kerala trip plan for 6 days

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9-10 Days Kerala Itinerary for December - Kerala Forum

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9-10 Days Kerala Itinerary for December

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Land in Kochi - Move to Munnar

2 nights in Munnar

1 night in Thekkady

2 nights in Kovalam (include trips to Poovar and Kanyakumari from here)

3 nights in Varkala (include a day trip to Jatayu from here)

1 night in Alleppey

Flay back from Kochi

1. Please suggest if this itinerary looks good, or any suggestions?

2. How would be the weather in early December?

3. Estimated taxi cost for this entire trip? (we want to keep a single taxi for the entire trip)

7 replies to this topic

Dear Saurabh,

Warm Greetings!!

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kochi , Travel to Munnar - Activities: Explore local attractions like tea gardens, and enjoy the scenic drive.

Day 2-3: Munnar - Activities: Visit tea plantations, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam , and Attukal Waterfalls . Enjoy leisurely walks and scenic viewpoints.

Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady - Activities: Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake , and explore spice plantations.

Day 5: Thekkady to Kovalam - Activities: Relax on Kovalam Beach , visit the lighthouse, and enjoy water sports.

Day 6: Kovalam (Day Trips to Poovar and Kanyakumari) - Activities: Explore the backwaters of Poovar, visit the southernmost tip of India at Kanyakumari, and see the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue .

Day 7-9: Kovalam to Varkala - Activities: Relax on Varkala Beach , visit the Varkala Cliff , and explore the local markets. Include a day trip to Jatayu Earth’s Center (Jatayu Nature Park).

Day 10: Varkala to Alleppey - Activities: Experience a houseboat cruise on the backwaters, enjoy the serene landscape, and visit the Alleppey beach.

Day 11: Alleppey to Kochi, Fly Back - Activities: If time permits, explore Kochi’s Fort Kochi area, Jew Town , and the Chinese fishing nets before your flight .

Weather in Early December - Temperature: Kerala in early December generally enjoys pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F).

Conditions: It's the beginning of the dry season, so you can expect clear skies and minimal rainfall. This makes it a great time to visit for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Suggestions - Consider More Time in Alleppey: If possible, you might want to extend your stay in Alleppey to two nights to fully enjoy the backwater experience and explore more of the region.

Travel Time: Ensure to factor in travel time between destinations, especially with a young child. Kerala’s winding roads can make travel times longer than expected.

Relaxation Days: Keep some flexibility in your schedule to allow for relaxation and to accommodate any unforeseen changes or interests that may arise.

You can contact with travel agents/companies listed on Trip Advisor for a reliable and trustworthy driver with a private car & Package. December is peak time, rates are always changes

Please contact 2-3 agents for the quotation and then make your decision accordingly.

Overall, your itinerary looks well-planned, balancing sightseeing with relaxation, and allowing you to experience the best of Kerala.

Enjoy your trip to Kerala!

Fortunate India Tours

Thank you Team Fortunate Travels for your wonderful insights and suggestions. I am still looking for some rough estimates, how much a cab (ertiga or dzire) would cost for this entire trip?

Consider swapping Kovalam with Alleppey. This way, you can enjoy the backwaters of Alleppey at the end of your trip and relax before your flight back from Kochi . Kovalam can be your first stop after Munnar and Thekkady . This would also reduce some back-and-forth travel.

As for temperature, it will be generally pleasant in December.

For taxi, we would suggest you contact travel agents and get to know the difference in their rates and then make your decision. You'll be able to find many travel companies listed on Trip Advisor, or you can check some recommendations from below forum as well:

https://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowTopic-g293860-i511-k12754484-Drivers_Guides_Agency_Recommendations_Here-India.html

Travel agents can also help you plan better and safely as you'll be travelling with your kid, can also help you with hotel bookings with special rates.

Hope this helps.

Authentic India Travel

Here is something to help you plan your trip

You can find a list of top rated tour companies on TripAdvisor at https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g297633-Activities-c42-a_attractionType.SUPPLIERS-Kochi_Cochin_Ernakulam_District_Kerala.html

Hope this helps

Kindly contact 2-3 travel agents/companies for a better understanding of rates and prices and then make your final decision. Be aware of the scams.

You will meet many travel agents here, and All of them will attract you with their attractive language. Please be careful with everyone and before finalize your tour negotiate with 2-4 agents to book the tour.

And if you want, you can book hotels by online, December is peak time, book your hotels and transport in advance is best

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Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, angels landing permits & hiking.

Planned trail maintenance will close the route to Angels Landing from April 1 to April 4, 2024. We will not issue any permits to hike on those days.

Learning the lottery outcome

• If you cancel your permit at least two days before your hike, we will refund the $3 per person fee.
• You can get your permit by logging in to your account on recreation.gov
• You did not get a permit and can consider applying again the day before your hike or for a future Seasonal Lottery.  

After you get your permit

You will get an email from recreation.gov confirming that you got a permit. This confirmation email serves as your permit. Print or download a copy of the confirmation email and bring it with you on your hike. Mobile phone service is unreliable at the permit checkpoint so be sure to print or download before you arrive. 

Day-before Lottery

When to apply.

You can apply for a permit the day before your planned hike. This lottery opens every day at 12:01 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. Mountain Time (MT).

Note: It costs $6 to apply for a permit. The fee covers an application for up to 6 people (including the person filling out the application). This fee is non-refundable.  

How to time your application

Apply on the day before you want to hike between 12:01 a.m. and 3 p.m. MT. For example: If you want to hike on a Tuesday, you need to apply between 12:01 a.m. and 3 p.m. MT on Monday. We will issue permits at 4 p.m. MT on Monday.  

At 4 p.m. MT on the day you apply, we will send you an email to let you know:

• This fee is not refundable.
• You did not get a permit and can try again in a future lottery.  

You will get an email from recreation.gov confirming that you got a permit. This confirmation email serves as your permit. Print or download a copy of the confirmation email and bring it with you on your hike. Mobile phone service is unreliable at the permit checkpoint so be sure to print or download before you arrive. 

Getting a refund or changing your permit

Cancellation policy.

You cannot change your permit. All fees are non-refundable.

Seasonal Lottery

If you get a permit using the seasonal lottery, you can cancel the permit until two days before the permit reservation date for a full refund of the $3 per person fee. The $6 application fee is not refundable. Canceled seasonal lottery permits will automatically roll into the day-before lottery.  

Change Policy

You can reduce the group size on your permit until two days before the permit reservation date. If you reduce the number of people on your permit, you will get a refund for the $3 per person fee for each person you take off of the permit. The $6 application fee is not refundable. 

Example:  If you have a permit to hike on a Friday, June 24, you can cancel it or reduce the number of people on it until 11:59 p.m. MT on the Wednesday, June 22. If you reduce the number of people on your permit or cancel it, recreation.gov will refund the $3 per person fee for each person who is removed or canceled.

You cannot:

• Increase the number of people in your group
• Change the date of your hike
• Change the permitee (transfer the permit).
• Change to an alternate leader.

Permits are not transferable.

Embed Video

Learn how to apply for a permit on recreation.gov to hike at Angels Landing in Zion National Park.

Learn more about hiking at Angels Landing

After you get a permit

Prepare for your hike! Along this 5.4 mile round-trip hike, you will gain 1,488 feet in elevation. M ost hikers take around 4 hours to complete the hike, but some take longer. Check the seasonal shuttle schedule before you leave to make sure you do not miss the last shuttle. Print or download your permit and carry a flashlight or headlamp with new batteries, some food and lots of water just in case you end up out later than you planned. The trail is well marked, but bring a park map in case you get disoriented. Always carry and drink plenty of water, dress in layers, know the forecast, and check conditions in the park to get ready for your hike.

Before your hike

Print or download your permit.

You need to print or download the confirmation email from recreation.gov that says you got a permit (this serves as your permit) before you get to the trailhead. A ranger may check your permit at the Grotto (Shuttle Stop 6), at Scout Lookout or along the trail. If you do not have your permit with you, we may not allow you to take your hike.

Treat your feet right

Check the weather forecast, get to the trailhead, at the trailhead, fill your water bottle, go before you go, leave no trace.

• Protect the canyon walls, rocks, and trees from graffiti and vandalism.
• Leave rocks as you find them and do not stack rock cairns.
• Protect the natural sounds of the canyon by talking softly and using headphones for music.

On the trail

The hike along the West Rim Trail to Angels Landing is strenuous. Your safety on the trail is your responsibility, and we want to share some tips so that you reduce the risks and have an enjoyable hike.

Stay hydrated

Enjoy scout lookout.

You do not need a permit to go to Scout Lookout.   

You do need a permit to go past Scout Lookout on to the part of the trail with Chains.

For many people, Scout Lookout is a reasonable stopping point. You will have to hike the West Rim Trail  from Zion Canyon to this viewpoint. and you will covering most of the distance and elevation gain for the hike. If you or someone in your group has a fear of heights, consider splitting up here and regrouping at a specified time and place. It can be a great option to head up the West Rim Trail to get views overlooking Angels Landing and Zion Canyon. You do not need a permit to hike on the West Rim Trail.

Be mindful of conditions

Even if you have a permit, it may not be advisable for you to hike if the weather is bad when you are in Zion. Do not attempt to ascend if:

Storm clouds are in the area.

The ground is wet or icy (the rock becomes very slick when wet; most accidents on the chains occur during wet conditions).

It is dark or will be dark before you finish.

• You have any fear of heights.

Watch for rockfall

Rockfall hazards occur throughout the park and are especially high near any cliff face. If you witness a rockfall, quickly move away from the cliff. If you are near the base of a cliff or talus (loose rock) slope when a rockfall happens and cannot quickly move away from the base of the cliff, immediately seek shelter behind the largest nearby boulder and pull your backpack over your head. After rocks have stopped falling, move quickly as far away from the base of the cliff as possible. Be aware that rockfalls can occur at any time. Pay attention to your surroundings, stay off of closed trails, and, if unsure, keep away from cliffs.

Use caution on the Angels Landing Chains

You need to have a permit to hike the Angels Landing chains.

Take your time and be patient with slower hikers.

Allow faster hikers to pass you (when possible).

• Where available, remain within reach of the chains.
• Be considerate. There are many places that are only safe for one person to travel the two-way route. Communicate and take turns with others.
• In winter, the metal chains are very cold. Gloves may be useful.

Watch for wildlife

Keep wildlife wild : respect them from a distance. Squirrels, ravens, chipmunks, and other animals live along the trail; never feed them or allow them to get your food. Do not leave your pack unattended (e.g., at the base of the chains or while you take a nap).  California condors are the largest bird in North America and you might see one near Angels Landing. Please respect these critically endangered birds by keeping your distance. Never feed or approach a condor.

Pack out your trash and recreate responsibly

Pack it in, pack it out, don't roll rocks.

In Zion, you will commonly be above other people and wildlife. Do not throw anything over the edge of the trail. Angels Landing is a nesting area for many birds and rock climbers are often below. A falling rock could injure or kill.

Logistics and other information

Emergencies.

Even if you plan well and bring the right equipment, you might still have problems. If you need help, try to call 911. If you have cell and/or data service, a call will connect you with the Zion Dispatch Office. If you do not have cell and/or data service ( most people cannot connect to a mobile network in Zion Canyon ), find a park ranger or park volunteer on the trail or at a trailhead.

More Information

• Learn more about why we issue permits to hike at Angels Landing and about Zion's Visitor Use Research and Planning .
• If you have a Commercial Use Authorization to guide hikes in the park, please contact the Zion Commercial Services to discuss options. If you want to find a guide, consult our list of authorized guides . No matter when you plan to hike Angels Landing, you will need a permit

If you do not receive a permit

You can hike about 2.25 mi (3.62 km) from the Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6) to Scout Lookout on the West Rim Trail without a permit.

Hiking to Scout Lookout is strenuous and you will climb 1000 ft (305 m). Hikers at Scout Lookout get scenic views of Zion Canyon. The half mile route with chains to Angels Landing starts at Scout Lookout. You need a permit to go from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing.

There are many other trails in Zion Canyon. Learn more about hiking in Zion.

An album with materials you can print to share QR codes, tips, and updates with people planning trips to Zion

Learn about the Free Zion Canyon Shuttle Service.

Maps, shuttle schedules, hiking, and camping information. Check here for materials translated into languages other than English.

Last updated: April 22, 2024

Park footer

Contact info, mailing address:.

Zion National Park 1 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767

435-772-3256 If you have questions, please email [email protected]. Listen to recorded information by calling anytime 24 hours a day. Rangers answer phone calls from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. MT, but a ranger may not answer if they are already speaking with someone else.

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Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

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Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

How we rate travel insurance »

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Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance  that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

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• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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White House Memo

Forty Years Later, Biden Seeks to Echo Reagan’s Legacy of American Leadership

At Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, President Biden plans to follow one of the former president’s most iconic speeches with his own testimonial to democracy and the need to resist isolationism.

By Peter Baker

Peter Baker has covered the past five presidents, including a previous presidential visit to Normandy, and will travel with President Biden to Pointe du Hoc on Friday.

The aging American president facing a re-election campaign came to the Normandy coast of France to pay tribute to the daring Army Rangers who scaled the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc, offer a paean to democracy for which they sacrificed and perhaps even wrap himself a little bit in their reflected glory.

