The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite

Tripoto
Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose

A land that conjures serenity; a land that invokes spirituality; a symphony of rich colours and flavours – Kerala is shaped by uniqueness which is beyond its coastlines and beaches. Kerala is defined by cultural diversity, aromatic spice and tea plantations, healing Ayurveda, majestic elephants, irresistible fish curry and surreal backwaters. You have to visit God’s Own Country to experience a world that’s pure and magical.

Day 1

Take a flight to Kochi. You can also opt for trains to Ernakulam Junction.

Athirappilly Falls (also known as the Niagara Falls of India)

• Recommended months to visit the falls – June to October

• You can head to the place directly from the airport since it is only 53 kms.

• Disclaimer – you have to walk a long way to reach the bottom of the falls and climbing back is even more difficult. Also, the beauty of the falls is best enjoyed from the bottom. The check post in Athirapilly, is from where you can get the ticket to enter the waterfall area.

Photo of Athirappilly Water Falls, Pariyaram, Kerala by Shireena Jose

Athirapilly Falls

Photo of Athirappilly Water Falls, Pariyaram, Kerala by Shireena Jose

• On the Athirapilly to Vazhachal route there is one waterfall which is pretty close - Charpa.

Vazhachal Falls

Photo of Vazhachal Waterfalls, Athirapilly road, Pariyaram, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Day 2

Fort Kochi tour

• Jew Town and Jewish Synagogue

Jew Town, Kochi

Photo of Jew Town Fort Kochi, Jew Town, Anavathil, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose

• Dutch palace

Wooden windows at the Dutch Palace

Photo of Dutch Palace Pond, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala by Shireena Jose

Entrance of Dutch Palace

Photo of Dutch Palace Pond, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala by Shireena Jose

• Chinese fishing net that define the core of Kochi

Chinese fishing net

Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose
Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose
Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose

• Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

Santa Cruz Basilica

Photo of Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Bastian Street, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Bastian Street, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose

• St. Francis Church

Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose

St. Francis Church

Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose

Kochi Muziris Biennale - held every other year between December and March

Kochi Biennale

Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose
Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose
Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose
Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose

• Cafes you can’t miss - David Hall Art Gallery, Pepper House Café and Kashi Art Gallery

Kerala Kathakali centre - Learn the traditional kathakali dance and experience it. Other art forms that can be learned are - Kathakali, Indian classical music, Carnatic music, Hindustani music, Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kutchipudi, Kalarippayattu, Koodiyattam, Nangiar koothu, Pavakoothu

Photo of Kerala Kathakali Centre, KB Jacob Road, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Kerala Kathakali Centre, KB Jacob Road, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Kerala Kathakali Centre, KB Jacob Road, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Day 3

There are two islands here – Vypin and Willingdon island

Kodanand Elephant Training Centre

You get to play with the elephants and experience hands on bathing

Photo of Kodanad Elephant Interaction, Vadakkambilly, Kodanad, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Kodanad Elephant Interaction, Vadakkambilly, Kodanad, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Day 4

Munnar

Photo of Munnar, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Munnar, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose

• Eravikulam National Park

Photo of Eravikulam National Park Road, Kannan Devan Hills, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Eravikulam National Park Road, Kannan Devan Hills, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Day 5

Kolukkumalai Mountain – watch the sunrise at the peak above the clouds

Photo of Kolukkumalai Trekking Camping, Road, Kottagudi, Tamil Nadu, India by Shireena Jose

• Kolukkumalai tea estate – world’s highest organic tea plantation. Here you can learn about tea processing from the start to end.

Photo of Kolukkumalai Tea, Moolakadai, Munnar, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose

• Enjoy the beautiful view at top station

Day 6

Periyar National Park – Thekkady

• You can spot wild animals, such as – wild bison, barking deer, hornbill

Photo of Thekkady, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Thekkady, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Thekkady, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Thekkady, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Thekkady, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Thekkady, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose

• Also try the bamboo raft which gives you more sights along the Periyar Lake.

