God’s own country – Kerala, is a mesmerizing haven for travelers looking to embark on a slow travel adventure. The state is blessed with serene beaches, lush green forests, picturesque backwaters, and delicious cuisine that attracts thousands of tourists every year. If you too are looking to explore Kerala but are short on leaves, you can easily plan a Kerala itinerary 5 days – two of which will include the weekend so you just need to apply for a three-day leave.
Kerala Itinerary 5 Days
- Day 1: Kochi
- Day 2: Munnar
- Day 3 and 4: Alleppey
- Day 5: Varkala
Day 1: Begin With Kochi
Our Kerala itinerary begins with landing in Kochi.
The port city is famously known as the ‘gateway of Kerala’. This is because if you want to visit some of the most famous places in Kerala – Alleppey, Munnar, or Thekkady – Kochi will most likely be your starting point.
The port town has significant Portuguese influence, reflected in its architecture and food.
A day per city might not be enough to explore Kerala, but for this Kerala itinerary, 5 days are all that we have.
So, it is recommended that you focus on some of the most well-known tourist attractions in Kochi.
Some Must Visit Places To Visit In Kochi
Fort Kochi
A historical neighborhood filled with colonial-era homes. At the Fort Kochi Beach, you can also see the famous bamboo fishing nets.
There are plenty of pretty cafes, upscale restaurants, and beautiful cathedrals here to visit.
Kerala Folklore Museum
Get a glimpse of the state’s cultural heritage at the Kerala Folklore Museum. It has more than 4,000 thoughtfully curated artefacts and spans across three floors.
Back in 2013, even King Charles and his wife Camilla of Britain visited the museum honoring Kerala’s culture.
Entry: INR 100 (adults); INR 50 (students)
Timings: 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM all days a week
Address: 2059C, No 26, Pandit Karuppan Rd, near Thevara Ferry Road, Junction, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala – 682013
Mattancherry Palace
The Portuguese built this historic structure for the king of Kochi in the 16th century. However, it underwent quite a few remodels under Dutch rule, which is why it is also known as the Dutch Palace.
The Mattancherry Palace has depictions of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It also has structures like the traditional howdah (animalback carriage), ivory palanquin, ceremonial dresses, and umbrellas used by the royalty.
Entry: INR 2 for adults, children below 15 years of age can enter for free
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Fridays
Address: X755+8P9, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala – 682002
Day 2: Explore Munnar’s Beauty
It is not the best itinerary for Kerala on the internet if it doesn’t include Munnar, and why wouldn’t they?
Our second day in Kerala begins in this picturesque hill station of Munnar, which is ideal for a winter holiday getaway in South India.
The hill station has some of the most lush tea estates in the country as well as scenic waterfalls and natural attractions. Here are some of the must-visit places in Munnar.
Some Must-Visit Places To Visit In Munnar
Blossom Park
This park is home to plenty of colorful flowers and beautiful views of Munnar’s hills. You can partake in cycling, boating, roller-skating, or even strolling through the vast park.
Entry: INR 10 (adults); INR 2 (children)
Timings: 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Address: 3398+VMV Bus Stand, Highway, Aluva – Munnar Rd, near KSRTC, Moolakadai, Munnar, Kerala – 685612
Attukal Waterfalls
Attukal Waterfalls is nestled between Munnar and Pallivasal and is a scenic waterfall amidst the lush green hills The waterfall can be best explored during monsoon, when plenty of medicinal plants are in full bloom here.
In fact, it is quite famous amongst trekking enthusiasts as well as families looking for a day picnic.
Address: 3335+9GH, Attukad Waterfall Rd, Pallivasal, Kerala – 685565
Pothamedu Viewpoint
To take in the best views of Munnar, we recommend visiting Pothamedu Viewpoint. You can either drive there or trek to reach the viewpoint.
Also, if you visit the place on a cloudless day, you might even be able to get a glimpse of the Muthirapuzha River and Idukki Arch Dam!
Address: 3357+VJG, Kerala 685565
Distance from Kochi: 126 kilometers (km) /4 hours
Day 3 And 4: Soak In The Natural Beauty of Alleppey
Alleppey captures the true essence of Kerala – and has rightfully earned the title of ‘Venice of the East’.