That was 1984, and the president was Ronald Reagan, who delivered an ode to heroism and patriotism that would become one of the most iconic moments of his presidency. Forty years later, another aging president facing re-election plans to return to the same spot Friday to honor the same heroes and effectively align himself with Mr. Reagan’s legacy of leadership against tyranny.

President Biden will not be the first president to try to walk in Mr. Reagan’s footsteps in Normandy, and it is a risky gamble. To many in both parties, Mr. Reagan’s speech remains the gold standard of presidential oratory and none have matched it at Normandy since. But like Mr. Reagan, Mr. Biden wants to use the inspiring story of the Rangers at Pointe du Hoc to make a case for American alliances in the face of Russian aggression — and, implicitly, for himself.

If there is something audacious about Mr. Biden, a staunch Democrat who was no friend of Mr. Reagan’s in the 1980s, summoning the spirit of the Republican legend, it speaks to the up-is-down, black-is-white nature of politics in today’s America. When it comes to international relations, the 46th president essentially is arguing that he has more in common with the 40th president than the current head of the Republican Party does.

He will not name former President Donald J. Trump, but the contrast will be clear. While Mr. Biden leads an international alliance against Russian aggression in Europe, as Mr. Reagan did, Mr. Trump as president came close to pulling out of NATO and was friendlier toward President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia than to America’s traditional European allies.

Since leaving office, Mr. Trump has not been a supporter of providing military aid for Ukraine to defend itself against Russian invaders. The former president even publicly declared that he would “encourage” Russia “to do whatever the hell they want” against NATO members that do not spend enough on their militaries.

It is hard to imagine Mr. Reagan telling Moscow to feel free to attack European allies. When he appeared at Pointe du Hoc on June 6, 1984, Mr. Reagan condemned Soviet armies for staying in Europe after World War II “uninvited, unwanted, unyielding” and said that “we’ve learned that isolationism never was and never will be an acceptable response to tyrannical governments with an expansionist intent.”

Standing above a German concrete bunker, Mr. Reagan paid tribute to the Army Rangers who scaled the 100-foot rust-colored cliffs that morning 40 years earlier to take out a suspected gun emplacement.

“These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc,” he said as about 30 of them sat in front of him, some teary-eyed . “These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war.”

Garrett M. Graff, who this week published “When the Sea Came Alive,” an oral history of the Normandy operation, said Mr. Reagan’s speech “really helped lift D-Day from history to legend.”

“Standing there, in rain or sun,” Mr. Graff said, “you can’t help but be moved by the bravery of the men who fought there, men who fought for one of the noblest causes humans have ever fought for, to liberate a continent and free Europe from darkness.”

Mr. Reagan’s speech was so powerful that it both impressed and depressed aides to his Democratic challenger, Walter F. Mondale, who were watching on television.

“I looked around the Mondale press office,” William Galston, a Mondale aide, recalled in an oral history for the University of Virginia’s Miller Center. “Everybody was crying, and so was I.” He said that he realized then that they could not beat Mr. Reagan. “That was the point at which I knew in my gut that we were dead men walking.”

No one imagines that Mr. Biden’s oratory will impress Mr. Trump’s team. But Mr. Galston said this week that Mr. Biden’s task is “to link the challenges of 1944 to the threat we face today and to make the case that the defense of Europe remains essential to America’s vital interests.”

Mr. Reagan set the bar high enough that successors have struggled to follow. “American presidents wind up doing a lot of commemorative speeches, but D-Day anniversaries are probably the most intimidating because Ronald Reagan’s Pointe du Hoc speech was iconic,” said Daniel Benjamin, who was a speechwriter for President Bill Clinton. “Forty years later, Biden is making a smart move because it is no longer a competition with Reagan, but an echoing of that moment.”

Russell Riley, a historian at the Miller Center, said it is hard to consciously plan for a landmark speech. “Reagan has created a standard that may cause everything else to pale by comparison,” he said. “But this remains an extraordinary point of possibility for President Biden — precisely because the subject is so historically relevant to this moment in time.”

The Reagan address was written by Peggy Noonan, a young speechwriter who had joined the White House staff two months earlier and had yet to even meet the president. In her memoir , she described seeking inspiration by pacing around the Washington Monument and reading books about D-Day, including Cornelius Ryan’s “The Longest Day.” She ultimately adapted the speech’s most memorable line from the title of the baseball classic, “The Boys of Summer.”

Max Boot, author of “Reagan: His Life and Legend,” a forthcoming biography, called the address one of the highlights of his presidency.

“It was one of the greatest presidential speeches of the postwar era,” Mr. Boot said this week. “It’s an impossible standard for Biden to aspire to. But it’s also an opportunity for him to remind listeners of the days when Republicans like Ronald Reagan were the foremost champions of NATO rather than its most fervent critics.”

Mr. Reagan was in far stronger shape politically than Mr. Biden is now. He held a nine-point lead over Mr. Mondale in a survey in early June, a margin that nearly doubled to 17 points later that month, according to a Gallup poll tracker . Mr. Biden, by contrast, is more-or-less tied with Mr. Trump in several polls released in recent days . Mr. Biden is also eight years older than Mr. Reagan was at the time, and age has become an even bigger electoral challenge for him than it was for his predecessor.

Some analysts thought it was ill advised for Mr. Biden to try to emulate Mr. Reagan.

“Seems odd to choose the site where Reagan gave his best speech,” said Kori Schake, director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute and a former aide to President George W. Bush. It only “invites unwelcome comparisons.”

Mr. Biden’s address, according to aides, was crafted by his speech-writing team along with his longtime adviser Mike Donilon and the historian Jon Meacham, who is in Normandy for the ceremonies. Aides said it was meant as a speech to the American people and was timed for late afternoon in France so that it would broadcast midmorning back at home.

“The Pointe du Hoc speech is a speech about, in his view, timeless principles — principles that have served as the foundation of American security and American democracy for generations,” Jake Sullivan, the president’s national security adviser, told reporters.

Principles may be timeless, but politics are not. Mr. Biden was not always a fan of Mr. Reagan’s foreign policy. In a speech at Harvard in 1987 as a senator planning his first run for president, Mr. Biden lashed out at Mr. Reagan’s “military adventures” and said “the Reagan Doctrine is in tatters,” adding, “I’ve given up on this administration.”

But that was then, and this is now. Mr. Reagan is by many venerated, and Mr. Trump is on the ballot. For Mr. Biden, one certainly looks more palatable than the other. He has not given up on Mr. Reagan’s administration after all. Now he wants to harness it.

Peter Baker is the chief White House correspondent for The Times. He has covered the last five presidents and sometimes writes analytical pieces that place presidents and their administrations in a larger context and historical framework. More about Peter Baker

Inside the Biden Administration

Here’s the latest news and analysis from washington..

Echoing Reagan’s Leadership:  At Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, President Biden followed one of the former president’s most iconic speeches  with his own testimonial to democracy and the need to resist isolationism to Honor D-Day.

Artificial Intelligence:  The Justice Department and the F.T.C. reached a deal that allows them to proceed with antitrust investigations  into the dominant roles that Microsoft, OpenAI and Nvidia play in the A.I. industry.

Immigration:  Biden issued an executive order  that prevents migrants from seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border when crossings surge, a dramatic election-year move  to ease pressure on the immigration system.

Israel and Ukraine:  Biden has promised to support the two countries for as long as it takes. Both their wars appear to be at critical turning points .

Attacks on Justice Dept.:  Attorney General Merrick Garland lashed out at House Republicans , accusing them of seeking to undermine the rule of law, peddling “conspiracy theories” and spreading falsehoods.

All You Need To Know About Planning A 6-Day Budget Trip To Kerala 

A budget Kerala Itinerary doesn't have to be compromising on anything. Its sublime backwaters and lofty hills, generously open up experiences and views that no one could put a price–tag on. Like being greeted by a swarm of migratory birds at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, strolling through its spice gardens, beginning your mornings with the refreshing breeze from the tea plantations, listening to its gushing waterfalls and watching a traditional boat race.

Travelling through Kerala is about experiencing rare luxuries – of having lived by the river, on a tree house, amidst hills, by the port, of having eaten the unforgettable South Indian breakfast or the spicy fish curry, of having experienced the adventure at Periyar or a relaxed day at an Ayurvedic spa. Here's all you need to plan a budget trip to Kerala .

Reaching Kerala and Getting Around

Kerala has 3 airports: Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Calicut. Budget airlines fly to Kochi and Thiruvanathapuram, making flying an accessible option for backpackers. The rail network is also well established with over 200 railway stations. National Highways connecting Kerala to other states ease road travel. Plenty of Kerala tourism buses, cars and taxis link the various districts well. Private taxis cost from 1200 to 3000 INR per day, depending on the capacity of the car and air–conditioning. Since Kerala has a number of water bodies, motorboats and ordinary boats can also be used as transport. Tickets for all state operated modes of transport would need to be booked in advance and will cost between 20 to 100 INR per person depending on the type of vehicle and distance.

Best time to visit Kerala

Monsoon and winter are the best seasons to visit Kerala because the summer renders the whole of South India humid. Kerala’s lush greenery can be enjoyed at its pinnacle during the monsoon. Also, numerous carnivals and boat races happen from the months of September to March, that makes it the best time to visit the state.

The cost estimate of the trip would be 15,000 to 25,000 INR per person. Here's a six day itinerary to help you plan your escape.

Start your journey in Thekkady

Kochi is the closest airport to Thekkady is one chooses to fly to Kerala. Kottayam is closest railway station. Here's what you shouldn't miss out on in Thekkady:

Periyar National Park

Visit the Periyar National Park which boasts of a rich biodiversity and wondrous scenery. Enjoy views of the Western Ghats as well as surrounding river valleys and lakes. It is one of India’s 27 tiger reserves in addition to being an elephant reserve. There are 35 species of animals in the park, many of which are endangered. Take a guided trekking trip in the reserve and get to see it intimately.

Also, visit a spice plantation if you can. There are a number of plantations within a 5 km radius of Thekaddy.

Best rated places to stay at Thekkady

1. Holiday Villa: Rs 1,600

HOLIDAY VILLA

(C) Booking.com

2. Spice Inn: Rs 3,999

Best rated places to eat at Thekkady

Our place restaurant.

A small all-day café, often discovered by mistake, serves sumptuous portions of mouthwatering European and continental food. The simplicity of the food is what makes it so great!

Spice Garden

2. Spice Garden – Surrounded by spice plantations, the reason for the name of this restaurant isn’t such a surprise. The freshly made Indian food served here is the main USP.

Head to Kumarakoram for 2 Days

Located about 140 kms west of Thekkady, Kumarakom is set around the Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. Reaching Kumarakom from Thekkady shouldn’t take more than 4 hours by bus or train.

If you are here in January, don’t miss your chance to watch the Kumarakom Boat race which happens around Onam every year. The marvellous coordination of 50-odd men to reach the finish line first will most definitely be a jaw-dropping event to remember! Here's what else to do in Kumarakoram.

Back waters at Kumarakom

Take a cruise in one of the boats in the Kumarakom backwaters. Ordinary boats serve the purpose better because they make lesser noise.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary should definitely be on your Kerala itinerary to spot rare migratory birds such as the Serbian crane, the heron and the egret.

Best rated places to stay in Kumarakom

3. Illikalam Lakeside Cottages: Rs 1,750

2. Backwater Breeze: Rs 2500

Make your way to the hills of Munnar

Munnar is a hill station located approximately 150 kms away from Kumarakom. There are no direct rail routes connecting the two places, so you’ll be on the road for about 4.5 hours for this short trip. Here's what you should do while you are here.

Tea County Road

Visit a tea plantation and have some soothing masala chai !

Eravikulam National Park

Make sure to take a trip to the Eravikulam National Park to watch the bloom of Neelakurinji flowers which happens once every 12 years. If you are lucky to catch it, the dance of colors will not leave you. Purple flowers covering the entire valley, give way to green hills that turn blue as they stretch out into the distance. Tickets to enter the park are 55 INR per adult and the park remains shut in February and March.

Hire and ride bicycles on the winding hilly roads in Munnar. The wind in your hair will make you feel freedom like nothing else.

Head to an Ayurvedic spa to get a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage, Kerala style. It should cost between 1500 to 3000 INR per person depending on the massage package you opt for.

Best rated places to stay in Munnar

1. Treebo Trend Misty Garden Resort and Spa: Rs 2500

2. Emmel Dwellings: Rs 1,946

Best rated places to eat in Munnar

1. Saravana Bhavan: Head to this place to have authentic Malayalam and Tamilian food!

2. Fire-Grill – This restaurant has some of the best views of the scenery in Munnar. Visit it at night and opt to sit outside to be one with the serene vibe of Munnar.

Athirapally Waterfalls

Head to thrissur for a day.

The zenith of this Kerala trip might just come on the last day of this holiday. Spend the entire day at the Athirapally waterfalls to take in the magnificence of nature. Visiting the waterfalls in the monsoon would be better. The flora and fauna of the area are serious attention grabbers.

Getting out of Thrissur

After your last day in Kerala, it's time to head back. The railway station in Thrissur connects to rest of Kerala's rail infrastructure and to other cities around the country. The nearest airport is in Kochi, which is an hour away by road.

