Days 1–2: Cochin and Munnar
Heritage sightseeing, then tea plantations and mountain scenery.
Days 3–4: Munnar and Thekkady
Scenic hill drives, spice gardens, and optional nature activities.
Day 5: Alleppey
Backwater cruise, local village views, and an optional houseboat overnight stay.
Days 6–9: Beach and leisure
Choose Kovalam or Varkala for coastal relaxation, culture, and additional sightseeing.
Day 10: Departure
Transfer to the airport appropriate for your international flight.
Detailed 10-day Kerala itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Cochin
Overnight: Kochi
- Airport pickup and hotel transfer.
- Explore Fort Kochi and its historic streets.
- See the iconic Chinese fishing nets.
- Enjoy a relaxed introduction to Kerala’s coastal culture.
Day 2 – Cochin Cultural Experiences
Overnight: Kochi
- Visit Mattancherry Palace, subject to opening hours.
- Explore Jew Town and its heritage shops.
- Discover local markets and Kerala cuisine.
- Optionally attend a Kathakali performance or cultural programme.
Day 3 – Cochin to Munnar
Overnight: Munnar
- Travel through Kerala’s scenic countryside.
- Stop at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls, depending on conditions.
- Check in to a hill resort.
- Enjoy the mountain atmosphere and leisure time.Allow approximately 4–5 hours for the drive, excluding extended sightseeing stops.
Day 4 – Explore Munnar
Overnight: Munnar
- Explore tea plantations and scenic viewpoints.
- Visit Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point.
- Visit the Tea Museum, subject to opening hours.
- Enjoy optional nature walks or a tea-tasting experience.
Day 5 – Munnar to Thekkady
Overnight: Thekkady
- Drive through the scenic Western Ghats.
- Explore a local spice plantation with a guided visit.
- Enjoy an optional cultural performance or nature activity.
- Relax at your hotel.Allow approximately 3–4 hours for the drive, depending on traffic and stops.
Day 6 – Thekkady to Alleppey
Overnight: Alleppey houseboat
- Travel to Alleppey after breakfast.
- Board a houseboat for a backwater cruise.
- Enjoy village scenery, canals, and lakeside landscapes.
- Experience freshly prepared meals onboard, according to your package.Allow approximately 3–4 hours for the drive. Confirm the boat’s boarding time before departure.
Day 7 – Alleppey to Kovalam
Overnight: Kovalam
- Disembark from the houseboat after breakfast.
- Travel south towards Kovalam.
- Check in to a beach resort.
- Enjoy a relaxed evening by the coast.Allow around 4–5 hours for the drive, depending on traffic.
Day 8 – Kovalam Beach and Leisure
Overnight: Kovalam
- Explore Lighthouse Beach and the surrounding coastal area.
- Enjoy local seafood or Kerala cuisine.
- Visit nearby viewpoints or explore local shops.
- Spend the afternoon relaxing at the resort.
Day 9 – Trivandrum Cultural Excursion
Overnight: Kovalam
- Take a day trip to Thiruvananthapuram.
- Explore the city and its cultural landmarks.
- Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple if eligible for entry and subject to its dress code and opening times.
- Return to Kovalam for your final evening.
Day 10 – Departure
- Breakfast and hotel check-out.
- Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for departure.
- End your Kerala holiday with memories of its culture, mountains, backwaters, and coastline.
Accommodation plan
| Destination | Nights | Suggested stay |
|---|---|---|
| Kochi | 2 | Heritage hotel or city hotel |
| Munnar | 2 | Hill resort with mountain views |
| Thekkady | 1 | Nature resort or comfortable hotel |
| Alleppey | 1 | Private overnight houseboat |
| Kovalam | 3 | Beach resort or seaside hotel |
| Total | 9 nights | 10 days |
Transport and practical travel advice
- Private transfers: A private air-conditioned vehicle is a convenient option for international visitors travelling between several destinations with luggage.
- Airport planning: Arrive at Cochin International Airport and depart from Trivandrum International Airport to avoid retracing the entire route.
- Driving times: Treat the times above as estimates. Hill roads, weather, traffic, and sightseeing stops can extend journeys.
- Cultural etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples and follow local entry rules. Some temples restrict entry to certain visitors.
- Food: Try appam with stew, puttu with kadala curry, Kerala fish curry, and other regional dishes. Tell restaurants about dietary restrictions and allergies.
- Cash and connectivity: Keep some Indian rupees for small purchases, carry a working mobile connection, and confirm international card acceptance with hotels.
- Weather: The southwest monsoon typically affects Kerala from around June to September. Check forecasts and local travel advisories, particularly for hill roads and outdoor activities.
- Travel insurance: Consider cover for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and activities included in your itinerary.
Kerala Tourism and Incredible India provide further destination information for Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kovalam.
Customize your Kerala holiday with Planet Earth Holidays
Planet Earth Holidays can help you enquire about a customized Kerala itinerary based on your arrival airport, departure date, preferred hotel category, meal requirements, and travel budget.
Our holiday planning options can include:
- Hotel and resort bookings across Kerala.
- Private transfers between destinations.
- Munnar sightseeing and Thekkady nature experiences.
- Alleppey houseboat enquiries.
- Beach stays in Kovalam or Varkala.
- Customized family, couple, and international visitor itineraries.
Plan your Kerala holiday: Visit Planet Earth Holidays to explore packages and request a quotation. Confirm hotel availability, inclusions, cancellation terms, and final pricing before booking.
0 Comment