’t miss in Fort Kochi – Kathakali performance 

If there is one thing that you must do while in Kerala, it’s visiting a Kathakali dance performance.

You can visit these dance performances all over Kerala, but I had heard that Fort Kochi has the best places to watch.

I was so excited to see that India Someday had included it on the itinerary – I watched the show at the Kathakali Cultural Centre. 

What is Kathakali?

If you’re not aware of what Kathakali is, it’s a historic dance that is inspired by the Hindu epic the Ramayan.

Performers have to train for over six years to be able to perform the craft; that’s the dancers, drummers, singers, and even the makeup artists too! 

What to expect in a Kathakali dance

The first half of the performance is to watch the makeup being applied. The performers apply this themselves and only use natural products with coconut oils.

In Kathakali the characters have yellow and green faces. So, they apply natural face paints to get into character. 

The performers even put flower seeds in their eyes to make their eyes go red – they’re really dedicated to the craft!

Once the makeup has been applied, you learn a little bit about the training for Kathakali.

There is no talking during the performances but the performers learn to move their facial muscles, eyes, hands, legs, eyebrows, and pretty much all of their bodies to make a dancing ‘language’. No wonder it takes years to perfect, as there is so much to remember!

The dancing part of the show was incredible. The storytelling through the body movements was fascinating to watch and, although I didn’t understand all of it, you could definitely tell most of the story by the body language.

Luckily, the centre give you a piece of paper with the story on it beforehand so you can keep up. 

I would highly recommend a visit while you’re in Kerala!

Read more of my top tips for watching a Kathakali show in Kerala

Where to stay in Fort Kochi – Delight Homestay

I was really pleased with the accommodation that India Someday had chosen for me here. I’m a massive fan of historic cities and the fact that I was staying in a heritage property was the cherry on top!

Delight Homestay is one of the oldest homestays in Fort Kochi that dates back 200 years during the Dutch period. The building had so much character and a beautiful garden full of flowers, orchids, trees growing fruits and they even grew their own vegetables here! 

My room was spacious with a double bed, mirror, wardrobes, living area, air conditioning (needed with the heat), and a clean bathroom too.

Every morning I would enjoy breakfast with the family and get to know them a little better. It was such a little cosy retreat and I couldn’t have asked for more. 

The homestay is only a few minutes from the seafront and some of the main attractions in Fort Kochi, so it’s an amazing base for a few days of sightseeing here.

Read my full review of this incredible Delight homestay here

Days 3-5 ascend to the Hills of Munnar

After a few scorching hot days in Fort Kochi, I was really excited to head up to Munnar Hill Station to beat the heat!

Once again, I was really happy that India Someday had booked me a car to get here as there aren’t really any buses that make the journey. Many people drive their own cars, hire a car or take private taxis to get to the top.

Munnar is like an emerald paradise with waterfalls and rolling hills that go on for miles! It’s also famous for its main export, tea, so you’ll see (and taste!) lot’s of it when you’re here.

This hill station is incredibly touristy making a lot of the attractions overcrowded.

It also didn’t help I was visiting over a holiday, so everyone was making their way up here for a few days. But, there are some parts of Munnar where you can explore without endless people – more on that later.

How to get from Fort Kochi to Munnar 

The journey from Fort Kochi to Munnar will take you around 4-5 hours due to the winding switchback roads.

Thankfully, as it’s a big tourist destination, the roads are really well laid and so you don’t have to worry about a bumpy journey.

However, there will be quite a lot of traffic on the way up and some parts of the roads are under construction. But, I was in safe hands with my driver Suresh, who knew how to handle them. 

There aren’t really any tourist buses that head up from Fort Kochi to Munnar and the public buses looked like a bit of a dice with death. So, I would definitely opt for a shared or private taxi to take you up to the hill. 

The benefit of taking a private taxi is that you’ll be able to stop off at places along the way. A lot of places are like tacky ayurvedic shops, spice farms, and even elephant riding centres which I DO NOT recommend. But, I’ll go through some places with natural beauty to stop off at below. 

Read my complete guide to this Kochi to Munnar road trip with sightseeing, food stops, and viewpoints here

Places to stop on the way from Fort Kochi to Munnar 

There are a couple of waterfalls that you have to stop off on your way up to Munnar.

You’ll instantly know the places as you’ll see lots of cars parked up before you get there and there is a reason for that; they are drop-dead gorgeous!

We stopped at two of the most popular waterfalls; Valara & Cheeyapara waterfalls.

The first one, Cheeyapara, was a big photo spot and I’ve never seen so many selfie sticks being taken out. Of course, I had to join in the fun and get a photo.

The second was Valara and apparently, even though it was roaring, this was a light flow compared to monsoon season!  

If you’re looking for places to stop off for food then I would highly recommend The Clay Oven. This place was super clean, the food was hygienic and the toilets were lovely, if you needed a clean bathroom break! 

My driver recommended trying the Kerala feast which was like a thali on a banana leaf. Eating curry on a banana leaf is traditional here so I guess it had to be done.

When the Clay Oven said ‘feast’, I really didn’t know what I was in for! I was a massive plate of rice and around ten little dishes full of curry, chutney’s, dal and then there was even pudding with banana chips and a banana on the side. Then, to wash it all down I had a freshly squeezed pineapple juice. 

Safe to say I was so stuffed afterward but it was incredible local and organic food. The whole bill came to about 270 rupees (£3!) which was a steal.

Places to visit in Munnar 

Munnar is any nature lovers paradise and many visit simply for the epic views alone! But, there are plenty of things to do in the area, so make sure you leave a couple of days to really get the most out of it. 

Read more: 20+ tourist places to visit in Munnar!

Wildlife and Nature Parks

If you’re into wildlife then you have to visit one of the National Parks. We decided to visit Erivakulum National Park where you can have the chance to spot an endangered Nilgiri Tahr deer.

At one point when the British were here, the Nilgiri Tahr almost became endangered with so much hunting taking place. But, now they are protected in this park and there’s lots of conservation going on. 

I was really impressed with the care taken towards the environment too, like no jeeps touring around and people were allowed to walk for the chance to spot one. We were lucky and got to spot not one but three of them near the end gate.

If you didn’t fancy splashing out on a parking ticket, then there is plenty of wildlife to see roaming free on the roadsides. I was really lucky and had the chance to see wild elephants, nilgiri lankur’s, and wild buffalo!

Click here for my essential tips for Erivakulam before you visit

Top Station Route

Did you know that Munnar is close to the border of Tamil Nadu? So, you can head on up to Top Station to see the old trading post of the British Raj. But, you may not see great views on a cloudy day. The best way to see the views is to head out as early as possible before the clouds roll in.

Read more on whether a visit to Top Station is worth it!

There’s also many waterfalls that you can visit and even swim by like Lakkam Falls.

When I went inside, the fish were giving me a natural foot spa. My feet were so soft afterward haha. 

Read more about the gorgeous Lakkam Falls here  or check out the best waterfalls in Munnar here

If you’re interested in seeing some heritage then Munnar has a lot leftover from when the British were here.

Once upon a time, there was a train station that has now been converted into shops or you can visit the oldest church in Munnar.

Christ Church Munnar was built in 1921 and it’s well worth checking out. They even have a London Exchequer sign from years gone by!

In the evening, you must visit Punarjarni to watch some Kerala Martial Arts; Kalaripayattu.

This ancient craft takes years of training and originates from the warriors of Kerala long ago. When I first walked into the theatre, it was like a colosseum. I thought to myself, is this going to be a fight to the death?!

The show involved lots of fighting with wooden sticks, spears, swords, and even jumping through rings of fire! It amazing and I would highly recommend it. 

Don’t miss in Munnar – Lockhart tea plantation

I have to admit, heading up to Top Station was super touristy. Every attraction we stopped at on the way had a queue to even to park up which became frustrating after a while.

But, I was super happy that India Someday had booked me on a tour with Route 49 adventures to off-road into Lockhart Tea Plantation.

We took a private jeep off-roading into the tea plantations and I honestly could not believe my eyes. It was endless tea fields, mountains as a backdrop, and not one tourist in sight! 

Route 49 adventures have a permit so that you can access private tea plantations which made the perfect escape! I loved exploring the plantation and I took LOTS of photos while I was here. 

Off-roading in a jeep can be extremely bumpy but it’s so much fun. We also got to stop at the many villages where the tea plantation workers live and see them working in the fields too. 

Read my top tips for visiting the Tea Gardens of Munnar

Lockhart Tea Museum and Tea Tasting

After taking a lot of photos, we pulled back into tourist town again and went for a tour of Lockhart Tea Museum.

This allowed us to see how the tea was cultivated and made into bags for the cups of tea we drink at home! No photos were allowed inside and you had to wear these super fashionable shoe covers… lovely. 

To finish off our tour we went for a tea tasting at Munnar Tea Tales, unfortunately, the power went out halfway through but as they say, the show must go on!

We tried all sorts of teas like Munnar Green Tea, Pekoe Tea, even Rose Tea. I loved learning about how each tea is made and how the type of tea depends on how it’s produced.

Out of all my trips in Munnar, the adventure to Lockhart Tea Plantation with Route 49 adventures was the best. I had such a great time and, if you want to escape the crowds in Munnar, this is the tour for you!

Where to stay in Munnar – Mistletoe Homestay

I stayed in an amazing homestay called Mistletoe Munnar while I was here. It was a little further out of Munnar City but this was honestly a blessing rather than a curse. 

Munnar City is incredibly overcrowded with traffic pretty much all day and night. So, staying a little bit away from the hustle and bustle was brilliant. 

Mistletoe Munnar is a delightful family-run homestay that has spectacular views of the Munnar Hills. 

My room was spacious with a double bed, desk area and I had a huge bathroom! The highlight was my private balcony that looked right over the rolling hills and I absolutely loved sipping on a cup of tea and enjoying breakfast with the view. 

I actually loved the food so much here that I ate dinner here every night. I would always ask for them to surprise me, as long as it wasn’t too spicy, and each night the meals were delicious!

It’s the perfect base for a few days of sightseeing in Munnar which provides peace and quiet.  Read my full review of Mistletoe Munnar here.

Days 6-7 sail down the backwaters of Alleppey 

After a few days in Munnar, it’s time to head back down to the heat. This time, we were heading to Alleppey!  

Alleppey, or Alappuzha, is somewhere that I had wanted to visit for an age. It looked like such a treat to be floating down the backwaters so I was excited that India Someday had added this onto the Kerala itinerary. 

Most tourists opt for a houseboat while they are here to explore the backwaters. But, I was going to be staying on an island IN the backwaters which sounded amazing. 

After some busy travelling and exploring days, I was happy to take it down a notch and relax.   

Places to visit in Alleppey 

I guess Alleppey doesn’t really have that many ‘top places to visit’ as it’s mainly the backwaters and beaches that tourists come to see.

After our journey from Munnar, we headed straight out to see the Alleppey Lighthouse get an introduction to the area. It’s a huge lighthouse that provides amazing views of the ocean, beaches, jungles, and beyond.

Click here for a 24 hours Alleppey itinerary

Alleppey Beach nearby was also lovely, if a bit overcrowded at sunset.

Like with a lot of Indian beaches, instead of sunbathing with towels like in the West, most people simply stand near the shoreline to paddle in the waves that come crashing in.

But, ladies, don’t come to this beach in a bikini! Most people are fully dressed so it will draw a lot of attention. 

Lastly, you’ll definitely want to prioritise a trip down the backwaters !

Most houseboats have hotel rooms, toilets, showers, and lots of amenities most hotels have. So, you can opt to stay on the backwaters or take a day trip in one from your guesthouse/hotel. The choice is yours. 

Where to stay in Alleppey – Emerald Isle Heritage Villa

India Someday booked Emerald Isle for my stay in Alleppey which is located on an island in the backwaters! This was ideal for me as staying alone on a houseboat for the night wouldn’t be the most fun. 

I loved the fact that Emerald Isle was another heritage homestay. It was a farmhouse that the owner’s great grandfather had built over 160 years ago.

When I was checking in, I even got to see the original deed of lands granted to the family that was carved into a leaf of a palm tree! How cool is that?!

Years ago, the hotel rooms that are now open to guests were used for storage on the farm.

They would store rice, coconuts, grain, and all other types of harvests for the family to trade. Nowadays, the homestay has six amazing boutique rooms that you can spend the night in. My room was where they used to store the rice.

I loved the wholesome Kerala food they served every lunch and dinner time at the hotel. They made the most amazing thali with fresh fish and chicken curries, local Kerala rice, pappad, and more. The chef was also so sweet and always asked me for preferences which was a nice touch. 

Click here to read my full review of Emeral Isle Homestay.

Things to do around Emerald Isle

As part of my stay, Emerald Isle booked in a few resort activities for me to enjoy. 

Firstly, I had a tour around the island in a rickshaw, which was a lovely introduction to the area.

We got to see houses on the backwaters with buffalos bathing in the sun, Christian churches, locals fishing and meeting people which was the best part! 

Ayurvedic Massage

Later, I was booked in for a massage. Can you believe that it was my first massage in India?! Which I think could almost be criminal haha. But, where better to have my first massage than at the home of Ayurveda?! 

Before my massage, she asked me to tell her any pain I was experiencing that she could help me with. As a blogger, I’m usually hunched over my laptop or carrying lots of heavy tech, so I asked her to help me with shoulder pain. 

What I loved is also they asked me how much oil I wanted and if I wanted a soft or hard massage. I guess it was my first time, so I asked her to do medium lol! 

It really, really helped me with my shoulder and back pain and I only wish I was there for a couple of days more to have a few treatments.

Sailing down the backwaters on a Shikara Boat 

As I mentioned before, most tourists opt for a day trip on a houseboat. Included in that would be your boat ride, food, snacks, water etc. So, you can spend all day sailing down the backwaters. 

But, the only thing with a huge houseboat is you can only sail down the main waterways which can get terribly crowded in peak seasons. So, we opted for a Shikara boat.

This traditional boat meant that we could sail down little canals and see the locals which sounded far more fun. 

It was great to see the local fisherman, women washing clothes, families on their houseboats, the local ferries transporting locals to where they needed to be. There were also churches, Mandirs (temples), wildlife, swaying palm trees, all as we floated merrily down the river. 

I would highly recommend taking a boat trip for at least a few hours to make the most of it.

Click here to read more things to do on the backwaters of Alleppey!

Don’t miss in Alleppey – Toddy!

Toddy is something I desperately wanted to try in Kerala, ever since I arrived in India over 3 years ago. It’s a palm wine made out of sap that they source from the palm trees here! You may see some bowls that have been placed on the palm trees as you wander around, that’s where the locals collect Toddy! 

Now most tourists will try toddy in their resort or the bottled stuff on their houseboats. But, I wanted to try a more local experience. I was desperate to visit a toddy shack and so I forced my guesthouse owner to take me to one while I was in Alleppey.

Now most tourists don’t touch toddy shacks, let alone a woman entering one.

But, as I had my guide with me, I didn’t see the harm. They’re not really recommended as they use local water to mix the toddy wine to drink. But, a little taste can’t harm you, right?

Toddy wine will cost you a whopping 60 rupees ;) which is a fraction of the price of local and imported wines here. So, you can fill your boots even on a budget. 

The guy who owned the toddy shack was so proud to serve me and asked me to take some photos. So, here’s a little memoir of my toddy shack adventure. It isn’t for the faint-hearted but it was a lot of fun and something I have wanted to do for an age! 

Click here to read my guide on how to consume Toddy safely in Kerala

Where else is there to visit in Kerala?

If you can spare more than a week in Kerala and would rather see some different places while you’re here, this state is packed with beautiful and diverse locations.

If you’re into beaches, why not visit Varkala and Trivandrum. These beaches are a little less touristy and maybe more fun than Alleppey. 

Or, if you’d like to watch more wildlife, why not visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary for elephants or Periyar National Park for tiger where you have the chance to spot a wild tiger. 

If you really want to go off the beaten track then I would suggest you look to Neeleshwar, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, or Vagamon.

So, that’s your perfect 7 days in Kerala itinerary

I really have to thank India Someday for planning the perfect Kerala Itinerary for my 7 days in Kerala.

With only a week, it felt like there wasn’t much time to explore this huge state but I felt like I had the perfect blend of history, culture, hill stations, wildlife, beaches, and backwaters.

I loved the fact that all of the stress was taken out of my travel plans as everything had been booked and arranged for me.

I knew where I was going, where I was staying, what activities were planned and it all went off without a hitch. 

If you’re ever planning a trip to Kerala, or elsewhere in India, then I would highly recommend using India Someday’s services. They’re incredible efficient and organise your trip around your preferences. 

Another thing I loved is the fact that they use local businesses, tour companies and homestay’s throughout the trip.

These homestays are run by local families and they really allow you to meet locals while you’re here and even, in some cases, feel a part of history too. 

I have a whole post that goes into more details about India Someday’s services and how to book here . Click here to  start planning your trip via this link !

Did you know that India Someday offers 20% off for solo travellers? As a bonus, add on my code “THIRDEYE05” to get an extra 5% off. That’s a whole 25% off your trip!

Save this 7 day Kerala itinerary for later!

With thanks to India Someday for sponsoring my trip to Kerala, although I was a guest, all photos, opinions, and videos are my own. 

Sophie Pearce is the founder of Third Eye Traveller. Always having a restless soul seeking adventure, she has now travelled to over 30+ countries, many of them solo. Leaving her heart in India, which gifted her a "Third Eye", she felt inspired to share her travel stories in the hope of encouraging others to find their inner magic and explore this beautiful world of ours. Even if it's on their own!

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13 comments.

I think this is a great post. I’m from Kerala and there is so much information in this that i never paid attention to. Great going :)

Hi Kavya, that’s amazing that you’re from Kerala and this post taught you something new! Sophie x

Fabulous write up Sophie. It looks a fascinating and beautiful area of India to visit! Of all the places you visited, I’d definitely Pick Munnar to visit. The tea plantation and wildlife parks are right up my street, not to mention those waterfalls! ?

Hi Tilly, thanks so much for reading! Munnar was absolutely stunning and I think you’d love it! Sophie x

You’ve perfectly spend your 7 days in kerala, relaxing and exploring too without any hustle bustle

Hi Shivani, it was a really good mix of busier days and relaxing ones. I would highly recommend Kerala! :) Sophie x

Hi. Impressed with the tour details. We are 3 senior citizens, me, my wife and her sister planning to visit Kerala for the first time for 6 D/7N. Wish to visit Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady , Alleppey and Trivandrum. Could you please help us chalk out our intenary and recommend places to stay and tour operators in Kerala for this purpose. Pl share contact numbers if available. We are looking for 3 Star accomodation. Thks

Hi Vijay, that trip sounds lovely. I can only recommend the places I stayed on my trip and they are all mentioned and linked in the article. In Munnar I stayed at Mistletoe in Kochi I stayed in Delight Homestay and in Alleppey I stayed in Emerald Isle Villas. All were great! Hope this helps and have a lovely time. Sophie x

Found your post interesting to read. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting.

Sophie, your write-up is absolutely fabulous! The allure of Munnar is truly captivating, especially with its tea plantations, wildlife parks, and enchanting waterfalls. Your vivid descriptions have sparked my wanderlust, and Munnar has become a must-visit on my travel list. Thanks for sharing the beauty of this fascinating area in India!

Thank you so much! I totally agree that Munnar is gorgeous. Sophie x

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Unforgettable 10 Days Kerala Itinerary: see the Best of Kerala

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 days Kerala itinerary & Kerala Travel Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Explore Vibrant Kochi

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

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

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

Things to do in Kochi: Kochi Sightseeing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Munnar

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

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

Related Read: Ooty- the Tea Capital of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Thekkady-Periyar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5-6 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Kumarakom

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

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

Things to do in Kumarakom

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

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

Day 7: Alleppey : Cruising Through Coconut Groves

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

Things to do in Alleppey

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

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

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

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

Should you go to Alleppey or Kumarakom?

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Varkala

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

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

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

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

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

Day 9-10 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Thiruvananthapuram

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

Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best time to visit Kerala

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

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

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

Must visit activities in Kerala

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

Must try the food in Kerala

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

Some of the must-try vegetarian dishes are:

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

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

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

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

How to reach Kochi, Kerala for 10 days Kerala Itinerary

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

Reaching Kerala by Air

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

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

Train to Kerala

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

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

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

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

Getting around Kerala

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

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

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

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

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

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10 days road trip in Kerala: An itinerary and Guide

Last Updated on July 1, 2024 by admin

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

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

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

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

Kochi – 1.5 days

Munnar – 3 days

Thekkady – 2 days

Kumarakom – 1 day

Alleppey – 1 day

Varkala – 2

Trivandrum – 1.5 day

Table of Contents

HOW TO GET AROUND KERALA

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

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

WHERE TO START THE 10 DAYS ROAD TRIP IN KERALA?

