Kerala

Description

Include these culinary wonders in your Kerala holiday packages for a memorable and flavorful journey.

Kerala Itinerary – Day 1: Kochi – Munnar

Reach Kochi (Cochin) and leave straightaway for Munnar. The drive will take about 4 hours and you can enjoy the scenic views en route. The roads are extremely well maintained, so you won’t have to worry about a bumpy ride. There are waterfalls and Spice gardens on the way and you can stop there if you have the time. Munnar is famous for its quaint waterfalls, pristine valleys, blankets of mist, and rolling tea plantations. The charming hill station is just perfect for having a relaxing evening and admiring the spectacular panoramic views.

Kerala Itinerary – Day 2:  Munnar

Today, we’ll explore Munnar, a hill station in the Western Ghats located approximately 5,250 feet (1,600 meters) above sea level. Spend the day visiting the Eravikulam National Park, dropping by a tea plantation, relaxing at one of the waterfalls, or simply walking around the picturesque villages. There is an option to go boating at Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Kundala Lake. You will be engulfed by breathtaking manicured emerald-green tea plantations wherever you go. At every turn, you’ll want to stop and click pictures. In the evening, you must see Kathakali or Kalaripayattu, which is a very energetic Kerala Martial Arts show

Kerala Itinerary – Day 3:  Munnar – Thekkady

You should start early as it takes 3-4 hours to reach Thekkady from Munnar. Thekkady is the center for visiting Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park. Spread over 300 square miles, Periyar National Park is home to species like tigers, elephants, bison, deer, and langurs. There is a scenic lake at the heart of the sanctuary. You can explore the sanctuary, enjoy a lake cruise, and admire the elephants frolicking in the lake. Consider a spice plantation tour to learn about Kerala’s spices. If you want to spend the night in the jungle, there are a few lodgings inside the Periyar Reserve.

Kerala Itinerary – Day 4:  Thekkady – Kumarakom/Alleppey

Kerala is famous for its scenic backwaters, which are a network of interconnected brackish lagoons, canals, and lakes that run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. Backwaters connected by artificial canals form an economical mode of transportation. For centuries, locals in Kerala have used the backwaters for transportation, fishing, and agriculture. Most of the travelers visiting Kerala have one activity on their bucket list – to cruise along the enchanting backwater regions of Kerala. Kumarakom and Alleppey are the two best locations to explore the backwaters. They are two corners of Vembanad Lake but provide different experiences. Alleppey is a town-based destination whereas Kumarakom is a group of small islets. You can choose any one of them.

Drive from Thekkady to Alleppey (Alappuzha) will take nearly 5 hours. Alleppey, also known as the ‘Venice of the East, is popular for tranquil houseboat cruises. Alleppey has more choices if you are interested in spending the night on a houseboat. It has rows of houses facing the canal which gives you a closer look at life in the tropical villages. You can float on a houseboat amidst stunning views, palm-fringed coasts, abundant greenery, and the maze of winding canals and waterways. Alleppey also has several beaches, temples, spas, and wellness centers, that you can visit during your stay.

If you opt for Kumarakom,  it would take you three hours to reach your destination from Thekkady. Kumarakom is a cluster of small islands on the Vembanad Lake in the Kuttanad region of Kerala. The 14-acre bird sanctuary here is a popular stopover for migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise. It is known for mangrove-colored lagoons, green paddy fields, and coconut groves. Located in the background of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is less crowded than Alleppey and has some of the best luxury resorts in Kerala. Few of the resorts offer a package with a night on a houseboat. Taking a sunset cruise on the serene backwaters is highly recommended.

Kerala Itinerary – Day 5:  Kumarakom/Alleppey

You have the entire day to enjoy the various attractions of your chosen location – Kumarakom or Alleppey. You don’t have to rush around ticking attractions off your list. These locations are ideal for indulging in famed ayurvedic treatments, sampling delectable cuisine, rejuvenating yourself, and learning yoga.

Kerala Itinerary – Day 6:  Kumarakom/Alleppey – Kovalam

Drive to Kovalam from Alleppey / Kumarakom will take approximately 4/4.5 hrs. respectively. It is time to explore the beautiful beaches of Kerala and what better place than Kovalam? The beaches of Kovalam are in demand due to low tidal waves and shallow waters which makes them ideal for sea bathing. You can spend a day here visiting the Lighthouse and the spectacular crescent beaches – Kovalam Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Samudra Beach. Kovalam is also known for its temples. So make time to visit the temples as well. You have the option to stay at some plush beachside resort for the day.

Kerala Itinerary – Day 7:  Thiruvananthapuram

The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is just 16 km away from Kovalam. If you want, you can explore a few interesting places in Thiruvananthapuram – Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, Observatory, etc.

This also brings us to the end of the 7-day Kerala Itinerary. You can head back to your next destination from Thiruvananthapuram. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, making it a great way to enjoy the best of Kerala within a week. The suggested itinerary is just a guide; you can easily change it at your convenience.