With still blue waters stretched ahead till the foot of the Western Ghats, God’s Own Country (or State for the meticulous), Kerala is the most picturesque South Indian tourist destination. For those who crave the ethereal silence of nature, Kerala is the place to be. The backwaters at Kumarakom, the beaches at Kovalam and the hills at Munnar are the backbone of Kerala tourism. Being one of the few states in India that has been untouched by excessive Westernization, Kerala prides itself on being truly Indian. This culture reflects in Kerala’s hospitality and culture. This Kerala itinerary for 6 days and 5 nights will highlight some of the best things to do in Kerala to have a breathtaking yet peaceful holiday! It will most be enjoyed by people looking for a tranquil holiday full of unforgettable experiences.
The backwaters in Kumarakom. Picture Credits: Anuja Kotecha
Reaching Kerala and Getting Around
Air travel would be a convenient option to reach Kerala as it has 3 airports at Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram and Calicut that have connectivity with the major Indian metropolitan cities. The rail network is also well established with over 200 big and small railway stations. National Highways connecting Kerala to other states ease road travel. Plenty of State tourism buses, cars and taxis link the various districts well in order to promote Kerala tourism. 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, adding to the list of things to do in Kerala. 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.
Day 1: Thekkady
Kochi is the closest airport to Thekkady is one chooses to fly to Kerala. Kottayam is closest railway station. Here is a number of things to do in and at Thekkady:
1. Visit the Periyar National Park which boasts of rich biodiversity and wondrous scenery. One can 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 fauna in the park, many of which are endangered. An unforgettable experience to have at the Periyar National Park would be a ride on a mighty elephant because you will feel liberation, exhilaration and fear all at once. One could also take a guided trekking trip in the reserve and get to see it intimately.
Elephants at the Periyar National Park. Picture Credits: Arushi Kotecha
2. Another interesting thing to do at Thekkady would be to visit a spice plantation if one is a connoisseur. There are a number of plantations within a 5 km radius of Thekaddy.
The fruit section of the Iyengar Spice Garden, Thekkady. Picture Credits: Ashish Purohit
Best rated places to stay at Thekkady
1. Grand Exotica Villa - 2500 INR
2. Coffee Routes Resort - 3000 INR
Best rated places to eat at Thekkady
1. Our Place – 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!
2. Spice Garden – Surrounded by spice plantations, the reason for the name of this restaurant isn’t such a surprise. The Indian food served here is freshly made which is their USP.
Day 2 & 3: Kumarakom
Located about 140 kms west of Thekkady, Kumarakom features for the longest time on this itinerary! 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 road or train.
The best things to do in Kerala, Kumarakom specifically, would be:
1. To take a cruise in one of the boats in the Kumarakom backwaters. Ordinary boats would serve the purpose better because they would make lesser noise.
A houseboat in Kumarakom. Picture Credits: Manish Kotecha
2. 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.
Birds in flight at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Picture Credits: Ashish Purohit
3. Don’t miss a chance to watch the Kumarakom Boat race which happens around Onam every year. The marvelous coordination of 50-odd men to reach the finish line first will most definitely be a jaw-dropping event to remember!
Kumarakom Boat Race. Picture Credits: Parth Gada
Best rated places to stay in Kumarakom
1. Manor Backwater Resort - 3500 INR
2. Illikkalam Lake Resort - 2500 INR
Best rated places to eat at Kumarakom
1. Ettukettu – A large all-day restaurant that serves any cuisine on a given day if you get lucky (the chef will have to be asked about it). The classical music and dance performances during dinner are sure to sway you. Have breakfast real to get a real taste of Kerala!
2. Baker’s Gourmet House (Vivanta by Taj - Kumarakom) – While immersing yourself in the beauty of Kerala tourism, don’t forget to drop by at the Taj in Kumarakom! The location and surroundings of the resort are sure to give international destinations a run for their money. The sort of hospitality offered to guests by the Taj group is no surprise. Visit this hotel for the views, food and rustic beauty!
Day 4 & 5: 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. If you had told your friends and/or family about your Kerala trip, they would have definitely told you about these things to do in Kerala, especially while you're in Munnar:
1. Visit a tea plantation and have some soothing masala chai!
Fresh tea leaves in bloom at Munnar. Picture Credits: Anuja Kotecha
2. 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.
Neelakurinji flowers are in bloom. Picture Credits: Manish Kotecha
3. Hire and ride bicycles on the winding hilly roads in Munnar. The wind in your hair will make you feel freedom like nothing else.
Cycling in Munnar. Picture Credits: Manish Kotecha
4. Head to an Ayurvedic spa to get a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage, Kerala style. It should cost 1500 to 3000 INR per person depending on the massage package you opt for.
Ayurvedic massage saamagri. Picture Credits: Sahil Tekriwal
Munnar will make your Kerala itinerary truly unforgettable!
Best rated places to stay in Munnar
A treehouse!
1. Kerala Tree Houses - 3500 INR
2. Dream Catcher Resort - 3500 INR
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.
Day 6: Thrissur
The zenith of the Kerala tourism trip might just come on the last day of this holiday. At Thrissur:
1. 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 also attention grabbers.
Athirapally Waterfalls. Picture Credits: Karthick Ramacharndran
If you drive down from Munnar in the morning and plan to leave Thrissur in the evening as 6 days are up, staying at Thrissur wouldn’t be a possibility.
Best rated places to eat in Thrissur
Head to Lulu Garden in Thrissur to have a meal of local cuisine and delectable Chinese!
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 20th January 2016.