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

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

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

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

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

C Satish can be reached at +91 9495690929

Day 1: Kochi

How to get from kochi airport to fort kochi.

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Kochi in one day

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

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

Fort Kochi Heritage walk

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

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

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

Where to eat in Fort Kochi

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

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

Where to stay in Kochi

For a luxurious experience: Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty

For a heritage experience: Ginger House Museum and Hotel

Medium budget: Abad Atrium , Niko Hotels

If you are a backpacker choose: Zostel, Kochi

Kashi Art Cafe, Fort Kochi

Day 3: Kochi to Munnar

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

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

• Things to do in Munnar

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

Exploring the Munnar tea plantations during Road trip in Kerala

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

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

Where to stay in Munnar

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

Medium budget: Hotel Cloud Valley

If you are a backpacker choose: Vedanta Wake up

Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park Munnar

Day 5: Munnar to Thekkady

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

Things to do in Thekkady

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

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

Kathakali performance in Thekkady

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

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

Read in Detail: Places to visit in Thekkady

Where to stay in Thekkady

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

If you are a backpacker choose: Jungle Paradiso Homestay

Periyar National Park Boat Safari

Day 6: Thekkady to Kumarakom

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

Things to do in Kumarakom

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

Sunset on Vembanad lake, Kumarakom

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

Where to stay in Kumarakom

For a luxurious experience: Kumarakom Lake Resort , Aveda Kumarakom  

If you are a backpacker choose: Nallathanka Nest Homestay

Coir rope making in Kumarakom

Day 7: Kumarakom to Alleppy or Alappuzha

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

Things to do in Alleppey

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

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

Where to stay in Alleppey

For a luxurious experience: Sterling Lake Palace Resort

If you are a backpacker choose: Nomad’s Hostel

Canoe ride in Alleppey Backwaters

Day 8: Varkala

This is Day 8 and time for some Vitamin Sea! 

Things to do in Varkala

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

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

Where to stay in Varkala

For a luxurious experience: Gateway Varkala

If you are a backpacker choose: Mad about Coco

Kappil Pozhi Lake Varkala

Day 9-10: Trivandram or Thiruvananthapuram

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

Things to do in Trivandrum

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

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

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

Read in Detail: Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

Where to stay in Trivandrum

For a luxurious experience: Vivanta Thiruvananthapuram

If you are a backpacker choose: Bed Pods

Kanakakunnu Palace Trivandrum

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

FAQs related to Kerala road trip

Best time to visit kerala.

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

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

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

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

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

Must try food of Kerala?

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

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

Traditional Kerala Sadya

What to wear in Kerala?

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

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

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

Sustainable tips for an ethical Road trip in Kerala

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

Read More Kerala posts:

• Kerala Backwaters of Alleppey
• Human by Nature: Impressions from Kerala
• Places to visit in Thekkady
• Eravikulam National Park
• Periyar National Park
• Glamping in Munnar
• Chendamangalam Handlooms
• Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom
• Trekking in Munnar
• Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

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

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Ketki Gadre

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

10 Best Things to do in Kandy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Best Kerala Itinerary for 7 Days or More

Last Updated on May 9, 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.

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

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

🚶🏼‍♂️ Free walking tours on Freetour

🛏️ For free accommodations, use Trusted House Sitters

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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 have been here 17 years before and want to go again. Such a Relaxing place it is.you have covered all the places in detail. There are. Few spice garden too typically house owners only but worth visiting if interested in food. Renu

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KERALA TRAVEL GUIDE | The Best of Kerala Without the Crowds

Our Kerala travel guide covers the best places to visit in Kerala and how to get the best out of this beautiful corner of India with fewer crowds, supporting local and sustainable travel options along the way.

Exploring the Best of God’s Own Country

Think swaying palm trees, crashing surf, coffee plantations, hill retreats, silent backwaters, rice paddies, beautiful national parks that are home to a host of wildlife and you’ve teleported yourself to Kerala.

One of the better known states of India, there’s a lot to pack in to a trip to Kerala. Known as God’s Own Country, Kerala in South India has a lot to offer: from ayurvedic retreats and yoga centres, to hill stations and tea plantations up in the Western Ghats (mountains), to national parks that are home to tigers and elephants, to palm fringed beaches. And then there are the Kerala Backwaters, which despite their overcrowding issues, still provide a serene backdrop to any Kerala experience – when experienced in the right way.

We spent over a month travelling Kerala at the beginning of this year, and despite having more time to spend than many visitors to Kerala, we still could not fit everything in. There’s a lot to do in captivating Kerala: so pick wisely!

ⓘ TIP: Planning a trip to India? Join our free India Travel Facebook group here !

This guide will help you get to the best of your time in Kerala – we have put together our recommendations for travelling mindfully in Kerala. Here you’ll find the best eco friendly resorts, homestays, community tourism projects, wildlife projects, locally owned restaurants, and a whole lot more!

What’s in a name? The place names in Kerala are a bit of a jungle. For some strange reason most places seem to begin with a ‘K’ or an ‘M’ (if anyone can enlighten us as to why please do so!), the names are also remarkably similar / mix-up-able, and there’s also an eclectic mix of old and new names used. Allapuzha is commonly referred to as Alleppey still, whereas Kollam – which was Quillon – universally goes by its new name. We’ve included both old and new names wherever relevant in this Kerala Guide to help with getting around.

Ecotourism in Kerala

Kerala’s beauty is no longer a secret, and with its popularity have come crowds of visitors – both from within India and from overseas. Those crowds have congregated in specific areas of Kerala and led to problems for Kerala’s wildlife, environment and local inhabitants: from pollution, to over-development, to lack of local empowerment and economic benefit from tourism.

Local resources have become drained, including water, and upsetting that very delicate balance of flora and fauna. In Alleppey, where going on a house boat cruise is on the bucket-list for so many, the scenes are often of overcrowding of houseboats, islands of floating plastic and filth a-top inky black water.

The good news is that it is possible to travel in Kerala in a way that avoids the eyesores and mass-touristed spots, and more importantly supports local and community based initiatives where local Keralites see the benefits from tourism. We’ve got you covered for the best of sustainable travel in Kerala.

A word – before we begin – about use of the word “Ecotourism” in Kerala (and the rest of India). Ecotourism, unfortunately, is not always and only used for places that are focused on the principles of responsible tourism (ie. giving back to local communities, being environmentally sensitive and protecting local people and cultures). Instead, “Ecotourism” in India is often used to describe any tourist activity which involves the outdoors (such as walking, camping) and / or seeing wildlife. Whether or not it is eco-friendly or in any way sustainable. 

Short on time or too busy to plan your own trip? There are plenty of local tour companies who can help such as eKeralaTourism  who offer many of the highlights of Kerala or can offer tailor made itineraries.

There are also global companies such as G Adventures who we have travelled with several times and recommend. 

Find out more about G Adventures South India Tours here.

Our Top Picks for Where to Stay in Kerala

Coconut Lagoon (High End) – For luxury along the backwaters there’s no better place than Coconut Lagoon. Owned and run by Keralan family run CGH Earth group, watch the sunset over the backwaters in this beautiful and sustainable hotel which is only accessible by boat… Check rates & book Coconut Lagoon here!

Ashtamudi Villas (Mid Range) – Set on the southern end of Kerala’s backwaters in Kollam, Ashtamudi Villas are owned and run by a local, who also offers trips in dug out canoes and kayaks to local villages for a more intimate experience with the backwaters. Perfect for chilling in one of their lake-side hammocks and experiencing a much less touristy side of the backwaters… Check rates & book Ashtamudi Villas here!

Marari Beach House (Budget) – Right on Marari Beach (one of Kerala’s nicest beaches near Kochi), this simple place is clean and walking distance to the waves. Perfect for hanging by the beach for a few days! Check rates & Book Marari Beach House here!

North Kerala

Kannur & thottada beach.

Kannur was our first port of call in Kerala after spending 3 weeks in beautiful Bangladesh. As our first taste of Kerala this year, Kannur did not disappoint.

Northern Kerala has been off the beaten track for many visitors to Kerala, who have focused more on the central and southern parts of the state. But that may be about to change. This year, Lonely Planet has named Northern Kerala as one of Asia’s hotspots , and as a paradise for those seeking a quieter taste of Kerala. Small homestays line the palm fringed shores, with uninterrupted views out across the Arabian sea.

Planning a trip to Kerala? Grab your Lonely Planet here!

Where to Stay in Kannur & Thottada Beach

Thottada beach is one of the best beaches in the area, with a range of accommodation to suit all budgets . There aren’t any facilities as such or shade, so the best time to visit is morning or late afternoon for a stroll. Ladies are recommended to cover up a bit on the beach as this is a rural and mainly Muslim area.

We stayed at Haris Seashell Inn  just outside of Kannur, which turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made. Owned by the enigmatic and kind Mr Haris, these bungalows are perched on a clifftop, with panoramic views out to the beaches below and the sea. I loved waking up and falling asleep to the sound of the crashing waves below.

Mr Haris has done a lot to build the guesthouse in a sustainable way – the villa and rooms are made of repurposed  / upcycled materials salvaged from inhabited traditional Kerala houses, there is an organic farm, and Haris Seashell employs a number of physically handicapped staff, to name but a few initiatives. We happened on this place by chance but were delighted to find  place that was doing so much to create a positive impact!

Check rates and availability for Haris Seashell Inn here .

Getting to and from Kannur

Kannur is well connected by railway north to Goa and Mumbai, and south to Kochi and the rest of Kerala. There’s reportedly a new airport for those coming from further afield. There are also buses connecting to the rest of Kerala and nearby Karnataka state. Our recommended mode of transport in India is by train.

Little heard of – outside of India at least – Wayanad is a tranquil uphill oasis of homestays, quiet villages, scenic winding roads that take you through wild forests, and is a place where you can truly escape.

Things to do in Wayanad

There’s no “centre” to Wayanad as such, so to the first time visitor it can take some time to get your bearings. Sights and activities are spread all over the region, so wherever you base yourself, some road travel will be involved. Our best tip is to pick somewhere quiet to stay, un-plug and relax to the backdrop of the peaceful Wayanad scenery. It’s better not to try to pack too much sightseeing in – but rather adapt to life at a slower pace.

Jeep Safaris.  Wildlife is a big attraction here, but we found our jeep drive at Tholpetty to be disappointing. After an early start and being inline at the forestry department by 6am to get our tickets, we got the second jeep out of the gates. We didn’t see anything apart from a few deer.

Unfortunately the “Safari” consists of a 30 minute drive through the section of national park that is right next to the road, in a line of about 20 jeeps. If you’re more than the second or third jeep in, your chances of seeing wildlife are likely non-existent. We should probably be happy that this means less interference for the animals! As an alternative, safaris at Muthunga are reportedly better than Tholpetty – and even better are the wildlife opportunities in neighbouring Karnataka state.

Beyond the safaris, there are beautiful lakes to visit  and countless hikes one can go on. There are several different boating lakes. Pookode lake has pedals-style boating (we did not visit here) and Banasura Sagar Dam is the place to go for those needing an adrenaline kick – on a speedboat. There is also a slow ferry that you can go on around the lake, at 12 midday.

Homestays in Wayanad

We were lucky enough to stay in two amazing homestays in Wayanad.

The first we found through I-likelocal.com – our go to website for homestays and responsible tourism activities in Asia. We planned to stay one night in a homestay on a working coffee plantation, but our one night turned into four nights! In a simple cabin away from the main house and down a bamboo walkway, we were surrounded by trees and jungle.

Our shady balcony was the perfect spot to relax and read, practice a little meditation, and just enjoy the sound of the birds. Hosted by a welcoming couple, the homestay is the family home and plantation of Sunil, who is also a responsible tourism advocate. We enjoyed chatting about the development of tourism in Wayanad over many a cup of home-grown coffee. 

The homestay is a short distance (15 minutes by rickshaw) from Meenangady, which is a small town with some simple but good thali and dosa restaurants and is a regional transport hub.

Find more information and rates for i-like local homestays here .

Our second homestay in Wayanad was with the inspiring  Kabani Tour  which we found through Visit.org. Kabani Community tourism have set up two village community tourism projects in Kerala and are currently working on a third. Promoting “thoughtful travel”, their concept is one that revolves around travellers experiencing village life through homestays, meeting village elders, learning more about traditional life through guided walks and learning more about traditions. Revenue is then reinvested directly into the community from these activities.

We went to the Kabani village of Mothakara which is famous for its Women-to-Women travel initiatives. Set among villages of winding lanes, emerald paddy fields, and extended lolly-pop shape betel-nut trees, this village is a truly peaceful place. Local women from the village have been trained in guiding and showing (female) visitors to the village, the ways of local village life. These women previously had no employment opportunities, but rather were housewives.

Through the Women to Women travel project they have been given the opportunity to expand their horizons through interactions with visitors to the village, and also to earn additional income for the family. Initially the women did not have any English language skills, and relied on communicating through gestures, expressions, and through their hearts. Over time, English words have been exchanged and learned, and the project has continued to grow. These days these even a guesthouse run entirely by this inspiring team of women. Unfortunately during our visit, the women guide team were oversubscribed and so we didn’t get to experience their project in full; however we did get to meet the charming Radha. 

Our homestay – where we stayed in our host family’s house – was the soft bed and crisp cotton sheets kind of comfortable, and we were served some of the most delicious home-cooked food during all of our time in Kerala.

Find out more info and book Kabani’s Women-to-Women tour here . 

Responsible Travel in Wayanad

Despite Wayanad being little known and considered “off the beaten path” outside of India, it is a different story within India. Wayanad has become / is becoming a popular escape for weekenders from Bangalore and the visitor footfall (or carfall) is steadily increasing. As such Wayanad’s blissful peace and quiet is coming under pressure from tourism, too. Do your bit to leave a positive impact from your visit by taking time to learn about the local culture, respecting the environment by not littering (even better – avoid plastic bottled water) or causing noise pollution (being noisy) and consider staying somewhere that supports eco friendly travel.

We did not have time to visit all of the ecotourism options in Wayanad, so here are some suggestions beyond our experiences above:

Eco Friendly Hotels / Resorts in Wayanad

• Uravu Bamboo Grove is an award winning sustainable lodge, with design-led rooms surrounded by nature.
• An award-winning sustainable guest house set high up in the Wayanad hills, Fringe Ford  is a place that prides itself on being “as cut off from the world as you can get” (we think that’s a good thing!).
• Award winning CGH Earth’s property Wayanad Wild  offers a luxury escape deep into the forest

Wayanad Responsible Tourism Tours & Activities

The best way to support responsible tourism in Wayanad is to be environmentally sensitive (e.g. avoiding plastic and limiting your water use), using public transportation if possible to reduce the number of cars on the road, and to be respectful of wildlife. There are a number of operators offering ways to connect with the local culture and community on your trip, here are a few resources (we did not use all of them, but they are all reputable and highly regarded organisations.

• I-like Local offer a number of Farmstays, Homestays and responsible experiences
• The Blue Yonder offer trips including day activities throughout Kerala.
• Many of the accommodations listed above will be able to help you arrange activities during your stay in Wayanad.

Getting to and from Wayanad

Wayanad is easily accessible from the northern Kerala cities of Calicut (Khozikode) and Kannur. There are also connections to Cochin, Bangalore, Mysore and other major regional hubs. There are more frequent bus services to Calicut, although you can take a direct bus from Mananthadvady to Kannur. There are no railway connection to / from Wayanad. Most buses are run by KSRTC but we found the redbus website far more helpful.

Central Kerala

Kochi / cochin.

Kochi / Cochin (the town’s old name)  is one of Kerala’s most popular tourism spots and transport hubs, and so the starting point for many travellers in Kerala. It’s possible to spend many a day wandering the old lanes of Fort Cochin between colonial houses, organic cafes, art galleries, churches and boutiques. Note that Cochin is quite separate (it is an island) from the mainland town of Ernakulam, where all major transport arrives and departs from.

Things to do in Kochi

Kathakali Performances  – for many visitors, a Kathalkali performance is on their list – this is a chance to see traditional Keralan dance and music, complete with incredible makeup and costumes. The Kerala Kathakali Centre is the most authentic theatre to see this at.

Exploring Fort  Cochin –  taking in its churches, museums and even Synagogues. As an old trading and naval outpost, over the last 600 years, Kochi has seen the arrival of many immigrants of different nationalities and religions – from Portuguese to Dutch, to British to Arabic traders. There’s an Indo-Portugese museum, a Dutch cemetery, as well as several beautiful churches to explore such as the Santa-Cruz basilica. There’s also a growing number of art galleries (often with cafe), such as the Kashi Art Gallery.

Shopping –  there are plenty of artisan style shops in Fort Kochi, making it something of a shoppers paradise. Many shops sell organic toiletries and ayurveda products, and lovely Aambal is an eco clothing store  which sells hand-woven, natural and handmade and recycled fashion.

Eating –  There are plenty of cafes lining the streets of Fort Kochi, and if you’ve been on the road for a while, this is a good place to splurge on western treats aka good pizza and avocado wraps with a good latte. It does come at a price though. The local fare is much bewe dtter priced, usually more delicious, and we got bitten by the traditional Keralan Thali bug, at the Solar Cafe . For a truly authentic dining experience head to Authenticook to arrange to dine in someone’s house. We were hosted by the charming and kind Bindu at her home in Ernakulam and enjoyed a delicious brunch.

Take a day trip (or longer) to Marari Beach –  The beaches at Kochi itself are grubby (at best) but head an hour and a half or so south, and the lovely Marari beach awaits. Rent a two-wheeler and drive straight south through paddy fields, small towns, and backwater scenery. Marari beach (also known as Mararikulam) itself is as yet not very developed, and is a pretty stretch of sand with clean water for swimming. Accommodation options nearby vary widely in quality if you want to stay longer – the shacks on the beach looked decidedly dilapidated, whereas the Marari Beach hotel is fit for a king.

The Kerala Backwaters –  Kerala’s largest draw, you’ll likely be offered a backwater cruise (or two) during your time in Kochi. See more on arranging a backwaters trip below , we don’t recommend  booking it from Kochi due to high prices.

Where to Stay in Kochi

The Fort Kochi area is the place where most visitors stay – while there are plenty of hotels over in Ernakulam on the mainland that are useful for if you have an early / late bus or train to catch, most of the main attractions of Kochi are in the fort area. Homestays are the name of the game here, and the city has seen an explosion in them. Indeed you can’t walk more than a few meters without coming across a homestay sign. The word “homestay” has been applied in a liberal sense though – and these are usually just guesthouses with a number of rooms that are sold on a bed & breakfast basis, but hosts are usually very welcoming!

Because of the explosion of homestays in Fort Kochi, the centre can get a little crowded and there are no “eco-friendly” accommodation options as such in Kochi. For a quieter experience, head a little away from the fort. If travelling in December / January, book well in advance!

Check rates and book accommodation in Kochi here.  

Getting to and from Kochi

The main gateway to Kochi is Ernakulam. There are two train stations (on opposite sides of the city so please check which one your train arrives at/leaves from) Ernakulam Town (sometimes referred to as “North Railway” and Ernakulam Junction “South Railway”). Trains run north-south along the Indian coast and link directly to Mumbai, Goa, Karnataka, and southern Kerala. There are also direct trains across country to Bangalore, Chennai and even Delhi (46 hours!). Buses run routes from Ernakulam across the region.

Kochi airport is also located in Ernakulam about an hour away from Fort Kochi, and is remarkable for being fully run on solar energy! It’s a major hub and as well as domestic flights has connections to the Gulf countries, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Singapore.

Despite being one of Kerala’s major attractions this is one place that we failed to squeeze into our Kerala itinerary, except for passing through its scenic gardens. Tea is of course, the name of the game here and is the main draw, and most visitors come to soak up the ambience and enjoy being surrounded by the beauty of the tea gardens.

Munnar tea country resort is a sustainable accommodation option – they have implemented sustainable initiatives and are looking to reduce their footprint.

Find prices and book Munnar hotels here .

South Kerala

Thekkady & periyar tiger reserve.

