Planning a trip to Kerala and wondering how to make the most of your time? This Kerala itinerary 10 days guide offers a well-paced, realistic journey through some of Kerala’s most iconic destinations. From backwaters and beaches to hill stations and heritage towns, this trip plan captures the essence of the state without rushing you from one place to another. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, this route is balanced and travel-tested.
Day 1: Arrive in Kochi and Settle In
Your Kerala itinerary 10 days begins in Kochi, one of the most vibrant cities in the state. Land at Cochin International Airport and head straight to Fort Kochi.
Highlights:
- Chinese fishing nets
- St. Francis Church
- Dutch Palace
- Mattancherry Spice Market
Spend the evening walking around the quaint streets of Fort Kochi. Try the local seafood at a homely restaurant and rest early.
Stay: Boutique hotel or homestay in Fort Kochi
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar (130 km / 4–5 hours)
Leave after breakfast for Munnar, the beautiful hill town known for its tea gardens and cool climate. The drive is scenic and dotted with waterfalls and lush greenery.
On the way:
- Cheeyappara Waterfalls
- Valara Waterfalls
- Tea plantations
Reach Munnar by afternoon. Check-in and spend the evening walking around the town or relaxing with a cup of local tea.
Stay: Tea estate resort or cottage
Day 3: Full Day in Munnar
Spend this day exploring Munnar’s charm. This part of your Kerala itinerary 10 days focuses on nature and slow travel.
Must-visit spots:
- Eravikulam National Park (home to Nilgiri Tahr)
- Mattupetty Dam
- Kundala Lake
- Top Station viewpoint
In the evening, consider visiting a tea museum or attending a cultural show featuring local dance forms.
Stay: Same resort in Munnar
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady (90 km / 3 hours)
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The forested landscapes and spice plantations here give you a completely different vibe.
Afternoon:
- Visit a spice garden for a guided tour
- Go boating in Periyar Lake to spot elephants and birds
Evening options:
- Watch a Kalaripayattu (martial art) show
- Stroll through the Kumily market
Stay: Eco-lodge or jungle resort
Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey (140 km / 4–5 hours)
No Kerala itinerary 10 days is complete without a stay on the backwaters. Drive to Alleppey, known for its network of canals and houseboats.
By noon, board a traditional houseboat and cruise through the backwaters. Watch daily life unfold on the banks — fishermen at work, children rowing small boats, and lush paddy fields.
Houseboat Experience Includes:
- Authentic Kerala lunch onboard
- Sunset views over the backwaters
- Overnight stay in the houseboat
Stay: Premium or deluxe houseboat with meals
Day 6: Alleppey to Varkala (115 km / 3–4 hours)
Post breakfast, drive to Varkala, a beach town with cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. It’s more laid-back compared to other beach destinations in Kerala.
Things to do:
- Walk along the cliff path
- Swim or relax at Papanasam beach
- Try yoga or Ayurvedic massages
The sunset here is worth pausing everything for.
Stay: Cliff-top resort or beach homestay
Day 7: Full Day in Varkala
Use this day in your Kerala itinerary 10 days to slow down. Varkala is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
Ideas for the day:
- Visit Janardana Swamy Temple
- Browse through cliff-side cafés and local shops
- Take a surfing class (optional)
- Book a full-body Ayurvedic massage
In the evening, dine at one of the clifftop restaurants offering fresh catch of the day.
Stay: Same resort in Varkala
Day 8: Varkala to Kovalam (55 km / 2 hours)
After a late breakfast, head to Kovalam, another beach town known for its crescent-shaped shoreline. Though busier than Varkala, Kovalam has its own charm.
Attractions include:
- Lighthouse Beach
- Hawah Beach
- Ayurvedic wellness centers
Spend your afternoon lounging by the beach or trying out seafood specialties. The Kovalam lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the sea — a must-visit at sunset.
Stay: Beachfront resort
Day 9: Kovalam and Day Trip to Trivandrum
Today you’ll explore the capital city, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), located just 30 minutes from Kovalam.
In Trivandrum:
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple (one of the richest temples in the world)
- Napier Museum
- Kerala Science and Technology Museum (great for kids)
- Local market visit for handicrafts
Return to Kovalam by evening for one last beach sunset.
Stay: Same beachfront resort
Day 10: Departure from Trivandrum Airport
Depending on your flight timing, spend your last morning at leisure. You can squeeze in a quick massage or simply enjoy a long breakfast. Your 10-day route through Kerala ends here.
Trivandrum International Airport is about 20 minutes from Kovalam, making your departure smooth and stress-free.
Tips to Make Your Kerala Itinerary 10 Days Successful
- Transport: Book a private car with a local driver who knows the routes well. It saves time and effort.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March is ideal for most of the destinations mentioned.
- Food: Kerala cuisine is rich in coconut and spices. Try Kerala Sadya, appam with stew, and Karimeen Pollichathu.
- Connectivity: Most places have good network coverage and internet access.
- Language: English is widely spoken, but learning a few Malayalam words can go a long way in connecting with locals.
- Health & Safety: Carry mosquito repellent, drink bottled water, and avoid swimming in unsafe areas.
Why This Kerala Itinerary 10 Days Works
This Kerala itinerary 10 days strikes a balance between travel and downtime. You won’t find yourself jumping from place to place every few hours. Instead, you’ll have time to truly enjoy the surroundings — whether it’s sipping tea in Munnar or lying on the beaches of Varkala.
The route also offers a wide variety of experiences:
- Colonial towns and culture in Kochi
- Tea gardens and mountains in Munnar
- Wildlife and spice farms in Thekkady
- A houseboat stay in Alleppey
- Cliffside beaches and wellness in Varkala
- Capital city culture in Trivandrum
Each destination has at least one full day (if not more), which is key to making this itinerary work without feeling rushed.
Packing List for Your Kerala Trip
- Light cotton clothes (it’s humid in most areas)
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Small backpack for day trips
- Refillable water bottle
- ID copies and medical kit
- Raincoat or umbrella (if traveling during monsoon)
Final Thought
Kerala is more than just a tourist destination — it’s a rhythm, a mood, a way of life. A well-planned Kerala itinerary 10 days lets you slip into this rhythm without trying to control the tempo. You’ll return not just with photos, but with calm in your steps and spice in your memories.
