Unwinding in God’s Own Country: 7-day Itinerary For Kerala

Every time I visit India, my family and I make it a tradition to explore a new place together. It’s our way to relax, reconnect, and create special memories. This year, we put together a Kerala itinerary to discover the beauty of Kerala, often called God’s Own Country. With peaceful backwaters, green hills in Munnar, historic forts, and charming coastal towns, Kerala is the perfect place to recharge and unwind.

Traveling around Kerala can feel overwhelming, so I created this simple itinerary to make it easy for you. It covers popular spots like Fort Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey.

In this 7-day plan, you’ll go on a road trip through Kerala’s beautiful scenery and experience its rich culture. From watching traditional Kathakali dance in Thekkady to floating on a houseboat in the calm backwaters of Alleppey, this trip is filled with unforgettable moments.

Day 1: Arrival & Fort Kochi

We had booked a car/driver for our entire Kerala trip through the agency Pepper Kerala and after we arrived at Cochin International Airport, we had our driver pick us up and we headed straight to Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood known for its colonial charm. We took a stroll through the narrow streets lined with old Portuguese houses, visited the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and explored the bustling spice markets and ended our first day relaxing and soaking up the sunset at Fort Kochi Beach.

Day 2: Athirapally Falls

Next morning after breakfast, we made our way to Athirapally Falls. The journey to the falls promised an immediate immersion into the natural beauty of Kerala. After a 3 hour car ride, we checked into our hotel Niraamaya Resorts, and then headed to see the falls, about 15 minutes away from the hotel.

Athirapally falls, is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in India. The cascading waters amidst lush green surroundings will leave you spellbound. Entry to this natural wonder is regulated by the Forest Department, ensuring a preserved environment, with a nominal fee of 50 rupees for Indian nationals and 150 rupees for foreigners. We spent some time enjoying the beauty of nature and capturing memorable photographs. You can also hike down to get up close to the falls.

Day 3: Athirapally to Munnar

After a refreshing breakfast with a majestic view of the falls, it was time for us to head to Munnar, the tea paradise of Kerala. The drive to Munnar was a scenic delight, with winding roads offering breathtaking views of mist-covered mountains, tea plantations, and waterfalls.

Munnar emerges where three mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala, merge at an elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level. This hill station served as the summer retreat for the former British Government in South India. It remains one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations, renowned for its romantic allure.

Once we reached Munnar, we checked into our hotel Zero Degree Jungle Resorts and relaxed for a while. In the evening, I took a leisurely walk through the tea gardens and soaked in the tranquility of nature. Munnar is also home to the highest peak in South India, Anamudi. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, opt for a trek to the summit to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. We didn’t do any hikes this time, because our girls were still jet lagged and chose to play in the resort playground over hiking.

Day 4: Exploring Munnar

This morning, I woke up to the aroma of freshly brewed tea and got ready to take some pictures of the hills at sunrise. After breakfast, it was time to explore the hill stations of Munnar. 

Here’s a glimpse of all the attractions that you can do enjoy in this scenic haven:

1. Tea Gardens: Lose yourself in the vast expanse of lush green tea plantations that carpet the slopes of Munnar. Take leisurely strolls through these verdant gardens, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and witness the intricate process of tea cultivation.
2. Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, this protected area boasts rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and a diverse array of flora and fauna. Trekking through the park offers glimpses of breathtaking landscapes and wildlife sightings.
3. Mattupetty Dam: Enjoy a serene boat ride amidst the tranquil waters of Mattupetty Dam, set against the backdrop of majestic mountains. The surrounding lush greenery and cool breeze create a perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
4. Top Station: Located at the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road, Top Station offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the sprawling valleys below. It’s an ideal spot to witness the beauty of sunrise and sunset.
5. Attukal Waterfalls: Trek through dense forests to reach the captivating Attukal Waterfalls, where cascading waters gush down amidst rocky terrain. The sight and sound of the waterfall amidst pristine natural surroundings make it a memorable experience.
6. Kundala Lake: Engage in boating activities or simply unwind by the tranquil shores of Kundala Lake, surrounded by lush green hills and dense forests. The serene ambiance and scenic vistas make it a perfect spot for picnics and relaxation.
7. Tea Museum: Delve into the fascinating history and heritage of Munnar’s tea industry at the Tea Museum. Explore vintage tea processing machinery, witness demonstrations, and indulge in aromatic tea tasting sessions.
8. Anamudi Peak: For adventure enthusiasts, a trek to Anamudi Peak, the highest point in South India, promises thrilling experiences and breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and landscapes.