Travelling inland and up into Kerala’s mountains – the Western Ghats – was one of the highlights of our Kerala trip. Winding through hills, tea plantations and around several hair pin bends, our bus journey (although bumpy) provided spectacular views. Thekkady is best known for Periyar National Park (or sometimes, rather optimistically known as Periyar Tiger Reserve) and many come here for a chance to see Kerala’s wildlife. It’s also, more simply, a chance to get away from the hot and humid air of the backwaters and coast.

Things to do in Thekkady and Periyar

Exploring Periyar –  Kerala’s Western Ghats are one of the largest refuges for wildlife in India, and Periyar National Park is one destination that tourists flock to, in the hopes of seeing wild elephant, leopards, tigers and more. There are various ways to explore the national park, but during our trip to Periyar  we found some to be far more enjoyable than others. While the boat trip on the lake felt like a foray into disneyland, we loved walking in the park in the early morning mist with our local guide (Periyar is one of the last remaining parks you can walk into), and we also loved our stay at Kerala’s most sustainable resort, in Thekaddy: Spice Village .

Learn about Tribal Communities near Periyar –  Periyar and the surrounding area are home to different tribal communities , including the Mannan, Paliyan and Malampandaram tribes. Such communities often leave a significantly different lifestyle from “mainstream” society, and as such are sometimes marginalised. They have an unprecedented knowledge of the forest areas, and are now benefitting from the tourism that comes from Periyar through a number of ecotourism initiatives. You can support the people who have relied on the forest in the past by taking a walk or trek with one of the village guides, or going to visit the Tribal Heritage Museum in Thekkady.

Seeing Wildlife – While we loved our visit to Thekkady and our stay, if your primary motive for visiting is to spot wildlife, you may be disappointed. Due to crowds, many animals hide deep in the forest. And we can’t say we blame them! Get the full low down on visiting Thekkady and Periyar in our post here .

Where to Stay in Thekkady and Periyar

The highlight of our time in Thekkady was without doubt our stay at the beautiful and very eco-friendly Spice Village Resort . This resort has won awards for its environmental and community initiatives, and no wonder… the resort is powered by a solar plant the size of a football pitch,  they have their own water filtering and bottling plant, a paper recycling operation (all paper you’ll find in the hotel is recycled), several types of compost, biogas, and the list goes on. It’s also a beautiful place to relax – designed as a traditional spice village, the cottages are well spaced out and set among tranquil gardens, where black monkeys and birds rest peacefully over head. You will not want to leave!

Check rates and book Spice Village Resort here . 

There are a few other small eco-friendly lodges and smaller accommodations such as Indhrivanam, a vegan and eco friendly homestay, however we did not have time to check out their credentials in person.

Check rates and book Indhrivanam here . 

Kerala Backwaters

The number one tourism draw in Kerala (and possibly southern India) are the Kerala backwaters, and the chance to take a cruise along them. Over recent years images of floating quietly and serenely through Keralan villages on a converted traditional Keralan rice barge, surveying life, warm chai in hand, have drawn in the crowds. After all, who wouldn’t be tempted by such a blissful watery escape?

Over the last ten years, crowds have flocked in steadily increasing numbers to Alleppey (Allaphuza) which – somewhat prophetically if not wistfully – has been self-dubbed as the  Venice of the East.  What were once tranquil backwaters have become noisy, congested with tourists and polluted in many parts – due to poor regulation of houseboat tourism and overcrowding. Where tourism was once seen as a blessing by locals, it has now become a bit of a curse. The inky black waters of Alleppey itself tell of a different side to the Kerala backwaters .

To Houseboat or not to Houseboat?

One of the biggest culprits in spoiling the backwaters has been houseboat tourism. There is no accurate figure for how many houseboats are currently in operation, while un-registered houseboats have been clamped down on since 2015, the number of houseboats have still been growing. In recent efforts to curb houseboat tourism growth further, Kerala tourism recently introduced a measure as part of their Kerala Responsible Tourism mission that prevented any new licences being granted for new houseboats on the Kerala backwaters. Results, however have yet to be seen, and sources say that it’s not working: when a ship retires from service, the licence is simply “recycled” for a new houseboat – meaning little to any reduction in the number of houseboats. During our time in Alleppey we saw rows on rows of houseboats moored just outside the town, hoping for customers.

So what’s the the problem with the houseboats? Essentially the damage that they cause falls into a few different categories. The most obvious is their environmental impact – 95% of houseboats are diesel powered, and that fuel often leaks into the waters. Many boats are high-end and offer air-conditioning, meaning the constant burning of fuel on board to power the boat and generators. There are no sewage treatment facilities on the boats meaning that sewage is dumped directly overboard, and there’s no waste disposal either – meaning that the plastic water bottles you drink from usually go straight over the side too.

This pollution has impacted water quality, and fishermen have reported a decline in fish and prawn stocks in areas frequented by houseboats, meaning a direct impact on the livelihood of fishing communities in the backwaters. For many villages, their only water supply is from the backwater channels themselves for cooking and even drinking – more shockingly only a fraction of villagers reported boiling or treating the water in any way before drinking it. In the agricultural sector there has been an effect too, with concerns over polluted paddy fields, damage to rice crops, and even labourers becoming reluctant to work in the polluted fields.

Then there is the noise pollution for locals from the passing boats (many of which blare (awful) music loudly), and the lack of economic or social benefit for most locals from houseboat tourism. Houseboat tourism was initially thought to provide economic benefits to locals by providing jobs on boats, but in reality the high prices that tourists pay for their houseboat experience rarely reach the villagers who need to deal with the effects of the passing boats. Rather the money goes to companies and private individuals who often own large numbers of houseboats. Granted there are jobs on the boats, but this number is small compared to the number who feel the effect of pollution in the backwaters.

For all of these reasons we decided not to go on a houseboat cruise in Alleppey or elsewhere on the Kerala backwaters, and we don’t recommend it.

Exploring the Backwaters Responsibly

But what about my backwaters dream? Worry not – there are some less damaging ways to enjoy Kerala’s watery scenery. In general, these consist of either taking public ferry routes that are already in service, and/or staying on land next to the backwaters. Choosing to use existing infrastructure helps to keep our footprint lower and brings more benefit to locals, particularly in the case of choosing to stay in existing accommodation, particularly if it is homestays or on a small scale.

One of the best places to stay next to the backwaters and enjoy all their beauty, without supporting houseboats is Kumarakom – more on that below!

Alleppey (Allappuzha)

Alleppey is backpacker central and ground zero for backwater cruises – expect wherever you stay to persist with offering you houseboat services during your stay. We however enjoyed our time in Alleppey (we spent nearly a week there) and found it to be a great town for unwinding, with good wifi for when we needed to catch up on work, good food, and plenty of facilities.

Things to do in Alleppey

The Beach – away from the backwaters scene, Alleppey is blessed in being located both on the ocean with its own long beach, and on the edge of the backwaters. The beach itself is a nice stretch, and has a number of accommodation options, and cafes. We loved strolling the beach at evening time when the bhaji and chai wallahs come out to sell their tasty snacks, and the beach becomes a popular gathering point for families and couples. The beach is reportedly safe for swimming although take care as the waves can get strong. The beach is quite touristy and you’ll see plenty of pale skinned visitors in their swimwear, but we recommend ladies to cover up with a sarong while not swimming.

Take the Local Ferry  – ferries go on a number of different routes leaving from Alleppey and are a chance to see the backwaters, the local way. We took the morning ferry to Kottayam (3 hours) and returned the same day at 3pm from Kottayam to Alleppey. It made for quite a long day on the boat, but we loved the experience of sitting in the well ventilated boat and seeing local life. The 3pm return ferry to Alleppey was filled with school children ( please do not give them pens as this encourages begging from tourists ) giving us plenty of opportunity to chat and practice their English. You can find the Kerala Water Transport Dept schedules here .

Go on a Walk of Old Alleppey –  The Award Winning Preserve Alleppey Society , started by a group of local ladies, was created due to the need to preserve the character of Alleppey. In a country where it is uncommon for women to be able to work as guides or in tourism, this is a cause well worth supporting to encourage the work of women in tourism, and also to see the original character of Alleppey. The ladies offer guided walks of Alleppey and cooking classes.

Where to Stay in Alleppey

Like other tourism hotspots, Alleppey has seen a surge in accommodation options over recent years, and is suffering from the problem of too many homestays and hotels being opened. When we visited, homestays were complaining of being empty (despite us visiting in January – supposedly high season). Homestays also vary hugely in quality. We moved quickly from our first homestay which we did not like until we found Heritage Homestay (below).

We loved our time at Heritage Homestay – a very simple, locally owned place with two big and airy rooms at the front – which immediately felt like home to us. Run by the charming and very kind Johnny and his team, the homestay is located about 10 minutes walk from the beach.

Check prices and book Heritage Homestay here .

Nestled on the opposite bank of Lake Vembanad from Alleppey, Kumarakom is the perfect place to slow down and experience the backwaters (from shore) at their most peaceful. The lake is large and looks like an inland sea, providing the perfect backdrop for beautiful sunsets over the water. Kumarakom is also one of the locations where Kerala tourism is implementing more sustainable measures: many hotels and tour companies are part of an initiative to minimise their environmental impact and make sure that products are procured locally where possible, helping to maximise the economic benefit that goes back to locals.

Things to do in Kumarakom

Enjoy life at a slow pace – possibly the best thing to do in Kumarakom is – not much! Our best memories were of sitting back and watching the sunset from the serenity of Coconut Lagoon (below). Taking a quiet stroll along the backwaters and through villages is a great way to get a sense of local life here.

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary –  This is one of the best bird sanctuaries in India, with many rare species being sighted particularly during the monsoon months of June, July and August.

Where to Stay in Kumarakom

We loved our stay at Coconut Lagoon , one of CGH Earth’s most beautiful properties. The experience here is unique, the only way to arrive and leave here is by boat. The resort has been hard at work at sustainability too, and is part of the Kumarakom responsible tourism initiatives. Wake up to the sight of passing boats and the resort’s own rare breed “lawnmowers” (aka cows). There’s also a renowned Ayurveda centre on property.

Find more info and book Coconut Lagoon here .

Getting to and from Kumarakom

One way to reach Kumarakom is by boat, there is a ferry service to Muhamma on the other side of Lake Vembanand, near Marari beach. Services are not that regular though, so you may find taxi / private transfer is the easiest way to get here. There is no train station or direct buses to Kumarakom. 

Kollam (formerly known as Quillon) is another quiet alternative for exploring Kerala’s backwaters, this time from the southern end, and it’s also a colourful former fishing town set on the Arabian sea. It’s a great place to get off Kerala’s beaten tourist path for a couple of days if you want something a bit different. Outside our guesthouse, we didn’t see any other foreigners during the three days we spent here. 

Things to do in Kollam

Ashtamudi Lake –  Away from from the beach and on the other side of Kollam lies Ashtamudi lake, which forms the southern end of Kerala’s backwaters. The lake offers opportunities for boat trips to Monroe island in the lake and exploring village life – there are fishing villages dotted around the lake. The government run boat trips are cheaper than the same itinerary offered by private companies. There’s also a ferry that goes all the way to Alleppey from Kollam. 

Beach & Tangasseri Lighthouse –  head a little south of the centre of Kollam and there’s a beach (nothing spectacular) and a pretty fishing harbour filled with colourful boats. Tangasseri lighthouse, standing tall in red and white stripes is a good lookout point across the town and out to sea – climb up the stairs for your daily dose of cardio. A visit just before sunset provides the best light. 

Where to Stay in Kollam

We struck gold with our choice of Ashtamudi Villas, a small and peaceful retreat with about eight bungalows on the banks of Ashtamudi lake. The resort is largely eco-friendly, with a focus on using natural materials and reducing waste, and it is the perfect spot for lounging in the gardens in a hammock and just reading a book while fishermen pass in their dug out canoes just a few meters away. Mr Joseph, the owner, also runs boat trips to small channels and villages around the lake. 

Find more info and book Ashtamudi Villas here .  

In the south of Kerala along the Arabian sea, Varkala is fast becoming the new hippie destination of south India – some would say the next Goa. Set atop cliffs, Varkala is the place for sunsets, yoga, ayurveda and perfect turmeric lattes. We didn’t make it to Varkala, but given the number of people who told us we should go, we thought we’d include it in this guide! If you have tips to add, let us know in the comments section below. Alcohol is officially not permitted in Varkala, although you may find some places serving it. Seeing as tourism in Varkala is booming, so is a problem with plastic waste and (over) development. Please do your bit by avoiding plastic bottles wherever possible. 

Need a bit more help with your Kerala trip? We recommend G Adventures Tours. Find out more here!

Things to do in Varkala

The Beach –  we’ll start with the obvious, many come to Varkala to sit back and enjoy some sun, sea and sand. Varkala’s beach is set below cliffs – beaches become quieter and cleaner if you venture further north or south from town. Do watch out for currents and big waves while swimming as the waters here are known to be treacherous. 

Take to the Waves –  Surfing outfit Soul & Surf (who we loved during our visit to Sri Lanka ) offer surfing retreats, courses and lessons combined with yoga, massage and music. They work to minimise their impact and work with as many locals as possible. Their base in Varkala is at the top of the cliff, with prime view out to the ocean. More info here . 

Anjengo Fort & Lighthouse –  Sometimes spelt as Anchuthengu, 10km south of Varkala, this fort was built in 1696 as the first Malabar stronghold for the British East India company. Climb up the nearby lighthouse for views down onto the fort and coastline. 

Eat and Juice your way around town –  Varkala is full of trendy juice bars and organic cafes (the wifi may or not work), perfect for reading a book or a day away from the beach. 

Take time for yourself  with a yoga or ayurveda retreat – Ayurveda and Yoga options about in Varkala and there are many to choose from. Some offer one off treatments whereas others offer week+ long detox programs. Book Ayurveda and Yoga retreats in Varkala here . 

Where to Stay in Varkala

Puccini Lala Eco resort has an art cafe and eco friendly mud rooms, and is a conscious / sustainable living concept. They also offer healing and cooking classes. 

More info and book Puccini Lala here . 

The Bohemian Masala is an alternative eco retreat that has been built as handcrafted tribal herbal cottages – using a mixture of mud and traditional ayurvedic herbs that are sure to provide a restful and healing night’s sleep. The huts are set in gardens filled with hammocks and quiet spots for reading and relaxation. 

More info and book Bohemian Masala here . 

Getting to and from Varkala

The best way to reach and leave Varkala is by train; trains leave for Kollam, Alleppey and Ernakulam to the north, and to Trivandrum to the south (which has regular connections). There are also buses to Trivandrum and Kollam. 

Have you been to Kerala or are you adding it to your “ bucket list”? Let us know about your Kerala experiences in the comments below. 

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An Itinerary for a lush road trip in Kerala, India

Brightly coloured houses, reticent but smiling locals, and low-lying clouds. Undulating Tea Estates spread out as far as the eye can see, mystic spice plantations and coffee farms spread over acres, walls covered with bright red hibiscus flowers, and roads lined with sunflowers. A road trip in Kerala is a delightful assault to the senses – the colours, the smiles, and the landscapes are bound to leave the traveller in you reeling with joy.

Suggested itinerary for a road trip in Kerala

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a road trip in Kerala before I divulge the route we took and provide tips and tricks to making the most of a road trip to Kerala in 2 weeks:

• Tea Estates and hills at Munnar or Wayanad (3-4 days)
• Spice Plantations and wildlife at Thekkady (3 days)
• Backwaters and houseboats at Kumarakom or Alleppey (3 days)
• Beaches at Varkala or Kovalam (3 days)
• City life in Kochi, with a day trip to Athirappilly (2 days)

Our itinerary for a road trip in Kerala

Of course the itinerary charted above is flexible. You can weed out places based on personal preferences and the amount of time at hand. We had just 10 days in Kerala, so we decided to skip the beaches of Varkala and Kovalam. Here’s the route we followed on our road trip in Kerala:

Budgeting for your road trip in Kerala

Let’s start with the logistics first – car rental and expenses. The overall cost of this road trip will depend on the city of departure and the hotels you choose. Kerala boasts of some stunning hotels and you can choose everything from bespoke hideaways to homestays, depending on your budget and personal preferences. Here’s a list of expenses other than accommodation

• Domestic flights to Coimbatore/Kochi cost under £100/INR 10,000 from most cities in India
• A rental car will set you back by approximately £20-£30/INR 2000-3000 per day depending on the car you choose.
• We spent £45/INR 4500 on fuel for a 10 day road trip. This amount will increase if you decide to drive down to Kovalam.
• It’s easy to eat for less than £5/INR 500 at little eateries across Kerala. They serve delectable food and have a variety of local delicacies on offer. There are also several fine-dining restaurants in the area and some of our favourites are mentioned in the article below.

Driving and Renting a car for your road trip in Kerala

You know just how much we love driving around in new places and this was no exception. Driving in Kerala is much easier than Ladakh (our last road trip in India). Roads are in good shape and drivers are not aggressive. However do beware than this route featured hilly drives and hairpin bends by the dozen, so drive yourself only if you have previous experience driving in hills. Having said that, we loved driving in Kerala. We would recommend it if you’re a seasoned driver who enjoys road trips.

We would definitely recommend renting with an Indian rental company while you are in India as they understand the nuances of the market well. We’ve rented with Myles Cars in India before and enjoyed their service, so we decided to stick to the same provider this time around too. We picked up our car –  Mahindra XUV 500 – from Coimbatore airport. It was

10 Essential Experiences on your road trip in Kerala

• Prance in the tea estates of Munnar
• Go for a wildlife safari at Periyar National Park
• Buy fragrant local spices and loose leaf tea for friends and family back home
• Visit a coffee farm
• Go canoeing in Vembanad Lake
• Stay in a houseboat as your explore the backwaters of Kerala
• Sample Toddy, an alcoholic drink made from the sap of the palm tree
• Try local delicacies such as Meen Pollichathu (fish wrapped in banana leaf), Meen Curry (spiced fish curry), Avial (vegetables in a coconut curry), dosas (savoury crépes), and Ulli Theeyal (shallot curry)
• Hunt down waterfalls at Chelarkovil or Athirappilly
• Make friends – locals in the area are friendly and helpful. Talk to them, pick their brains about scenic spots in the vicinity, and share a meal (or two) with them.

Best time to visit Kerala

The months between November and February are perfect to visit Kerala. Expect moderate temperatures and lush green estates. Of course these are peak months, so expected higher rates and crowds at popular places. We wanted to avoid the tourist hordes, so we visited during March, which is a shoulder month. It was perfect but some days did tend to get extremely hot and humid, especially in the backwaters.

July and August are popular with tourists too as this is peak monsoon season. Kerala’s monsoons are special – expect an abundance of greenery and beautiful waterfalls.

Day by day itinerary for a road trip in Kerala

Day 1: fly into coimbatore and drive to munnar.

This day is reserved for arriving in Munnar, the first stop on your road trip of Kerala. Fly into Kochi or Coimbatore. We chose Coimbatore International Airport because it is serviced by Myles.  We picked up are rental car at the airport and kick started our road trip.

Roads are in great shape and there are lots of supermarkets and restaurants on the way. Stock up on snacks, fruits for your road trip. There’s no need to go overboard as hot food is readily available during the length of this road trip in Kerala. Stop at Thoovanam Falls on the way  – the gurgling waterfall is worth a pitstop only if you’re visiting during monsoon months (July & August)

The scenery will begin to change dramatically as you inch closer to Munnar. The searing sun will give way to a nip in the air. Winding roads punctuated with undulating tea plantations and rolling hills will welcome you to the area.

Accommodation in Munnar

Munnar town is quite crowded and chaotic. We suggest staying in a hotel in a village called Chinnakanal. The village is a convenient forty minute drive from Munnar. Here it is possible to stay in a hotel or homestay in the midst of gorgeous tea plantations. Two hotels that boast of great views in the area are Terrace Greens and Club Mahindra. We chose the former for our stay in Munnar – rooms at Terrace Greens aren’t luxurious but they are spacious and well-equipped. Food is tasty. However the lack of wifi in the rooms lets it down.

The hotel is nestled in the countryside, so make sure you stock up on provisions beforehand. Munnar is twenty kilometres away and Surianelli village, which has a large bustling market, is just 5 kilometres away

Days 1-4: Explore Munnar and Chinnakanal

There are lots of things to do in the area but waking up to the sight of endless tea plantations would have to be one of my favourite experiences in Munnar. Low hanging clouds float over verdant tea estates, lending magic to the proceedings.