It is inarguably most famous for its houseboats and we can’t even recommend them enough!
In fact, your visit to Alleppey would be incomplete without spending a night in one of these ‘kettuvallam’ as they are known in the local language.
The cost of living in a houseboat may vary depending on the kind of accommodation you choose, with prices starting from INR 4000 per night.
If you are planning a longer stay, like a 6 to 8 day itinerary in Kerala, or even a 4 nights 5 days Kerala package itinerary just in Alleppey, you’ll be bound to have plenty of fun here.
Some Must Visit Places To Visit In Alleppey
Alleppey Lighthouse
This 19-th century lighthouse offers a glimpse into the colonial past of Alleppey and Kerala by large.
You can climb up to the top of the lighthouse to take in the panoramic views of the sea and the town.
Entry: INR 20 (adults); INR 10 (children)
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
Address: CCSB Rd, Alappuzha, Kerala – 688012
Alappuzha Beach
Visiting Alleppey and not strolling down to the Alappuzha Beach is something you wouldn’t want to do.
Why, you may ask?
Well, the beach is one of the cleanest to visit in Kerala, and the sunset views are truly unmatched.
The pier extending into the beach here is over 150 years old and is situated near the Alleppey Lighthouse.
There are several other beaches like Marari, Punnapra, and Thumpoly that you can beach-hop to or just spend the evening at the Alappuzha Beach.
Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple Alleppey
The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple Alleppey is one of Kerala’s seven most prominent Vaishnava temples.
It was built between the 15th and 17th centuries by Chembakassery’s ruler and is an architectural marvel.
The temple is also among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavite tradition.
Timings: 4:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Address: SH 12, Ambalapuzha, Kerala – 688561
Now that you’re staying in Alleppey for 2 days, you can spend the first day sightseeing in and around the town and can simply lounge in your houseboat on the second day.
If you still can’t get enough of Alleppey in one day, you can take off on the second day to other tourist attractions These include Chettikulangara Devi Temple, St. George Forane Church, Krishnapuram Palace, and Alleppey’s vibrant markets.
Distance from Munnar: 167 km/4 hours 50 minutes
Day 5: A Calm Retreat In Varkala
On your last day of Kerala Itinerary of 5 days, you could drive to Varkala – one of the most peaceful places to visit in the state.
The quaint town is home to plenty of serene beaches, temples, and yoga and meditation schools. In fact, many Indian and foreign travelers and spiritual seekers visit Varkala to indulge in the calm and peace here.
If you aren’t particularly looking to explore the spiritual side of Varkala, you can also explore the town’s vibrant markets, try surfing and other water sports, and hop around in cafes. Overall, Varkala is a truly mesmerizing destination to end your Kerala trip.
Some Must Visit Places To Visit In Varkala
Papanasam Beach
Papanasam literally translates to ‘something that cleanses off sins’. In fact, the beach is considered holy in Hinduism as religious beliefs say that Lord Vishnu bathed in the waters here to cleanse himself off.
Janardhana Swamy Temple
This ancient temple dating back to 2,000 years is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is an important pilgrimage site in Kerala. The temple also hosts its annual Arattu Festival that attracts thousands of devotees.
Address: PPJ5+QX6, Varkala, Kerala 695141
Jatayu Earth’s Centre Nature Park
The nature park is well-known to house the world’s largest bird sculpture. Interestingly, the sculpture is based off of Jatayu, an important character in the Ramayana.
The park offers plenty of activities to do, such as a cable car ride, a museum, and a 6d theater experience.
Entry: INR 400 onwards, and prices may vary depending on the package chosen.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (weekdays); 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (weekends)
Address: Jatayu Nature Park Rd, Jatayu Junction, Chadayamangalam, Kerala 691534
May You Like Also: Kerala Travel Guide
Summing Up
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How Many Days Are Sufficient For A Kerala Trip?
While a 5 or 6 day itinerary can be sufficient for exploring Kerala, we would recommend spending at least 8 to 10 days here.
Which Month Is Best For A Kerala Trip?
The months between late-September to March are quite pleasant to visit Kerala, thanks to the soothing weather during this period.
When To Not Visit Kerala?
The months between June and August are generally not recommended to visit Kerala. This is because the state experiences torrential rains and flooding and some sites might even be shut during this period.
