Kerala Itinerary: Your Ultimate 4 Days to 2 Weeks Guide 2025

Located on India’s southwest coast, Kerala is an enchanting realm where the heart and essence of this divine land reside in its mighty mountains, scenic landscapes, and quaint villages. Rightfully called “God’s Own Country” the beauty of Kerala is unparalleled with each part telling an interesting tale of timeless traditions and vibrant cultures. From scenic backwaters to deep valleys, the untouched charm of Kerala waits for you to savour a serene and indigenous experience. So what are you waiting for? Here is your perfect Kerala itinerary to help you escape the everyday hustle of cities and reconnect with wildlife, nature, and your soul.

Here’s Your Perfect 1-Week Kerala Trip Itinerary From 4 Days To 2 Weeks

Still scratching your head over how to plan your trip to Kerala and which places to visit first? Worry not! Here’s a complete itinerary that will help you explore most of what Kerala has to offer and which places to prioritise on a strict timescale.

4-Day Kerala Itinerary

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If you have 4 days to explore Kerala, it may be best to start from Cochin and make your way to the picturesque hills of Munnar and the serene backwaters of Alleppey.

• Day 1: Arrive at Cochin, and head to Munnar. On your way, you will be able to view lush green landscapes and cascading waterfalls. Upon reaching Munnar, check into your hotel and explore some of Munnar’s local markets.
• Day 2: After a delicious breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar. Visit the famous Eravikulam National Park, the stunning Mattupetty Dam, and Echo Point.
• Day 3: On the third day, head Alleppey. For the best experience, it is highly advised to board a traditional houseboat and experience Alleppey’s backwaters. As you cruise through the serene backwaters, enjoy the lush greens, paddy fields, coconut groves, cuisines and local villages.
• Day 4: On the day of departure, head back to Cochin after a delicious breakfast. If you have some time to spare, it is highly advised to explore some of Cochin’s local attractions such as Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi, and the Jewish Synagogue.

5-Day Kerala Itinerary

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If you only have 5 days to spend in Kerala, it is best to focus of central Kerala once again. The overall Kerala itinerary 5 days looks very similar to the one for 4 days but with a few changes and more places to explore.

• Day 1: Arrive in Cochin and almost immediately take a Kochi to Munnar transfer. During the trip, make sure to look out the window and take in the magnificent views.
• Day 2: Arriving at Munnar and staying overnight, start your exploration on Day 2. Make your way to the tea trek and spend the evening watching Kathakali at Punarjani Traditional Village.
• Day 3: Get a private driver and make your way to Kochi early in the morning. Hire a tuk-tuk to explore Fort Kochi and try a traditional Ayurvedic treatment in the evening.
• Day 4: Take an overnight houseboat cruise in Alleppey, including pick-up and drop-off in Kochi.
• Day 5: Finish your houseboat cruise and prepare for departure. If you have time to spare, make your way to Kochi’s spice markets and try out Sadya, a traditional platter.

7-Day Kerala Itinerary

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With 7 days in Kerala, you can explore the entirety of central Kerala (Kochi, Alleppey, Munnar, and Thekkaddy) and most of the popular attractions there. The overall Kerala itinerary of 7 days remains almost the same as the one for 4 days. However, you can explore some additional places with added 2 days.

• Day 1: Arrive in Kochi and take the Kochi to Munnar transfer almost immediately. On the way, make sure to keep your eyes out the window and make a small pit stop at Cheeyapara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls.
• Day 2: After an overnight stay in Munnar, start your exploration on Day 2. Visit Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Munnar Rose Garden, and Echo Point.
• Day 3: From Munnar, you can head towards Periyar Tiger Reserve early morning. After a day of exploring, head back to your hotel in Munnar
• Day 4: On the 4th day, head to Kochi to explore some of its attractions. These include Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Mattancherry Palace, and Kerala Folklore Museum.
• Day 5: Take an overnight houseboat cruise in Alleppey, including pick-up and drop-off in Kochi.
• Day 6: Finish your houseboat cruise and relax with a traditional Ayurvedic treatment in the evening in Kochi.
• Day 7: If you have time to spare, you can spend your last day of Kerala itinerary 7 days to explore Kochi’s markets and try out some of Kerala’s cuisines.

Two-Week Kerala Itinerary

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Two weeks are more than enough to explore most of what Kerala has to offer and visit some of its most beautiful tourist destinations. The below-given itinerary should give you a rough idea of how you can plan your Kerala tour itinerary.