Day 5: Munnar To Thekkady

Post breakfast we set out for our next destination, Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar National Park. On the way, we stopped first at the Kannan Devan Hills Tea Estate for a tour of the tea-making process and then we made a stop at the breathtaking Lockhart Gap viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and tea estates. After a 4 hour picturesque drive, we finally arrived at our hotel in Thekkady, Woodnote Resort.

Day 6: Experiencing Wildlife at Periyar National Park, Elephant ride, Ayurvedic massage, and Kathakali dance

We started our day by waking up early and heading to the Periyar National Park, one of India’s most famous wildlife spots.

After the nature walk, we embarked on an unforgettable elephant ride through the lush green forests of Thekkady. We got up close and personal with these gentle giants as they took us on a thrilling ride.

In the afternoon, we pampered ourselves with a traditional Ayurvedic massage at one of the renowned wellness centers in Thekkady. Ayurvedic massages not only relaxed our bodies but also rejuvenated our minds and souls.

In the evening, we immersed ourselves in the rich cultural heritage of Kerala by watching a Kathakali dance performance. Kathakali is a traditional dance form that combines storytelling, music, and dance. The elaborate costumes, intricate makeup, and expressive movements of the performers left us mesmerized.

Day 7: Stay at a houseboat in the Alleppey Backwaters

Post-breakfast we set out for our final destination Alleppey, another 4-hour drive. Alleppey is also known as the “Venice of the East.” Upon reaching Alleppey, we boarded a traditional houseboat and journeyed through the backwaters.

Houseboat Review:

We booked our houseboat Floating Dreams here. Check-in on the houseboat was for 12 PM, but we arrived a bit late around 1:30 PM and were welcomed with a refreshing pineapple juice.

The rooms and the living room were really big and had AC. The open area balcony on the upper level was perfect for watching the sunset. I grabbed a chair from the living/dining area and sat there, enjoying the view of life on the backwaters. The bathroom was clean and the food was amazing. Cruising along the lake is so peaceful, and you can really disconnect from everything.

Once you get on the boat, they take you around Lake Vembanad. They served us a scrumptious lunch with traditional fish fry, fish curry, lots of veggie dishes, chapatis, rice, daal, and yogurt. At night, the boat docked near a village, for the night. For dinner, they served us delicious prawns, crab curry, and many more veggie dishes. The food on the houseboat was absolutely delish.

Day 8: Depart to Kochi

At 9 am, after a delicious traditional breakfast on the houseboat, we very reluctantly checked out of the houseboat, bid farewell to the mesmerizing backwaters of Alleppey and made our way back to Kochi. We had some time before our flight after reaching Kochi, so we indulged ourselves in some shopping at the nearby markets to get some traditional handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs and also treated ourselves to a traditional Kerala thali lunch one last time.

Kerala, with its natural beauty and serene surroundings, has a way of leaving a lasting impression on every traveler.

Tips for a memorable trip to Kerala

• Pack comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the weather, and activities you have planned.
• Carry mosquito repellent, especially if you are visiting during the monsoon season.
• Don’t forget to try the traditional Kerala cuisine, known for its flavorsome spices and seafood delicacies.
• Respect the local culture and traditions. Kerala is known for its conservative values, so dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
• Stay hydrated and carry a water bottle with you at all times, as the weather can be quite humid.
• Book your accommodations and attractions in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure a hassle-free trip.

From the majestic waterfalls of Athirapally to the serene backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala has showcased its captivating beauty and cultural richness. No wonder it was named one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler. I hope this itinerary has helped you plan your trip and make the most of your time in God’s Own Country. So, pack your bags, embark on this incredible journey, and prepare to be mesmerized by the beauty and serenity of God’s own country – Kerala.

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