Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is a tropical paradise nestled in the southwestern corner of India. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse ecosystems, Kerala attracts millions of tourists each year. From the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey to the lush tea plantations of Munnar, and the historic streets of Kochi, Kerala offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant traditions, and modern attractions.
What draws visitors to this enchanting state is its unparalleled variety of experiences. Tourists flock to Kerala to float on serene houseboats through intricate networks of canals, witness traditional Kathakali dance performances, relax on sun-kissed beaches, and explore wildlife sanctuaries teeming with exotic flora and fauna. The state’s rich history, marked by influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonizers, is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals, providing a fascinating glimpse into a diverse cultural tapestry.
Whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, Kerala promises a memorable journey filled with scenic wonders, flavorful cuisine, and warm hospitality. This three-day itinerary will guide you through some of the best tourist destinations in Kerala, ensuring you make the most of your short trip to this extraordinary land.
Day 1: Exploring Kochi (Cochin)
Morning:
- Start Time: 8:00 AM
- What to See:
- Fort Kochi: A historic area known for its colonial architecture, quaint streets, and vibrant cultural scene.
- Chinese Fishing Nets: Iconic fishing nets that are a major tourist attraction.
- Travel:
- From Kochi Airport/Hotel to Fort Kochi: Approximately 45 minutes by taxi or Uber, costing around ₹500-₹700.
- Duration at Attraction: 2-3 hours.
- Budget: Entry is free; some attractions may have minimal fees (₹50-₹100).
Lunch:
- Where to Eat: Kashi Art Café in Fort Kochi.
- Cuisine: Continental and local dishes.
- Cost: Approximately ₹300-₹500 per person.
Afternoon:
- What to See:
- Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): A Portuguese palace showcasing Kerala murals and artifacts.
- Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue: Explore the historic Jewish quarter and its beautiful synagogue.
- Travel:
- From Fort Kochi to Mattancherry Palace: 10-15 minutes by auto-rickshaw, costing around ₹50-₹100.
- Duration at Attraction: 2-3 hours.
- Budget: Entry fees for Mattancherry Palace (₹5 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners), and Paradesi Synagogue (₹5).
Evening:
- What to See:
- Kerala Kathakali Centre: Watch a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
- Travel:
- From Mattancherry to Kathakali Centre: 10 minutes by auto-rickshaw, costing around ₹50.
- Duration at Attraction: 1.5-2 hours.
- Budget: Ticket cost is around ₹300-₹400.
Dinner:
- Where to Eat: Oceanos Restaurant in Fort Kochi.
- Cuisine: Kerala seafood.
- Cost: Approximately ₹500-₹800 per person.
Other Tips:
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking.
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
Day 2: Backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Morning:
- Start Time: 7:00 AM
- Travel:
- From Kochi to Alleppey: Approximately 1.5 hours by train or taxi. Train costs around ₹100-₹200, taxi costs ₹2000-₹2500.
- What to See:
- Houseboat Cruise: Explore the backwaters on a traditional houseboat.
- Duration at Attraction: Full day.
- Budget: Houseboat rental costs around ₹6000-₹10000 for a day cruise including lunch.
Lunch:
- Where to Eat: On the houseboat.
- Cuisine: Traditional Kerala cuisine with fish curry, rice, and local vegetables.
- Cost: Included in the houseboat rental.
Afternoon:
- What to See:
- Alleppey Beach: Relax on the beach and enjoy the sunset.
- Travel:
- From Houseboat Dock to Alleppey Beach: 15-20 minutes by auto-rickshaw, costing around ₹100.
- Duration at Attraction: 2 hours.
- Budget: Free entry.
Dinner:
- Where to Eat: Halais Restaurant.
- Cuisine: Kerala biryani and seafood.
- Cost: Approximately ₹300-₹500 per person.
Other Tips:
- Bring sunglasses and a hat for sun protection.
- Carry a camera for beautiful backwater photos.
Day 3: Munnar Hills
Morning:
- Start Time: 6:00 AM
- Travel:
- From Alleppey to Munnar: Approximately 4 hours by taxi, costing around ₹3000-₹3500.
- What to See:
- Tea Plantations: Visit a tea estate and learn about tea processing.
- Duration at Attraction: 2-3 hours.
- Budget: Entry fees to tea estates around ₹100.
Lunch:
- Where to Eat: Saravana Bhavan in Munnar.
- Cuisine: South Indian vegetarian.
- Cost: Approximately ₹200-₹300 per person.
Afternoon:
- What to See:
- Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
- Travel:
- From Munnar Town to Eravikulam National Park: 30 minutes by taxi, costing around ₹500.
- Duration at Attraction: 2-3 hours.
- Budget: Entry fee around ₹90 for Indians, ₹370 for foreigners.
Evening:
- What to See:
- Echo Point and Mattupetty Dam: Scenic spots for photography and relaxation.
Mattupetty Dam Munnar Entry Fee
- ₹10 per person for Entry
- ₹300 for 1-5 pax for ordinary boating for 15 min
- ₹500 for 1-5 pax for speedboating for 15 min
- ₹700 for 20 people for Big boat for 30 min
- ₹50 for Horse Ride
- Travel:
- From Eravikulam to Echo Point: 30 minutes by taxi, costing around ₹500.
- Duration at Attraction: 1-2 hours.
Dinner:
- Where to Eat: Rapsy Restaurant in Munnar.
- Cuisine: Kerala and Indian dishes.
- Cost: Approximately ₹200-₹400 per person.
Other Tips:
- Carry warm clothing as Munnar can be chilly in the evenings.
- Book accommodations in advance as Munnar is a popular destination.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
- Peak Season: October to March (pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing).
- Monsoon Season: June to September (lush green landscapes but heavy rainfall).
- Summer Season: April to May (hot and humid, best avoided).
Weather
- Kochi: Tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C.
- Alleppey: Warm and humid with temperatures between 27°C and 32°C.
- Munnar: Cool and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C.