• Day 1: Arrive in Cochin and take a Kochi to Munnar transfer.
• Day 2: Embark on a tea trek and watch Kathakali Punarjani Traditional Village.
• Day 3: Hire a private driver and make your way to Thekkady to visit Periyar Tiger Reserve
• Day 4: Continue trekking at the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
• Day 5: Travel back to Kochi and explore some of its attractions such as Fort Kochi and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica.
• Day 6: Take an overnight houseboat cruise in Alleppey.
• Day 7: Return to Kochi.
• Day 8: Take a flight to Kozhikode in north Kerala and explore some of its popular tourist destinations.
• Day 9: Travel to Wayanad and visit some of its coffee plantations.
• Day 10:Spend the day in Wayanad, trekking, wildlife watching, and visiting some beautiful waterfalls and temples.
• Day 11: Travel to Kannur.
• Day 12: Take a Theyyam tour in Kannur.
• Day 13: Take a flight to Trivandrum in south Kerala and explore some of its most popular temples and historic sites.
• Day 14: Visit the myriad of mesmerising beaches in Kovalam before ending your journey.

Places To Visit in Kerala

Being one of the most beautiful places in India, there’s good reason why Kerala is known as “God’s Own Country”. So what places should you explore in this mesmerising Indian state? Here are some of the best places to visit Kerala to make your journey memorable.
Central Kerala

1. Kochi (Cochin)

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Surrounded by the ancient Western Ghats on the east and the mighty Arabian Sea on the west, Kochi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. Kochi is mainly known for its iconic fishing nets, historic museums, and ancient mosques. While in Kochi, you can explore its spice market and visit the popular Fort Kochi. There are also Ayurveda treatment centres where you can try treatments from India’s holistic medicinal practice. Kochi is also perfect for a tuk-tuk tour as they are fairly affordable and make moving around the city easy.

Things To Do In Kochi: Cruise Kerala backwaters by houseboat, Explore Kochi by Tuk-Tuk, Admire the Chinese Fishing Nets, and Explore Kerala’s cultural heritage.
Time Needed: 1-2 Days

2. Alleppey (Alappuzha)

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Also known as Allapuzha, Alleppey will take your breath away with its emerald-green backwaters, serene lakes, and beautiful stretches of lush paddy fields. Alleppey is just an hour and a half’s drive from Kochi and very easy to visit in one day and makes for the perfect place for your Kerala itinerary 5 days. If you have rented a car, you can break up the journey by visiting the International Coir Museum or journey to Cheeyapara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls. The most famous activity in Alleppey is the houseboat cruise where you can see scenic man-made islands and beautiful coconut-fringed backwaters. Alleppey Beach is quite famous, as it has an old pier and lighthouse.

Things To Do In Alleppey: Kayak through Alappuzha backwaters, Watch snake boat races, Cruise in a houseboat, Stay in a resort
Time Needed: 1-3 Days

3. Kumarakom

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Kumarakom is situated next door to Alleppey and is most famous for its luxurious backwater resorts and birdwatching. Kumarakom is dotted with swaying palms and lush mangroves on the banks of Vembanad Lake. So if you are planning for a break from cities in your Kerala travel itinerary, this is the perfect place to be. If you are a birdwatching enthusiast, this place is no short of heaven for you. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary features species such as Siberian storks and cuckoos. Boat cruises on the lake also provide a good chance to see migratory birds.

Things To Do In Kumarakom: Visit Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Explore Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Visit Kumarakom Craft Museum, Stay at houseboat cruises.
Time Needed: 1-2 Days

4. Munnar

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Munnar is a tranquil hill station that is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. Munnar is magically ethereal in every facet of the word. From undulating hills cloaked in emerald greenery to mist-kissed valleys, every place in this mesmerising place is like a tapestry of beauty like no other. Munnar has more than 50 tea plantations, but I recommend visiting one with views of the Lakshmi Hills, as this is an especially scenic part of Munnar.

Things To Do In Munnar: Spot endangered species, Explore tea plantations, trek Lakshmi Hills, See rare flowers
Time Needed: 2-4 Days
North Kerala

5. Kannur

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Kannur is located on the coast of north Kerala and is packed with ancient temples, forts, and incredible cuisines. In Kannur, you can watch the Theyyam rituals from December to April and take part in dances performed to worship deities at temples across the city and surrounding towns. There are also a lot of historic sites in Kannur that are perfect for the history buff inside you. St. Angelo Fort is a 16th-century fort that was used by colonial powers to control Kerala’s spice trade routes. You can also visit the beaches in Kannur namely Thottada Beach and Payyambalam Beach.

