14 Day Kerala Itinerary

2 Weeks In India’s Backwaters and Beaches

Kerala is a lush, tropical state on India’s southwestern coast, often called “God’s Own Country.” It’s known for its peaceful backwaters, palm-lined canals, misty hill stations, spice plantations, and pristine beaches along the Arabian Sea.

💰Currency

• Official currency is the Indian Rupee (INR ₹).

• ATMs are widely available in airports and cities, and major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops

• Cash is essential for street food, markets, small vendors, and rural travel.

• Exchange currency at a bank or authorized exchange bureau for the best rates, and carry some small notes for everyday purchases.

🚌 Local Commute

• Local commute is a mix of taxis, auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs (Ola, Uber), and local buses.

• Trains are a scenic and comfortable way to travel between cities

🛜 Network

• Major providers include Airtel, Jio.

• You can easily buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport or in city stores. Plans are affordable and include data, calls, and SMS.

• Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, but it may be slower in rural areas

🔈 Language

• English is both widely spoken and understood in most places of Kerala

• India has many regional languages and dialects across different states, but English often works well for travellers.

🍕 Food

• India is famous for its diverse and flavorful cuisine.

• While Kerala is more famous for seafood, but you will still find Vegeterian/Vegan Options

• Must Try: Thatte Idli, Dosa

The Big Picture

Keep the map handy!

Your Day By Day Itinerary

* This is an estimated price which may vary with time. It doesn't include the cost of flight, food, cabs /public transport or personal expenses. It only gives rough idea of price of your stay, inter-city transfers and activity costs included in itinerary.

Day 1 - Fort Kochi

🚌 How to Reach

• Fly Directly to Cochin International Airport (COK), Kochi

• Or take a flight to Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore, which has better international connectivity, and then continue to Kochi via an overnight bus from Bangalore. Flight prices may vary depending on your city of origin. Bus prices are ~500-1500 INR per person.

• Once you arrive, you can choose to take an airport taxi or app-based cabs which are more affordable, such as Ola or Uber (~ INR 2000-3000)

🏨 Where to Stay

Staying in the Fort Kochi area at an Airbnb or a heritage homestay is recommended. The reason for choosing Fort Kochi is that it is compact, culturally rich, and perfect for exploring on foot, while still offering a wide range of experiences and activities. Book for 3 nights.

• Poetrie Homestay

  4.9 ⭐ | 66 Google Reviews | ~1200-2000 INR per night. 

🪂 What to do

⏰ Afternoon

Spend your day strolling through the vibrant streets of Fort Kochi. I have highlighted some spots that you will enjoy while strolling. Price:FREE

✅ Fort Kochi Beach

✅ Vasco D'Gama Square

✅ Chinese Fishing Nets

✅ Forte Kochi

✅ Big B Shooting Location

✅ St. Francis CSI Church

✅ Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

✅ Indo-Portuguese Museum

⏰ Evening

End your day by enjoying a Kathakali dance performance (traditional Kerala dance-drama) or Attend a Kalaripayattu martial arts show at Kathakali Show By Kochi Folklore Odeum, Napier Street, Fort Kochi, Kochi. Price: ~500 INR 

Day 2 - Fort Kochi

🪂 What to do

⏰ Morning

✅ Jew Town

Begin your day by exploring Jew Town, famous for its antique shops, spice markets, and old-world charm. Price:FREE

✅ Paradesi Synagogu

It's the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth and famed for its hand-painted Chinese tiles. Price:FREE

✅ Mattancherry Palace

It's a historic palace in Kochi famous for its Kerala-style architecture and Ramayana murals. Price: ~5 - 100 INR

⏰ Afternoon

✅ Water Ferry

Take the Kochi water ferry for a scenic and budget-friendly ride across the backwaters. This ferry ride offers a glimpse into everyday local life and is one of the best ways to experience Kochi from the water. You can check the ferry schedule. Price: Starts from ~ 30 INR.

⏰ Evening

✅ Ayurvedic massage

Visit a government-authorized Ayurvedic center in Fort Kochi for a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. You can choose from the below options. Price: start from 1000 INR

• Ayushveda Spa- Ayurveda Massage centre

• Ayurveda Sanctum

• Induz Ayur Care

• Ayurville - Ayurvedic treatment & Spa. 

Day 3 - Bahubali waterfalls/Athirappilly Waterfalls (Day Trip)

🚌 How to Reach

Athirappilly Waterfalls is one of the most popular and easily accessible day trips from Kochi, located about ~70 km away. The journey takes approximately ~2 – 2.5 hrs by motorbike or car, making it perfect for a scenic escape.