Photo of Periyar Lake, Kerala by Shireena Jose

• Enjoy a boat ride at this sanctuary as you soak in the natural vibes of this place – 90 minutes boat cruise

Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose
Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose

Gavi Forest

Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose
Photo of The ultimate Kerala itinerary by a Keralite by Shireena Jose
Day 7

Alleppey - 'Venice of the East'

• The tranquil backwater cruises are a once in a lifetime experience. Alappuzha is especially popular for its houseboat cruises where you can soak in nature at its finest form.

Photo of Alleppey, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Alleppey, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose

• Must visit is the Alapuzha beach and you cannot leave without flying a kite there preferably during the sunset.

Photo of Alappuzha Beach, Kerala by Shireena Jose
Photo of Alappuzha Beach, Kerala by Shireena Jose

Alleppey Backwaters – This visit will be incomplete without trying the Kayak through Kerala’s famous backwaters while singing the local boat song.

Photo of Alleppey Backwater Cruise, Punnamada, Finishing Point, Mullakkal, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Alleppey Backwater Cruise, Punnamada, Finishing Point, Mullakkal, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose

Stay at a house boat – worth spending the entire day n night in a house boat for a rejuvenating experience

Photo of Alleppey Boathouse, Punnamada, Starting Point, Alappuzha, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Day 8

Visit Lighthouse beach, Kovalam

Photo of Kovalam Light House, Kovalam Beach, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose
Photo of Kovalam Light House, Kovalam Beach, Kerala, India by Shireena Jose

Varkala beach, Thiruvananthapuram

Photo of Varkala Beach, Kerala by Shireena Jose
Photo of Varkala Beach, Kerala by Shireena Jose
Photo of Varkala Beach, Kerala by Shireena Jose

Before you leave Kerala - Do not forget to pack yourself banana chips, do try the Malabar Parotta and of course the traditional sadya cannot be missed.

Take a flight back home from Trivandrum International Airport

Book Kerala Tour Packages

Related to this article
Places to Visit in Kochi,Weekend Getaways from Kochi,Places to Visit in Kochi,Things to Do in Kochi,Kochi Travel Guide,Places to Stay in Kochi,Things to Do in Kochi,Kochi Travel Guide,Weekend Getaways from Ernakulam,Places to Visit in Ernakulam,Places to Stay in Ernakulam,Things to Do in Ernakulam,Ernakulam Travel Guide,Places to Visit in Kerala,Places to Stay in Kerala,Things to Do in Kerala,Kerala Travel Guide,Things to Do in India,Places to Stay in India,Places to Visit in India,India Travel Guide,Weekend Getaways from Thrissur,Places to Visit in Thrissur,Places to Stay in Thrissur,Things to Do in Thrissur,Thrissur Travel Guide,Weekend Getaways from Theni,Places to Visit in Theni,Places to Stay in Theni,Things to Do in Theni,Theni Travel Guide,Places to Visit in Tamil nadu,Places to Stay in Tamil nadu,Things to Do in Tamil nadu,Tamil nadu Travel Guide,Weekend Getaways from Munnar,Places to Visit in Munnar,Places to Stay in Munnar,Things to Do in Munnar,Munnar Travel Guide,Weekend Getaways from Idukki,Places to Visit in Idukki,Places to Stay in Idukki,Things to Do in Idukki,Idukki Travel Guide,Weekend Getaways from Periyar,Places to Visit in Periyar,Places to Stay in Periyar,Things to Do in Periyar,Periyar Travel Guide,Weekend Getaways from Alappuzha,Places to Visit in Alappuzha,Places to Stay in Alappuzha,Things to Do in Alappuzha,Alappuzha Travel Guide,Weekend Getaways from Thiruvananthapuram,Places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram,Places to Stay in Thiruvananthapuram,Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram,Thiruvananthapuram Travel Guide,Weekend Getaways from Vypin,Places to Visit in Vypin,Places to Stay in Vypin,Things to Do in Vypin,Vypin Travel Guide,Weekend Getaways from Kannan devan hills,Places to Stay in Kannan devan hills,Places to Visit in Kannan devan hills,Things to Do in Kannan devan hills,Kannan devan hills Travel Guide,Weekend Getaways from Kodanad,Places to Visit in Kodanad,Things to Do in Kodanad,Places to Stay in Kodanad,Kodanad Travel Guide,