Waquar Habib
Kerala, also known as "God's Own Country," is a beautiful destination famous for its backwaters, beaches, tea plantations, cultural performances and Ayurvedic wellness. The state also offers delicious cuisine, historic forts, and houseboat cruises.
Upon arrival in Kochi, check into your hotel and start your day by exploring the historic Fort Kochi area. Admire the colonial architecture, observe the Chinese fishing nets, and visit St. Francis Church.
While in Kerala, enjoy the local seafood at a nearby restaurant and visit the Mattancherry Palace to appreciate its murals depicting Hindu mythology.
Enjoy a leisurely sunset stroll along Fort Kochi beach. Experience Kerala's traditional Kathakali dance performance in the evening.
Embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, a hill station famous for its tea plantations after breakfast. En route, take some breathtaking views and photo opportunities at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls.
Upon arrival at your hotel in Munnar, enjoy a delicious lunch followed by an afternoon exploring the tea gardens and learning about the tea-making process at a plantation.
Take a peaceful evening stroll through the charming streets of Munnar town. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and savour traditional Kerala cuisine like appam with stew or Kerala-style biryani.
Start your day early with a visit to Eravikulam National Park to spot Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy a scenic trek. Afterwards, have breakfast at a local eatery in Munnar.
Visit Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride on the reservoir surrounded by lush hills. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Take your time exploring the charming town of Munnar. Relax at your hotel or visit a local spa for an Ayurvedic massage.
Check out of your Munnar hotel and drive to Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Arrive by mid-morning and check in to your hotel.
After lunch, take a guided jungle safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary to see elephants, tigers, and birds. The reserve is a 777 sq km protected area in the Western Ghats
Take a relaxing boat ride on Periyar Lake and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding forest. Afterwards, try some authentic Kerala dishes at a local restaurant, such as Karimeen Pollichathu.
After breakfast, head to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. Once you check into your houseboat, set sail through the serene backwaters.
Enjoy a delicious lunch made with fresh local ingredients by the onboard chef while taking in the beautiful views of lush green paddy fields, coconut groves, and villages.
Experience the breathtaking sunset over the backwaters from the deck of your houseboat, followed by a traditional Keralite dinner served onboard featuring fish curry, coconut rice, and tapioca.
After having breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam, a popular beach destination in Kerala. Check into your beach resort and take some time to relax.
Have lunch at a beachside restaurant and indulge in some freshly caught seafood. You can find a restaurant with a view of the sea and backwaters, plus live music.
Spend the evening relaxing on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach and enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage at one of the beachside spas.
Start your day by visiting the iconic Lighthouse Beach. Climb up the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the coastline. Have breakfast at a beachfront café.
Discover the serene Hawa and Samudra beaches, renowned for water sports and beachside dining options serving scrumptious Kerala-style seafood.
Enjoy a beautiful sunset with fresh coconut water or a beachside cocktail. Indulge in authentic Kerala cuisine like Kappa (tapioca) and Meen Curry (fish curry) at a local restaurant.
After checking out of your hotel in Kovalam, drive to Varkala, another beautiful beach destination along Kerala’s coastline. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
Have lunch at a seaside cafe and enjoy the stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Varkala has many seafood restaurants, including places with sea views, casual restaurants, and other options.
Visit Varkala Cliff for breathtaking views, cafes, shops and yoga centres. Watch the sunset and take memorable photos.
Start your day off by visiting the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple near the cliff. Afterwards, have breakfast at a local eatery and try some traditional Kerala snacks, such as banana fritters or dosa.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the golden sands of Varkala Beach and enjoy some freshly grilled seafood at a beachside restaurant.
Explore the vibrant markets by the cliff and shop for handmade jewellery, clothing, and local handicrafts. Later, dine at a seaside restaurant and savour the Kerala-style Thali, featuring various vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Leave your Varkala hotel and drive to Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine, and offer your prayers.
Try traditional Kerala dishes like Avial (mixed vegetable curry) and Parotta (layered flatbread) for lunch at a local restaurant.
Explore the Napier Museum and nearby Zoological Park to learn about Kerala's cultural heritage and biodiversity. Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for your onward journey, carrying fond memories of your 10-day Kerala adventure.