Things To Do In Kannur: Drive on Muzhappilangad Beach, Relax on serene beaches, Explore mountain peaks and hills, Enjoy water sports
Time Needed: 1-2 Days

6. Wayanad

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Wayanad is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Kerala and perfect for your Kerala itinerary 7 days. The highland area of Wayanad area is popular for its outdoor activities, coffee plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries. Wayanad is a green paradise for those seeking to break away from the constant hustle and bustle of big cities. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotising, Wayanad is a beautiful tourist destination that is filled to the brim with beauty, history, and culture.

Things To Do In Wayanad: Visit Sree Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple, Explore Lakkidi View Point, Explore Edakkal Caves, Visit Soochipara Waterfalls.
Time Needed: 2-4 Days

7. Kozhikode

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Kozhikode is the most central point in north Kerala and is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Kozhikode has its own international airport and good bus connections. So travelling to this mesmerising place is fairly easy. Kozhikode is home to the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, a backwater area with migratory birds such as gulls, herons and turnstones. The best time to go birdwatching is between November and April.

Things To Do In Kozhikode: Explore Kerala backwaters, Explore waterfalls, Sample Kozhikode street food, Explore shopping destinations
Time Needed: 1 Day
South Kerala

8. Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram)

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If you want to explore some amazing beaches and ancient temples, Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram is the perfect place to start. This amazing, coastal city is home to a myriad of stunning temples including the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. You can also visit Kuthira Malika Palace which keeps collections from the Travancore royal family, dating back to the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Additionally, you can also embark on a Trivandrum city tour to explore most of what the city has to provide.

Things To Do In Trivandrum: Visit nearby waterfalls, Visit famous temples, Explore trekking trails, Explore historical sites and palaces
Time Needed: 1-2 Days

9. Kovalam

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Kovalam is a must-visit if you want to experience the Kerala beach culture. Kovalam is located only half an hour’s drive from Trivandrum, so it is fairly easy to get to by bus or Uber. Kovalam’s most famous beach is Lighthouse Beach, where a red-and-white-striped lighthouse offers views over the bay. However, Kovalam is also surrounded by wilder beaches backed by palm trees. Hawa Beach is the most famous.

Things To Do In Kovalam: Visit the Lighthouse Beach, Visit Hawa Beach, Explore Kovalam Beach, Visit Samudra Beach
Time Needed: 1-2 Days

How To Get Around Kerala?

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By Foot / Cycle: Exploring Kerala on foot or bicycle lets you get up close and personal with its magical mix of scenery and culture. There are footpaths or pedestrian walkways no matter where you are, but if you plan to cycle, some routes and regions are better than others. Valparai to Athirappilly, Munnar to Annamalai and Kuttanad are popular amongst long-distance riders. You could also rent day bikes while touring Kochi or other cities, at a menial cost. Be wary of vehicular traffic as the roads can get congested and rules aren’t always followed.

By Car / Taxi / Rickshaws: You can easily bring your own car into Kerala or opt for rentals, taxis and chauffeur-driven services once here. Driving around big cities can be a bit frustrating considering the traffic, however, the long-distance journeys offer spectacular views and free roads. Taxi apps are also now easily available for the inner city as well as distance rides. And lastly, rickshaws are found by the dozen quite easily.

By Bus: Buses are perhaps the most reliable, affordable and far-reaching when it comes to travelling within Kerala (and from neighbouring states). There are two public services — Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Kerala Urban Road Transport Corporation (KURTC). Their buses reach every corner of the state, with rates as low as INR 10.

Plan your unforgettable trip to Kerala with our ultimate itinerary spanning 4 days, 5 days, and two weeks. From your arrival in the city to exploring beautifully curated destinations, this guide covers everything you need for an enriching experience. Discover the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and exciting activities that Kerala has to offer. Enjoy the serene backwaters, stunning beaches, and lush hill stations that make this region famous. Immerse yourself in the local cuisine and traditions. Let Kerala, known as ‘God’s Own Country,’ enchant you during your visit, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kerala Itinerary

Aryan Sharma

With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!