We hope you enjoy your Kerala trip as much as we enjoyed designing this Kerala itinerary for you!

All hotel prices are approximate and are on a per day basis. They were last updated on December 5, 2019.

Ready to go around the world in 2020? Click here for the ultimate 2020 bucket list!

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Kerala 5 Nights 6 Days Itinerary

Package highlights, kerala tour itinerary for 6 days.

Arrival in Cochin & Drive to Munnar (120 km/approx. 4.5 hours) 

Get welcomed and greeted by our representative in Cochin, and drive to Munnar. Visit Athirapally waterfalls enroute Munnar, which got its name due to the confluence of the three rivers which gave rise to the town. View gorgeous vistas, aromatic oil factories, spice and cardamom plantations, and take a closer look at some of the most endangered species of the world and Neelakurinji flowers, the purplish blue flowers that bloom only once in 12 years.  Check-in at the hotel. Spend the evening for leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Touring in Munnar 

Enjoy morning breakfast. Visit the Eravikulam National Park, abode to several threatened and endangered species. It is a fabulous spot to enjoy trekking, and to take a panoramic view of the entire tea plantations. Next, drive to the Tea Museum (always open from Sunday to Tuesday), which throws light on the history of tea plantations of Munnar. Later, proceed to Mattupetty dam, Flower Garden and Eco Point.  Return to the hotel and spend overnight.

Travel from Munnar – Thekkady (90 kms / approx. 2.5 hours) 

Morning breakfast is followed by a drive to Thekkady (Periyar). Arrive at the hotel and check-in. The region of Thekkady is surrounded by lush green valleys, aromatic spice plantations and unique biodiversity.  This touring destination is popular for the Periyar National Park. Later, in the afternoon, take a boat-ride on the Periyar lake. In the evening, enjoy the traditional Kalaripattu dance (optional). Return to the hotel and spend overnight.

Travel from Thekkady – Kumarakom (130 kms / approx. 3.5 hour) 

After breakfast, check-out at the hotel and head to Kumarakom—a delightfully pleasant emerald peninsula protruding into the charming Vembanad Lake spotted with numerous traditional country boats, rafts and canoes. The freshwater of the lake makes its way into the mainland giving rise to a labyrinth of backwaters, waterways, canals and lagoons.  A sunset cruise with your loved one in Vembanad lake is a unique experience. Overnight stay at the backwater resort.

Travel from Kumarakom – Cochin (50 kms / approx. 1.5 hours) 

After breakfast, proceed to Cochin. Arrival at the hotel and check-in. Later, visit the city starting with Mattancherry Palace, gifted by the Portuguese to the ruler of Cochin in 1555. Explore one of the oldest synagogues in the city here.  Find several other attractions including the Chinese fishing nets, local spices market and the Kathakali Dance, Kerala’s primary art form. Return to the hotel, and spend overnight.

Departure from Cochin 

After breakfast, drive to the Cochin Airport to take the return flight back home. Tour concludes.

• Visit the mesmerizing falls in athiriapally
• Visit the popular attractions and embrace the beauty of nature at Munnar
• Experience the fascinating Boat-ride in Kumarakom
• Visit the top tourist spots in Cochin
• Experience Sightseeing in a private air-conditioned vehicle
• Begin and End the trip at Cochin

Connect with us to explore more about our Fixed itineraries and specially tailored packages, which fit your personal requirements, schedule, and budget.

Talk to us to find out more about our Fixed itineraries and specially Customized packages, which suit your individual requirements, schedule and budget.

Create a Customised Package

A 7 day Kerala itinerary perfect for first-timers

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: March 11, 2023

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

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

Kerala is super green with lots of palm trees.  

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

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

So definitely keep reading.

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

India essentials 

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

Kerala tour itinerary 7 days 

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

Day 1-2: Kochi (Cochin)

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

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

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

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

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

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

45 Amazing facts about India you should read before you go

Kochi sightseeing

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

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

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

Here we share the best things to do in Kochi.

Things to do in Fort Kochi

Kochi is the economic capital of the state of Kerala. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Cochin

Le méridien cochin.

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

Check prices and availability:

Booking.com

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

Day 3-4: Munnar

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

Driving time:  112 km- approximately 4 hours.

Things to do in Munnar

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

So bring a warm jacket or sweater.

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

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

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

Several tea plantations are open to visitors. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Munnar is also surrounded by some beautiful national parks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Munnar 

Fragrant nature munnar.

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

Check prices and availability: Agoda

Day 5-7: Alleppey-Kumarakom-Cochin

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

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

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

Driving time: 175 km- approximately 4-5h

Should you go to Alleppey or Kumarakom?

This depends on what you want to do.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Alleppey 

Angel queen houseboat.

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

A good option for a relaxing and comfortable trip.

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

Where to stay in Kumarakom?

Park regis aveda kumarakom.

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

A beautiful peaceful place on the lake.

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

Best time to visit Kerala

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

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

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

There are some popular activities in Kerala in this period. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheap Flights to Kerala

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

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

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

Visa requirements for India

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

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

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

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

Apply for a travel visa with VisaHQ: Visa for India

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

Take a car and driver or join an organized tour

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

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

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

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

Car and driver

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joining an organized tour 

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

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

They have several 7 days Kerala tour packages.

Tipping in India

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

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

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

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

We usually tipped about 10% in restaurants.

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

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

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

The tipping policy was not any more clear in hotels. 

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

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

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

Less luxurious hotels often showed a completely different picture. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scams in India

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

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

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

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

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

Know how much you need to pay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This happened at the Jama Masjid mosque. 

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

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

2 days in Jaipur, a detailed itinerary. 

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

Adapter for electrical appliances

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

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

Type M pins are used for bigger appliances.

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

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

Stay healthy

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

We still obeyed the following rules:

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

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

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

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

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

The account is available to most EU residents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Insurance 

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

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

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

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

HeyMondo Travel Insurance

SafetyWing Insurance

We had an amazing week in Kerala.

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

Kerala has everything you need for a lovely vacation. 

There’re fantastic hotels in all price classes.

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

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

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

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Bharat Taxi

Friday 27th of December 2019

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

Tourist Places to Visit for 5 Days in Kerala India

The state of Kerala in India is known by its moniker of ‘God’s Own Country’. After spending 5 days in Kerala, it’s not hard to see why. The state is filled with stunning natural beauty from tranquil backwaters to verdant tea plantations and tropical beaches. A confluence of religions also coexists in Kerala, including Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Jains. This Kerala itinerary covers the best places to visit in Kerala in 5 days.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Kerala Itinerary Overview

Best time to visit kerala.

The best time to visit Kerala is in the winter from October to March. Don’t let the ‘winter’ label fool you, as the weather during this season is pleasant, hot but not humid and outside the main monsoon season.

Kerala’s weather gets rather hot and humid in April and May, and then turns monsoonal from June to September. We visited in January, when the weather was hot and dry, but not wet or humid. In other words, just perfect!

Getting Around Kerala

Once you’re on the ground, it’s super easy to get around Kerala. While you can hire a private driver for the duration of your trip, there’s actually no need at all to book transport in advance. Rather, your accommodation will be able to hook you up with transport to your next location, with very reasonable rates for private drivers or taxis.

Kerala 5 Day Itinerary

In 5 days in Kerala, you’ll comfortably have time to visit Fort Kochi (1 night), stay on a houseboat in the Kerala backwaters (2 nights), and visit either the inland hill country (and tea plantations) or the coastal beach (1 night). We opted for the hill country, as we feel it’s more unique to the region and we can take beach holidays many places around Asia.

If you really want to pack in everything that Kerala has to offer, then adjust this Kerala 5 day itinerary to spend 1 night in Fort Kochi, 1 night on a houseboat, 1 night in Munnar for the tea plantations and 1 night at the beach. Disclaimer: This will be pretty rushed and will involve a lot of driving.

Even better, extend your Kerala itinerary and spend an additional night or two at each location. Kerala is a beautiful and relaxing place, and I could easily have spent a few extra days whiling away life on a houseboat. And don’t forget to factor transfer times into your itinerary – the roads can be slow, narrow and windy. Read on for a more detailed breakdown of your perfect 5 day Kerala itinerary.

Day 1: Fort Kochi

Start your Kerala trip with a day exploring Fort Kochi, a charming historic beach town in central Kerala. Fort Kochi is famous for unique Chinese fishing nets that line the shores of the beach, and has a blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial architecture. Fort Kochi is very compact, so is easy to explore in just one day.

How to Get to Fort Kochi

Kochi is the best place to start your Kerala itinerary, as Cochin Airport is the largest airport in Kerala. Cochin Airport is served by direct flights from many domestic and international locations.

The drive from Cochin Airport to Fort Kochi is around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. You can organise a pick up with your hotel in advance, or grab an airport taxi for around 1350 rupees / US$18.

Fort Kochi Itinerary

The very best things to do in Fort Kochi can be visited in one full day, although there’s certainly enough going on to keep you entertained for 2-3 days.

To make the most of a short time in Fort Kochi, I recommend starting your day with a tuk tuk tour of Fort Kochi . Tuk tuk tours typically cost a very reasonable US$15-20 per person for around 4 hours. The tours will take you to the best spots in Fort Kochi and nearby Mattancherry, including the Chinese fishing nets, spice markets and various temples, churches and palaces.

If you prefer to explore alone, spend the morning sightseeing in Fort Kochi on foot before it gets too hot. Visit the following spots:

Beach Front: Get started with a stroll along Fort Kochi beach and Mahatma Gandhi Beach. In between the beaches, stop to check out the 18th century Dutch Cemetery with over 100 tombs and the ruins of Fort Emmanuel.

Chinese Fishing Nets: Just past Mahatma Gandhi Beach, you’ll find the impressive (and rather massive!) Chinese fishing nets. The fishing nets were introduced to Kochi by Chinese explorers over 500 years ago. The cantilevered design means that the large nets can be operated by 4 to 6 local fishermen. It’s strangely mesmerising to watch the nets slowly bob up and down catching fish.

St Francis Church: St Francis Church is just a few minutes walk from the Chinese Fishing nets near River Road. It’s one of the oldest European Churches in India, and has a gorgeous faded facade with a small bell tower.

Santa Cruz Basilica: Continuing the church theme, Santa Cruz Basilica (photo above) is an utterly impressive basilica straight out of a fairytale. The basilica features towering white spires with intricate detailing, and gothic pastel interiors filled with murals, frescoes and ceiling paintings. The basilica is on Bastian St, around 5 minutes walk from St Francis Church.

Jew Town: Jump in a tuk tuk and head around 2.5km southeast to Jew Town, a historic Jewish area in Mattancherry. Wander around the local spice markets and antique shops, and put your bartering skills to the test! Don’t miss the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest remaining synagogue in the British Commonwealth dating back to 1568.

Mattancherry Palace: If you have time, visit Mattancherry Palace just five minutes walk from Jew Town. Mattancherry Palace is a large palace with a mix of Kerala and colonial styles, which is also known as the Dutch Palace.

Depending on your start time and pace, the tuk tuk tour or independent sightseeing should take you through to lunchtime or early afternoon. In the afternoon, why not take it down a notch and relax. (You are on holiday after all!)

Have a lazy lunch at one of the upscale hotels along the waterfront, such as Brunton Boatyard (which I loved) or Fort House Hotel. After lunch, meander through the historic colonial streets of Fort Kochi which are packed with shops, cafes and art galleries, including cute Princess St. Afternoons in Fort Kochi can get pipping hot and humid, so finish your day with a relaxing swim and cocktail at the hotel pool.

Fort Kochi Accommodation

Fort Kochi has a wide range of hotels to suit every budget and taste.

Luxury ($$$): If you have cash to splash, then you can’t go past the gorgeous colonial hotels in Fort Kochi. We adored the lovely Forte Kochi Hotel  (photo above), a beautifully restored colonial hotel in the heart of Fort Kochi with a great swimming pool. If you prefer to be on the waterfront, check out Brunton Boatyard where we loved the restaurant with harbour views.

Check Forte Kochi Rates:   Booking.com  |  Agoda

Check Brunton Boatyard Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-range ($$): For a mid-range hotel right on the Fort Kochi harbour, check out Fragrant Nature Fort Kochi . The hotel boasts a pool, multiple restaurants and harbour views.

Check Fragrant Nature Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Budget ($): When I was debating whether go el-budgo in Kerala, I was tempted by the Coconut Grove Homestay , a really reasonably priced and well reviewed homestay in Fort Kochi. Tossing up between a luxury Kochi hotel and a luxury Kerala houseboat? I recommend saving your pennies for the houseboat as you’ll be spending much more time on the houseboat than in your hotel!

Check Coconut Grove Homestay Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Days 2 and 3: Kerala Houseboat

Staying on a houseboat and cruising around the tranquil backwaters is probably the quintessential Kerala bucket list activity. It is bound to be one of the most relaxing holidays you’ll ever take, as there’s literally nothing to do other than chill out on the boat’s deck and watch the incredible natural beauty of the backwaters.

The Kerala backwaters are a network of around 900km of waterways made up of interconnected lakes, canals, rivers and lagoons, surrounded by lush rice fields and small villages. Houseboats float along the beautiful waterways, docking up for meals and overnight stays.