But we weren’t just exploring tea estates or photographing them. Here’s a list of other things to see and do in the area:

•  Anayirankal Dam and Lake: a picturesque boating and picnic spot, Anayirankal Dam and Lake provides photo opportunities by the dozen.
• Mattupetty Dam and Lake: one of the most popular sites in the area, it tends to get quite crowded. We didn’t love the viewing area but really enjoyed driving along the lake.
• Top Station and Echo Point: Combine your trip to Mattupetty Dam with a drive to Echo Point and Top Station. This makes for an incredibly scenic drive. Expect gorgeous views of the Western Ghats and magical low-lying clouds everywhere.
• Kolukkumalai tea estate: A bumpy ride gets you to the world’s highest tea plantation, where tea is picked and processed in a traditional fashion. Kolukkumalai is gorgeous and definitely worth a visit.
• A traditional tea factory: It should be illegal to leave Munnar without visiting a traditional tea factory. Watch tea leaves being painstakingly picked and processed into high-quality tea. Make sure you pick a bag or two for friends and family back home.

Day 5: Drive from Munnar to Thekkady

After luxuriating in the green environs of Munnar for a few days, it is time to continue with your road trip of Kerala. Start early as the drive from Munnar to Thekkady is one of the prettiest ones – you will want to stop for photographs every few kilometres.

The drive begins, quite predictably, with endless stretches of tea estates. Gradually these get replaced by spice plantations and coffee farms. Roads snaking through Kerala’s Cardamom Hills are lined with bright red hibiscus flowers and chrome sunflowers. Every once in a while, purple wild flowers make an appearance, as if to add even more colour to the landscape.  Check in to your hotel on reaching Thekkady.

Accommodation in Thekkady

Try to opt for an experiential hotel in the area. Choosing a hotel that in the midst of a spice plantation amplifies the experience manifold. We stayed in Shalimar Spice Garden . Shalimar Spice Garden is a rustic yet luxurious hideaway in Thekkady. The hotel is located in the middle of 30 acres of spice plantations. Rooms are well-equipped, spacious, and boast of huge balconies. The hotel boasts of a gorgeous pool area dotted with hammocks and swings. The in-house restaurant serves delectable food. We loved our stay at Shalimar Spice Garden and would recommend it wholeheartedly.

Days 5-8: Explore Thekkady and Periyar National Park

Spend your days in Thekkady exploring its rich spice plantations, the Periyar National Park, and its surroundings. Here are a few of our favourite things to do in Thekkady on your road trip of Kerala:

Visiting Periyar National Park

Boat tours are coveted at the park because tickets are limited. Apparently you can book tickets online but despite multiple attempts, we were unable to do that.  If you want to get on a boat safari at Periyar National Park, then plan on getting up early. Get to the entrance of Periyar National Reserve by 5.45 am, park your car, get your entrance tickets (INR 65 for Indian Nationals and £3.5/INR300 for foreign nationals) and board the bus operated by the Forest Reserve. If you get onboard the first bus, chances are you’ll get a ticket for the much coveted boat ride (£2/INR150) . This is what we did but to be honest, we didn’t see much (except for a couple of stray birds). The Periyar Lake is pretty early in the morning. But the boat safari at Periyar National Park is definitely not worth the effort, especially if you’ve been to other destinations rich in wildlife such as South Africa or Australia. If you want to visit the National Park, opt for a Jeep Safari at Gavi instead.

Other than visiting Periyar National Park, here are a few of our favourite things to do in the area.

• Chellarkovil: The area boasts of waterfalls and cascades during monsoon season. There was no water at the waterfalls when we visited. But the sleepy village of Chellarkovil makes for a great drive and offers sweeping views of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu too. It’s also a great picnic spot, so make sure you pack a snack or two.
• There are some great treks in Kurushmala Hills – it’s better to opt for guided treks in the area
• The bustling town of Kumily is the gateway to scenic drives in the Periyar Valley. Pandikuzhi is a great place to stop for a picnic or a few photographs.

Day 8: Drive from Thekkady to Kumarakom

This drive isn’t the most scenic of the lot as it passes through lots of busy towns and chaotic villages. If you enjoy hiking, make sure you go for a short hike to Eagle Eock in the village of Parunthumpara on the way to Peerumedu . It offers a vantage point from where one can drink in views of the neighbouring valleys, mountains, and villages. Also try stopping in one of the villages on the way for a meal or a cup of coffee – experience everyday life in a village, explore Kerala’s pastel churches, or photographs its brightly-coloured houses. Upon reaching Kumarakom, you will start spotting glimpses of Kerala’s iconic backwaters and lagoons. Check into your hotel and prepare to be smitten by this quaint village of canals.

Accommodation in Kumarakom

The backwaters of Kerala boast of some stunning hotels. On the recommendation of dozens of friends and readers, we booked a pool villa at CGH Earth Coconut Lagoon Resort . And we couldn’t be happier about it. It is definitely one of the prettiest hotels we’ve EVER stayed at (and we’ve stayed in thousands!). You can park your car at their private parking at Kumarakom Jetty and board their boat, which brings you to the hotel. We promise you will fall in love with the hotel almost as soon as you float into the reception area. The hotel complex resembles a traditional village, intersected by canals and lagoons. We chose a room overlooking the backwaters of Kerala – rooms are luxurious and boast of modern amenities. Can’t recommend this one enough!

Days 8-12: Explore the backwaters of Kerala and experience life on a houseboat

The backwaters of Kerala will seduce you in no time. Spend your days taking in the stunning scenery.

• Go for a languorous canoe ride on Vembanad Lake or a sunset cruise in the backwaters.
• Treat yourself to a traditional Ayurvedic massage, which is bound to leave you feeling rejuvenated.
• Savour local delicacies such as Meen Pollichathu (grilled fish) or Karimeen curry (spicy fish curry), and  Sadya (traditional vegetarian feast) at meal times.
• Go for a bird-watching walk – Kumarakom bird sanctuary is famous for hundreds of species of birds and attracts bird enthusiasts from all around the world.

Spend your last night in Kumarakom on a houseboat. This is an experience like no other. Make sure you choose a traditional houseboat fashioned out of reed, cork, and bamboo. We spent the night on a 1 bedroom houseboat by Spice Coast Cruises and loved the experience. The evening was spent sailing past duck farms, busy villages, and floating shops. We watched the sun set over the backwaters from the comfort of our houseboat. We devoured a three course meal as the day metamorphosed into night. Most of the evening was spent lounging on the boat while staring at the stars. Make the most of it as it will soon be time to drive out of Kumarakom.

Days 12-15: Fly back or continue to the beaches of Kerala

If you have a few more days in Kerala, you should drive from Kumarakom to the southern tip of the state to explore its beaches. Varkala is a perfect pit stop if you like beach destinations sprinkled with bohemia. If you enjoy classic luxury, then choose a decadent hotel in the coastal town of Kovalam .

We had just 12 days in Kerala, so we drove back to Coimbatore International Airport from Kumarkom and boarded our flight back to New Delhi. You can also spend a night or two in Kochi on your way back to Coimbatore. Make sure you drive to Athirappilly Waterfalls if you’re in Kochi.

That’s it – an idyllic 2 week road trip in Kerala, India. This road trip offers a plethora of panoramas, sights, and cultural experiences – it is bound to leave you rejuvenated! We loved our time in Kerala and can’t wait to go back!

Want to experience our road trip in Kerala with us? Check out our vlog from Kerala

Planning a trip to Kerala? Read about our favourite hotels in Kerala

Love road trips? Read about our 14 favourite road trips around the world

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81 thoughts on “ an itinerary for a lush road trip in kerala, india ”.

Wow,the pics… Perfect road trip amidst greens! Made me cast back my trip 🙂

So happy you enjoyed reading about our road trip in Kerala Indu 🙂 We loved every bit of it

Hey Hi guys. I am huge fan of your blog. The road trip itenary suggested by you for kerala is amazing. Can i go in the rainy season for the same road trip??

Hey Priyanka – thanks a ton. So happy you enjoyed reading about our road trip in Kerala 🙂 You can go during rainy season but do beware than some roads can get blocked due to heavy rain during that time of year

Beautiful description about my home state. Wayanad is also another beautiful place which is located in north Kerala. You can drive to Bandipur via Wayanad to Ooty- Coonnor and get back to Coimbatore.

Thanks a ton Remya – wish we had time for Wayanad and Ooty on this trip but that gives us a reason to be back soon 🙂

You people are doing a great job I have been seeing your videos and reading your blogs and they are really helpful. Planning vacations are now just reading one of your blog away. Savi and Vid I am a travel enthusiast and you both are my role models. Thank you

This itinerary looks so perfect. I LOVE kerala and keep going back for long weekends (I am from Bangalore). Now I want to visit again! The photos are just brilliant, couldn’t take my eyes off them! The houseboat looks so pretty and charming and cozy. 🙂 You guys should visit Coorg and Sakleshpur next. I am sure you would love both places!

Thanks Ramya 🙂 The houseboat made for quite the experience. We are contemplating going to Coorg next – hope it happens super soon

My native is on your way to Thekkady to Kumarakom, but I should say that I have not visited most places in this place. But your post and these beautiful pictures are inspiring me to explore more of Kerala as soon as I can.

Wow – that’s the greatest compliment EVER Elizabeth. So happy to hear we’ve encourage a Keralite to explore her own state – yay 🙂

I’ll be dreaming of gorgeous tea plantations and house boats tonight, that’s for sure! You guys are the reason my travel lustlist is growing at such a fast rate, haha! You guys have made Kerala sound perfect 💜💜

Aww thanks Adele – hearing from you always makes our day. Travel lustlist growing too fast? That’s our work done then 😉

Beautiful description with jaw droppings pictures. I too had a road trip covering a few parts of Kerala. Must say Kerala is b’tful and need not say how it’s named ‘God’s Own country’. U guys have summed it up so well. My houseboat is dues and will be making it sometime soon. Thanks for reminding me of what I missed. 😘😘 Also, I would second to Remya. Take a drive to Wayanad and go through the raw beauty it has. Staying at Bandipur jungle resort is another amazing experience. Looking forward to your next post. Much Love to U both. 😘😘

Thanks Akanksha – so happy you enjoyed reading the article. Hope you make it to a houseboat soon 🙂 We’ll definitely take that drive to Wayanad sometime in the near future 🙂

I am planning a trip to Kerala, and I am sure I will be stealing most of this itinerary. Thank you. 🙂

Glad you enjoyed it Kaveri – have fun in Kerala 🙂

Kerala is beautiful place of India and it is full with beautiful things. Natural beauty is one of the best attraction. it have one of the biggest beaches of india and so stunning photos you shared.

We are happy to know that you enjoyed seeing the pictures we clicked in Kerala. It is a beautiful place and our trip there was nothing less than magical in the true sense.

Beautiful pictures and article AS ALWAYS! I’ve read quite a lot of travel blogs but this is the only one which does not have even one article which is anything short of amazing! Oh and don’t know why,but mention of my hometown Coimbatore made me super happy! 😀

Thank so much – so happy to know you feel that way. A lot of thought and time goes into putting together each article, so your comment is truly appeciated 🙂 Also, hi five for Coimbatore

The peppercorn picture is the best! Did you ask them to do something funny, or did they just do that on their own?

Thanks Lori – I didn’t. Just struck a conversation and captured it while talking to them 🙂

Perfect itinerary. Sunset from a houseboat picture looks so magical. I like the way you’ll write.

Hey Loreta – great to hear that. Thanks a ton 🙂

Beautiful pictures guys! I am planning a road trip to kerala from hyderabad. We have like 7 days in hand. Not possible to cover all of it I guess.Any itinerary suggestions??

Hey Ruhi – unfortunately we haven’t driven that route yet. Sorry about that 🙂

Hello Savi and Vid, so after reading your this blog post multiple times and checking google again and again, we went for Munnar last week 27th Aug 2017. And yeah we did cover main points you suggested at Munnar..It was raining for first two days but on the day of actual sight seeing, it was lovely sunny out.. Vid, I must tell you, I try to click pictures like you do, the locals, the lush green tea plants and all.. and output is always great. Big Thanks to you both.. Yeah we used public transport for Coimbatore to Munnar , Munnar to Alleppy..KSRTC buses..BOM to Coimbtore and Cochin to BOM flight. PS: We Skipped early morning Thekkady boat ride too 😛

Cheers, Ashay

Thanks a lot for the beautiful message. It’s amazing that you used public transport and covered so much – well done 😀

Do share your photos with us if you get the chance.

WOW I am going to India for the first time next week and have been reading your blog like crazy! Your photos are AMAZING, what kind of camera do you use? Would you say maxi dresses are ok for rajasthan if they are high on the neck but show shoulders? I am in love with all your oufits–such great style !

Hey Sierra – thanks a ton 🙂 Maxi Dresses are ok for Rajasthan but just carry a scarf along to cover your shoulders in busy marketplaces or near religious sites

A very detailed, inspiring and informative post 🙂

Thank you Jo- glad you liked it 🙂

Amazing pictures ..and a very detailed explanation ..next in my list …I have followed ur Slovenia iternary and Kerala in my next bucket list ..Thanks Savi and Vid

Thank you so much Kriti – hope you had a great time driving in Kerala

Very very helpful ! Thanks a ton 🙂

You’re welcome 🙂 Hope y ou enjoyed your road trip in Kerala

I’m coming to kerala with two friends next month! What was your favorite part of your trip? We are thinking about giving thekady a miss and concentrating on munnar and kumarakom/alleppey, curious to hear your opinion of it we only have a week, what would you cut out of your intinerary!

Hey Sierra,

Our favourite part has to be Kumarakom and the night we spent on the boat house. YEs, we’d give Thekaddy a miss and spend longer in Munnar/Kumarakom

For this whole trip which places did you need to take the inner permit for your vehicle? I am wondering as i am also planning the same roadtrip on this route with Myles. Thank you 🙂

From my recollection we did have to take permits in different places but don’t really remember how many places. But I do remember that it wasn’t difficult at all and we didn’t have to do anything in advance

Hi Can u guys suggest me best resort in kovalam i am travelling in june with 1 kid

Hey we stayed at CGH Coconut lagoon and can’t fault it 🙂

wow, these include a lot of information relating to Munnar, its very use full for every visitors. If you are looking for the best resorts and hotels in Munnar http://themunnarqueen.in/

Hey savi n vid.. I love to see yr post on insta.. they r amazing… V r planning for kerala trip.. n i have heard abt bamboo rafting in thekary.. any experiance of it..

Credibility of the post is highly appreciable with the benefits are fantastic. Can view the best work of budgeting trip for Kerala, within the single page of this blog. Not needed for guide at all !!

Hi Savi & Vid. I have been closely following you on Instagram and your posts on travel make me jealous. Wish I could go roam the country (leave aside the world) more frequently. I am mesmerized by every post of yours.

Anyways I have been planning a trip to Kerala in December (we shall start from Kochi) for 4 days/3 nights. My friends and family suggested Munnar-Takkady-Kumarkom (1 night stay at a boathouse). We would reach Munnar by afternoon as we would definitely stop for various waterfalls along kochi-munnar route. But we would stay only 1 night in munnar (I wanted to stay 2 days) and leave next day morning around 11 am for tekkady. Do you think this plan can get hectic? Or should we skip Tekkady/Periyar altogether for a more relaxed holiday? Any suggestions on an itinerary? Any places you feel we should not miss around Munnar (like chinna kanal) if we decide to stay there for 2 days?

Your suggestions could be of great help. Please help out!!

Definitely seems hectic – you won’t be able to enjoy at all 🙂 Best to spend 2 days in and around Munnar and then head to Kumarakom

Hi savi and vid

Loved your post so much that we ended up planning similar itinary for my 31st birthday. Everything u have written , have almost witnessed it. Love every details you put in your every pic. Keep sharing your amazing travel stories and keep inspiring us. Pls tell where we can share pictures with you guys.

Hey Ritika 🙂

Thank you so much – glad you had a great time 🙂 You can either email us the photos at bruisedpassports {at} gmail {dot} com or send us a message on our Instagram: @bruisedpassports 🙂

What a beautiful post and I love the pictures! Kerala is most beautiful place and top tourist destination in India. Munnar is my favorite place in Kerala, it is adorned with lofty mountains, lush greenery, misty clouds, waterfalls and much more. Thank you for sharing the wonderful travel guide for Kerala.

Happy to hear you enjoyed our experience in Kerala 🙂

You know the feeling you get when you stumble upon juuuuust the perfect itinerary , that resonates totally with how you would want your trip to be…this was it ! Thanks for sharing this, so, so helpful write up !

That’s MUSIC to our ears 🙂 Do share your photos whenever you visit 🙂

Hey guys, Thank you so much for sharing this information. I really like to visit munnar.

Happy to hear that!

I have plan to go for summer vacation and search for where to go and reached on your blog where I see Kerala is best place for holiday destination and I will plan for kerala in next week. Thanks for sharing amazing content and photos.

Happy to hear that 🙂

Hi Savi and Vid,

I discovered your Youtube channel a while back and was instantly impressed, inspired and not to mention, instantly subscribed. I’ve enjoyed the many trip reports there and so when I was “Googling” about itineraries for our upcoming Kerala trip and found a link to your blog, it definitely brought a smile and a feeling that this is going to be it. And after going through it and seeing the pictures, I’ll say I was not disappointed at all.

Anyway, to the subject. As I mentioned it’s going to be a Family Trip – 6 adults, Two kids (2 yr and 1 yr). The dates – 20th-27th September. Unfortunately, we don’t have many days. So my question is, can your itinerary be modified to 7 days and will the season be good? Also, I checked Myles but they don’t have availability on those days. Any other Car Rental recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks. Anticipating a reply, even though this blog post is quite old now.

Thanks for your message. Yes you can definitely fit this into 7 days – spend 2-3 days in and around Munnar, 2 days in Thekkady, and 2 nights in Coconut Lagoon 🙂

Haven’t really tried any other rental agency – perhaps you could try Zoomcar?

Have a great road trip in Kerala and share photos with us 🙂

Appreciate the response. We ended up going for 8 days and hiring an Innova. We did 2 days in Kovalam, 2 in Varkala, 1 in Alleppey, 2 in Munnar and 1 in Kochi. It was a great trip. I haven’t uploaded any photos because I’m too lazy for that, unlike you guys. Keep up the good work and happy travels! By the way, just saw your Arctic Cruise video…so awesome!

Nice content and pics especially the sceneries that you have captured are awesome.

Thanks Ram!

Your post is completely fantastic, fabulous and inspiring! Lovely one! Awesome captures. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks a ton Sarah – so happy you found our tips for a roadtrip in Kerala helpful 🙂

Hey guys! Loved the article and the pictures <3 I am planning a road trip to Kerala with my parents and I've included almost all the suggestions given in this itinerary. Also, can I get a suggestion on the kind of clothes I should carry for a comfortable trip in Kerala? I would be travelling there in mid-February. Thank you.

Carry breathable cotton fabrics 🙂

Thanks a lot , nice info, i had been around kerala many times, but planning with family by road from bangalore, your info is really great thanks again

You’re welcome Raji. Hope you have a great road trip to Kerala 🙂

It’s a very beautifully weaved post and very informative as well. Love the pictures.

Thanks for sharing a very nice blog post.

Heyy Savvi and Vid! I have a question: for Houseboats and backwaters, which is a better place to visit : Allepey or Kumarakom?

Hey both are great but we like Kumarakom better

Thanks for sharing nice post

Thanks for sharing a very nice blog post

Nice blog… Visit Oshin Hotels in Wayanad on your next trip to Kerala. https://oshinhotels.com/

Your vivid descriptions and beautiful photos transport readers to each destination, making it feel like we’re right there with you. I appreciate the personal touch you bring to your travel experiences, offering insights that go beyond the typical tourist spots. It’s evident that your passion for exploration shines through every post

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A 7 day Kerala itinerary perfect for first-timers

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: March 11, 2023

The make-up is done in such a way that you might think that the actors wear a mask.

Are you wondering what’s the best Kerala itinerary? You came to the right place.

Kerala is super green with lots of palm trees.  

We loved the seemingly endless lush green nature of Kerala, a paradise for nature lovers and for those who want to relax for a few days.

In this Kerala travel blog post, we share our complete Kerala trip itinerary.

So definitely keep reading.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.  

In a hurry? Here we share our Kerala trip plan for 7 days

If you don’t have time to read through the full 7 days Kerala trip itinerary,  use this overview to get an idea of the things to do each day and save it for later.

