Kerala Kaleidoscope
Kerala, situated in the southwestern part of India, is often referred to as "God's Own Country" due to its breathtaking natural beauty, tranquil backwaters, and lush greenery. Thiruvananthapuram serves as the state capital. Kerala is renowned for its extensive network of backwaters, comprising serene waterways, lakes, and lagoons, where houseboats offer a unique way to experience the region's scenic charm. The state is also blessed with pristine beaches along its 600-kilometer coastline, including popular destinations like Kovalam and Varkala. Kerala's verdant hills and tea plantations in places like Munnar and Wayanad attract nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Moreover, Kerala is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, with vibrant festivals such as Onam and Thrissur Pooram showcasing traditional music, dance, and rituals. The cuisine of Kerala is famed for its aromatic spices, seafood delicacies, and delectable vegetarian dishes like appam and stew. Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine, thrives in Kerala, drawing visitors seeking wellness and rejuvenation through holistic treatments. Additionally, Kerala boasts a high literacy rate and a strong focus on education and healthcare. Overall, Kerala's blend of natural splendor, cultural richness, and hospitality makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a memorable and immersive experience.
Travel Plan
7 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi
- Arrival: Pickup from Kochi International Airport or Ernakulam Junction Railway Station.
- Transfer to Hotel: Check into your hotel in Kochi.
- Local Exploration: Visit Fort Kochi, including the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Mattancherry Palace.
- Dinner: Enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine at a local restaurant.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kochi.
Day 2: Kochi Sightseeing
- Kochi City Tour:
- Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): Explore the historical palace.
- Jewish Synagogue: Visit the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations.
- Santa Cruz Basilica: Discover the historic church.
- Boat Ride: Enjoy a scenic boat ride in Kochi's backwaters.
- Shopping: Explore the local markets for souvenirs.
- Dinner: Taste seafood specialties at a local restaurant.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kochi.
Day 3: Munnar Hill Station
- Travel to Munnar: Journey to Munnar, a picturesque hill station.
- Tea Plantations: Visit tea plantations and learn about tea processing.
- Mattupetty Dam: Enjoy boating amidst scenic surroundings.
- Echo Point: Experience the natural echo phenomenon.
- Local Cuisine: Taste authentic Kerala food for dinner.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 4: Munnar Exploration
- Eravikulam National Park: Visit the park known for the Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji flowers.
- Tea Museum: Explore the history of tea cultivation in Munnar.
- Pothamedu Viewpoint: Enjoy panoramic views of the lush green landscapes.
- Leisure Time: Relax and enjoy the serene ambiance of Munnar.
- Dinner: Taste local delicacies.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 5: Alleppey Backwaters
- Travel to Alleppey: Journey to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters.
- Houseboat Experience: Embark on an overnight houseboat cruise through the backwaters.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the serene beauty of the backwaters and lush greenery.
- Traditional Kerala Meals: Enjoy delicious Kerala cuisine prepared on the houseboat.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay on the houseboat.
Day 6: Alleppey to Kovalam Beach
- Return from Alleppey: Disembark from the houseboat and travel to Kovalam.
- Kovalam Beach: Spend the day relaxing on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach.
- Water Sports: Participate in various water sports activities (optional).
- Leisure Time: Explore the local markets or indulge in Ayurvedic massages.
- Dinner: Taste seafood specialties at a beachside restaurant.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Day 7: Trivandrum Exploration and Departure
- Trivandrum Sightseeing:
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Visit the iconic temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Napier Museum: Explore the museum showcasing Kerala's rich cultural heritage.
- Kuthiramalika Palace: Discover the historic palace known for its architecture.
- Shopping: Buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.
- Farewell Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Kerala meal.
- Drop-off: Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport or Railway Station for departure.
14 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi
- Arrival: Pickup from Kochi International Airport or Ernakulam Junction Railway Station.
- Transfer to Hotel: Check into your hotel in Kochi.
- Local Exploration: Visit Fort Kochi, including the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Mattancherry Palace.
- Dinner: Enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine at a local restaurant.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kochi.
Day 2: Kochi City Tour
- Kochi City Tour:
- Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): Explore the historical palace.
- Jewish Synagogue: Visit the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations.
- Santa Cruz Basilica: Discover the historic church.
- Boat Ride: Enjoy a scenic boat ride in Kochi's backwaters.
- Shopping: Explore the local markets for souvenirs.
- Dinner: Taste seafood specialties at a local restaurant.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kochi.
Day 3: Munnar Hill Station
- Travel to Munnar: Journey to Munnar, a picturesque hill station.
- Tea Plantations: Visit tea plantations and learn about tea processing.
- Mattupetty Dam: Enjoy boating amidst scenic surroundings.
- Echo Point: Experience the natural echo phenomenon.
- Local Cuisine: Taste authentic Kerala food for dinner.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 4: Munnar Exploration
- Eravikulam National Park: Visit the park known for the Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji flowers.
- Tea Museum: Explore the history of tea cultivation in Munnar.
- Pothamedu Viewpoint: Enjoy panoramic views of the lush green landscapes.
- Leisure Time: Relax and enjoy the serene ambiance of Munnar.
- Dinner: Taste local delicacies.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 5: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
- Travel to Thekkady: Journey to Thekkady, known for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot wildlife.