How to Get to Kerala Houseboats

The main area where houseboats depart from is Alleppey (also known as Alapphuzha), around 60km south of Fort Kochi or 80km south of Cochin Airport. The roads are a little slow, so expect the drive from Fort Kochi to Alleppey to take around 1.5 to 2 hours.

The easiest way to get from Kochi to Alleppey to join your houseboat is to ask your hotel to organise a transfer. Our Kochi hotel organised a transfer in one of the hotel’s super comfortable cars for 3500 rupees / US$45. If you’re travelling on a budget, you can get a taxi or transfer for as little as 1500 rupees $US20.

Kerala Houseboat Itinerary

I recommend staying on a Kerala houseboat for 2 nights. Why? The longer you spend on the houseboat, the further away from civilisation (read: other houseboats) you’ll get. If you only stay the day or one night on a houseboat, then you’ll spend a lot of time around the main lake area and nearby canals which are packed with houseboats and tend to have more rubbish. Plus, the houseboats need to be back at the main dock at around 9am, so a one night stay can feel quite short. However, if you’re easily bored and like to keep busy with activities on holidays, then one night might be enough for you.

A typical itinerary on a Kerala houseboat starts at around 12pm. After introductions and a welcome drink, you’ll putter along the lakes and canals for an hour or two before docking the boat at a beautiful spot for lunch. Meals on the houseboat can be quite an affair, with multiple delish curry and vege dishes, served with rice, bread and sauces. Houseboats do not serve alcohol, but will usually happily chill wine or beer for you if you want to bring your own along.

After lunch, you’ll set away again for an afternoon of cruising around the backwaters soaking up the incredible lush green scenery, and maybe stopping at a local village or going for a canoe ride. The boat will dock overnight at around 5:30pm (overnight cruising is not permitted) just before the sun goes down, which makes for the perfect time for a walk along the banks by the rice paddies before dinner.

On day 2, you’ll do it all over again, venturing even further into the backwaters. Make sure you stock up on books, movies, podcasts, games … whatever’s your jam to keep you entertained. Houseboats generally don’t have wifi, so download your choice of entertainment in advance. For those yearning to hark back to a simpler era, switch off the devices, and spend your time watching the world go by and reading books.

On day 3, you’ll head back to the Alleppey bright and early after breakfast. The boats arrive back in Alleppey at around 9am, ready for cleaning before the next lot of guests board.

Kerala Houseboat Accommodation

Kerala houseboats are made in a similar traditional style, called the ’Kettuvallam‘ with a thatched roof and simple design. Most houseboats have bedrooms and bathrooms down the hallway, and an open dining area / deck out the front, sometimes with an upper relaxation deck. The boats come in all sizes from private 2 people boats to large shared boats, and from budget to luxury.

There’s two main options to secure your houseboat. First, book one in advance online. Second (and most common), rock up to Alleppey, walk the docks and negotiate the rate and inclusions for your preferred boat.

While you can get great deals on the spot, I preferred to have a houseboat booked in advance as we only had five nights in Kerala and were visiting over a busy public holiday, so didn’t want to risk wasting time or missing out on a boat.

We opted for the luxury Xandari Riverscapes and honestly couldn’t have been happier. Yup, it’s a little more exxie price wise, but our private boat was spacious, clean and comfortable, with 3 dedicated staff, incredible fresh tasty food, and (my personal fav) a lounging deck up top for the ultimate in relaxation. We were even upgraded to a larger boat on arrival at no cost! I highly recommend snagging a top deck if you can, as otherwise you’ll be spending your time relaxing downstairs with the driver.

Check Xandari Riverscape Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Days 4 and 5: Kerala Hill Country

For the final leg of your 5 day Kerala itinerary, choose between the verdant inland hill country or the tropical coastal beaches. In the hill country, you’ll find green every which way you look, with picturesque tea plantations and rubber plantations. The hill country is the perfect option for hikers.

How to Get to the Kerala Hill Country

In the Kerala hill country, most people visit the hill station Munnar which is nestled in amongst picturesque tea plantations. Munnar is around 150km northeast of Alleppey, or 4-5 hours drive (yup, those slow roads again!). If you’re finishing your Kerala trip by flying out of Cochin Airport, it will then take around 130km / 4 hours drive back from Munnar to the airport.

For us, this was a little too long on the road for just one night. We opted to stay roughly halfway between Kochi and Munnar at Windermere River House, in Inchathotty near the small town of Neriamangalam. While it’s not quite as beautiful as Munnar, the estate is set on a lovely river in a rubber plantation. The drive is around 125km / 3-3.5 hours from Alleppey to Windermere River House. It’s then another 56km / 1.5 hours from Windermere River House back to Cochin Airport.

Kerala Hill Country Itinerary

If you’re staying in Munnar, the area is all about the natural beauty of the great outdoors. If you only have one day in Munnar, take your pick from these breathtakingly beautiful activities:

Tea Plantations: Munnar is all about the beautiful tea plantations. You can visit a tea plantation, stroll through the green tea gardens, and see how tea is made at the tea factory.

Photo Point: As the name might suggest, Photo Point is a beautiful spot to take photographs, due to the tea plantations on both sides and mountain backdrop. Photo Point is around 3km from Munnar.

Echo Point: Around 15km past Photo Point, you’ll reach Echo Point. At Echo Point, you can hear your voice reverberate right back at you. As with most places in Munnar, the scenery is also pretty stunning!

Top Station Viewpoint: Drive for another 17km past Echo Point to reach Top Station, which offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats mountain range. Allow 1-1.5 hours for the return drive to Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park: For animal lovers, visit Eravikulam National Park around 8km north of Munnar. The highlight here is the rare but friendly Nilgiri Tahr.

Munnar Hiking: If you have longer than a day, take your time and hike to Top Station, wander through the tea plantations or venture on another Munnar hike .

If you decide to visit Windermere River House instead of Munnar, spend you days relaxing by the incredible infinity pool overlooking the river, cycle up the road, and talk a walk through the rubber plantation with the resident naturalist.

Kerala Hill Country Accommodation

Munnar & Surrounds

There’s a lot of gorgeous accommodation in and around Munnar. The main feature here is the spectacular scenery and not the towns, so there’s no need to stay anywhere particularly central. Depending on your budget, some good options are:

Luxury ($$$): For a remote luxury retreat, check out SpiceTree Munnar . The resort offers jacuzzi and spa suites and even a villa with a private pool. SpiceTree is in a cardamom plantation around 1 hour drive from Munnar, so is perfect for those looking for nature and solitude.

Check SpiceTree Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range ($$): Neelakurunji Luxury Plantation Bungalow is another great option nestled in a cardamom plantation. Choose from one of 10 lovely rooms in 4 bungalows.

Check Neelakurunji Bungalow Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Budget ($): Okay, it may not exactly qualify as budget, but if you want relatively affordable accommodation surrounded by tea plantations, then a good option is Tea Valley Resort . The resort has a range of rooms and cottages with and without views, and is around 11km south of Munnar.

Check Tea Valley Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Inchathotty

If you want to reduce driving time and don’t mind missing out on the tea plantations, then I can highly recommend the luxury Windermere River House (photo above).

Windermere River House is a gorgeous colonial bungalow perched on the Periyar River and surrounded by two acres of gardens. The rooms are grand and comfortable, with verandahs for relaxing. The local chef whips up Kerala style fare (no menu) in the open air restaurant, and the resident naturalist takes guests for walks to discover local flora and fauna, including the rather surreal and incredibly gorgeous Malabar Giant Squirrel. If you simply prefer to relax, chill out in the infinity pool overlooking the river.

Check Windermere River House Rates: Booking.com | Agoda

Kerala Itinerary Option or Extension: Kerala Beaches

If you prefer the beach to the countryside or have longer in your Kerala itinerary, then you may wish to visit the beautiful Kerala beaches instead or or in addition to the hill country. (You know, just in case you hadn’t done enough relaxing in Kerala yet.) The coast is lined with beaches, so find a spot at your favourite or spend your days beach hopping.

While there’s plenty of beaches to choose from in Kerala , the beaches most commonly featured on Kerala itineraries are Kovalam and Varkala.

Kovalam Beach is a busy beach with two pretty coves (Hawa and Lighthouse), with plenty of choices of restaurants. Kovalam is around 240km south of Cochin Airport (around 5.5 – 6 hours drive), or around 160km south of Alleppey (around 3.5 – 4 hours drive).

Want to stay in Kovalam? Check out Kovalam accommodation options .

Varkala Beach is a little more chilled than Kovalam, but still touristy with lots of beach activities and beach bars. Varkala is or around 200km south of Cochin Airport (around 4.5 – 5 hours drive) or around 120km south of Alleppey (around 2.5 – 3 hours drive).

Varkala more your style? Check out Varkala accommodation options .

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It is easy for you if you can visit for a 5 days trip to Kerala. Places to be covered Munnar, thekkady, alleppey and cochin beaches. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful information.

Kerala is major contribution in South India travels and exploration. Do keep posting such relevant content.

I am flying out of Singapore. Which airport which I land in? Cochin?

Yes, Cochin is the best option for flights from Singapore to Kerala. Enjoy!

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Memorable Kerala with FREE Visit to Eravikulam National Park

Trip Highlights

Enjoy Kerala's highlights, from tranquil lakes to lush tea gardens, offering diverse and engaging experiences.

Relax on the houseboat in Alleppy and float around tranquil backwaters while listening to the sound of water ripples and whisper of the wind.

Get mesmerized by the Valara and Cheeyappara waterfalls, offer beautiful views and serene moments.

Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, offering serene view of lush green surroundings which will not just give you a reason to smile but also good pictures to capture.

Spend some quality time soaking the aroma, while meandering through spices and tea plantations.

Know Before You Go

• Thrillophilia reserves the right to rearrange or change the itinerary for reasons that are beyond control like Natural calamity, weather conditions, road block etc.
• Kindly inform the operator about your flight timings prior to the date of travel.
• Heavy rainfalls are observed between June – September which means that real time itinerary changes are possible. In case the roads are blocked due to landslides or any other natural calamity, a permit may not be available to go. Thrillophilia will arrange alternate sightseeing for the travelers however cost of alternative accommodation needs to be borne by the customer as the hotels prebooked execute their cancellation policies & are nonrefundable. This is generally what happens when you book the hotels yourself as well.
• All meals are included only in the houseboat.
• Any sightseeing point which is not completed due to time constraints, traffic jam, natural calamity, travelers starting late, permits issued late or any other reason beyond control, Thrillophilia does not take the liability for a refund or a discount.
• The tour takes place through eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites.
• ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of booking, and also upon arrival. PAN card will not be considered as a valid address proof.
• Guidelines issued by the State-Government is to be followed. Social distancing to be maintained. Frequent hand sanitization and use of mask recommended.
• The display prices mentioned are for minimum 2 PAX for standard, deluxe and super deluxe properties
• Any expense of personal nature is not included in the Kerala package 5N-6D.
• Air Fare / Train fare /Bus fare are not included in the Kerala package 5N-6D.

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Discovering the Beauty of Kerala: A 6-Day Itinerary

When talking about India, few people think of Kerala as a main destination. And after visiting, we don’t understand why. In this itinerary of 6 days in Kerala , we will tell you the reasons why we believe it is a very good destination within this great country that is India.

Like any region of India, it has a lot to see because it is very extensive, so the first tip we would give is that 6 days are not enough. On our trip to India, we wanted to make a route through two zones, Kerala and the Golden Triangle, so we also did not have much more time and we were able to see the basics. Our recommendation is to spend a week-10 days in Kerala in order to be able to reach as many places as possible and other distant but interesting areas.

We also want to mention that we think that, if you are short on time, you should hire a private driver who will accompany you on your entire trip and will allow you not to lose time looking for connections, since they are very complex. Driving in India by yourself is unimaginable so we used the service of J and J taxi services , with very good rating and service at all times (our driver Mahesh was a great person!).

With that being said, let’s discover this area of India that inspired the writer of “The Jungle Book” with this itinerary of 6 days in Kerala .

Below we leave you with a list of the essentials of Kerala :

• Munnar and its tea fields
• Periyar Tiger Reserve
• Allepey and its Backwaters

Article content

Day 1 of the route of 6 days in Kerala: Kochi

Day 1 of this itinerary of  6 days in Kerala  starts with a visit to Kochi, one of the main airports and cities in the region. Unlike other cities in India, Kochi has a more laid-back atmosphere with areas such as Port Kochi being less crowded compared to other parts of the country. This is a common trait in Kerala, which is known for its natural beauty and not the intense and sometimes overwhelming experience that can be found in other parts of India such as the Golden Triangle.

We stayed in Fort Kochi, as it has the main attractions of the city. To be honest, Kochi didn’t impress us much, and we even thought that if you have limited time, it’s a place that can be skipped. As we flew into its airport, we dedicated a day to visit some of its main points of interest.

The first stop we made was at the Cathedral of Santa Cruz , a Baroque-style Christian church built by the Portuguese during their stay in the area for the spice route. It’s a beautiful and recommended church to visit, as it stands out in contrast to the buildings around it.

Next, we headed to another church, the Church of San Francisco . This church is known for housing the remains of the famous Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi. It’s not an overly spectacular church architecturally, but you can visit it for the interesting history of Vasco da Gama.

