Kerala

Essential Kerala Travel Planning Tips for a Memorable Trip

Kerala Trip Planning
Kerala Trip Planning
Written by Unzila Shams

Kerala is the best tourist destination if you are looking for a picturesque state located in the southern part of India. Kerala offers various places where you can rejuvenate yourself, from pristine beaches to lush green hill stations with mesmerizing views, Kerala has it all. Confused about Kerala trip planning, from where to begin? then worry not, whether you want to soak in spiritual vibes, or vibrant culture this Kerala itinerary will help you to plan your trip smoothly and it promises you the best ever adventurous experience. 

Visit spice gardens, coffee and tea plantations, watch Kathakali performances, get enchanted by the Alleppey and Kumarakom are famous for their serene backwaters. Munnar is a must visit if you want to see tea plantations. Thekkady is a home for a famous wildlife sanctuary. 

Varkala beach is one of the best beaches known for the cliffs and Kerala is a hub of tourist places. It has several cascading waterfalls such Athriapally waterfalls, Attukad waterfalls, Cheyyappara waterfalls. Savour the delicious seafood, coconut-based curries, tropical fruit and rice pancakes. If you are struggling to do Kerala trip planning then we have got your back. 

Kerala is divided into three regions, North, Central and South. The northern part has districts such as Wayanad, Kannur, Kozhikode. The central part mainly has tourist places such as Alleppey and Kumarakom (known for backwaters), Kochi (famous for historical sites),, Munnar( known for Tea Plantation) and Thekkady( famous for outdoor activities and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuaries). And the Southern part has places such as Trivandrum, Kovalam and Kollam, Varkala, known for their pal-lined oasis, ayurvedic retreats, and beaches. 

The Best 7 Days Itinerary for Kerala

Kerala Trip planning
Munnar

We have curated the best 7 day Kerala tour Itinerary, capture the essence of Kerala and make thousands of memories on your trip. The vibrant culture of Kerala is all set to amaze you with its serene backwaters, tea plantations, lakes, hill stations and palm lined oasis and beaches. The itinerary is a perfect plan that will take you through the best places in Kerala namely Kochi, Munnar, Thekaddy, Alleppey and Varkala. You can explore Kerala in Budget and in luxurious ways too. Visit temples and historic sites. Take a tour to tea, coffee and spice plantations. Hop on to a thrilling adventure to wildlife sanctuaries. This Kerala itinerary for 7 days will ease your Kerala trip planning and you don’t have to worry anymore. Just follow this comprehensive itinerary and start your journey.

Day 1: Cochin Arrival

Kerala trip planning
Fort Kochi

Your journey will begin from Kochi International Airport/ Railway station. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Hotel. After checking in to the hotel, your sightseeing to Kochi is scheduled for the remaining day. Later, you will have an overnight stay in the hotel at Kochi. The oldest Church- St. Francis, Mattancherry Dutch Palace in Fort Kochi. You can also go on a shopping spree if time permits. Then stay at the cozy hotel in Cochin. 

Day 2: Cochin to Munnar 

On the second day of your trip, after having breakfast, you  will continue your journey, 

You will visit the unique Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture of Fort Kochi and proceed to Munnar. It will take approximately 4 hours to reach Munnar, enroute you will visit the most famous waterfalls of Kerala – Cheyyappara Waterfalls, the seven-tier waterfall, located on the Kochi – Madurai Highway and Valara Waterfalls, you can take a dip in the pool of water and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls. In this beautiful journey of Munnar you will pass through the Pothamedu View Point, beautiful tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers and lush green hills. You will reach Munnar and check in to the hotel followed by overnight stay.

Day 3: Munnar sightseeing

After breakfast, take a visit to Munnar, also known as ‘Kashmir of south India’. It is famous for tea plantations, estates, exotic variety of flora and fauna, you will visit Eco Point, Kundala Lake, Tea Gardens, Tea Museum. Munnar is a home to various wildlife. Tea Museum, Eravikalam National Park (this will be decided on the basis of availability). You will visit Mattupetty lake and Dam after that you will have an overnight stay at the hotel. 

Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady

Kerala trip planning
Periyar lake

This day of your trip is going to be more adventurous, you will head towards Thekkady, enroute you will visit Pothameda view point, Attukad waterfall, and Elephant junction. On arrival at Thekkady, you will check-in to the designated hotel and explore the Periyar National Park, and the lake. You can enjoy elephant safari along the spice plantation. If time permits, you will also visit Gavi village. In the evening you will go back to your hotel. 

Day 5: Thekaddy to Alleppey

Kerala trip planning
Houseboats of Aleppey, Kerala

After breakfast, you will head towards Alleppey, known for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. You will see the avifauna, and indulge in coir activities. Check in to the cozy houseboats and embark on your exciting trip on a houseboat that will take you through the canals of Alleppey. You will have an overnight stay in the houseboat.

Day 6: Alleppey to Varkala

Kerala trip planning
Varkala Beach

After a delightful breakfast in the houseboat, you will move to Varkala. Enroute you will visit Kollam beach and proceed to Varkala. Varkala beach is famous for natural springs which are considered to have healing properties and popular for ayurvedic treatments. You will also visit the famous pilgrim destination of Kerala, Sivagiri Mutt. You will check in to your designated hotel or resort. After taking rest, you will proceed your journey and visit some other famous places. The 2000 year old Janardhanaswamy Temple, and Varkala cliff, which offers a sight to behold. 

Enjoy at Varkala beach,  is a great place to enjoy delicious, natural smoothies made with the freshest ingredients Kerala has to offer. In the evening, go back to your hotel followed by an overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, you will visit  Anjengo Fort & Anjengo Lighthouse in Trivandram, and drop by Trivandram Airport. You will end your exciting trip filled with lots of fun and adventure. Taking along the beautiful memories of God’s own country. 

Best Time To Visit Kerala

kerala trip planning
Athirapally waterfalls

Kerala has three seasons, Winter, Summer and Monsoon. 

The winter season is between the months of September to March, the temperature remains cool and pleasant. You can visit Munnar, Thekkady, Varkala, Kovala, Kochi during this season. During these months, the high altitude places like Munnar, Wayanad, Vagamon appear beautiful.

Summer season is between April to May, during this season Kerala witnesses hot days and warm nights. It is a perfect time to visit backwaters, tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls and spice farms.

Monsoon season is between June to September, Kerala receives heavy to moderate rainfall. 

Each season is best in its own way, because it depends on the preference of travelers. Kerala is heaven and spills charm and beauty in each season. 

How to reach Kerala

Kerala trip planning
Kollam

By Air

 There are three main airports in Kerala, you can traverse through these airports which have connectivity with major cities and countries.

  • Cochin International Airport (Kochi)
  • Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram)
  • Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode)

By Train

 Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode are the major railway stations that serve as gateways to Kerala. These stations connect Kerala to most parts of India, so tourists from northern, central and southern parts of the country can easily reach here.

By Road

You can reach Kerala by bus, KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) operates buses on a regular basis. Or you can opt for the self drive option. Kerala is connected to nearby cities like Bangalore, Mangalore and Chennai. Kerala is the best place for roadtrip, the place takes you through the scenic routes. 

Things to do in Kerala

There are a plethora of things that you can do in Kerala. You can do photography at the Photo point in Munnar, try boating at the Mattupetty Dam and lake. Jungle safari in Periyar National Park, Birdwatching in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. 

Read more about things to do in Kerala.

Get ready to dive into the adventurous trip to Kerala, immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich culture that the place has to offer, make beautiful moments to cherish for a lifetime.

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Unzila Shams

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