• Day 1-2 Kochi ( Cochin ):  Chinese Fishing Nets, the Pardesi Synagogue, the St. Francis Church, walk through Princess street, Mattancherry Palace, attend a Kathakali dance show.
• Day 3-4 Munnar:  Visit the tea plantations, Mattupety Dam, Echo Point, and Top Station. Go hiking, visit Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Day 5-7 Allepey, Kumarakom, and Cochin: Relax in Allepey, cruise the backwaters, make a Shikara boat ride, take an Ayurveda massage.

Table of Contents

India essentials 

• To find  cheap flights to India, click here.
• Most travelers need a visa for India. The easiest way is to apply for an e-visa through  a Visa agency. Click here to see prices and submit your application.
• For more inspiration on what to do and to see in India, take a look at our  2 weeks in India itinerary  and our  Rajasthan itinerary.
• Here you can find an overview of  the best India group tours . If you are specifically looking for  group tours that visit Kerala, click here.
• Last but not least, make sure you have good  travel insurance.

Kerala tour itinerary 7 days 

In this 7 days Kerala travel itinerary you will discover most of Kerala’s highlights. 

Day 1-2: Kochi (Cochin)

If the use of Cochin and Kochi gets you confused you’re not alone. 

Both names refer to the same city.  Kochi is the official name but many people still use the unofficial Cochin which was used by the British occupiers.

Kochi is the major airport in Kerala.  The airport is served by many domestic and international flights.

Depending on how late you arrive in Kochi we would recommend staying one or two nights.

Our driver was waiting for us at the arrivals hall.  In hindsight, we can now tell you that we are glad we had arranged one.

Although the distances that you will cover to visit these Kerala sights are nothing compared to the kilometers we traveled in the Northern part of India it is still a much more comfortable way of traveling.

45 Amazing facts about India you should read before you go

Kochi sightseeing

I’m not sure if you have ever been to Rajasthan.

If you have we can tell you that Kerala will be a whole different experience. It could just as well be another country.   

It’s a very tropical city with lots of water and palm trees and if somebody would have told us that we were no longer in Indian but in Thailand instead we could have believed him.

Here we share the best things to do in Kochi.

Things to do in Fort Kochi

Kochi is the economic capital of the state of Kerala. 

It is a big city but the highlights are all located in the same part of the city called Fort Kochi and can be covered in a half-day.

We visited the Chinese Fishing Nets, the Pardesi Synagogue, and the St. Francis Church.  Along the way we walked through Princess street, the place to hunt for souvenirs, snoop around bookstores or relax with a drink and some food.

Next, we went to the Mattancherry Palace, also called the Dutch Palace.  It’s a beautiful small palace with some awesome mural paintings.  It can in no way be compared to any of the palaces we visited in Rajasthan.

The museum does a good job of showcasing the many differences in the life of the Maharaja between the north and the south of the country.

Kochi is also a good place to attend a Kathakali dance show. This is a story play that originated in Kerala and is still unique to this region. 

The show kept us amused for the full hour.  Although we lost the storyline somewhere halfway, the costumes, make-up, and acts alone justify attending the show.

You can see a similar Kathakali show in Munnar if your agenda wouldn’t allow you to attend the show in Kochi.

Here you can find more places to visit in Fort Kochi. 

Where to stay in Cochin

Le méridien cochin.

We stayed in  the Meridien Cochin  and had a wonderful time. We had a very big comfortable room and enjoyed the delicious breakfast.  The staff was very accommodating and even invited us to the miss Kerala election that was held in the hotel. We would definitely stay here again if we would return to Cochin.

Check prices and availability:

Booking.com

If you aren’t convinced of this hotel, you will find a lot of other hotels in Cochin on Booking.com: Booking.com

Day 3-4: Munnar

From Kochi, we continued our journey towards the hill station of Munnar.

Driving time:  112 km- approximately 4 hours.

Things to do in Munnar

Munnar is a great location to spend 2 days.  Best of all is that the temperature is really enjoyable as it is higher up in the mountains.  It might even feel a little chilly when you’re acclimatized to the temperatures in the other parts of India.

So bring a warm jacket or sweater.

The main tourist attraction of Munnar are the many tea plantations. Did you know that India is famous for producing one of the best teas in the world? 

You can’t miss them, all roads in the area zigzag through the tea plantations. 

The sight is so spectacular that I think we may have asked our driver a hundred times to stop for a picture.

Several tea plantations are open to visitors. 

Some of them have a small museum where you can see how tea is made in the factories. 

There’s also the tea museum that tells more about the history of tea in this region.

For an even more authentic experience, you can book an organized tour that takes you on unpaved routes deep into the fields.   You will meet some of the tea pickers and see how they still mostly manually pick the leaves.  Did you know that they collect around 100kg of leaves every single day?

We loved the tea plantations so much that we would almost forget the other sights of Munnar. 

Once we sort of had enough of the impressive vistas on the tea plantations we headed to the Mattupety Dam, Echo Point, and Top Station.

Except for Top Station, the sights in themselves are not that special but the roads that take you there are all the more. 

Along the way, you pass several photogenic waterfalls as well as many more incredible vistas.

Munnar is also surrounded by some beautiful national parks.

Eravikulam National Park is located half an hour outside Munnar and is the habitat of the almost extinct Nilgiri Tahr . 

Almost 2 hours North of Munnar is Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can spot elephants and deer (and even leopards if you are really really lucky).

Hiking is another excellent way to witness the beauty of the region. 

Several gorgeous hikes and trekkings can be done ranging from easy to rather difficult but most are unmarked and require a guide.

If you plan on doing a lot of hiking, we would advise you to wear hiking leggings. They are a lot more comfortable than shorts when you plan on hiking a lot.

In the evening you can attend the Kathakali as well as Kalaripayattu shows.   The latter is a very energetic martial arts show.

Where to stay in Munnar 

Fragrant nature munnar.

The Fragrant Nature Munnar hotel is gorgeous and beautifully situated on the top of the valley amidst the jungle.  It is surrounded by tea and spice plantations. The hotel has comfortable and well-equipped rooms and is run by helpful and accommodating staff. The view from the room is outstanding.

Check prices and availability: Agoda

Day 5-7: Alleppey-Kumarakom-Cochin

Kumarakom and Alleppey are both nice places to end your vacation in Kerala. They are located on opposite sides of the Vembanad lake. 

We ended our vacation with some quality time in a resort in Kumarakom but you can also spend some relaxing days in Alleppey.

We have included a short comparison between the two to help you pick the best destination for your vacation.

Driving time: 175 km- approximately 4-5h

Should you go to Alleppey or Kumarakom?

This depends on what you want to do.

If you want to cruise the backwaters and stay a night on a houseboat you might want to choose for Alleppey.

The boats leave from both locations but Alleppey has by far the biggest choice for a backwater cruise.

You won’t find a lot of resorts in Alleppey, these are all located along the lakeside in Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is the most flexible of the two as it allows you to combine a stay in a resort with an overnight cruise in a houseboat.  Some of the resorts have their own houseboats and offer this as a package.

You should know that although a Kerala backwater cruise lasts almost a full day the boat will only sail for about 6 hours. 

Local regulations reserve the lake for the fishermen at night, all houseboats need to dock by 5:30 PM. 

The majority of the 6 hours are also spent on the lake, most Kerala houseboats are too large to navigate the narrow channels of the backwaters where you can really experience daily life.

The small boats called Shikara offer an alternative way to see the backwaters. You can charter these per hour as a couple or family.

An advantage of these small boats is that they can navigate the narrow channels and because it’s a private tour you can ask the driver to stop if you want to take pictures.  We saw a lot of colorful birds so there’re plenty of picture opportunities.

We arranged a 2-hour Shikara boat ride. It seemed like 2 hours was enough although the scenery is really stunning. This cruise was one of the highlights of our trip to Kerala as the backwaters are so peaceful and beautiful. I think the backwaters might be the reason why they call this state “God’s own country”.

If we would go back we would definitely opt for a Shikara again.

The Shikara boats leave from the Kavanattinkara boat jetty in Kumarakom.  This is close to the entrance of the bird sanctuary and your boat ride will actually take you along part of the edge of the sanctuary.   The sanctuary is a nice place to enjoy nature but the dense forest will make it difficult to spot birds. 

You can combine your boat ride with a visit to the sanctuary, just know that you will probably see more birds during the boat ride than during your forest trek in the sanctuary.

This region in Kerala is also famous for its Ayurveda massages. 

Ayurveda is a buzzword that’s popping up all over the world.  What you may not know is that it originated in India several thousand years ago.  It’s a way of life that revolves around creating peace and harmony in the body by aligning different energy channels, called chakras. 

The Ayurveda oils that are used have medicinal and detoxing properties.

You should try an Ayurveda massage if you currently suffer from insomnia or high levels of stress.

We had our massage at an Ayurveda Massage Center but you will see that most hotels offer these massages as well.

If you like to combine a backwater tour with a massage, this is the perfect tour for you. 

Where to stay in Alleppey 

Angel queen houseboat.

A lovely boat with a top deck for great viewing. The boat has comfortable bedrooms with ensuites. The meals that are served are delicious and the scenery divine.

A good option for a relaxing and comfortable trip.

If you aren’t convinced of this houseboat, you will find a lot of other houseboats in Alleppey on Booking.com: Booking.com

Where to stay in Kumarakom?

Park regis aveda kumarakom.

Classy resort with beautiful rooms that look out over the pool. Excellent food and service at the restaurant.  Very courteous and friendly staff. The hotel offers a complimentary sunset cruise. 

A beautiful peaceful place on the lake.

If you aren’t convinced of this hotel, you will find a lot of other resorts in Kumarakom on Booking.com: Booking.com

Best time to visit Kerala

The best period to visit Kerala is from September to March although it can rain occasionally until December.

We had some daily scattered showers in October.  They usually occurred somewhere during the afternoon but not to that degree that it affected our travel plans for Kerala.

Kerala has an overall enjoyable climate whole year-round.  Most visitors prefer the above period because it’s warm but not too hot and there’s only a small chance to have vacation days ruined by rain. 

There are some popular activities in Kerala in this period. 

One is the Kumarakom Boat race in September and October and there is also Cochin Carnival which is widely celebrated in January.

This is the most popular tourist season and that is reflected in the hotel prices.

You will have to pay more for your accommodation, certainly around the year-end period.

As of April, the temperatures start rising towards 30 degrees and more.  Most tourists avoid Kerala during these months.

It’s a great time to explore the region if the heat doesn’t bother you, the hotel rates are lower and there will be fewer crowds.

In general, there will be plenty of sun during the daytime. 

Chances of heavy showers and thunderstorms towards evening increase as April ends and May kicks in.

June, July, and August is monsoon season in Kerala. 

The temperatures are hot and humid and almost daily there will be some heavy showers. 

Floods are not uncommon during this time of the year so it may be difficult to get around.

If your travel plans are limited to this time of the year and you are looking for a nature destination, we would recommend you to consider a trip to Borneo.

Cheap Flights to Kerala

If you want to score  cheap flights to Kerala we advise you to have a look at Momondo  and  Skyscanner.   

Both are flight aggregators that compare several hundreds of booking sites and give you an overview of the best flights and the cheapest sites to book them. 

Momondo and Skyscanner are both very good at finding good deals, of the two, Momondo is probably the one with the most intuitive user interface.

Visa requirements for India

With the exception of residents of Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives everybody needs a visa to enter India.

Recently the country has introduced e-visas.  You can find out if you’re eligible to apply for an e-visa on the government’s e-visa website .  The website also lists the fees.  These vary by country. (see point 4 of the instructions)

Note that the Indian government charges the fee regardless of whether your application has been approved or not.  The fee is seen as a processing fee and therefore non-refundable.  It’s always charged, even if your application would be rejected due to an unclear picture or an unreadable scan of your passport.

This made us a little uncomfortable and we decided to apply for our e-visa through a visa agency so that our information would be subject to an additional review by the agency before it was finally submitted.

Apply for a travel visa with VisaHQ: Visa for India

When you want to apply for the e-visa yourself make sure to do this directly on the official government website.  Ignore sites that falsely claim to be official like the one below, they add significant service charges to your application, more than reputable visa agencies such as iVisa.  The official e-visa site run by the government is  https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ .

Take a car and driver or join an organized tour

We always prefer to explore a country on our own. Primarily for the freedom that it gives us but also because it feels more authentic if you mingle with the locals on public transportation and in the streets.

We did some research but it wasn’t really easy to find something that worked for us. 

There’re buses that go to the hill stations but you would need an additional taxi or tuk-tuk to get to your hotel as many of them are spread out across the region and not really within the limits of those stations.

Then you will also have to make arrangements with a taxi or tuk-tuk to take you to the various sights, or you could book an organized tour.

Car and driver

In the end, we opted for a private chauffeured tour as it looked much easier.  

To book a private chauffeured tour you need to provide the company with your planned itinerary. This is because the price not only depends on the number of days but also on the number of kilometers that you will travel.

If you’re not sure about your itinerary for Kerala you can finetune it together with the company.

Most companies will be able to book your accommodations as well but you’re free to arrange your hotels yourself if you prefer.

Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport in the arrivals hall.  From this point on you have all the freedom about how you fill in your days.  We were well prepared and had a list of things that we wanted to see and do. Our driver always had some extra suggestions ready.  Each evening we made the final arrangements with him for the next day.

It worked out really well and turned out to be a comfortable way to visit Kerala.

If you are looking for a car and driver, take a look here. 

Joining an organized tour 

If you don’t have time to create your own itinerary or just don’t want to go independent, then you could also join an organized tour. 

TourRadar is an online travel agency specialized in multi-day tours.  Their well-arranged interface makes it easy to compare package tours from different operators.

They have several 7 days Kerala tour packages.

Tipping in India

There’s something strange about tipping in India and it took some time before we got a hold about when and how much we should tip.  Tipping, in India known as Baksheesh, is not common and didn’t exist before tourism became popular in India.  You will hardly ever see a local give a tip.

Westerners introduced the custom of tipping, maybe because poverty can be confronting, but our driver was quick to remind us that we didn’t need to be overly generous.

The Baksheesh has already found its way in the culture and staff in restaurants that see a lot of tourists now seem to expect tips from foreigners.

We sometimes noticed how we got treated differently than an Indian couple sitting at the table next to us.  Mostly regarding the bill because the service was equally good regardless of skin color, language, or origin.

We usually tipped about 10% in restaurants.

Make sure to check the bill for a service charge before you tip. 

Some restaurants will add this automatically, others don’t. 

We did try to hand the tip subtly to our waiter because we often noticed how restaurant managers were quick to collect the tips that were left on the table and they just disappeared in their own pockets.

The tipping policy was not any more clear in hotels. 

We noticed how luxury hotels seemed to have a no-tipping policy. 

We had some small rupees handy (the guideline is 50 rupees per bag) each time we arrived in a hotel but the porters in most luxury hotels were very fast to leave to the room. We often didn’t have the chance to hand over the tip. 

On the occasions where we did, they were overly grateful.   

Less luxurious hotels often showed a completely different picture. 

Hotel porters in these hotels would put on a whole show and acted like our bags weighed at least 50kg each. 

They clearly expected a tip and did not make a start to leave the room until we handed them the Baksheesh. 

We tipped the first group with pleasure, but the 2nd group gave us a bad feeling.

“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” 

If you have a car with a driver it is also expected that you tip your driver for good service. 

Our driver was always on time and even acted as a guide whenever he could. 

He would tell us more about the places that we visited and would always offer suggestions about the places where we could go to. 

If you’re happy with the services of your driver the suggested tip is 200 INR per day per person. 

If you’re sharing a driver with a larger group you can lower these amounts, a tip of 800INR/day is very generous.

Scams in India

We encountered various small scams but luckily nothing that was too bad.

Most of them occurred in Rajasthan but you will be confronted with them in all public and touristic places all over India, even in temples.

Do not accept any free things that are offered to you.  Once you have accepted the so-called gift they will ask money in return.

Overall we had the impression that things weren’t as bad in Kerala as in Rajasthan but we prefer to share our tips anyway.

A small piece of advice is to not be annoyed too much by these scams.  If you allow them to influence your mood it will just ruin your experience.  Let it go and move on. It’s not worth ruining your trip over it.

Know how much you need to pay

We experienced how Indians shamelessly dared to ask a twentyfold of the official price for snacks or drinks. 

A coke in an ordinary Indian supermarket was suddenly more expensive than what we would pay in a fancy bistro along the Champs-Elysée. 

Although you clearly know that this cannot be correct it’s hard to negotiate a fair price if you do not know this price. 

After we overpaid once our driver showed us where could find the official price.

All drinks and snacks should have the price printed on them.  If the bottle or package is not showing the price or the price has been barred just move on and find a trustworthy seller.

We visited most sites with our driver and when we did he told us the entry fees we needed to pay. 

Most of the time these were also clearly indicated at the ticket offices. Prices for foreigners are more expensive than those for locals. 

Luckily the difference is not that big here than it was in the North where foreigners often paid the fifteenfold or twentyfold of locals.

Most entrance fees can be paid with a credit card or cash. 

Monuments that are run by the government often have some discount for credit card payments. 

 When paying cash make sure to check your change, short-changing is not uncommon in India.

The chances are smaller that they will try to pull short-changing tricks on you if you clearly show the notes that you hand over or even mention how much cash you give them.

Something else we experienced, although in New Delhi, is that people pretended to be ticket vendors although the entrance is free. 

This happened at the Jama Masjid mosque. 

Scammers stopped us at the entrance and rather aggressively asked us to pay 300 INR per person and an additional 300 INR for each camera.

Because we knew the entrance was free we ended up only paying the camera fee and saved 600 INR.

2 days in Jaipur, a detailed itinerary. 

If you plan on visiting any monuments look up the price online before you go.

Adapter for electrical appliances

India uses a mix of electrical plugs type C (also known as Europlug), D and M .  The type C plug is similar to what is used in most European countries. 

The Type M plug has three round pins in a triangular pattern and looks similar to the Type D plug, the only difference being that its pins are much larger.

Type M pins are used for bigger appliances.

Since we are from Belgium, we did not need an adapter.

If you have problems using type C plugs in Type D sockets you should try to insert an object with a fine tip into the top hole while inserting the plug.

Stay healthy

Maybe it was the temperature that was slightly more pleasant or maybe the kitchen hygiene is just better, whatever the reason was, once we arrived in Kerala we were released of the famous Delhi belly.

We still obeyed the following rules:

Avoid drinking any tap water or brushing your teeth with it.  Try to steer clear from any food that may have been washed in it like salads and order any soda’s without ice.

Indians have the lowest rate of meat consumption in the world. India has 500 million vegetarians, that are more vegetarians than the rest of the world put together.

The country offers perhaps the world’s most fabulous choice of vegetarian food so it may be a good choice to go veggie for the duration of your stay in India.

Undercooked or rotten meat can do a lot more harm than a badly prepared vegetarian dish.

Expenses abroad can be seriously inflated by fees from your bank or credit card.  That’s why I’m a huge fan of my  N26 account.   

The account is available to most EU residents.

 The  checking account  is free as well as the associated Mastercard and there’s no exchange rate provision when you use to card for payments abroad. 

There’s a 1,7% exchange rate provision when you withdraw money abroad but even that is free with  the premium Black Mastercard.  

The app is another great feature of the card, you can follow your expenses in real-time and instantly block your card if you see any signs of fraud.

When paying cash double-check the amount you hand over to the cashier and double-check the notes you get back.  Shortchanging is, unfortunately, a common practice in India.

Also, check the quality of the notes you get back.

It doesn’t matter so much for small notes (anything up to 100INR) but don’t accept any notes over 100 that are damaged or have been written on. 

We had one 500 rupee note with some yellow marks on it and it took us a while before somebody wanted to accept it.

We stayed in both 3, 4, and 5-star hotels. 

The level of service in all of them was excellent but we noticed how the cleanliness was significantly lower in 3-star hotels. 

We found dust on the shelves, old worn towels, raffled carpet in the corridors, sticky tables in the restaurant, and pigeon poop all around the pool. 

What we didn’t find was toilet paper in the public toilets. 😊 Not what we would expect from a 3-star hotel but you have to keep in mind that the standards for cleanliness are different in India.

Indian cities are often very hectic and noisy and we were often happy that we could relax in a comfortable hotel after a busy day.

We would recommend taking slightly better hotels then you usually take so that you can unwind and relax after a hectic day.

Travel Insurance 

Last but not least… I’m not sure how good or bad Indian hospitals are. 