A few meters from this church, is the most famous area of the city, the port and its Chinese fishing nets . These are large wooden structures made of wood and ropes, used for a unique method of fishing. It’s very interesting to go and see how they use this method of fishing and how they activate the mechanism.

In the afternoon, we were recommended to do one of the attractions of the area, see a Kathakali show at Kathakali Center . This dance aims to tell a story or tale of Hindu deities, through facial gestures and dance. It is spectacular to see, as they have incredible control of all the muscles of the face and expressions and gestures. Actors are trained for 6 years in specialized schools to be accepted as actors in dance centers. Our rating of the experience is very good. The show lasts two hours, with the first part watching how they make-up themselves, until they achieve the characterization of the deities, while the second one is the performance itself, with a brief explanation of the history of this dance. 

The approximate price of a ticket is 500 Rp per person (6 €).

After the show, we went to have dinner and rest to make the second day, the way to Munnar.

Day 2: Road to Munnar and surroundings

We started day two of this itinerary of  6 days in Kerala  with a long drive that took us to the mountainous region of Munnar, famous for its high mountains and vast tea fields. The journey from Kochi to Munnar is approximately 4 hours, but we took longer as we made stops to visit various points along the way.

The first stop on the journey was to see one of the hundreds of waterfalls that are in the region during the rainy season. It’s very typical to drive and come across a large waterfall with many tourists taking photos.

After this stop, we decided to stop at a spice garden, in this case the Indian Spices Munnar. This entry came with the contract of the driver, so it was already included in the price. Honestly, we didn’t expect too much from the visit and it was not bad. The guy explained to us very kindly all the spices and plants and their processes of elaboration and uses. Many of them are famous in Ayurvedic medicine, very important in India. After finishing the visit, we bought spices as souvenirs for our families.

Then, after the lunch stop, we decided to do two consecutive activities. One of them was a jeep tour through the mountains near the Munnar area, with the company Jungle Jeep Safari Munnar , which charged us 4000Rs. The truth is that this activity was super interesting, as it took us through little-traveled roads and we were able to see one of the largest waterfalls in the area, Ripple Waterfalls . On this route, we were also able to visit a high bridge over a large river , the Ponmudi dam, and a viewpoint with views of the entire Munnar region.

After completing this activity, we decided to try Ayurvedic medicine and got a 2 and a half hour full massage at Angel’s Ayursp a . We don’t know how to describe this activity, but it is definitely worth it as an experience and anecdote. It is a massage performed with essential oils and is intended to be a sensory experience to balance the body and mind. It has been practiced for over 5000 years and is very popular in the country. The experience we hired consisted of 4 parts. Firstly, we had a full body massage with essential oil. The second one was a massage with bags with which the body is gently beaten. After, there is an Ayurvedic bell treatment, which throws oil on your forehead for a long time. Finally, the steam bath, which introduces you into a somewhat claustrophobic cabinet to take a steam bath.

With the day finished, we just had to head to the K-Mansion hotel , located near the area where we would make the next day’s visit to Munnar.

Day 3: Tea fields trekking in Munnar

The third day of our itinerary of 6 days in Kerala was in Munnar and it was our favorite one. We planned with the Trekking Adventure company of Munnar and their fantastic guide Sri, a 5-hour trek through the mountains and tea fields of the area. It was a wonderful day, as everything went well. The weather was perfect for seeing the views from the top of the mountains, the guide was very nice and gave a lot of conversation, he brought us a very tasty breakfast that we ate with views of the whole valley…

We highly recommend doing this activity if you like trekking and are in the area, as it allows you to see a more mountainous part and then a walk through the extensive tea fields that the English set up during their occupation in this area and that give work to so many people in Munnar. We’ll let the pictures speak for themselves at this point 😉

After the 5 hours of trekking, it was time to stop for lunch and head to our next stop on the itinerary, Periyar . The journey is about 4 hours again, so we arrived in the late afternoon. We first headed to the Periyar National Park to purchase the tickets we wanted for the next day. They have quite a few activities that you can check out here . We did the half-day bamboo rafting , which consists of 3 hours of trekking + 30 minutes of breakfast + 1 hour of bamboo rafting on the lake. After buying the tickets, we decided to follow our driver’s advice and go see a martial arts show in Kerala . It turned out to be quite entertaining, although very touristy and not essential. They were boys who performed wrestling and shows with spears and shields and finished with some fire.

Day 4: Periyar National Park

Our day started with a visit to the Periyar National Park, famous for having a reserve of about 40-50 tigers and hundreds of elephants. Although this is the case, the park has an area of 350 square kilometers, so you can imagine how extremely complicated it is to see one of these animals. Our recommendation is that you enjoy the walk and the jungle, and don’t get frustrated if you don’t see much animal!

This excursion starts with a 1 hour 30 minute walk through the jungle to the lake where the rafting will take place. This route is very pleasant and you can spot several species of birds and other curious animals. In our case, we were very lucky, as we were able to see several black monkeys and a herd of bison standing on the road, which made us have to wait until they left, but which made us admire them for a good while!

Following our arrival at the lake and the breakfast break, the bamboo activity was carried out by two guys. This walk was relaxed and they take you along the edge of the jungle in case you can spot new animals. After that, you make the return trip on the same path.

It was a good experience, and a very pleasant walk. The only advice we would give is to watch out for leeches or bloodsuckers if you go during the rainy season, because there are millions and they get in everywhere. We each got 2 bites of blood 🙂

In the afternoon, we decided to do a jeep tour with the same company that sells you the tickets for the martial arts show in the park area to see it from above, but just as we were starting to climb the mountain, a downpour started. Our advice is to never take one of these vehicles with this rain, because they drive at full speed and don’t take into account safety measures, so we had to ask them to turn back because we didn’t see our safety guaranteed on the excursion. For this reason and because they did not return our money, we do not recommend doing any activities with them.

After this intense 4th day of our route of 6 days in Kerala , we headed to our hotel, the Kalpavanam Heritage Resort .

Day 5: Allepey Backwaters

Our last day of our tour of 6 days in Kerala was reserved for the most famous activity in the area, the Allepey backwaters. This area consists of many channels and stagnant waters surrounded by spectacular nature. The main activity is to take a very characteristic boat and walk peacefully through the channels admiring the entire landscape.

It was one of the activities that we most wanted to do and we had booked a high-quality backwater in Xandari Riverscapes , but everything was canceled due to a rainstorm that made it impossible to go sailing.

It was a shame as it was an activity marked in our calendar, but looking on the positive side, we now have a reason to return to Kerala.

Day 6: Flight to New Delhi

The Allepey area is a relaxing area with some interesting beaches, so if you have time, it’s worth staying there for a day of tranquility. It’s a good way to end an intense 6-day tour of Kerala.

Really, we used this day to fly to the north of India, specifically to New Delhi (our flight was changed to the morning). If you’re interested check our experience in the Golden Triangle and Varanasi area.

Without any doubt, it was a great choice to include this incredible and different part of India in our itinerary. It was a few days of pure nature, tradition, and a very authentic India. The perfect combination with the chaotic India that we are so used to hearing about. We hope you liked this post and that it helps you if you decide to visit Kerala. 

Feel free to leave any comments below!

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5 Nights 6 Days Kerala Package

One of the most demanding 5 nights 6 days Kerala tour package can be organized from any cities in India. If you are looking for short trip to Kerala from any north Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune or Ahmedabad definitely our 6 days Kerala itinerary is suitable for you. Now a days lots of tourists from Nagpur, Vadodara and Surat prefer to go with Kerala trip for 6 days. During this trip arrival and departure will be either Cochin airport or Ernakulam railway station. You can cover the destinations such as Munnar (2N), Thekkady (1N), Kumarakom (1N) and finally Allappuzha Houseboat (1N). Kerala tour plan for 6 days and 5 nights is ideal for all tourist having one week holiday. We are sure you will relaxed and enjoyed during this one week Kerala tour packages. We welcome you to explore our Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom and Alleppey Houseboat package.  

Day 1 - Munnar : Arrive airport / railway station at Cochin and Proceed to Munnar. On the way visit Valara & Cheeyappara waterfalls. During your trip to Munnar, you can see Neriamangalam bridge, village life of Kerala, lots of rivers, forest and if you are fortunate some wild animals. Check in into the resort around 12 noon, enjoy your lunch and relax for some time. Evening visit Munnar town & blossom park. Overnight stay at resort.

Day 2 - Munnar : Early morning gets up and enjoy your breakfast. Now its the time to start your sightseeing trip to Munnar. Around 8 AM proceed to Eravikulam national park also known as Rajamala. You can finish the trip by noon and have your lunch. Now, proceed to other sightseeing locations in Munnar, which includes Mattupetty Dam, Tea Museum, The Blossom International Park, Top Station & Photo Point.

Day 3 - Thekkady : Have your breakfast from Munnar hotel and proceed to Thekkady, which is around 91 KM away and approximate travel time is 3 hours. Check in the hotel and enjoy your lunch. Evening go for a plantation visit and elephant ride at Thekkady. You can go for boating at Periyar lake, in the evening or next day morning. Have your dinner and overnight stay at Thekkady hotel.

Day 4 - Kumarakom : Enjoy your breakfast and go for a morning walk through spice plantation at Thekkady. Around 9.00 AM proceed to Kumarakom, 133 KM and approximate travel time is 3 hours 40 minutes. Check into the Kumarakom resort around 01 PM, have your lunch and relax in the resort premises. Evening go for a boat cruise, you can watch sunset, fishing and village life. Overnight at Kumarakom hotel

Day 5 - Houseboat : After your breakfast from Kumarakom hotel proceed to Alleppey houseboat. Your 1 night 2 days backwaters tour starts with houseboat trip through narrow canals of Alleppey backwaters. During the visit you can enjoy the science beauty of Kumarakom and Alleppey backwaters. You can enjoy the village life, farming and fishing. Lunch, evening tea & snacks and dinner will be served.

Day 6 - Departure : Enjoy your breakfast from the houseboat and checkout around 10 noon and proceed to Alleppey beach, spend one hour in the beach and proceed to fort Kochi. Here you can visit Kerala Kathakali Centre, Dutch Palace, Maritime Museum, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, St. Francis Church Jew Town and Synagogue, Chinese fishing nets and Cafes & art libraries.

Essential Information & FAQs About Package

Arrival Point : Cochin International Airport, Ernakulam / Aluva Railway Station, Ernakulam Bus Station.

Departure Point : Cochin International Airport / Aluva Railway Station

How to book this package : Post your tour / honeymoon package requirements in the below given enquiry form. Up to 4 leading tour operators in Kerala will contact you with best rate and itinerary via phone and email. You can choose the best one.

Can I customize the package : Yes, you can ask for customization as per your interest and budget.

Can I book only taxi services for my package? : Yes, you can book taxi only with us. But entire package booking will help you to save up to 25% of the total cost.

How can I do the payment : Normally 25% of the package cost need to pay as advance balance amount can pay on your arrival at Kerala.

How much this package cost / Person : Package cost is absolutely based on the hotel section, car preference, how many of you travel and of course what season you are travelling.

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7 Nights 8 Days Kerala Tour Plan – Escape To Kerala With This Awesome Itinerary!

What not in Kerala? This beautiful destination has got everything! From spellbinding hill stations to stunning beaches, from tea gardens to traditional dances, from houseboats to amusement parks , from thrilling adventure activities to temples , Kerala has got everything. There is no wonder that Kerala is one of the famous destinations in India . Also, how about planning a vacation to Kerala? Interested? Well, then you are going to love this 7 nights 8 days Kerala tour plan. In addition, this 7 nights 8 days Kerala tour plan can be really exciting as you will be covering most of the famous places in Kerala. Also, get ready to soak in the beauty of God’s own country.

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7 nights 8 days Kerala tour plan

This Kerala tour plan is one of the best plans you will find. Interestingly, this plan covers Cochin, Munnar , Thekkady, Alleppey and Kovalam. Isn’t that an amazing list of places to visit on your 7 nights 8 days Kerala tour plan? It is, right? Also, this is one of the best tour plans for families. The tour starts from Cochin which is followed by sightseeing in Munnar. Also, you will get to explore the wildlife sanctuary in Thekkady and get ready to stay at a houseboat in the backwaters of Alleppey.

Once you are done enjoying the backwaters in Alleppey, the coastal paradise welcomes you to enjoy the beautiful beaches and temples. After visiting Kovalam, you will be heading to Trivandrum to end your beautiful 7 nights 8 days Kerala tour plan. That was an amazing tour plan to Kerala, right? Also, have a read and find out everything you need to know about this tour plan.

Also Read: Kerala in South India

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Day-wise itinerary for 7 nights 8 days Kerala tour plan

• Day 1 – Arrive at Cochin and continue with sightseeing
• Day 2 – Transfer from Cochin to the mesmerizing Munnar
• Day 3 – Sightseeing in Munnar
• Day 4 – Transfer to Thekkady to enjoy nature
• Day 5 – Transfer to Alleppey and witness the real beauty of Kerala
• Day 6 – Transfer to Kovalam
• Day 7 – Enjoy the coastal world in Kovalam

Day 8 – Depart from Trivandrum

1. day 1 – arrive at cochin and continue with sightseeing.