- Spice Plantations: Visit spice plantations and learn about Kerala's spices.
- Kathakali Show: Witness a traditional Kathakali performance.
- Dinner: Taste Kerala cuisine.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Day 6: Backwaters of Alleppey
- Travel to Alleppey: Journey to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters.
- Houseboat Experience: Embark on an overnight houseboat cruise through the backwaters.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the serene beauty of the backwaters and lush greenery.
- Traditional Kerala Meals: Enjoy delicious Kerala cuisine prepared on the houseboat.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay on the houseboat.
Day 7: Alleppey to Kovalam Beach
- Return from Alleppey: Disembark from the houseboat and travel to Kovalam.
- Kovalam Beach: Spend the day relaxing on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach.
- Water Sports: Participate in various water sports activities (optional).
- Leisure Time: Explore the local markets or indulge in Ayurvedic massages.
- Dinner: Taste seafood specialties at a beachside restaurant.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Day 8: Trivandrum Sightseeing
- Trivandrum Sightseeing:
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Visit the iconic temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Napier Museum: Explore the museum showcasing Kerala's rich cultural heritage.
- Kuthiramalika Palace: Discover the historic palace known for its architecture.
- Shopping: Buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.
- Farewell Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Kerala meal.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Day 9-13: Relaxation in Varkala
- Travel to Varkala: Journey to the coastal town of Varkala.
- Beach Relaxation: Spend the next few days relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Varkala.
- Ayurvedic Treatments: Indulge in rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages and treatments.
- Exploration: Visit Varkala Cliff, Janardanaswamy Temple, and other local attractions.
- Leisure Time: Enjoy leisurely walks along the cliff and explore local cafes and shops.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Varkala.
Day 14: Departure from Trivandrum
- Departure: Drop-off at Trivandrum International Airport or Railway Station for departure.
21 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi
- Arrival: Pickup from Kochi International Airport or Ernakulam Junction Railway Station.
- Transfer to Hotel: Check into your hotel in Kochi.
- Local Exploration: Visit Fort Kochi, including the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Mattancherry Palace.
- Dinner: Enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine at a local restaurant.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kochi.
Day 2: Kochi City Tour
- Kochi City Tour:
- Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): Explore the historical palace.
- Jewish Synagogue: Visit the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations.
- Santa Cruz Basilica: Discover the historic church.
- Boat Ride: Enjoy a scenic boat ride in Kochi's backwaters.
- Shopping: Explore the local markets for souvenirs.
- Dinner: Taste seafood specialties at a local restaurant.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kochi.
Day 3: Munnar Hill Station
- Travel to Munnar: Journey to Munnar, a picturesque hill station.
- Tea Plantations: Visit tea plantations and learn about tea processing.
- Mattupetty Dam: Enjoy boating amidst scenic surroundings.
- Echo Point: Experience the natural echo phenomenon.
- Local Cuisine: Taste authentic Kerala food for dinner.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 4: Munnar Exploration
- Eravikulam National Park: Visit the park known for the Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji flowers.
- Tea Museum: Explore the history of tea cultivation in Munnar.
- Pothamedu Viewpoint: Enjoy panoramic views of the lush green landscapes.
- Leisure Time: Relax and enjoy the serene ambiance of Munnar.
- Dinner: Taste local delicacies.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 5: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
- Travel to Thekkady: Journey to Thekkady, known for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot wildlife.
- Spice Plantations: Visit spice plantations and learn about Kerala's spices.
- Kathakali Show: Witness a traditional Kathakali performance.
- Dinner: Taste Kerala cuisine.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Day 6: Backwaters of Alleppey
- Travel to Alleppey: Journey to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters.
- Houseboat Experience: Embark on an overnight houseboat cruise through the backwaters.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the serene beauty of the backwaters and lush greenery.
- Traditional Kerala Meals: Enjoy delicious Kerala cuisine prepared on the houseboat.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay on the houseboat.
Day 7: Alleppey to Kovalam Beach
- Return from Alleppey: Disembark from the houseboat and travel to Kovalam.
- Kovalam Beach: Spend the day relaxing on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach.
- Water Sports: Participate in various water sports activities (optional).
- Leisure Time: Explore the local markets or indulge in Ayurvedic massages.
- Dinner: Taste seafood specialties at a beachside restaurant.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Day 8: Trivandrum Sightseeing
- Trivandrum Sightseeing:
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Visit the iconic temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Napier Museum: Explore the museum showcasing Kerala's rich cultural heritage.
- Kuthiramalika Palace: Discover the historic palace known for its architecture.
- Shopping: Buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.
- Farewell Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Kerala meal.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Day 9-20: Relaxation and Exploration
- Varkala: Journey to the coastal town of Varkala and spend several days relaxing on the beautiful beaches, exploring local markets, indulging in Ayurvedic treatments, and enjoying leisurely walks along the cliff.
- Kochi: Return to Kochi for a few days of exploration, including visits to additional attractions, shopping, and culinary experiences.
- Alleppey: Optionally, return to Alleppey for another houseboat experience and further exploration of the backwaters.
- Munnar and Thekkady: Optionally, revisit Munnar and Thekkady for additional sightseeing and nature experiences.
Day 21: Departure from Trivandrum
- Departure: Drop-off at Trivandrum International Airport or Railway Station for departure.