I do want to believe that they have a higher standard of cleanliness than the average Indian restaurant but still, I rather don’t experience it myself.

We never had anything serious happen on any of our journeys around the world but we never take any risks, better safe than sorry…  That’s why we always travel with good travel insurance.

If you don’t have travel insurance yet, check out HeyMondo or Safetywing . Both companies over good travel insurance for a competitive price.

HeyMondo Travel Insurance

SafetyWing Insurance

We had an amazing week in Kerala.

The backwaters are incredibly beautiful and although this is the third time that we visit tea plantations they keep on inspiring us to snap hundreds of pictures.

Kerala has everything you need for a lovely vacation. 

There’re fantastic hotels in all price classes.

One thing I noticed about hotels in India is that the service is always excellent.  Cleanliness is somewhat troublesome in 3-star hotels (we did not stay below 3 stars) but the service remains spotless.

Nature lovers as we are we were definitely charmed by the beautiful nature of the state. 

If we would come back we would certainly do some trekkings and maybe even try one of the bounty beaches to relax afterward.

If you like this article, pin it

Bharat Taxi

Friday 27th of December 2019

Thanks for sharing your itinerary for the trip, Kerala is very beautiful city and there have many places to visit for sightseeing. I really appreciate this post, all images are so beautiful, Thanks for sharing this post.

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

KERALA TRAVEL BLOG 🌴 Backpacking Kerala India for first trip to India

I made my first trip to India (and Kerala!) when I was 22.

I’ve visited nearly 40 countries, and India is #3 on the list of countries I’ve spent the most time in. (#1 is the US , #2 is Japan .)

Now I’m here to show you that travel around India as a foreigner doesn’t have to be as scary or as hard as you may think, even if you’re backpacking India alone!

How to spend your first trip to India

• One week in Kerala
• One month in South India
• 2 weeks in North India
• Traveling around the Golden Triangle

Basics of travel in India for foreigners

• Essentials to know for your first trip to India
• Easy way to get India tourist visa
• Basics of backpacking Kerala
• Basics of backpacking Goa

Examples of getting around India

• Local bus in India
• Overnight bus in India
• General class train in India
• Overnight train in India

Things to do in Kerala India

• Kerala backwaters on a budget
• Kerala backwaters canoe village tour
• Kerala backwaters by ferry
• Kerala backwaters homestay
• Kerala snake boat race
• Kerala ocean view guesthouse
• Kerala beach walk
• Kerala tea plantation walk
• How to spend one day in Alleppey

Welcome to Kerala!!

Welcome to india, happy backpacking kerala.

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

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!

Planning to cover places mentioned in this itinerary?

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

The 7 Day Kerala Itinerary

Experience the Best of Kerala in 7 Days

This 7 Day Kerala Road Trip Itinerary is designed keeping the following factors in mind:

• Fly in and Fly Out from Cochin International Airport
• Have a vehicle at your disposal
• Have 8 days in your hand

After doing a 7 Day Road Trip to Bhutan back in March 2019, I decided to go on a   One Week Trip to Kerala but with my family, and this was roughly what we did, and what I recommend to you as well, as it contains a glimpse of everything you can experience in Kerala – God’s Own Country including admiring the different forms of street art, and cultural heritage in Kochi ; visiting the massive tea estates in Munnar ; experiencing the rawness of Nature in Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady and enjoying the quietness and serenity of the Kerala Backwaters.

Having said that, the main priority of this 7 Day Kerala Itinerary is to relax and rejuvenate , as there isn’t much to do in Munnar, Thekkady or Alleppey.

Day 1 – Land in Kochi – Explore Fort Kochi

Day 2 – Kochi – Munnar and Munnar Spice Garden Visit

Day 3 – munnar sightseeing and tea factory visit.

Day 4 – Munnar – Thekkady

Day 5 – Thekkady Nature Trails

Day 6 – thekkady – kumarakom / lake vembanad.

Day 7 – Alleppey Backwaters Houseboat Experience

Amber Dale Resort and Spa, Munnar

Greenwoods resort, thekkady, lemon tree vembanad lake resort, recommendations to make the most out of your trip to kerala, summary of the 7 day kerala road trip itinerary, share this:.

To make the most out of your Day 1 of your 7 Day Kerala Road Trip , make sure to land in Kochi before mid-day. This way you can check in to a hotel of your liking, preferably in Fort Kochi, and have the rest of the day, post lunch to explore the city of Kochi.

A charming seaside area, Fort Kochi is known for its Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture, and elaborate bamboo Chinese fishing nets which you can see at Fort Kochi Beach.

Fort Kochi is getting popular for its thriving and blooming art and cultural scene, which becomes evident, as you waltz your way around the narrow by lanes, and admire the different street art graffiti’s.

One place I’ll definitely recommend is the Kashi Art Café , where you’ll find some rather interesting and unique creations of art.

Enjoy a relaxing hearty meal in one of the many quaint cafes spread out in Fort Kochi, before calling it a night, and gearing up for the next day.

It takes around 4-5 hours by road from Kochi to Munnar , so ideally you should start by 9 AM, making sure that you reach Munnar – One of the Best Hill Stations in India ,  by lunch time.

3 hours on the road, and it’s time for the first pit stop – Munnar Spices and Ayurvedic Garden.

The one hour tour across the spice plantation, where the guide briefs about various benefits of different spices and ayurvedic herbs, is quite a learning lesson, which sets a good tone to your 7 Day Kerala Trip.

BTW there’s also a chocolate factory, selling a variety of chocolates, which you can taste and buy as well. However, I’ll rather suggest, you purchase the chocolates from the shops in the city, as they are much cheaper.

After the pit stop, continue on your way to Munnar, and reach your hotel, which was Amber Dale Resort and Spa, Munnar in our case.

Post lunch, explore the nearby Pallivassal Tea Estate , and the Attukad Waterfall , at your own pace.

Like already mentioned, the priority of this 7 Day Kerala Itinerary is relaxation and rejuvenation. And there’s nothing better than, waking up without an alarm, and then enjoying a leisurely breakfast overlooking the picturesque tea estates.

Post lunch, head out to Lockhart tea estate for a tour of the tea factory, and learn more about the different processes involved in the production of Tea.

Alternatively, you can head to the Mattupetty Dam and the Mattupetty Tea Estate , and do the tea factory tour there instead.

Thereafter make your way back to your hotel, to enjoy an amazing sunset, and a yummy dinner.

Plan your day in such a way, that you enjoy a hearty breakfast at leisure in Munnar, and reach Thekkady – The Gateway to Periyar Tiger Reserve , just in time for lunch in Thekkady.

We managed to reach our resort in Thekkady – Greenwoods Resort Thekkady , just in time for lunch, which was followed by a guided tour around the 6-acre property, where we got to know more about the conscious efforts that, these people have been taking towards sustainability and implementing eco-tourism practices.

Post lunch, and a stroll around the property, there’s nothing better than jumping in the pool for some time, and taking an afternoon nap, in one of the many hammocks, hanging around.

However, keep in mind that if you plan to explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve on the next day, like us, you need to get your tickets for activities like Jungle Patrol, Bamboo Rafting, Border Hiking, Boating and Trekking, from the Ticket counter, which is just a 5 minutes’ drive from Greenwoods Resort Thekkady , and the counter closes around 5 PM in the evening (cross check with the reception).

Also, there are a lot of cultural performances such as Kalaripayattu or Kathakalli , which happen in the evening every day, the tickets of which also need to be purchased before 5 PM (the reception will guide you to the ticket office).

Once you are back after purchasing the tickets, you can explore the Thekkady market, which is just at the doorstep of Greenwoods  Resort Thekkady , and purchase various spices, handmade chocolates, and other ayurvedic products.

Have a sumptuous dinner and call it an early night.

This is the day in your One Week Trip To Kerala when you will be exploring the untouched beauty of Periyar Tiger Reserve , and the best way to get the best experience, is to opt for  Bamboo Rafting , which basically involves, a one-and-a-half-hour hike through the jungle – an hour-long boat ride – and a hike back to the starting point.

The important thing to keep in mind, is to keep yourself hydrated, which PTR takes care off, as they give you a packed lunch, a bottle of water, some juice and fresh fruits in a backpack, making it easy to carry.

Hiking through the forest, with a guide, be assured that you will spot a lot of different species of birds, and if you are lucky, some animals as well.

This whole experience of exploring the untouched beauty of Periyar Tiger Reserve , will take up 6 – 7 hours, and you should be back by 3 – 4 PM, giving you enough time to go back to the hotel, take an afternoon nap, and then head out again to see the cultural performances.

As you will be tired, all you should be doing is chilling out once you are back to the resort for dinner, and a leisure stroll across the property, and ensuring that you get proper and well-deserved rest.

Check out this Weekend Guide to Thekkady for more ideas about the different Things To Do in Thekkady.

Its Day 6 of your 7 Day Trip to Kerala, and you should check out of your hotel in Thekkady, to reach Aleppey/Kumarakom/Lake Vembanad, which will take 3-4 hours by road.

We had planned to stay at Lemon Tree Lake Vembanad , which overlooks the massive Lake Vembanad, and is a hot favorite among both corporate and leisure travelers. We were just in time for lunch, where the chef had prepared an authentic lunch in the local flavors, which was a gastronomic experience like none other.

There are plenty of luxury resorts in Kumarakom and Alleppey , which you can choose from depending on your budget, However, my personal recommendation would be Lemon Tree Lake Vembanad . It was the perfect place for us to be, as there wasn’t much to do, except to relax, enjoy the views, and chill out in the infinity pool overlooking Lake Vembanad.

An interesting addition that you can add to this One Week Kerala Itinerary of yours, while in the Kerala backwaters is visiting Munroe Island , as a day trip from Allepey / Kumarakom.

And just like that the 7 Day Kerala Road Trip, is at the last stage, but worry not, as there’s something special for the last day, which is – A full day cruise of the backwaters in the houseboat where you get to experience the beauty of nature in God’s Own Country, while enjoying a traditional meal on board , comprising of more than 15 dishes, served on a banana leaf.

The last day of the 7 Day Kerala Itinerary , couldn’t be much better than this. And did I forget to mention, you can book a spa session in the evening, after enjoying the day cruising along the backwaters. The 60 minutes ayurvedic massage, is just what your body needs, bringing your relaxing One Week Trip to Kerala to an end.

Cochin International Airport , is merely an hour’s drive from Lemon Tree Lake Vembanad , so you can book your flight accordingly, on the next day, thus bringing an end to a super relaxing 7 Day Kerala Tour.

Where to Stay in Kerala?

If you are looking for some solitude, exclusivity, and amazing panoramic views of the expansive tea gardens of Munnar, then you should look no further than Amber Dale Resort and Spa in Munnar.

Every room at Amber Dale Resort and Spa, Munnar , opens to the panoramic views of the Munnar Tea Gardens , and waking up to those first rays of sun, or to see the clouds floating around at your window, is a feeling that everyone should experience first-hand.

This business-friendly hotel, boasts of a 24-hour fitness centre, a 24-hour front desk, an in-house restaurant serving authentic and yummy food, and even an Ayurvedic Spa. Amber Dale Resort and Spa , is just 3 Km from the Pallivasal Tea Estate, 2 Km from the Attukad Waterfall, making it close to the attractions, yet a bit away from the chaotic city centre.

This sprawling property of  Greenwoods Resort  is spread out over 6 acres, has over 6 different categories of rooms, including Superior Rooms, Premium Suites, Premium Pool Suites, Deluxe Rooms, Honeymoon Villas with Plunge Pool, and the ultra-luxurious Presidential Pool Suite; and provides ample of breakout spaces, and lush greenery, to make anyone reconnect with nature.

As you explore the grounds of Greenwoods Resort Thekkady , you will find that there is a fully functional biogas plant, a waste treatment plant, vermi compost pits, on the property itself, which bears testimony to the approach taken by Greenwoods Resort Thekkady towards sustainable practices.

Apart from abundant greenery everywhere, you will also find a Mini Gym, a well-equipped Business Centre, a Swimming Pool and a Multi Cuisine Restaurant serving delectable food items, at all hours of the day.

Located in Muhamma, Alleppey, standing on the Western shore of Kumarakom, at the very edge of Vembanad Lake, is Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort , located at a convenient distance (just 1 hour by taxi) from Cochin International Airport.

Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort boasts of 27 rooms and suites that are classified as Superior Room, Superior Lake Front, Superior Pool Deck Lake Front, Junior Lake Front Suite, Superior Lake Front Suite, all having panoramic views of the vast Lake Vembanad and of the Infinity Pool, which is definitely one of the USP.

Overlooking the massive Lake Vembanad, the infinity pool provides for some amazing postcard perfect shots, specially during the sunrise. In our two days of stay at Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort, I found myself in the pool most of the times, either sweating it out, or just looking at the horizon, and enjoying the beauty of Kerala. The poolside area with all the lounge chairs also turned out to be my workstation at some hours of the day #DigitalNomadLifestyle.

Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort also has an in-house Ayurvedic Spa , offering traditional Ayurvedic treatments and massage packages, which ensures that you experience all shades of Kerala during your stay at the resort.

This  7 Day Kerala Itinerary was designed, in such a way, that we could have a memorable Staycation in Kerala – God’s Own Country.

• The best time to visit Kerala is from Mid May – September , as the weather will be pleasant because of the monsoons.
• No matter what time of the year you are going, always keep a poncho, and a light jacket – It will be cold in Munnar, as compared  to Thekkady and Alleppey.

Things to Shop in Kerala  to remind you of your Trip to Kerala

• Handmade Chocolates – they come in a variety of flavours (mango/strawberry/ginger)
• Ayurvedic herbs and medicines
• Organic Spices
• Banana chips
• Sandalwood Oil
• Cashew Nuts – In different seasonings
• Coconut and Coir products
• Organic Tea from the Tea Factories
• Kathakali Masks

Day 2 – Kochi – Munnar | Munnar Spice Garden Visit

Day 3 – Munnar Sightseeing | Tea Factory Visit

Day 5 – Thekkady Nature Trails | Experiencing the untouched beauty of Periyar Tiger Reserve

Day 6 – Thekkady – Alleppey / Kumarakom / Lake Vembanad

If you enjoyed reading this 7 Day Kerala Itinerary and Travel Guide , you might want to check out some other 7 Day Travel Guides and Itineraries , as well.

• The Nairobi 7 Day Travel Itinerary and Guide
• One Week in Cambodia – Travel Itinerary and Guide
• 7 Day Uttarakhand Road Trip Itinerary
• Best of Netherlands in 7 Days
• One Week in Scotland | Travel Itinerary and Travel Guide
• Best of South Africa in 7 Days
• The 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary
• One Week in Crete | Greece – Travel Itinerary and Travel Guide
• 7 Days in Israel – A Detailed Travel Itinerary
• 7 Day Road Trip to Bhutan – The Last Shangri La
• The Epic 7 Day Leh Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary

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30 Travel Bloggers That Absolutely Love Kerala!

I'm a traveller & travel blogger since 2012 giving readers useful tips and advice from budget to solo travel and everything in between!

I spent an unforgettable 15 days in Kerala on a trip of a lifetime with Kerala Tourism. ￂﾠWe had so much fun exploring and getting to know this part of India. ￂﾠHere's proof that 30 professional travel bloggers love the land of palm trees - Kerala! ￂﾠIt would be really hard not to love it here. ￂﾠIt ￂﾠis definitely the best state in India !

Wonderful Sarah from Fit Travels

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Crazy Janet from Journalist On The Run

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Sweet Brittany from The Sweet Wanderlust

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Friendly Haryadi from Omnduut

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Amazing photographer Patricia from Mochilando

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Funny Raul from Raul Valero

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Gorgeous Carla from Fui, gostei, contei

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Gracious Farah from Thats So Farah

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Wild Veronika from Veronika's Adventureￂﾠ

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Talented Betty from Betty Travels

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Awesome Brit from Stay Curious Darling

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Hilarious Jojo from The Happy Trip

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Amazing Rebecca from San Pedro Scoop

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Beautiful Verushka from Spice Goddessￂﾠ

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Easygoing Els from My Feet Are Meant To Roam

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Kind Cￃﾩline from Je Papote

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Warmhearted Susana from Viaje Comigoￂﾠ

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Calm and collected Franziska from Coconut Sports

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Fearless Javier from Mi Aventura Viajando ￂﾠ

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Kind Nidhi from Untravel ￂﾠ

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Enthusiastic Mirela fromￂﾠ Trolley Packer

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Inspiring Breifne from Breifne Earley

Remarkable Claire from Curious Claireￂﾠ

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Stunning Katerina from Golden Wings Diary

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Energetic Andreja from Adventurous Journeysￂﾠ

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Pretty amazing Anita (me!) ￂﾠfrom Anita Hendrieka

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Nutella-loving Valentina from Guenda's Travels

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Make sure you follow all these beautiful people I now can call friends. ￂﾠAs you can see, Kerala changes people's perceptions of India. ￂﾠIt's like a tropical paradise which is culturally rich and great for backpackers who are a little overwhelmed by the thought of travelling to this big bustling country alone. ￂﾠIt's calm, cheap and an Instagrammers heaven!

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20 Best Kerala Travel Blogs & Websites in 2024

Kerala Travel Blogs

Here are 20 Best Kerala Travel Blogs you should follow in 2024

1. Iris Holidays

2. Raviz Resorts & Spa

3. Tusk Travel » Kerala

4. Troper Tours

5. Cab In Kerala Blog

6. Gokeralab2b

7. Kerala Tourism

8. Travel Triangle » Kerala

9. Paradise Holidays Blog

10. Kerala Holidays

11. Experience Kerala | Kerala Travel Blog

12. Blue Bird Travels | Kerala Tourism Blog

13. eKerala Tourism

14. Kerala Blog Express

15. Kerala Backwater | Kerala Travel Blog

16. Alleppey Houseboat Club

17. Soul Travel India » Kerala

• Iris Holidays
• Raviz Resorts & Spa
• Tusk Travel » Kerala
• Troper Tours
• Cab In Kerala Blog
• Gokeralab2b
• Kerala Tourism
• Travel Triangle » Kerala
• Paradise Holidays Blog
• Kerala Holidays
• Experience Kerala | Kerala Travel Blog
• Blue Bird Travels | Kerala Tourism Blog
• eKerala Tourism
• Kerala Blog Express
• Kerala Backwater | Kerala Travel Blog
• Alleppey Houseboat Club
• Soul Travel India » Kerala

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Every moment is a journey, and every destination is a story waiting to be told. Explore Kerala's Rich Heritage and Natural Beauty with us!

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Explore Kerala With The Best Travel Blogs

Your ultimate guide to the hidden treasures of kerala.

Are you planning a trip to Kerala and looking for some inspiration? Look into our amazing travel blogs on Kerala! We provide the best travel blogs to Kerala, showcasing the best places to visit, travel tips, famous attractions, best hotels and rooms, etc. Get ready to trip to kerala with our online kerala trip guide to stunning beaches, lush forests, and vibrant cities through the eyes of experienced travelers and locals. Trust us, our best travel blogs for Kerala will make your trip planning process much easier and more enjoyable. Start exploring now and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Kerala!

If you're heading to Kerala, it's best to research in advance. Our best travel blogs about Kerala offer valuable insights into the top tourist places, things to do, and places to stay. You can also find helpful pieces of information like Kerala travel stories, Kerala tourism blogs, and other related questions.

Kerala is a beautiful state in southern India, known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse cuisine. Our best travel blogs in Kerala will help you discover the top tourist places like Munnar , Alleppey , Kovalam , Thekkady, and, Wayanad . You can also explore other popular destinations like the backwaters of Kerala, hill stations like Vagamon and Ponmudi, and beaches like Varkala and Marari.

So, before you pack your bags, make sure to check out the best travel blogs on Kerala to plan your trip better.

No matter where you go in Kerala, there's always something new to discover. So if you're looking for a memorable travel experience, be sure to add Kerala to your list of must-visit destinations!

Backwater Bliss

Explore Kerala's iconic backwaters, a network of serene lagoons, lakes, and canals fringed by lush greenery and picturesque villages.

Spice Capital

Immerse yourself in Kerala's rich spice heritage, with fragrant plantations showcasing a variety of spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.

Cultural Kaleidoscope

Experience Kerala's vibrant cultural tapestry through its colorful festivals, traditional dance forms, centuries-old temples and monuments.