Your 7 nights 8 days Kerala tour plan starts from Cochin with a warm welcome. After all the procedures, you can take a cab from the airport and check into your hotel. Once you are done with refreshing, make sure you fill your stomach with the traditional breakfast. Also, get ready to explore the beautiful Cochin. You can hire a cab and explore Cochin. Some of the best places in Cochin are Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin, Cherai Beach, Cochin marine drive and many more. You can end your day by having the mouthwatering dinner at your hotel. Also, make sure you have enough rest to start your day-2 with a bang!

Cochin is loved for its unique culture. So, make sure you get to experience the culture of Cochin by witnessing a Kathakali performance.

Also Read: Top things to do in Cochin

2. Day 2 – Transfer from Cochin to the mesmerizing Munnar

After a beautiful day 1 in Cochin, Day 2 welcomes you to the chill moments. Have your breakfast and drive to the lush green hills & valleys of Munnar. Complete your check-in formalities and relax for a while. Don’t be in a hurry as you have Day 3 also in Munnar. So, make sure you rest for a while and enjoy the ambience of the hotel. You can enjoy your time in Munnar by visiting the flower garden and tea plantation areas. You can also walk through the roads and admire the beauty of Munnar. End up the second day by enjoying an overnight stay at the hotel.

Taste the famous tea which is available in Munnar. I am sure the hot tea will rejuvenate your soul.

Also Read: Cochin to Munnar

3. Day 3 – Sightseeing in Munnar

Your Day 3 is to completely enjoy Munnar. After having your yummy breakfast, begin your day with sightseeing. In addition, you can cover places such as Eravikulam National Park , boating in Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Kundala Lake.

Never miss experiencing the Jeep Safari to Kolukkumalai for a thrilling experience.

Also Read: Top 7 things to do in Munnar

4. Day 4 – Transfer to Thekkady to enjoy nature

Interestingly, the 7 nights 8 days Kerala tour plan takes you to Thekkady on your Day 4. You can have your breakfast and start moving to Thekkady. The spellbinding hills and valleys will make you feel as if you have transferred to a new world. Once you have landed, check into your hotel and continue your day by visiting the Periyar National Park with the Periyar Lake , Thekkady rose park and many more. You can end the day by relaxing overnight at the hotel.

Visit the elephant camp and enjoy playing with baby elephants.

Also Read: Munnar to Thekkady

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5. Day 5 – Transfer to Alleppey and witness the real beauty of Kerala

You will be spending your Day 5 in Alleppey. Sounds cool, right? Post breakfast, check out from your hotel and move towards Alleppey for a fantastic day. In addition, you can check into the houseboat upon your arrival in Alleppey. Have the best experience by enjoying a day in the houseboat. Also, you will find a variety of meals and modern amenities in the houseboat. In addition, try the fish fry which is the best part of lunch. Also, the day ends with an overnight stay in the houseboat.

Also, make sure you wake up on time to experience the stunning sunrise for a lovely start.

Also Read: Houseboats in Alleppey

6. Day 6 – Transfer to Kovalam

7 nights 8 days Kerala tour plan takes you to Kovalam on your Day 6. You can proceed to Kovalam via Kollam and Trivandrum. The coastal paradise will welcome you with a lovely breeze on your face. As you are nearing to the end of your Kerala tour plan, it’s time for some shopping. Kovalam has some of the amazing places to shop. So, make sure you make the best of this place on your Day 6. Also, you can end the day by an overnight stay in Kovalam.

You can head to the ayurvedic centre and enjoy a refreshing spa.

Also Read: 21 places to visit in Kovalam

7. Day 7 – Enjoy the coastal world in Kovalam

Day 7 is to completely enjoy in Kovalam. After having your breakfast, get ready and explore the lovely places in Kovalam. Also, some of the must-visit places are Samudra Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Poovar Beach and Vizhinjam Beach. In addition, Kovalam is also loved for its temples. So, make sure you spend some time and visit the temples too.

Visit the German bakery which is located on the Lighthouse beach for lip-smacking dishes. Imagine tasting the best dishes and enjoying a lovely beach view. Cool, huh?

Also Read: Romantic beaches in Kerala

Well, I know you won’t be liking this part in your itinerary being the last day of your 7 nights 8 days Kerala tour plan. Kerala is a wonder in India and will make every traveller come back again. But for now, it’s time to bid adieu to this beautiful state. You will end your tour in Trivandrum by starting your onward journey back home.

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5* Properties. Pristine Beaches. Exciting Itineraries

Absolutely! That 7 nights 8 days Kerala tour plan sounds incredible. Ready to kickstart the vacation to Kerala? Prepare for a delightful journey! Don’t forget to visit the Pickyourtrail website and explore the holiday packages from Kochi for an unforgettable travel experience!.

Also Check: International tour packages

Kajani Shivam

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• 4 Days In Kerala: Best Places To Visit And Amazing Things To Do In 2024

23 Mar 2023

Getting recognized as the “Destination To Watch In 2017” by the Association of British Travel Agents has added yet another feather to the cap of Kerala Tourism. Despite receiving many such accolades, there’s still a lot more to Kerala than what meets the eye.

Kerala is a great place to visit and if you’re interested in a Kerala trip plan for 4 days during Covid, then the below options will surely come in handy. With effective precautions in place, it will be quite easy for visiting all parts of this state even during the Covid-19 spread.

Having said that, here’s a detailed guide on how to spend the best of 4 days in Kerala. This guide will further enable every traveler to capture the essence of Kerala destinations through some enticing and tailor-made Kerala tour packages. And with TravelTriangle by your side, you can also customize your own trip to Kerala under a suitable budget.

Ideal Duration In Kerala

Image Source To be able to explore the best tourist places in Kerala, an ideal duration of 4 days in Kerala would work wonders. To enjoy a delightful family trip to Kerala, duration can be stretched up to 8 days and 7 nights. But to be on safer side, an extended stay of 5 days and 4 nights will easily accommodate the must things to do in Kerala, best places to visit and famous adventure activities in Kerala. Similarly for honeymooners, relaxed Kerala honeymoon packages could be of 5 days and 4 nights too. In fact, if you’re even taking a Bangalore to Kerala trip, 4 days will be enough for exploring this place.

  Trip To Kerala: An Ideal Holiday Perfect For Family Bonding

Kerala’s Weather Scene

Image Source

Being a perfect blend of mountainous highlands and Kerala backwaters, God’s own country enjoys a heavenly tropical climate owing to its equatorial location. The hilly areas remain cool whereas the coastal regions remain humid for most of the months.

• Summer: February to May – The average temperature ranges between 32 degrees to 36 degrees.
• South West Monsoon: June to September – The average temperature is falls between 19 degrees to 30 degrees.
• North East Monsoon: October to November – The average temperature may rise from 29 degrees to 35 degrees.
• Winter: December to January – The average temperature fluctuates from 18 degrees to 28 degrees.

Best Time To Visit Kerala

Winters and summers are the best season to visit Kerala that allow travelers to explore all the places at ease. This makes the months from November through May the peak season and the best time to visit Kerala.

  Here Is Why People Can’t Stop Talking About Kerala

Keeping the type of accommodation, meals, local transfers, sightseeing and miscellaneous expends in mind, an average budget per day per person would be –

Accommodation Including Taxes: INR 2500/3000/5000 Local Transfers: INR 1500 3 Meals: INR 1800 Sightseeing: INR 700 Miscellaneous: INR 1000 Average Spend Per Day: INR 6250/6500/7500

Please Note:

• Modes of transport is not included as one can reach Kerala via flight, train or bus as per their budget and proximity.
• Accommodation charges are based on double sharing for 3 stars, 4 stars and 5 stars respectively.
• For Houseboats, prices depend on the size of the houseboats and vary from INR 7000 (sharing basis) to 10,000 (individual basis).
• Since alcohol is banned in Kerala (in most parts), Toddy the locally made palm wine serves as an alternative at a cost of INR 50 per 750 ml.

Where To Stay In Kerala

Fidn the best accommodation options in this state for all types of travelers and budgets. Pick from a range of popular and comfortable resorts and hotels.

1. Aveda Resorts And Spa, Kumarakom

Want to make your 4 days trip to Kerala a delightful affair? Stay at the opulent and mesmerizing Aveda Resorts And Spa set amidst surreal surroundings. The resort is known for its exceptional hospitality and quick service other than the awesome food and great views. All in all, it’ll provide the best experience of touring this state.

Address: V/240 A, Ammankari Road, Kumarakom Village, Kottayam Price/Night: INR 10,000 (double sharing including taxes) Ratings: 4.4/5 Stars How To Reach: 2 hours drive from the Cochin International Airport and Kottayam is the nearest railway head & bus terminal that is 14 kilometers away from the resort. Website | Reviews

20 Beach Resorts In Kerala

2. The Fragrant Nature, Kochi

Surrounded by nature’s bounty, this makes for a great option if you’re looking for a peaceful and natural place to stay. Located at a convenient location from all major tourist spots, a stay here will make your Kerala trip for 4 days hassle-free and memorable.

Address: Near SBI Calvathy, Calvathy Bazaar Road, Kochi Price/Night: INR 14,000 (double sharing including taxes) Ratings: 4.5/5 Stars How To Reach: 26 kilometers away from the Cochin International Airport. Website | Reviews

3. The Leaf Munnar

Owing to its convenient location, everything is just a stone’s throw away from this lovable hotel. Other than the commendable services, in-hotel amenities, friendly behavior of the staff, delectable food, and stupendous views, you’ll be treated to utter luxury and comfort at this mini pararide in Kerala.

Address: Chithirapuram PO, Anachal, Amakandam, Munnar Price/Night: INR 5,500 to 17,000 (double sharing including taxes) Ratings: 4.7/5 Stars How To Reach: 3 hours away from the Cochin International Airport. Website | Reviews

  10 Romantic Beaches In Kerala You Must Visit For A Soulful Vacay!

Where To Eat In Kerala

Wondering where to try the delicious cuisine of Kerala during your 4-day escapade? Well, we’ve got you a range of options to fit your preferences and budget constraints.

1. The Cuisine, Villa Maya, Trivandrum

Image Source More than being a restaurant, dining at Villa Maya an 18th century Dutch manor is a complete experience in itself.

Address: 120, Airport Road, Enjakkal, Trivandrum Timings: 11 am to 11 pm Ratings: 4.5/5 Stars What To Eat: Stuffed crab with lobster butter Meal For Two: INR 1500 Average Time Spent: 2 to 2.5 hours Tip: Payments can be done by cash as well as cards. Website | Reviews

2. Bait Seafood Restaurant, Kovalam

Overlooking Arabian Sea and specializing in seafood, this open air Taj property serves authentic global flavors and serves fresh delicacies from the sea as soon as they’re caught.

Address: GV Raja, Vattappara Road, Vivanta by Taj, Green Cove, Kovalam Timings: Lunch: 12: 30 pm to 15: 00 pm & Dinner: 19:30 pm to 22: 30 pm Ratings: 4.5/5 Stars What To Eat: Hot stone grilled jumbo prawns & Pink pepper prawn curry Meal For Two: INR 1250 Average Time Spent: 2.5 to 3 hours Tip: Let the chef know your taste and enjoy customized dining. Website | Reviews

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3. Memories Multi Cuisine Restaurant, Alappuzha

Image Source Redefining dining style, enjoy multi-cuisine delicacies in little pagodas by the pond at Memories Restaurant.

Address: AC Road, Pallikuttumma Bridge, Ramankary, Alappuzha Timings: 9 am to 10 pm Ratings: 4.2/5 Stars What To Eat: Try Kuttanadan Duck Roast Meal For Two: INR 1000 Average Time Spent: 1.5 to 2 hours Tip: You can also make reservations online. The place is best suited for a romantic dinner date. Website | Reviews

Planning your holiday in Kerala but confused about what to do? These Kerala travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.

Vivek Writes How His Kerala Honeymoon Was A Perfect Start To His Married Life

Houseboats, Backwaters, & Beauty all around!

Pranav Lists The Best Places In Kerala That He Enjoyed On His Honeymoon

Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, & lots of pretty islands!

Vishu Tells How Kerala Turned Out To Be The Ultimate Honeymoon Destination

Tea plantations, Backwaters, Houseboats, & More!

Here Is Why Rajeev Can’t Stop Talking About His Romantic Trip To Kerala

Canoes in backwaters, houseboats, waterfalls, & much more!

Manish’s Family Trip To Kerala Illustrates The Beauty Of God’s Own Country

There were warerfalls, lush hills, beaches, & backwaters!

Kanika Proves That Traveling With An Infant To Kerala Is Totally Safe & Wonderful

Beaches, Backwaters, Spas, & More. Take me there now, please!

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

Kerala In 4 Days: Places To Visit

Scroll down and find the best cities to visit in Kerala and the top tourist attractions that await you there. You can include these places in your Kerala itinerary 4 days or more depending on your travel plan.

1. Alleppey

For years Alleppey has topped the charts when it comes to Kerala destinations because it offers an experience so tranquil that a traveler cannot find it anywhere else in the world due to its bustling backwaters.