• You can either rent a motorbike or car and drive yourself. Price: ~600-1000 INR per day

• Or book a taxi from Kochi (Ola / Uber / local cab). Price: ~2500-4000 INR for round trip

• Take the route Kochi → Aluva → Chalakudy → Athirappilly. The roads are mostly good, with especially beautiful forest stretches after Chalakudy. Starting early is recommended to avoid traffic and enjoy the cooler weather.

• Paid parking is available near the entrance. Price: ~30-100 INR

🪂 What To Do

⏰ Full Day

✅ Athirappilly Waterfalls

Experience Kerala’s largest waterfall (~80 ft high), which offers two viewpoints, one at the top and another at the base. You will first see the waterfall from the top, after which you can walk down the steps to the base for a closer view. Swimming is not allowed here. The best time to visit is post-monsoon (September–October), when the water flow is powerful and the surroundings are lush. Price: 50 INR for Indian citizens, 200 INR for foreigners per entry ticket.

Day 4 - Munnar

🚌 How to Reach

• You can take a bus from Kochi to Munnar, with a travel time of approximately 3–5 hrs. Price: ~200-500 INR per person

• You can either choose a KSRTC government bus (more affordable) or opt for AC / Volvo / Deluxe buses, which are more comfortable for the journey. Use Redbus for bus bookings.

🏨 Where to Stay

Updating Soon. Book for 3 nights.

🪂 What To Do

⏰ Afternoon

✅ Attukad Waterfalls

Take a cab from Munnar to Attukad Waterfalls, a scenic cascade surrounded by lush greenery. Adventure lovers can also opt for the hiking trail to Attukad Falls, which is an out-and-back trek of about 3.1 miles (5 km) with an elevation gain of around 639 ft. The hike usually takes 1.5–2 hours to complete and offers beautiful views of hills, forests, and small streams along the way. Price:FREE

⏰ Evening

✅ Pothamedu View Point

Enjoy a peaceful sunset overlooking rolling hills, misty valleys, and expansive tea gardens. Price:FREE

Day 5 - Munnar

🪂 What To Do

⏰ Very Early Morning

✅ Kolukkumalai Sunrise

Start around 3:00–4:00 AM for Kolukkumalai Sunrise. Travel by 4×4 jeep (mandatory due to rough terrain). Witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises in South India at Kolukkumalai, the world’s highest tea plantation. Price: ~2500-3500 INR per jeep.

✅ Tea Factory

Visit the Kolukkumalai Tea Factory and enjoy fresh tea with views. Price: ~100-200 INR per person for entry.

⏰ Afternoon

✅ Lockhart View Point

It's a photogenic spots with rolling hills of tea plantations. Price:FREE

✅ Cinnamon Gardens Spices Plantation

You can take a guided walk , which typically lasts around 45–90 minutes and includes a walk through aromatic spice crops like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, clove and more. Price: ~100-200 INR per person.

Day 6 - Munnar

🪂 What To Do

⏰ Full Day - Top Station Or Eravikulam National Park

You can choose one of these two popular experiences in Munnar: Top Station Or Eravikulam National Park!

Top Station

A very touristy viewpoint known for its exceptional panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the Tamil Nadu plains, but often crowded with heavy traffic, especially during peak season.Take a cab to Top Station and explore some beautiful en route stops.

✅ Mattupetty Dam & Lake

A popular spot for boating and picnics, also known for sightings of migratory birds. Price: ~10 INR per person for entry, boating starts from ~300 INR.

✅ Echo Point

Famous for its natural echo phenomenon, with beautiful lake and hill views. Price: ~30 INR per person for entry.

✅ Kundala Lake

A peaceful lake offering pedal boating or shikara boat rides in a serene setting. Price:FREE entry, boating starts from ~100 INR.

✅ Top Station

Enjoy sweeping views of mist-covered mountains, valleys, and tea estates. Price: ~30-50 INR entry fee to the top station watch tower.

Eravikulam National Park

Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, famous for its rolling grasslands and the rare Neelakurinji blooms that appear once every 12 years, offering a more nature-focused and serene experience. Take a cab and enter through the Rajamalai section, the only area open to visitors. Price: ~200-50o INR entry fee.

✅ Nilgiri Tahr

Walk along well-marked trails through grasslands with views of surrounding hills and spot Nilgiri Tahr grazing on grassy slopes.

✅ Rajamalai walk

It is an easy, guided nature walk suitable for most visitors.

✅ Anamudi Peak

Enjoy viewpoints overlooking the Anamudi range and admire the South India’s highest peak. You can also hike to Ananmudi peak, but it is not open to regular tourists and requires special permission. Trekkers are allowed to hike up to a distance of 2 Km from the base, as it is a protected area within the Eravikulam National Park.

Day 7 - Alleppey

🚌 How to Reach

You can reach Alleppey by taking a return morning bus to Kochi and then a train from Kochi to Alleppey. You can check available trains on MakeMyTrip. Price: ~200–300 INR.