Pristine Beaches

Relax on Kerala's pristine sandy shores, bordered by coconut palms, offering idyllic settings for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

Travel Blog on Kerala

We offer you a chance to discover Kerala’s rich heritage, experience the vibrant culture, historic depth, and timeless traditions of Kerala. From ancient temples and majestic palaces to colourful festivals and traditional art forms, Kerala holds a diverse and fascinating heritage. Explore Kerala’s natural beauty ranging from the calm backwaters and green Western Ghats to the pristine beaches along the Arabian Sea coast. Get ready for a journey through attractive hill stations, serene rivers, and lush tea gardens, and experience the unique beauty of Kerala’s vast wilderness. We promise to provide you with an everlasting experience.

Whether you’re seeking a relaxing journey into nature, an adventurous trek through the mountains, or exploring bustling cities, we are here to make the perfect plan for you. Discover a wide range of travel destinations and accommodation options with us that suit your budget and preferences. Experience the scenic beauty of Kerala like never before with Visit To Kerala. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, we promise an unforgettable journey to Kerala filled with warmth, hospitality, and endless fun. Start planning your Kerala adventure with us today and embark on the journey of a lifetime!

The VisitToKerala Story! A Trip Guide to Kerala

VisittoKerala – your ultimate travel guide to Kerala! We are dedicated to providing tourists with extensive information on Kerala’s top tourist attractions, must-visit places, and exciting activities in God’s Own Country. Our goal is to help you explore and enjoy the very best of Kerala, making your vacation truly unforgettable.

Through our descriptive travel blog on Kerala, we offer comprehensive information about the most popular tourist destinations, cultural centers, and natural wonders. Visittokerala aims to be your ultimate resource for planning and maximizing your trip to Kerala.

We cover all of Kerala’s main tourist spots, ranging from the breathtaking mountains of Munnar and Wayanad to the captivating beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, and the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom. Whether you are interested in wildlife, history and culture, beach relaxation, or water sports, we help you identify the perfect places to visit.

Our team of local experts is committed to being your helpful guide, providing you with the best recommendations, tips, and insights to enhance your Kerala experience. With VisittoKerala, embark on a remarkable journey through this beautiful state, embracing its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes.

Explore the Beauty

Global Gallivanting

Why travel bloggers love kerala.

Gods’ Own Country – Kerala!

In March 2015 I was lucky enough to be selected as one of the 30 travel bloggers from 21 different countries to participate in the Kerala Blog Express with Kerala Tourism!

What followed was an amazing 2 week trip of a lifetime across one of India’s most beautiful and enchanting states – Kerala, from tropical beaches, to languid backwaters, refreshing hill stations and historic cities – Kerala constantly delighted  and surprised us all the way and i think that all 30 travel bloggers came away leaving a little piece of their heart in God’s own country.

Hear about my experiences of the Kerala blog Express   but one of the best things about the trip was meeting and becoming friends with so many other amazing bloggers so now it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to my new friends.

Don’t just take my word that Kerala is amazing, here is what the other bloggers loved about Kerala.

Why i love kerala: the people.

One of my favourite things about Kerala were the people. They were so friendly and inquisitive and oh so very keen to be on camera. I have so much video footage of me with people of all ages. I managed on multiple occasions to get crowds of people to shout my channel key phrase “Here we go!”. This has never happened anywhere else.

Arnaud Wiehe from South Africa is a video blogger, watch his awesome videos at  Dutchified  www.youtube.com/DutchifiedBlog

Why I Love Kerala: The Beauty of Nature and the People

Kerala – my first experience of India. Loved the smiles that greeted us wherever we went, that there were no plastic bags, that it was green and full of waterways and that the hill stations provided a cooler contrast. Two things that really struck me were that the society seemed to value everyone, not just a chosen few, and that they have been trading for thousands of years. Loved it!

Rosemary Neave is from  New Zealand and blogs at Women Travel Blog  

Why I Love Kerala: The Nature!

I think that the most amazing thing that you could enjoy in Kerala is the Nature. It’s something that you’ll see 24 hours per day, even through the cities, and along the streets. Everytime, in every place, you’ll see a green background. The power of the jungle is everywhere, and this will give you a sense of freedom, peace and serenity. But if you really want to enjoy an uncontaminated nature totally wild, you can’t miss the backwaters, a network of 1500 km of canals near the Arabic sea!

Barbara is from Italy and blogs at The Nature Jotter 

Why I Love Kerala: Kerala offers Something for Everyone!

I love how Kerala offers something for any type of traveler. There’s the famous backwaters for those who are searching for a calm and serene boat trip, the cold highlands where several tea plantations are found, the scenic views, the white beaches, rich culture, delicious food and the luxurious accommodations! Hospitality is truly felt in God’s Own Country!

Mica Rodriguez is from the Philippines blogs at Senyorita  

Why I Love Kerala: Tropical Beauty

Kerala felt like another country inside India. I fell in love with the country in Kovalam. Just looking at the coconuts and the beach. I didn’t expect to discover such a beautiful area like the backwaters. One of my top 10 places in the world. Yolanda is from Spain and blogs at La Gaveta Voladora 

Why I Love Kerala: The Surprises

I was expecting a great place but India still can surprises me more and more. Kerala is one of the life changing experiences of my life and a place where I felt literally connected with the nature and with myself.

Ana Beatriz Freccia Rosa is from Brazil blogs at O Mundo Qu Eu Vi  

Why I Love Kerala: A More Laid Back Indian Experience

Kerala is its more laid-back vibe and a landscape that boasts more of an outdoor nature setting where endless fields of tea, coffee, rice and the backwater all weave together to give you a different experience – a polar opposite of the other side of India I’ve seen during my trip to the Northern and inland part last year. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my successive trips to India, it is just so nice to see another facet of India as represented by the state of Kerala. Other than that, the friendly people and rich Indian cuisine and culture remains the same.

Marky Ramone Go is from the Philippines and blogs at Nomadic Experiences 

Why I Love Kerala: The Culture

I think the most memorable feature of Kerala for me is it’s culture, carefully preserved for centuries. Kerala culture is really unique and absolutely different than the Indian culture in other parts of the country.

Kalaripayattu martial arts, which we’ve seen in Thekkady, was just stunning – it looked like an action movie happening in real life. I also absolutely loved the Theyyam dance, performed by dancer with thick red makeup on the face and huge, heavy outfit, which apparently is even put on fire during performances in the villages. I really regret that I had to leave early and didn’t have the opportunity to see the kathakali dance performance – I will be definitely back to Kerala to see this famous art form!

Zuza is from Poland but lives in Malaysia and she blogs at Zu in Asia  

Why I Love Kerala: The Trip of a Lifetime

I loved the people of Kerala. Nowhere else in the world have I seen such smiley faces eager to pose for photos, even when 30 bloggers would point their camera at them at the same time! I truly enjoyed our overnight houseboat adventure. In today’s crazed world, it was incredibly relaxing to cruise the backwaters of Kerala like that.

I also loved the selection. You could really get anything in Kerala – there’s something for backpackers on a low budget, as well as for people who love luxury and resorts. You can get easy non-spicy food, as well as the very spicy kind.

Overall, Kerala for me means all aspects of an unexpectedly welcoming destination. Add a bunch of great people from all over the world, and it easily becomes a trip of a lifetime.

Veronika Hradilikova is from the Czech Republic and blogs at Travel Geekery

Why I Love Kerala: It changed my way of thinking, and I loved it!

Kerala was kind of my private deal breaker. I’m dreaming to go everywhere in my life, but have priorities based on what I think will be more or less awesome. I was kind of scared of India so it was very low on the list.  Then I saw Kerala blog Express contest, entered and started dreaming and everything went from there. Kerala totally changed my way of thinking. The nature is obviously amazing – beautiful Periyar National Reserve (that I wish I had more time for) the backwaters, coffee plantations (yes, coffee – I saw tea plantations before but smell of coffee flowers that last only 3-4 days? Unbelievable!).

But what surprised me most were people. No beggars, no cheating in rickshaws, smiles on each corner. The people I talked to were equally interested as I was and two weeks passed in a second and I left with crazy desire to return and experience everything that we didn’t this time. Kerala messed up my mind and I loved it!

Ewa is from Poland and blogs at the Rusz w Podróż

Why I Love Kerala: The backwaters, the food and the people

It is difficult to choose just one thing of my entire experience in Kerala, but I narrowed it down to 3! The backwaters, food and people. These things make up my 3 great memories of my time in this region of the south of India.

The backwaters are an amazing and unique place that no traveler should miss. Relaxing, peaceful and beautiful scenery. All while sailing in a boat where you can sleep! The food is varied (although sometimes too spicy), including sauces, meats, fish, rice … the combinations are endless. And the people – smiling, friendly and looking forward to interact with you. Kerala .. miss you so much!

Jairo G is from Spain and blogs at  Mochila Nomada  

Why I Love Kerala: Beauty and the Backwaters

“Oh! The Backwaters!…it was my first time in Kerala and its beauty blew me away really… my favorite time in the gorgeous state was at the houseboat in Alleppy and I cannot help but visit those beautiful moments through my memories now… what a treat to my senses it was! Amazingly soulful!”

Preeti Hoon is from India but had never been to Kerala before. She blogs at Dilse Hoon

Why I Love Kerala: The People and The Vegetarian Food

What I love the most about Kerala were the friendly people who were always willing to help us. And also many vegetarian/vegan options, that was heaven to me!

Alexandra Kovocova is from Slovakia and blogs at Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler 

Why I Love Kerala: The Nature, The People, The Hospitality

The animal reserves were great, the tea plantations picture perfect, the food spicy and very tasty. But what made Kerala even more special to me was Keralites themselves.

People from Kerala seemed genuinely happy to meet us and were warm, welcoming. Apart from their hospitality and beautiful smiles, I won’t forget their charming  (and confusing) headshake, which mean yes, no, or maybe. How did I know what they meant? Hmmmm… I didn’t! 🙂

Pedro Richardson is from Brazil and now lives in London. He blogs at Travel With Pedro 

If you are a blogger and want the chance to experience Kerala yourself then register for season 3 of the Kerala Blog Express! 

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What a great post, Anna..! And thanks for having me 😉 Our Kerala trip was awesome, not only thanks to Kerala, but also thanks to you and our other blogger friends! 🙂 See you in Thailand in a few months!

thanks anna for gathering all that into one post!

Thanks for introducing all of us to your readers … Kerala deserves a visit & Kerala Blog Express was awesome thanks to all of you guys!

Meet you all soon (hope so)

Regards from Spain!

Grate me also from kerala

Kerala is ‘God’s own country’ they say and I believe and you all agree for sure.

Yep, Kerala is beautiful!

Nice blog. Me too love kerala because of its vibrant cultures

Thankyou for your kind words 🙂 thanks really. I just came upon this blog by chance and it was very interesting to hear the perspectives of my home state from foreigners . Thankyou so much for your kind words. And here i was sad that the state is getting polluted each day. The post was encouraging.Hope you visit again 🙂 just contact by a reply comment if you need any help while here.

Thanks so much for your kind words! I’m glad to hear it was inspirational and an interesting insight for you. I love India! 🙂

It was astounding visit and we plan to do it once more, everything was great administration inns trip . I might want to thanks everyone in the organization.

Thanks for being involved. Great trip – looking forward to hearing all about KBE3 soon! 🙂

this is a great blog. guys you explore Kerala completely. Thank you for sharing such a nice trip with us. Thank you…

Thanks for commenting! I loved Kerala and felt so lucky to be able to explore it as part of the Kerala Blog Express! 🙂

Hi Anna , Awesome post.You well presented the tradition of Gods Own Country.And pointed out even small things like having meals with own hands.It was very interesting .And i also have one post similar to this.I’m sharing here http://www.global-gallivanting.com/why-travel-bloggers-love-kerala/

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it – yes traveling in India is a very interesting and different cultural experience

Hey Anna hi, this is good

hai..Its so nice to hear about the goodness of Kerala. You all look so beautiful in kerala sarees. i hope everyone enjoyed the visit.

Thank you, it was an amazing experience. I loved Kerala 🙂

Hope you had an amazing experience in Kerala! Bloggers or not, Kerala is definitely a splendid place to explore and chill in India!

Thank you, yes Kerala is one of my favourite places in India

Great Post! Kerala is really an amazing place to visit during holidays. This post will help me to exploring the beautiful place like Kerala. As a traveler this is very informative for all visitors.

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Backwaters & Back-alleys of Kochi, Kerala

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I’ve spent the last week in Kerala, and got a nice dose of trying to work online with very dodgy Wi-Fi. I do guest posts and writing outside of this blog, so I’ve decided I will start sharing links to those pieces. I recently was voted 3rd place for top expat blogs in India. I did an interview with that organization about my move to India as well as featured article: Top Ten Difference Between Rural Ohio and Tropical India . Now on to Kerala!

We drove EIGHTEEN hours to get to this city, so expectations were a little high…

My boyfriend had meetings in Cochin last week and I figured I’d tag along, but I assumed this venture would be by train. After tatkal (the last minute ticket system) failed us, and flights were long gone, we realized day-of-travel that we’d have to drive for him to make his meeting. Poor planning at it’s finest. But don’t worry, I’ve got you some Kochi travel tips!

Pumped up on mountain dew, and the guys on booze, our driver, Babu (and friend), drove us to Pride Biznotel Emerald Hotel after what felt like an eternity in the back of a Wagon R.  The hotel itself was in an old building with marble floors and toy ships as décor. It is antique and fancy. Rooms were 2,500 with A/C, hot water, and a soft mattress . All seemed well and fine until Ben found this sign:

A Little Bit About Kerala

Cochin (Kochi) is in the state of Kerala. The green jungles of  “God’s own country”, range across the west coast below Karnataka & Goa.

Known for its amazing sea views, Ayurveda treatments, and teak wooden houseboat tours along the backwaters, Kerala’s tourism is booming. The state has a great mix of beach and jungle, like Goa, but is a less touristy. Driving near the Western Ghats you’ll see fields of rice paddies, coconut groves, and elephants! There is a national park here and you guessed it: tigers, pythons, panthers, and monkeys to name a few.

Not only boasting exquisite nature, but Kerala also maybe the most thriving state in India. Like Goa literacy rates are high as well as life expectancy, and infant mortality rates are at the lowest.

Kerala is a democratically elected communist state . You’ll see the red communist flags all the roads. It may seem strict, but at the same time, Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” is BLASTING from the street-side speakers. Although blossoming in some areas, Kerala has the highest liquor consumption and suicide rates.

Points of Interest:

Fort Cochin, Mattencherry Palace, Chinese fishing nets, Jewish quarter & synagogue, St. Francis Church, Dutch Cemetery

All of these are near to each other. I discuss all these attractions over on it’s own post: Fort Cochin . (To be honest, Kochi is a crowded yet small city that after seeing Fort Cochin area, I agree with the guidebooks that it’s time to move on. Although being less touristy, prices on luxury hotels are the cheapest we’ve seen in India. We’ll be coming back often for Ben’s job, so I’m sure I’ll find more to tell you about Kochi.)   Kochi is often advised as only a 1-2 day stopover hub. After spending three days there before headed on to Kovalam beach, I agree.

The Famous Houseboats

You can take these vintage houseboats from Kochi, but better to head on down to Alappuzha (Alleppey) These waterways used to be the roads for the city. Houseboats can be luxurious and expensive even though only rice barges. If you pick the right boat tour you will meet locals and walk through the villages. Staff will cook local food for you and make everything comfortable for you sleep aboard. I haven’t got to do this yet, but plan to soon!

I had planned to go on the backwaters my first trip to India, but skipped it because it seemed like it would be lonely to do solo. I think it will be better with a group of friends, family, or significant other to go with!

Kochi Travel Tips (and Kerala)

• Like the rest of India, men here hold hands and walk arm and arm as a sign of a close friendship. I’m used to this and have seen it all over India. It isn’t as prevalent in Goa, a place that has been so westernized, so it was refreshing to see again! Ben’s friends lived in Kerala for a year and while reunited with old friends they hold his hand the whole time they talk to one another.
• It’s much more conservative in Kochi than Goa . Best not to wear shorts here. I spent three hours at the brand new mall and never saw another foreign tourist. Needless to say, a few people wanted photographs, and a handful of teenage boys followed me around for the first half hour.

• Ayurveda massages come from Kerala. I recommend either a four-hand massage or a Shirodhaha massage where they continuously drizzle oil on your forehead (third eye). If you have health problems, this is a great place to seek out holistic cures. I personally am waiting until Kovalam for a nice beachy massage.
• Keralans and Tamils wear Lungis. These are little wraps to let the men feel the breeze in this extreme heat (it was HOT in Kerala). Not only are they worn by construction workers, and the everyday man, but even in Lulu Mall I saw them on mannequins in expensive stores. Obviously, we bought a few. When Ben lived in Kerala he used to rock a lungi.

• Lots of food in Kerala involves cocout milk and cashews. The most popular dish according to our Keralan friend is the fish fry. It’s SPICY! Of course there is seafood, curries, and juices. My favorite street food was the egg puff and my preferred western food was when I found imported hotdogs!

• High season is November to March . Obviously prices will be higher, but well… the monsoon won’t be happening… Trust me, I’ve stayed through one:  although beautiful it’s not a good travel time. Everything will be closed.
• Keralans speak Malayalam. Goans speak Konkani. You might be surprised to know each state has it’s own language in India (over 500 altogether!) and some people can’t even speak Hindi. Technically Hindi and English are the languages used in Parliament. Translating here was really hard for us! Our driver could barely communicate when we got lost. On an eighteen hour drive with dead cell phones (so no maps) you can bet we got lost a couple times.
• Like Goa, there is a Portuguese influence (as well as Dutch!). I recommend taking time to wander through the streets for some photographs.

• The police are quite strict. At bars we hide our beers. Strangely, while babu and I were walking along Fort Cochin we were stopped with a series of questions. After later telling my boyfriend about it, we all agree they presumed Babu and I were either up to something or  I was in need of help. After questioning all was fine, but it was made clear we were going to continue to get more questions when the two of us went out together. (There is a taxi drive strike in Goa so we couldn’t admit Babu was a driver; he was “an employee for my environmental company…)  You just don’t see a lot of western girls with Indian men here. The thought of being questioned in Goa is laughable!
• For all you expats missing home: there are two KFC’s in town, a Subway, and a Pizza Hut. The two main shopping malls are Oberon and the brand new LuLu’s, the latter which has a McDonalds and Costa’s Coffee.

Any Kochi travel tips I should know for next time?If you’re headed toward Kerala, check out this articles on how to Backpack Kerala , the best thing to do in Kochi , tips for the tea fields in Munnar , and adventure in Varkala .

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28 Comments

Hey! It’s great to find a blogger who is living in India. Look foward to going through your blog. Do you have any recommendations to stay in Kochi? It’s our first couple of night in India (and the first time there) so would like to stay somewhere where we can relax a bit from the busy city. Would you recommend the area around the fort Kochi or are there cooler, hipper areas?

In Kochi I always stay on Marine drive where its nice and quiet, but there backpacker area is Fort Kochi so that’s where you’ll meet people. MG road is crazy don’t stay near there. But if you want to relax and do some shopping, maybe stay near lulu mall so you can get western goodies. My boyfriends company has an apartment in Marine Drive so I’m not sure on hotels

Hey , thank you for this amazing article Every destination has a defining attraction .. Cochin is my home town.. I miss cochin as i live in Toronto now… I moved to Toronto last year…i cant express how i really miss Fort Cochin ,Mattancherry, the chinese fishing nets ….

The culture is a bit different and yes people do ‘stare’, but its all worth it…Its god’s own country.

Hi Mithun, Yes kochi is lovely

and cochin biennale is around the corner

Great post! Egg puffs look delicious. Heading to Kerala next week, hoping before the monsoon is in full swing. Have you made it out to Munnar or Thekkady yet?

I haven’t made it to those yet! they are on my long mental list lol

Hey Rachel, I am from Mumbai, India and have never travelled much except for few regular places. I am planning to travel to Kerala and that’s how I ended up on your website. I hope to read more of your blog. I’m a freelance web developer so finally going to take advantage of my career and start travelling, first within India. Any tips for solo traveller who has to work while travelling?

If you are planing to visit kerala. Please do not visit allepy just for the sake of houseboat its really worst. Whereas you can find amazing picutres of houseboats in backwaters but that’s not the reality.

I recommend do spend more time in Munnar its really super place.

Munnar is the only place I liked in Kerala.