Places To Visit: Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Top Things To Do: Bird watching, Rejuvenate with Ayurveda and explore Kuttanadu along the backwaters Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport is just 53 kilometers away Average Time Spent: 1 Day

The Ultimate Guide to Top Tourist Places in Kerala

Image Source Lush green hills, the aroma of tea plantations in the air and the low flying clouds pretty much paint the beautiful picture of Munnar which is also one of the best honeymoon getaways in Kerala. Munnar is definitely one of the best places to include in your Kerala tour itinerary.

Places To Visit: Pothamedu ViewPoint, TATA Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam and Eravikulam National Park Top Things To Do: Trek to the Top Station, Walk through the tea gardens, Watch a traditional Kathakali performance, Go fishing in Devikulam Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport is just 143 kilometers away Average Time Spent: 1 Day

If you are looking for tourist places in Kerala for 4 days, Kovalam is your best pick. A tiny quaint town at the beachside near Trivandrum, Kovalam is known for one of the best beaches that are separated by rock formations.

Places To Visit: Lighthouse Beach, Akkulam Lake, Vellayani Lake and Valiathura Pier Top Things To Do: Relish breakfast at the German Bakery, Enjoy surfing at Kovalam Surf Club, Go Snorkeling Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport is just 15 kilometers away Average Time Spent: 1 Day

10 Charming Places To Visit In Kerala

Kerala In 4 Days: Top Things To Do

Kerala is known to have some of the most amazing and thrilling activities that travelers love to engage in. Find the best ones right here according to your type of trip and preferences.

1. Paragliding In Kerala

In a bid to promote outdoor adventure in Kerala other than Ayurveda and backwaters, Kerala tourism has encouraged travelers to experience the thrills of paragliding.

Locations: Vagamon and Varkala Best Time: September to January Tip: Must attend the Paragliding Grand Prix every year in September at Vagamon

2. Periyar National Park, Thekkady

Image Source For wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, Periyar National Park serves as a haven of tiger reserves and is also among the top rated Kerala tourist places. Rich in nature and adventure, visiting this hidden treasure is a must thing to do in Kerala.

Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners Timings: 6 am to 8 pm Best Time: November to March Activities: Sightseeing, Boating, Bamboo Rafting, Camping, etc. Tips:

• Charges of INR 150 for everyone above 11 years and INR 50 for kids below 11 years are applicable for boating.
• Night safari that happens after 8 pm is a must experience.

  22 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala That Showcase South India’s Exotic Fauna & Flora!

3. Tree House Stay In Wayanad

Much famed for its spice plantations, Wayanad is truly a nature’s abode amongst the serene places in Kerala. Moreover, Wayanad is best experienced while staying in a tree house with exquisite Vythiri-Kerala holiday package.

Best Time: October to May Tip: Carry a torch with extra pair of batteries for local sightseeing such as Edakkal Caves and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kerala In 4 Days: Must Experiences

You cannot return from your 4-day Kerala trip without engaging in these delightful experiences there. See which ones they are and take your pick:

1. Backwater Cruise In A Houseboat

Image Source The sparkling and crystal clear backwaters form the heart of Kerala that gives life to all the Kerala trips. Cruise through the waters of the Arabian Sea while you soak in the natural beauty of green palms and exotic coconut trees.

Locations: Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kasargod Best Time: June to March Operators: ATDC Alleppey , The Houseboat Kerala , Alappuzha Houseboats Cost: For Houseboats, prices depend on the size of the houseboats and vary from INR 7000 (sharing basis) to 10,000 (individual basis) and onwards. Tips:

• Make sure you carry a mosquito repellent as backwaters are home to mosquitoes as well.
• To break the language barrier, request for a English/Hindi speaking guide and caretaker.

  15 Wondrous Backwater Resorts In Kerala For A Pampered Holiday!

2. Ayurvedic Massage And Treatments

After backwaters, Ayurveda is the most prominent quality to which Kerala and its tourism has been associated to. Carrying forth the unsurpassed traditions, Kerala Ayurveda is a lifestyle in itself that promotes harmony of body, mind and soul.

3. Snake Boat Race

Image Source This is one event which is not only famous in India but also across the world. Accommodating about 100 rowers at an average in a boat, snake boat races are not-to-be-missed sights when in Kerala. The most famous one is that of the Nehru Boat Race which is held in Alleppey.

Other Boat Races: Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (Alappuzha), Payippad Jalotsavam (Payippad Lake) and Vallam Kali (Punnamada Lake). Duration: July to September How To Reach: Trivandrum International Airport is 150 kilometers away whereas Alleppey Railway Station is the nearest rail head.

  21 Best Ayurveda Resorts In Kerala That You Ought To Visit

Best Things To Buy In Kerala

From sarees to spices, shopping in Kerala is incomplete without these special souvenirs.

1. Kerala Sarees: Kerala kasavu sarees have now become the standard souvenir by default as they’re attractive and much loved by women. 2. Spices: Kerala has always been famous for its rich and exotic spices that also helped in establishing many trade centers in Kerala. 3. Coir Products & Handicrafts: Locally made coir and cane products along with brass works, ivory works and sandalwood carvings can be best bought at Government stores and centers. 4. Nettipattam: Crafted out of gold and copper, Nettipattam is the the shining ornament that is worn on elephant’s forehead. 5. Traditional Lamps: The “Nilavilakku” or the traditional lamps are most sought souvenirs that are lit during all the auspicious occasions.

Basic Malayalam For Travelers

Learning few terms in a foreign language is as cool as getting familiar with one of our own. Every traveler must know a few common terms in the local language before visiting the respective place and it is the same with Malayalam in Kerala too.

• Hello: Namaskaram
• Glad to meet you: Kandathil Santhosham
• Thank you: Upakaram OR Nandri

57 Best Places To Visit In Kerala For A Vacation To Remember!

Things To Remember

• Keep this guide handy.
• Remember that alcohol is banned in most of the parts in Kerala.
• Most of the shops accept debit or credit cards in Kerala so keep limited amount of cash while traveling.
• With all due respect to all the religions, enquire well before entering a temple in Kerala as some of the temples are open only to Hindus.

Intrigued much? Be it solo or with family or friends, book enticing Kerala tour packages with TravelTriangle and live an experience like never before! Know of any more things one can indulge in during their 4-day in Kerala? Share them in the comments section below.

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Frequently Asked Questions About 4 Days In Kerala

Even during the spread of coronavirus, will it be safe to visit this place?

Yes, Kerala has recovered and people have taken the virus and it’s effects quite seriously here. People from all over the world are not allowed here till effective vaccination is introduced, however, people of India, specifically from the neighboring states can come here anytime.

What is Kerala famous for?

Kerala is mainly famous for its backwaters and houseboats rides. People from all over India, as well as the world, go to Kerala to have a relaxing getaway and spend at least 4 days in Kerala.

Is Kerala a state?

Yes, Kerala is one of the states of India which is situated in the south part of the country.

Is Kerala safe to visit?

Being one of the safest destinations in India, Kerala tops the list of tourist places in India.

Which city is the best in Kerala?

One cannot name one best city as there are many beautiful cities to explore in Kerala. Some of these are Thekkady, Alleppey, Kochi, Kozhikode, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram.

What can I buy in Kerala?

Some of the best things to buy in Kerala are banana chips, handmade jewelry, coconut products, Kathakali masks, and handicrafts.

What is the favorite food of Kerala?

Appam is the most famous food in Kerala along with dosa, rasam, idli, and sambhar. Appam is a combination of vegetables that is served with different kinds of curries.

Do people speak English in Kerala?

Both English and Malayalam are taught in the schools and Kerala has been declared as the first state with a 100% literacy level. So, there will be no issues with the English language.

Which month is best to visit Kerala?

September to March marks the best time to visit Kerala. Whether planning a vacation with friends, family or alone, make sure that you consider these months.

What is the climate in Kerala?

The temperature in Kerala ranges from 17 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. But the temperature dips down in the winter season.

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Cochin - Kumarakom - Kovalam - Trivandrum

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How to plan your 6 nights 7 days Kerala tour? Explore 7 days Kerala tour package to experience the best tourist places in Kerala that includes Cochin, Kumarakom, Alleppey and Kovalam. Inquire now and explore Kerala at its finest within seven days.

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Package itinerary.

Arrive Cochin Our representative will receive you at the Cochin International Airport and will escort you to the hotel. Feel at leisure in the evening when you relax yourself in this picturesque 'port city'. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay Read More -->

Cochin Tour Set out on a guided sightseeing in Cochin. Your itinerary here will include places like Fort Cochin, still keeping alive its ancient Jew tradition, the Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry palace, St. Francis Church and more. The Jew’s street and the Chinese fishing nets at Fort Cochin beach are the must see. Return to hotel for an overnight stay. Read More -->

After a refreshing breakfast, leave for Kumarakom, a land lying on the banks of Lake Vembanad, enveloped with stunning scenery. Engage in what the locals master in - pluck huge coconuts and learn de-husking, breaking and grating them to prepare delicious dishes, flavoured with exotic spices! Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a home to thousand and more of rare species of birds, is also included in the itinerary. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay. Read More -->

After a refreshing breakfast, set out on an enchanting overnight backwater cruise in traditionally decorated houseboats. While cruising in these floating luxury-villas, let your eyes settle for the rare and the unusual - skim past Chinese fishing nets, bowed-down paddy fields, local inhabitants engaged in making coir products, rustic homes, ancient temples and swaying coconut groves. Food will be served onboard. Overnight stay in the houseboat. The cruise will end the next day at Alleppey. Read More -->

After a refreshing breakfast served onboard, check out from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam. Up on arrival, check in to a hotel. This beach town ranked high among international tourists is an ideal destination to feel the tropical sun and to feel contented about the golden suntan. Water enthusiasts have a lot of beach activities to indulge in like - kayaking, swimming, surfing and skiing. Occasionally walk into some of the certified massaging centers alongside the beach and pamper yourself with an exotic herbal, body- toning massage. Overnight to be spent at hotel near the beach. Read More -->

Morning set out on a sightseeing tour to Trivandrum. Your itinerary will include places of interests like Padmanabhaswami temple, renowned for its towering gopuras and temples arts and paintings. The main pavilion of the temple stands impressive with 400 marvelously granite carved pillars. Your guided sightseeing tour will cover the rest of the attractions too. Later in the evening travel back to Kovalam for an overnight stay. Read More -->

Morning get dropped at Trivandrum International airport for your flight back home, feeling contented about a wonderful holiday you spent in the “God’s Own Country”. Read More -->

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

4 reasons to visit kerala.

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

Keralan Food

Best time to visit kerala.

• Best Accommodation
• How to Travel

Tailor-Make Your Kerala Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Top 7 Places to Visit in Kerala

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Alleppey

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

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

4. Periyar National Park

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

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

5. Varkala Beach

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

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

6. Kovalam Beach

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

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

7. Marari Beach

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

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

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

Best 11 Things To Do in Kerala

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

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

1. Cruise Through the Backwaters

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

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

2. Get an Ayurvedic Treatment

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

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

3. Relax with Yoga

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

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

4. Take a Cooking Class

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

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

5. Explore the Tropical Jungles and See Native Wildlife

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

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

6. Visit a Tea Plantation

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

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

7. Explore the Spice Plantations

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

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

8. Take a Food Tour

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

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

9. Join in a Festival

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

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

10. Hike Through the Lush Green Landscape

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

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

11. Unwind at the Beach

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

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

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

Festivals and Events in Kerala

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kerala has a tropical and humid climate.

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

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

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

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

Best Accommodation in Kerala

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

Check out some of our recommendations below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Travel in Kerala

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

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

Here are the normal travel times by private car:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: Arrive in Cochin

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

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

Day 2: Cochin

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

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

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

Day 3: Munnar

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

Day 4: Munnar

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

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

Day 5: Periyar

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

Day 6: Periyar to Alleppey

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

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

Day 7: Alleppey and the Backwaters

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

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

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

Day 8: Return to Cochin Airport

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

Explore Kerala with Asia Highlights

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

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The Ultimate 7 Day Kerala Itinerary and Travel Guide

Plan your next adventure to Kerala and make it the best one yet with this 7-day vegan and eco-friendly  Kerala itinerary . 

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide a small commission to me at no cost to you if you decide to make a purchase. You can read more in my disclaimer here . 

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Kerala 

The best time to visit Kerala depends on what type of experiences you are looking for and what your preferences are. That said, below are 3 seasons that are the most popular for visiting.  

​ Winter season is generally considered the best time to visit Kerala. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. It’s an ideal time for beach vacations, houseboat cruises, and exploring hill stations like Munnar.

Summers in Kerala can be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. While it might be warm in the lowlands, the hill stations like Munnar offer a cool escape.

The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to Kerala. The southwest monsoon (June to September) is the primary rainy season. While the rain can create lush landscapes, it may hinder outdoor activities. 

 Unique Experiences by Season:

• Winter:  Best for general sightseeing, beach vacations, and houseboat cruises.
• Summer:  Ideal for hill station retreats and wildlife exploration in national parks.
• Monsoon:  Great for Ayurvedic  retreats , and indoor cultural excursions without the crowds.

Explore Ayurvedic Retreats in Kerala

Getting to kerala.

Kerala is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it easily accessible from various parts of India. However, the most common entry point for both domestic and international flights is through  Cochin International Airport (aka Kochi Airport). 