🏨 Where to Stay

Updating Soon. Book for 1 night.

🪂 What To Do

⏰ Evening

✅ Alleppey Beach

Once in Alleppey, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset at Alleppey Beach. Price:FREE

Day 8 - Alleppey

🏨 Where to Stay

Updating Soon. Stay in houseboat. Book for 1 night.

🪂 What To Do

⏰ Full Day

Cruise through serene canals, coconut groves, and village life. Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala lunch onboard. Continue the backwater cruise and watch daily village activities, fishing, and paddy fields. Enjoy sunset from houseboat!

Day 9 - Varkala

🚌 How to Reach

Take a train from Alleppey to Varkala. You can check available trains on MakeMyTrip. Price: ~200–300 INR.

🏨 Where to Stay

• Zostel Varkala

  4.5 ⭐| 3.9K Google Reviews |~1000 INR/night

• Soul Hostels Varkala

  4.1 ⭐| 670 Google Reviews | ~1500 INR/night

• Kulture KonnectT

  4.9 ⭐ | 389 Google Reviews | ~500-1000 INR/night

🪂 What To Do

⏰ Afternoon

✅ Varkala Cliff

Arrive in Varkala and spend the day exploring the iconic Varkala Cliff, the only seaside cliff formation in Kerala, lined with cafés, shops, and viewpoints overlooking the Arabian Sea. Take a relaxed walk along the cliff path, enjoy the ocean breeze, and stop for a meal with sea views. Price:FREE

✅ Kappil Beach

Visit Kappil Beach, where the calm backwaters meet the sea, offering a peaceful setting ideal for sunset and photography. Price:FREE

Day 10 – Varkala

🪂 What To Do

⏰ Morning

✅ Surfing

Start the day with surfing at Varkala Beach, where beginner-friendly waves and local surf schools make it easy to try the sport. Moon Waves Surf School is a popular option for taking a surfing class. Price: Starts from ~1500 INR for 1-2 hrs class.

⏰ Afternoon

✅ Jatayu Earth’s Center

It's home to the world’s largest bird sculpture and a scenic hilltop complex offering panoramic views, a cable car ride, and cultural experiences.

Day 11 – Varkala

🪂 What To Do

⏰ Afternoon

✅ Kayaking in Munroe Island

Spend your final day enjoying kayaking through mangroves of Munroe Island. You can drive upto this location, and then look for kayak/boat rentals. Paddle through narrow canals surrounded by lush greenery, spot birds and aquatic life, and experience the quiet, untouched side of Kerala before wrapping up your time in Varkala. Price: Starts from ~500 INR.

Day 12 - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram (or Trivandrum) is the capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala.

🚌 How to Reach

Take a train from Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram. You can check available trains on MakeMyTrip. Price: ~200–300 INR.

🏨 Where to Stay

Updating Soon. Book for 2 nights.

🪂 What To Do

⏰ Morning

✅ Padmanabhaswamy Temple

One of the most famous and historic temples in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Known for its intricate architecture, gold-covered sanctum, and rich cultural heritage. Dress code mandatory (modest traditional clothing required). Price:FREE

✅ Puthen Malika Palace Museum

Houses royal artifacts, antique furniture, musical instruments, and paintings. Price: ~50 INR per Indian citizens, ~100–150 INR foreigners.

⏰ Afternoon

✅ Trivandrum Zoo

One of the oldest and most famous zoos in India, houses a variety of animals, birds, and reptiles including tigers, lions, elephants, and exotic birds. Offers well-maintained enclosures, walking paths, and photography opportunities for visitors. Price: ~20 INR per Indian citizens, ~100 INR foreigners.

Day 13 – Kovalam & Poovar (Day Trip)

🚌 How to Reach

Rent a bike/car in Thiruvananthapuram or take a train/bus/taxi to Kovalam and spend the day relaxing along its famous beaches. It is approximately 25-30 mins drive. Price: ~300-500 INR

🪂 What To Do

⏰ Full Day

✅ Lighthouse Beach. Price:FREE

✅ Samudra beach. Price:FREE

✅ Hawa Beach. Price:FREE

✅ Vizhinjam Lighthouse

Climb the lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline and enjoy time by the sea. Price: ~20 INR for Indian citizens, ~50 INR for Foreigners to climb the lighthouse tower and enjoy the view.

✅ Poovar Island

Proceed to Poovar, a tranquil destination where the river, backwaters, and the Arabian Sea meet. Enjoy a peaceful day exploring the backwaters, coconut palms and mangroves. Price:FREE

Day 14 – Thiruvananthapuram

On the final day, depending on your flight schedule, explore the city briefly, do some shopping or relax before heading to the airport to catch your return flight.