Thank you -Vyas

We been to Allepy in the month of April 2015. Just by seeiong the fantastic backwater pictures we desiced to stay in a houseboat. And then we book fro 1 full day stay Indraprastanam Houseboat with BR & Dinin hall equiped with airconditioner. We are really excited when we saw the house boat before we boarded. Soon after we entered the hpuseboat the manger came and collected the balance amount that we are supposed to pay. and then the boat started.

I never felt that that am in backwaters infact i felt that am ovver the sea. And the service was really worst (like A/C etc..). And after 6 he stoped bya a place where we found other houseboat fellow’s too stoped by and it was really worst place and its full of bad smell.

I was dounted and even enquired the customers who travelled in a different houseboats serive. Even they to replied same saying its over all a bad experience.

People should get motivated just by seeing Allepy Backwater Pictures which we found in internet. Why because the reality is different.

What was you experience #hippie if you ever travelled in houseboat in allepy-kerala.

And out of this . You website is really very informative and keep doing the amazing work.

Thank you. #Vyas

Hi Rachel, I can’t stop reading your blog, is amazing! I will be traveling to India in 2 weeks, and even though is monsoon season and I read about it my traveler fellow wants to visit both Goa and Kerala area. I already read your post about Goa (great info, thanks!), but what about Kerala? is everything closed then? :( we already have our flight from Cochin to Varanasi so for sure will go there… Thank you! Lau

yes most is closed there in popular backpacking spots like kovalam and varkala but the cities will be on like normal – you may not see any other foreigners tho!

Hey Rachel, do you have any tips/recommendations on places that do ayurvedic massage + nutrition certification in Kerala? We’re heading to kochi, verkala and trivandrum and I’d really love to take a course!

I’m sorry I don’t know of any :(

Which is the most happening area to stay in Kochin….I need to stay for 2 days and have a departing flight at 6 AM.

Most tourists choose fort kochi, but it is 2 hours in traffic from airport. near airport is nothing too nice but is best you stay there before you leave.

So happy I found your blog! I’m also a blonde who looks very American (as I am) and I find it interesting people want to take pictures with you all the time, I will report back if I have the same experience. I am headed to Kochi in late Dec/early Jan. I will be traveling alone to get there but then will be meeting up with a group of people for the remainder of my time there. If I land the night before the rest of the group, I was planning to stay at an airport hotel alone the first night, until my hotel in Fort Kochin would come pick me up the next day. The hotel has an airport shuttle… do you think that is fine if I plan to just eat dinner in the hotel (alone?) and rest in my room overnight until my ride arrives the next day? I will have had a long travel day. I’ve traveled a lot of Europe and flown internationally and stayed for a night or so alone, but have always met up with people and it was in Italy and the UK, places I’m much more comfortable.

Hi Anna, I think you will have the same experience with the photos :) South India though is much more relaxed than the North and you won’t get bothered as much down there. Yes I think your idea is good to stay at the airport hotel. You’ll be so tired, you’ll want to stay in your room! Most hotels do room service at no added fee. The traffic from airport to Fort Kochi is huge and it can take up to THREE hours at bad times but as quick as 45 minutes. I’ve sat in all kinds. I used to live in Kochi near Marine Drive when my boyfriend worked there!

Hi Do u have any recommendations on how many nights to spend in a houseboat?

I will be arriving at kochi but won’t come back to that city again since my next journey after kerala is pondicherry.

Is it convenient to take train to pondicherry after finishing my houseboat trip?

Thanks for your answer

I wouldn’t want to do more than one – but that’s a personal opinion. As for the train, I am not sure. It would be a very long journey! I would imainge you would have to go back to Kochi to catch a train to Chennai and onward – you can check the train website though.

In Kerala doesn’t matter where you are, in a beach or in hills, relaxed vibes all around… Fort Kochi but a place you can go again and again without getting bored… Have you been to Galle Fort too?

Hi Rachel! I looove your blog and it’s totally inspiring me to just go to India and go for it! :) I found a tefl course in Kochi, but as I’ve never been to India before I’m not sure if it’s a good first city to stay in for a month. Would you recommend Kochi? Many thanks in advance for your two cents :))

Hey Rachel,

Good write ups on your travels. Just wanted to point out that…. HINDI is NOT the National Language of India. We have 22 Official Languages of which Hindi is one. Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu are the various Official languages other than English. Just FYI.

I changed it from “Hindi and English are the national languages” to they are the ones “used in Parliament”. India doesn’t actually have a national language, but you’re right has 22 “official” ones.

One small comment: Keralite is the correct way to refer to people of Kerala. You could also day Malayali

Thanks for a marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, this post is very interesting and informative. Thanks for sharing…

What company would you use to book a houseboat for 2-3 days? Having trouble finding a place which seems reliable.

Thanks for your help, your blog is very helpful

“Excellent post !! The photographs are extremely amazing !! Beautiful place to visit :) Keep up the good posts :)”

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5 reasons why Kerala deserves a place on every India itinerary

Locals call Kerala “God’s own country” for a reason. Down in India’s most southern state, tranquil backwaters give way to vibrant rainforests and tropical jungles, bursting with spice plantations and wildlife.

It’s a magical little paradise away from everything the usual set of guidebooks often associate with India and the north of the country.

Like many people travelling to India with a full-time job, I really had to pick and choose where I went to get the most out of a fairly short trip. Kerala was on my travel itinerary from the start, and here’s five reasons why it should be on yours too.

It’s completely unique to the rest of India

Tourist epicenters like Delhi and Jaipur often feel crowded and hectic, yet incredible in their own way. But they aren’t all that India has to offer. Taking a flight from India’s capital down to the state of Kerala only takes a few hours, but it truly feels like a night and day transition. Relaxation practically oozes out of the warm, tropical air, where the pace of life is slower and calmer.

Kochi is diverse in every sense, even down to the various religions practiced in India’s most southern state. In Fort Kochi (a must on your travel itinerary) you can see a Hindu Temple, a Church and a Synagogue all practically on the same street, all the while hearing a Muslim call to prayer from a nearby Mosque. You can also find traditional Chinese fishing nets and 16 th- century Portuguese houses from the colonial era, all adding to the cultural melting pot that is Kochi today.

Three must-visit places in Kerala, according to one of Intrepid’s amazing local leaders in India, Sana Jinah :

I recommend Kochi, Munnar and Varkala. Kochi for the history. Munnar for the peaceful vibes, mountains and tea plantations. And Varkala for amazing views of the sea from the cliff – it’s the only beach in India which is next to a cliff!

READ MORE: 5 GREAT DESTINATIONS FOR SOLO TRAVEL IN INDIA

Kerala is one of the best places on Earth to see animals in their natural habitat

Let’s face it, ethical tourism is a huge concern wherever you are in the world – and wherever you are, the only way to see truly animals with a truly clear conscience is in their natural habitat. You can find that here. Within Kerala’s emerald green mountain ranges is the spectacular Periyar National Park, nearly 1,000 square kilometers of jungle, trekking paths and lakes that is bursting with wildlife.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

“Lock your balcony to keep out naughty monkeys”, read a sign in my hotel room in the nearby town of Kumily. I thought this was just a joke until I heard the excitable chattering of a troop of monkeys on the roof, making their ways to the trees using my balcony as a shortcut. You’ll find the common Indian monkey everywhere in the small towns surrounding Periyar, but the park itself is home to many more species – including the illusive black monkey, recognizable from its golden brown or gingery mane.

Monkey business aside, Periyar is best known as a tiger reserve and one of the few places you can see Bengal tigers outside of captivity. Visit during the month of April to maximize the chance of seeing one.  Don’t worry about tiger attacks though – secure campsites are built into a deep tiger-proof trench.

I turned up at Periyar National Park woefully out of season in the depths of the monsoon and still managed to see black monkeys, water buffalo and the briefest glimpse of a figure running ahead of us – which my guide later said was a jaguar. Plan ahead and if you’re lucky you’ll see a tiger or an elephant in the way that nature intended.

VISIT PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK ON THIS 15-DAY ADVENTURE THROUGH SOUTHERN INDIA

The landscape is dreamy

Wake up on one of the long wooden houseboats that glide along the tranquil Kerala backwaters and you’ll think you’ve arrived in paradise. Much of Kerala’s appeal is its dramatic diversity, the way in which the low-lying tropical beaches and lakes meet the towering hills and tea plantations of the Western Ghats.

An Intrepid group trekking in the Kerala backwaters

The main reason many travellers come to Kerala is, of course, to experience the famous backwaters. Essentially the backwaters are a complex chain of lakes and lagoons leading inland from the Malabar Coast. After a long few months travelling or a stressful period at work, I can’t think of anywhere else in the world I’d rather be.

Once used for transporting rice and spices around the state, the long wooden houseboats are now mostly for tourists – some even have onboard Jacuzzis and personal chefs. You can spend a few days traversing the maze of backwaters, or just a day as I did. Either way it will be an unforgettable experience.

VISIT THE BACKWATERS OF KERALA ON THIS 15-DAY SOUTH INDIA TOUR

Travel away from the coast for a few hours and you could be in a totally different country, given the steep change in scenery. I stayed in the aptly named Cardamom Hills, where the sweet and dreamlike scent of its namesake permeates the air. The idyllic growing conditions mean you’re likely to spot (or more likely smell) coffee, pepper or tea plantations on your ascent up the hills.

You’ll have the best meal of your life, three times a day

The real star of the show is the Kerala-style dosa, a paper-thin crepe about the length of your arm that can be loaded with coconut chutney, masala potatoes and a sour lentil and tamarind broth known as Sambar. This is traditionally served for breakfast, but you can find it all day long in one of Kerala’s many restaurants and homesteads. Kerala’s close connection to the Arabian Sea means that fresh fish is never off the menu. Try it fried up and served on a banana leaf with that omnipresent coconut chutney.

READ MORE: A MUST-READ FOODIE’S GUIDE TO SOUTH INDIA

It’s not just the food that makes Kerala unique. Where else in the world can you turn up at a tea factory, gaze across at the fields where the tea leaves were grown and drink the freshest cup of your life?

Lose yourself in a yoga retreat

Kerala is the spiritual home of Ayurveda, one of the world’s best-known forms of alternative medicine, which puts a heavy focus on yoga and meditation. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or don’t know your dharma from your downward dog, there’s something for you.

The infectiously good vibes in India’s most Southern state mean you’ll probably be in a state of relaxation from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, and there’s no better way to take advantage of that than yoga.

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Spiritual people travel from all over the world to Kerala’s Ayurveda academies to learn about the practice, most notably to the schools in Ernakulam (just outside Kochi) and in Kollam to the south. If that’s not your bag, you can take in the lifestyle for just a few days in one of the tranquil yoga retreats tucked away in the Western Ghats.

They say the monsoon season is the best time to practise yoga. Just as the short bursts of heavy rain are nature’s way of revitalising the land, being here at this time can have a totally cleansing effect on your body.

That’s more than just a holiday.

Ready to visit this incredibly stunning part of the world? Check out Intrepid’s wide range of trips in India.

(Image credits from top to bottom: Intrepid Travel x2, iStock/g01xm, Intrepid Travel, Jack Cummings x2.)

Feeling inspired?

Jack Cummings

Works in social media at VICE in London and has written for a bunch of UK newspapers. Jack finally ticked off his top bucket list destination of India last year, traveling around the North and South of the country. He wants to get back out there as soon as possible.

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• 8 Kerala Travel Tips To Bear In Mind While Planning For A Trip To God’s Own Country In 2024

Kerala, entitled with the term coast of India, builds up the combination of beaches surrounded by numerous coconut trees. It acertains the higher literacy rate of India. Being entitled to statement God’s own country by adding the natural variations such as the combination of flora and fauna reestablished Kerala to lead out its fame. But before heading to God’s own country check these  Kerala travel tips  that come in handy.

Kerala creates room for elephants and tigers to restore them in the wild environment. You can catch out to Kerala as the destination of enjoying the natural beauty set up by humans and nature by securing the Public or private mode of transportation such as cars, buses, trains, and airways. 

8 Important Kerala Travel Tips

If you were planning for a vacation to God’s Own Country you are doing yoursself a favour! So, keep these Kerala travel tips and have a safe and sound trip!

1. Get The Permissions Beforehand

One of the most important Kerala travel tips anyone can give you is to get the permissions beforehand and The place is entitled to delightful hill stations across the country India. Christ church hereby in is the main attraction spot of the states of Kerala. The place is ascertained with the creation of stone and wood. The interior & exterior designing enabled with decoration on Glass windows. Kundala lake creates the attraction hope for tourists. The most beautiful Kundala dam is the most ancient dam in Asia. The echo point, Tea yards, and museums are the most sighted places in Kerala. Anamudi which is the largest city in India to travel here by we need to take the permission of wildlife authority & intend to view the national beauty of the state.

For further inquiries, contact: The Chief Conservator of Forests, Thiruvananthapuram 695 014, Tel: + 91 471 2322217

Must Read: 37 Amazing Things To Do In Kerala For An Incredible Holiday

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2. Don’t Litter

When in Kerala, you will certainly visit – Alappuzha the most beautiful city in Kerala settled on lac, a diving sea. Alappuzha is famous for a houseboat. Alappuzha is rated as the cleanest city in India. The Alappuzha carries a 1.74 lakh population in India. The Alappuzha is entitled the term Venice of the earth by Lord Curzon and thus is being ruled as Venetian capital of Kerala. Samudra beach is an attractive spot for many domestic as well as many international tourists to get visit here. sound of many natural lives like trees, aquatic creatures, etc. These are the cleanest beaches ever so itss better to help them remain the sanctity of it and help the authorities keep the beaches clean and that right there is another one of the important Kerala travel tips.

Suggested Read: Kerala Group Tours: Find Your Reasons To Meet Like-Minded Strangers Here!

3. Best Time To Visit

Another one of the important Kerala travel tips is for you to check what is the best time to visit the destination. The best time to visit is in the winter season as  the winter landscape of Kerala is mesmerizing. A variety of flora and fauna is spread across Kerala. Hence it is the paradise for many who have actually visited it. Beautifully carved, sculpted catches the attraction of tourists on fire. Soochipara Waterfall also known as Sentinel Rock waterfalls surrounded by evergreen forests. The tourists hereby carry frequent visits during any period. It is suitable to have a visit here. No special season is there to visit. Nature here welcomes the tourists to visit here.

Suggested Read: Our 5 Days In Kerala Were Spent Exploring the Beautiful Place And Falling In Love With It

4. Get To Know The Culture

The Nehru Trophy Boat race is being given a lead here, many regional participants have active participation in the boat race. The lake occupies major tourist attractions. It built up the native place to many regional and migratory birds. It is backed with the agricultural fishing occupation of regional peoples. Tourists enjoy fishing with the localities. The regional people here carry out various occupations and few are engaged in natural activities. The behavior of regional peoples here is well mannered with tourists. The most engaged occupation is fishing ruled out by regional peoples. The birds’ sanctuary here holds the attraction of tourists and regional peoples here we can watch out for a variety of birds. Kerala kathakali Centres enable classical dancing format to build up the stage dancing skills hereby undertaking Kathak, Bharatnatyam and etc. Moreover, some temples do not allow non-Hindus to enter. Strict dress codes are to be followed in most of the temples here. Footwears are strictly not allowed inside the temple premises.

Suggested Read: 4 Best Airports In Kerala: Designed For A Smooth Flying Experience

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Sightseeing. Monasteries. Trekking. And beauty all along

5. Know The Specialities

One of the Kerala travel tips to keep in mind is that you should research well and know about the specialities of each place. The Lighthouse beach is the largest beach here it enables many seafood restaurants to have their business surrounding the beach. The Kovalam beach is the frequent, popular, attractively visited by the number of tourists. Hawa beach establishes the sound of waves and creates artificial peace here. It leads to the opportunity for many Fishers to continue their occupation. Kochi is termed as the queen of Arabian sea backed with beautiful beaches and natural variety. Hill palace here is famous for architectural designs determining Kerala history. Santa Cruz Basilica, the most renowned churches. The interior and exterior design market cut the huge rate of tourist attraction. Cherai beach is the peace-oriented city in Kerala marked out with beautiful beaches, sea stones and carries out the tourist attraction.

Suggested Read: 20 Places To Visit In Kerala In December

6. Be Prepared For Adventures

Kerala enables us to sustain the Natural flora and fauna. It is the hometown for 1000 elephants as well as it welcomes the 20 Bengal tigers. A variety of 200 Birds can be seen here. The Periyar National park is the cleanest park ever and therefore one of the Kerala travel tips we give you is to mantain the same and be prepared for adventures, nevertheless. It welcomes enlargement to many tourists to have a visit. It is surrounded by many Natural beauties. Many varieties of animals are found here wild as well as domestic. It gives opportunities to lead out healthy as well as prosperous living aspects. It creates the space for tourists attraction for Agasthyamala rain forest Neyyar wildlife sanctuary Kallar Karila deva lake etc.

Suggested Read: 10 Resorts In Thrissur That Would Make Your Escape To Kerala Extremely De-Stressing!

7. Get In Touch With History

One of the Kerala travel tips that is not much talked about is that you must get to know the history of the place better. Wayanad is the combination of national and artificial beauty Banasura Sagar Dam built-up tourist destinations trekking is the adventure skills adopted by tourists here, speed boating is up next to it. Edakkal Caves were discovered by Fred Fawcett in the year 1896 signifying the history of Kerala. The Thiruvananthapuram, the leading capital of south Indian state Kerala. The architectural designs lead out the cities historical significance. It releases the home town for many leading institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science Education, Tata Elxsi, etc. It is ascertained to hold many sports events like cricket, football, and many others. Mattan cherry Palace was inaugurated by Portuguese in the year 1555 and gifted to the king of Kochi, the city of historical significance. Marine drive gives the additional to Kochi to build up the beauty of the city.

Suggested Read: 12 Enthralling Adventure Sports In Kerala To Challenge Your Adventurous Souls!

8. Get Well Versed With The Routes

Kerala consists of a lot of beautiful beaches such as poplar, Shankumugham beach, Veli beach, etc. It built up the network of public and private transportation like buses, car trains, airways etc. And that is why one of the important Kerala travel tips is to get well versed with the routes and the transportation available. A small coastal town in the Arabian Sea far from 16 km away from the city is Kovalam beach. Being a home town to many of the coconut trees grown up here. These are the second largest dam in Asia 21km away from the city. Kochi airport and Kochi Fort are 40km away from each other. Usually, tourists choose to land at midnight and stay by airport, so in the morning hours, the fort could be reached and explored.

Further Read: 14 Guest Houses In Kerala For The Ultimate Comfort And A Pocket Friendly Vacay

As the Kerala travel tips are already discussed above, the bottom line is simple, don’t pack too much. The tip is generalized but applies perfectly for the Kerala trip if you are planning to trek. And in Kerala, do all the adventures that you could. Make the trip to Kerala loaded full of adventures and memories. Collect the experiences as much as you can by trying fishing and climbing the wild mountains. Get cultured and historic with temples here. Even the tradition in Kerala is worth getting involved in.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kerala Trip

When to schedule a houseboat?

Don’t schedule the houseboat trip on the first day of your trip unless you are reaching before 10 AM.

Which time of the day is the best to visit Kochi?

You will enjoy the sightseeing at Kochi in the evening hours.

Where to spend more time in Kerala?

Munnar. Reserve two nights, if possible, for Munnar to enjoy the green peaceful tea gardens.

Can Kochi and Munnar be done in a day?

Do not head further if you reach the Kochi airport post 4 PM to proceed for Munnar.

Do residents in Kerala understand Hindi?

Very few of them do. They are good in English. However, it is a good idea to be familiar with a few Malayalam words before visiting Kerala.

How to pre-book houseboats?

There are many online portals allowing you to do so. Else, get in touch with agents. You cannot book it too early. A week or two is fine to book a houseboat.

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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!

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25 places in Kerala to become ‘Green Tourism Destinations’

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Created : Sep 9, 2024, 15:21 IST

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Kerala is set to designate 25 tourist spots as 'Green Tourism Destinations' under the 'Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam' campaign, aiming to make the state garbage-free by March 2025. The initiative focuses on sustainable waste manage … Read more

Kerala is set to designate 25 tourist spots as 'Green Tourism Destinations' under the 'Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam' campaign, aiming to make the state garbage-free by March 2025. The initiative focuses on sustainable waste management and conservation practices at popular sites to preserve their natural beauty. Read less

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Kerala is set to designate 25 tourist spots as 'Green Tourism Destinations' under the 'Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam' campaign, aiming to make the state garbage-free by March 2025. The initiative focus...