This is the best way to get to Kochi, the hill stations of Munnar, and the Alleppey backwaters. It’s also a great place to land before heading south to the beaches of Varkala.

However, if you choose to start your trip on the southern end, you can always fly into Trivandrum International Airport. From there, you can work your way up north and fly out of the Cochin Airport. 

​I recommend conducting an Expedia or Skyscanner search to find the best flight deals from your starting point. 

Recommendation for safe travel

If flying into Trivandrum on a late flight, spend the night near the airport or the nearest train station. Otherwise,  grab a transfer  from the airport directly to Varkala. 

Get the app  for quick transfer scheduling access. This will come in handy!

Traveling By Train

Trains to Kochi (Ernakulam Junction):  Kochi has a major railway station known as Ernakulam Junction (ERS) and is well-connected to major cities throughout India.

Trains to Thiruvananthapuram:  Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is the capital city and has a central railway station (Thiruvananthapuram Central) with frequent train services from various parts of the country.

Trains to Kozhikode (Calicut):  Kozhikode is another important railway station in northern Kerala, offering good connectivity.

Traveling By Road

National Highways:  Kerala is well-connected by a network of national highways. The National Highway 66 (previously NH47) and National Highway 544 (previously NH 212) are two major highways connecting Kerala with other states.

State Highways:  Kerala also has various state highways, making road travel convenient with options like buses, taxis, and private vehicles.

Interstate Buses:  Several state-run and private buses operate between Kerala and neighboring states. Major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Coimbatore have regular bus services to Kerala.

Self-Drive:  You can also opt for a  car rental  if you want to drive yourself. With scenic routes through Kerala, a road trip can often lead to your best experience.

Visa for Kerala, India

Foreign travelers are required to obtain a  visa  before visiting Kerala. However, if you’re a citizen from any of the following 11 countries, you can obtain a VoA (Visa on Arrival) from either the Kochi or Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) Airport.

Countries Eligible for VoA:

• New Zealand
• The Philippines

Where to Stay (Kerala Accommodations)

To find the best option and prices for your stay in Kerala, I suggest cross-checking between Booking.com  and  Agoda .

If you prefer a vacation rental for a more comfortable “at-home” experience,  VRBO  is a great option. 

If you’re a backpacker, I recommend exploring hostel options on  Hostelworld . Another option is searching for a homestay on  Homestays  which are similar to an Airbnb but more economical. 

India’s Currency

India uses the official currency of the country, which is the Indian Rupee (INR). The Indian Rupee is abbreviated as “₹” and is often represented by the symbol ₹. It is the official legal tender throughout the entire country.

I recommend carrying some Indian currency for local transactions as credit and debit cards may not be accepted at all establishments. Especially in rural areas. 

Exchanging Your Currency

Before exchanging currency, compare rates and fees across different options to get the best deal. 

You’ll also want to be aware of any commissions, service charges, or fees associated with the exchange service you choose. Additionally, always use authorized and reliable sources to avoid potential scams or counterfeit currency issues. 

​ Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and authorized currency exchange centers. Getting this taken care of in your home country and preferably NOT at the airport, will help minimize fees. 

Click on the image below to use the Currency Converter and check conversion rates. 

How to Get Around Kerala

I would suggest using  Google Maps  or  Mappls MapmyIndia  to research your itinerary routes. It will show you the fastest way to get around whether it’s by car, train, or bus. However, for these apps to work successfully, you’ll need a  pocket WiFi  or SIM Card such as a  DrimSim SIM card  or an  Airalo eSIM card . 

Primary ways to get around Kerala:

By Bus:  Kerala has an extensive network of state-run and private buses connecting major cities, towns, and remote villages. State-run KSRTC buses and private operators offer regular services.

By Car:   Getting a ride  or  renting a car  is an option for more flexibility, especially when exploring remote areas.

By Taxis and Auto-rickshaws:  Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available for shorter distances and within cities. Negotiate fares before starting your trip or use meters if available.

​ There are various taxi options in Kerala. To ensure you select the best and most affordable service, view the different options and their reviews  HERE . 

​ By Train:  With a railway system that connects the entire state, getting around by train is fairly easy. For both short and long distances. Cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Alappuzha all have major railway stations.

Staying Connected in Kerala

Kerala has widespread mobile network coverage and available Wi-Fi in urban and tourist areas. Plus you can get free WiFi at most hotels and cafes but speeds may vary. 

Consider your data needs and explore SIM card options for a more reliable and efficient connection during your Kerala trip. This way you can be sure to consistently stay connected as needed throughout your stay. 

In addition to staying connected via WiFi, a good VPN service is essential. This will ensure your internet connection is secure and safe from intrusions. Especially while in a foreign country. 

With  ExpressVPN , you’ll be able to safely secure your connection online. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or using free public WiFi, encrypting your internet connection is critical. 

Safety in Kerala

The state has strict safety guidelines and protocols in place to ensure visitors feel comfortable and safe during their stay. 

However, as with any travel destination, it’s important to exercise common safety precautions. Pay attention to your belongings, use reliable transportation services, and be cautious in crowded or unfamiliar areas. 

Helpful Kerala Phrases 

Learning a few basic phrases in the local language,  Malayalam  can greatly enhance your experience during your trip. 

Here are 10 helpful phrases:

Hello / Hi:

• English: Hello
• Malayalam: ഹലോ (halo)
• English: Thank you
• Malayalam: നന്ദി (nandi)
• English: Yes / No
• Malayalam: അതെ (athe) / ഇല്ല (illa)

Excuse me / Sorry:

• English: Excuse me / Sorry
• Malayalam: ക്ഷമിക്കണം (kshamikkanam) / ക്ഷമിക്കണം (kshamikkam)
• English: Please
• Malayalam: ദയവായി (dayavayi)

Good morning / Good evening / Good night:

• English: Good morning / Good evening / Good night
• Malayalam: സുപ്രഭാതം (suprabhatam) / ശുഭ സന്ധ്യ (shubha sandhya) / ശുഭ രാത്രി (shubha raathri)

How much does it cost?:

• English: How much does it cost?
• Malayalam: ഇത് എത്ര ആയിരിക്കുക? (ithu ethra ayirikkuka?)

Where is…?:

• English: Where is…?
• Malayalam: … എങ്ങനെ പോകുന്നു? (… engane pokunnu?)

I don’t understand:

• English: I don’t understand
• Malayalam: ഞാൻ പരിഭാഷ ചെയ്യുന്നില്ല (njan paribhasha cheyunnila)

Help! / Emergency:

• English: Help! / Emergency
• Malayalam: സഹായം (sahayam) / അപകടം (apakadam)

These basic phrases should help you communicate and navigate common situations during your travels in Kerala. The locals will likely appreciate your efforts to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words. 

For more help, download the Google Translate app . It works like a charm!

7 Day Vegan and Eco-Friendly Kerala Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Kochi

The first stop is Kochi City. After you get settled into your hotel, head over to  Loving Earth Cafe  in Fort Kochi to grab something to eat. Here you'll find plenty of delicious cruelty-free, plant-based food options on the menu. They even have a yoga studio if you want to unwind and stop in for a class. 

If you're up for a cultural experience you can grab a  skip-the-line  ticket and head over to the Kathakali Dance Show. This show takes place in the city of Kochi so it's a perfect option for staying local on your first night. 

Unless you would rather opt for a more low-key, eco and nature-infused kinda stay. In which case, I would recommend heading to  Coconut Lagoon . 

Next up, is Alleppey which is a little over an hour drive.  

Day 2 - Explore the Kerala Backwaters in Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Begin your day out in nature with a backwater cruise along the iconic Lake Vembanad. The largest lake in Kerala. Glide through the labyrinth of interconnected canals, flanked by emerald-green paddy fields and swaying palm trees. 

You'll paddle through a scenic canvas of rural life, amidst traditional houseboats and vibrant wildlife along the tranquil waters. 

This Kerala tour will allow you to immerse yourself in nature as you navigate the network of waterways. All while gaining a profound appreciation for the unique ecosystem and cultural richness of the  Kerala Backwaters . 

The good thing about Kerala is that it's predominantly vegetarian so you shouldn't have a hard time finding vegan-friendly places to eat. You can also use the  HappyCow app  to explore nearby eateries. 

The next destination is Munnar.   A highly popular destination that is surrounded by nature’s beautiful dense forests, rolling hills, and mountain terrain. It’ll take around 4 hours and 18 minutes to get there so leave bright and early!

Day 3 - Explore the Tea Plantations in Munnar 

Getting here is a bit longer but well worth the time. I recommend staying at the  Kaivalyam Wellness Retreat  (aka  Sitaram Mountain Retreat ) to enhance your travel experience.

The retreat sits amidst spice plantations and has an in-house restaurant with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. 

>>READ KAIVALYAM'S TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS

Today is all about enjoying the day exploring the tea gardens, tea museum, waterfalls, and observing the elephants in their natural habitat. This will be an exciting adventure!

Be sure to book either of the tours below (or both) to secure your spot ahead of time. If you want to do both, you can opt for doing the Elephant Tour on Day 3 and adding on the Tea Trail Tour to Day 4. 

Both are immersive experiences that involve exploring Kerala's unique culture and providing insights about its rich history. 

In addition, with the tea tour, you'll have the opportunity to walk amidst aromatic rolling hills, while breathing in the purest of air. You can also interact with the tea pluckers and experience tea tasting at the tea museum factory. 

Something a bit different (and healthier) than the typical wine tasting. 

Day 4 - Discover more of Munnar!

Embark on a trekking adventure through Eravikulam National Park , home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. ​Anamudi Peak (the highest peak in the Western Ghats), and the Attukal Waterfalls add to the experience.

Take some  hiking snacks  with you so you stay fueled throughout your hike and don't forget to stay  hydrated !

After returning from your hiking exploration, spend the afternoon relaxing and retreating at the resort.

Take advantage of all that  Kaivalyam Wellness Retreat  has to offer. Maybe even pamper yourself with an  Ayurvedic treatment or massage to help unwind from your trek. 

The next stop is located  2 hours and 48 minutes away in Thekkady.

Day 5 - Head to Periyar National Park in Thekkady

This is a great stop for wildlife enthusiasts. Here you'll have the option to choose from many ecotourism adventures at  Periyar Tiger Reserve . 

I would suggest a nature walk or trek through the jungle amidst the lush green hills and dense forests, a boat safari adventure, or bamboo rafting with a camping overnight stay. That's if you don't mind roughing it for one night! ​

If you want to skip the overnight camping experience, the reserve has other  accommodations  to choose from. Or, you can stay at  any of these amazing eco-resorts  in Thekkady. 

Other  wildlife sanctuaries include:

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

The next day will be a 4-hour and 34-minute trip to Varkala.

Day 6 - Kayak the Mangroves in Varkala 

The final stop is the beautiful Varkala Beach which borders the Arabian Sea. Today will be more about connecting with nature and exploring the mangroves on kayak. 

This hidden gem offers an ideal setting for a serene paddling experience. With motorboats prohibited in the area, the calm waters provide the perfect setting for a quiet exploration of the mangrove forests. 

You will be led by a professional guide who will not only ensure your safety but also provide valuable insights into the unique ecosystem surrounding you.

>>CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT

The trip is 4 hours long so it's best to catch the 6:30 AM trip to make the most of your day. Plus, it makes for a more tranquil and meditative experience through nature. 

Spend the rest of the day relaxing along Varkala Beach, take in the views from the Varkala Cliffs, or wind down with a relaxing, scenic boat trip to Ponnumthuruthu Island. 

To get to Ponnumthuruthu Island you would need to head over to  Nedunganda Village to catch a boat ride. It's about 19 minutes from Varkala Beach. 

Day 7 - Prepare for Your Return Flight

If you're flying out of Trivandrum Airport, you could spend time lounging by your resort pool and grab something to eat at one of the local vegan/vegetarian restaurants before you leave. Depending on what time your flight takes off. 

On the contrary, if you're flying out of Cochin Airport, you will need to head out early to make your flight. Cochin International Airport is about 4-1/2 hours from Varkala so you want to give yourself enough time. 

Planning a Longer Trip?

If you want to plan for a 10 or 15-day trip, you can add on the following destinations. They are among the most popular places to visit in the state of Kerala. 

Gavi Forest Mattancherry Palace – Commonly known as the Dutch Palace Paradesi Synagogue  St. Francis Church – The oldest European church Padmanabhaswamy Temple Napier Museum

Trip Essentials

A part of the trip planning process is ensuring your trip is insured so you are covered in every way that matters. 

It’s your safety net against the uncertainties that can disrupt your trip, from sudden cancellations to unexpected medical emergencies or lost belongings.

With travel insurance, you gain peace of mind, knowing that you’re financially protected and supported in unforeseen situations. 

It’s a small investment that ensures you can focus on the joys of travel while leaving the worries behind. So, before you set off on your Kerala adventure, be sure to secure your trip with a plan that best fits your needs. 

It’ll make for smoother and stress-free travels!

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Sandra Campillo

Sandra Campillo is a holistic lifestyle and travel blogger focused on veganism, eco-tourism, and wellness - mind, body, and spirit. Join Sandra and her community of readers on SandraCampillo.com to learn how to live a holistic, more sustainable, and compassionate way of life.

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