7 Days Kerala Itinerary – Best Places to Visit to Kerala in 1 Week
Kerala is a place of immense beauty, among which are beautiful backwaters and graceful palm trees that line up together in peaceful landscapes. The misty hill stations are a cool getaway, whereas golden beaches with palm trees encourage a refreshing vacation. In this 7 days Kerala trip, you will see the many sides of Kerala. From the peaceful beaches of Varkala to the harbour town of Kochi.
Start your journey with the city of Kochi, which is a unique blend of history, culture, and tasty food. Investigate Fort Kochi, an attractive area with some of the Portuguese and Dutch remains. Here, visit Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace and the unique Chinese fishing nets casting their silhouettes against the sunset backdrop.
After that, hike to the awesome weather of the must visit hill stations in Kerala. Munnar, which can be called the for nature lovers due to its lush tea plantations and gushing waterfalls, is an absolute treasure for anyone. Walk among those hazy green-smoke-like tea plantations or enjoy leisurely boating on Kundala Lake. The other cup in the treasure trove is Thekkady, the wildlife sanctuary in the Western Ghats, home to elephants, tigers, and all kinds of birds. See these great mammals on thrilling jeep safaris or on peaceful boat expeditions on Periyar Lake.
Kerala’s coastline is rich in views of some of the most beautiful beaches in India and is a must-see destination for beach tourism. Checkout our blog: Kerala Beaches: Traveler’s Guide to Kerala’s Beach Tourism
In Alleppey, also known as the “Venice of the East”, drift through the backwaters on a traditional houseboat and discover Kerala’s unique natural environment. Finally, relax the whole day on the beautiful Mararikulam beaches lined with palms and crystal waters. When it’s finally over, relax at the shores of Varkala, a peaceful cliffside town with panoramic views of the glistening Arabian sea. Here, visit the surreal Janardhana Swamy Temple built on the cliff, pamper yourself with an Ayurvedic massage, or just laze around on the beach getting rid of all your tension while letting the sound of the waves wash it off.
7 days Kerala Trip: How to Plan a Memorable 7-Day Trip to Kerala
Day 1: Kochi
Morning: Start your day with a walk through Fort Kochi, visiting the Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets.
Afternoon: Take a ferry across the harbor to explore the spice markets of Ernakulam. These markets are vibrant hubs of local commerce. The spice markets also offer an opportunity to learn about traditional Kerala cuisine and purchase high-quality spices
Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant in Fort Kochi and witness the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar (Hill Station)
Travel by pre-booked taxi or bus (approximately 4-5 hours) from Kochi to Munnar, a hill station known for its tea plantations, scenic waterfalls, and cool climate.
Day 3: Munnar
Morning: Embark on a jeep safari through rolling hills and tea estates. Stop at a tea factory to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a refreshing cup of Munnar tea.
Afternoon: Visit Echo Point, a scenic spot known for its natural echo phenomenon. Take a scenic boat ride on the Kundala Lake.
Evening: Relax at your hotel and enjoy the panoramic views of Munnar. Sample some delicious Keralan cuisine for dinner.
Day 4: Munnar to Alleppey (Backwaters)
Travel by pre-booked taxi or bus (approximately 4-5 hours) from Munnar to Alleppey, the heart of Kerala’s backwaters.
Day 5: Alleppey
Morning: Board a traditional houseboat and cruise through the scenic backwaters, witnessing lush greenery, local villages, and diverse birdlife.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch on board the houseboat and soak in the tranquility of the backwaters.
Evening: Spend the night on the houseboat, enjoying the starlit sky and the gentle sway of the boat.
Day 6: Alleppey to Varkala (Beach)
Travel by pre-booked taxi or train (approximately 3-4 hours) from Alleppey to Varkala, a beautiful beach town known for its golden sand and dramatic cliffs.
Day 7: Varkala
Morning: Spend the morning relaxing on the beach, swimming in the Arabian Sea, or trying your hand at surfing.
Afternoon: Visit the Janardhana Swamy Temple, a historic cave temple perched on the cliffs overlooking the beach. Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
Evening: Indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage or yoga session to rejuvenate your mind and body. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a beachside restaurant with stunning sunset views.
Transportation and Travel Options
Local buses and pre-booked taxis are readily available for travel between cities and towns in Kerala.
Houseboats can be booked directly through operators or your hotel in Alleppey or through websites like Makemytrip, Booking.com, Alleppeyhouseboat.in, etc.
Which is the Best time to visit Kerala
The best time to visit Kerala is from September to March. This is the coolest and driest time of year, with average temperatures ranging from a comfortable 22°C to 30°C. It’s ideal for sightseeing, exploring the backwaters, and enjoying outdoor activities without the worry of rain. However, this period also sees the most crowds and higher prices.
Travel Tips for Visiting Kerala
- Pack comfortable walking shoes, light cotton clothes, and a hat for sunny days.
- Don’t forget to carry mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Be sure to try the delicious local cuisine, known for its fresh seafood and coconut-based curries.
- This Kerala itinerary provides a starting point for your Kerala adventure. Depending on your interests, you can customize it to include visits to wildlife sanctuaries, cultural performances, or Ayurvedic wellness centers. With its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, Kerala promises an unforgettable travel experience.
7 days Kerala Trip – Travel Guide for visit to Kerala in 1 week
The 7 days Kerala trip offers a comprehensive travel guide for a week-long trip to this captivating region. From exploring the vibrant city of Kochi to the serene hill station of Munnar, and then venturing through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey before culminating the journey at the picturesque beaches of Varkala, this itinerary presents a perfect blend of cultural, scenic, and leisure experiences. This guide provides a well-rounded plan for travelers looking to make the most of their time in Kerala, offering insights into the best time to visit and valuable travel tips for a memorable trip. For more travel inspiration and detailed guides on exploring Kerala, visit VisitToKerala, a comprehensive blogging site dedicated to discovering the charm and diversity of this enchanting region.