If you’re searching for a clear and simple Kerala trip plan for 7 days, you’re in the right place. This guide gives you a day-by-day plan that covers the best places without any confusion. It’s designed for travelers who want a balanced mix of nature, local food, calm moments, and scenic drives across Kerala.
This 7-day itinerary follows a smooth route: Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Kovalam → Trivandrum.
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – Start of the Kerala Trip
Your Kerala trip plan for 7 days begins at Kochi, a coastal city known for its old-world charm and modern blend. Once you arrive, either by flight or train, check into your hotel and rest for a bit. Later, you can start exploring.
What to Do:
- Walk around Fort Kochi to see Portuguese and Dutch influence.
- Visit Mattancherry Palace, known for its murals.
- Take pictures near the Chinese fishing nets by the waterfront.
- Eat dinner at a seaside restaurant near Marine Drive.
Stay: Kochi
Travel Tip: Keep this day light to recover from travel fatigue.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar – Hill Drive and Tea Views
Start your day early and head to Munnar, a hill station about 4–5 hours away by road. This is where your trip turns green. The winding roads are full of tea plantations and misty hills.
On the Way:
- Stop at Cheeyappara Waterfalls.
- Try fresh pineapple from local roadside sellers.
In Munnar:
- Visit the Tea Museum to understand how your cup of chai begins.
- Walk through the local market in the evening.
Stay: Munnar
Travel Tip: Roads can be curvy, so carry motion sickness medicine if needed.
Day 3: Full Day in Munnar – Hills, Dams, and Quiet Roads
Munnar deserves a full day. It’s not about rushing, but soaking in the fresh air and slow life.
Places to Visit:
- Eravikulam National Park (home to the Nilgiri Tahr).
- Mattupetty Dam for a short boat ride.
- Echo Point and Top Station for panoramic views.
- Kundala Lake for pedal boating and photo spots.
Food Tip: Try local Kerala thali at a homely restaurant for lunch.
Stay: Munnar
Travel Tip: Book Eravikulam tickets online during peak season to avoid long queues.
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady – Spice Gardens and Wildlife
On Day 4 of your Kerala trip plan for 7 days, drive from Munnar to Thekkady (around 3.5 hours). Thekkady brings you into the forest zone and spice world.
Things to Do:
- Visit a spice plantation and learn about cardamom, pepper, and cloves.
- Go for a boat ride in Periyar Lake; if lucky, you might spot elephants or bison.
- Attend a cultural show in the evening (Kathakali or Kalaripayattu).
Stay: Thekkady
Travel Tip: Keep warm clothes; evenings here can get chilly.
Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey – A Stay on the Backwaters
Leave the hills behind and head down to Alleppey (approx. 4 hours), the backwater heart of Kerala. This day is often the favorite in any Kerala trip plan for 7 days.
What to Expect:
- Board a houseboat around noon.
- Cruise through the palm-lined canals and watch village life float by.
- Enjoy fresh-cooked meals on board (fish, rice, coconut curry).
- Watch the sunset from the deck.
Stay: Houseboat or lakeside hotel
Travel Tip: Choose a clean, well-reviewed houseboat. Confirm inclusions beforehand.
Day 6: Alleppey to Kovalam – Southward to the Coastline
After breakfast, check out from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam (about 4.5 to 5 hours). This is your beach day.
What to Do:
- Relax at Lighthouse Beach.
- Try a local Ayurvedic massage – it’s known for deep relaxation.
- Enjoy local seafood for dinner.
Stay: Kovalam
Travel Tip: Carry sunscreen and light cotton wear for the beach.
Day 7: Visit Trivandrum and Departure
On the final day of your Kerala trip plan for 7 days, take a short drive to Trivandrum. Spend your last day with a mix of calm visits and a bit of shopping.
Things to Do:
- Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple (dress code applies).
- Explore the Napier Museum and nearby art gallery.
- Shop for banana chips, sarees, and wooden crafts from local shops.
Depending on your departure time, you can head to Trivandrum Airport or Railway Station.
Stay: Not needed if leaving same day
Travel Tip: Keep buffer time for traffic if heading to the airport.
Overview of the Route
| Day | Place | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kochi | Fort Kochi, Fishing Nets, Markets |
| 2 | Munnar | Tea Gardens, Scenic Drive |
| 3 | Munnar | National Park, Top Station |
| 4 | Thekkady | Spice Tour, Periyar Lake |
| 5 | Alleppey | Houseboat Stay, Backwaters |
| 6 | Kovalam | Lighthouse Beach, Ayurveda |
| 7 | Trivandrum | Temple Visit, Museum, Local Markets |
Local Foods to Try During the Trip
Your Kerala trip plan for 7 days should include tasting authentic local food. Some dishes to look out for:
- Appam with stew (ideal for breakfast)
- Karimeen Pollichathu (fish wrapped in banana leaf)
- Puttu and kadala curry
- Kerala sadya (vegetarian meal on banana leaf)
- Banana chips and jackfruit chips (great for souvenirs)
Practical Packing Tips for Kerala Trip Plan for 7 Days
- Clothing: Light cottons for plains, jacket or shawl for hills.
- Footwear: Sandals for walking, sneakers for hill areas.
- Medicine: Carry basics plus motion sickness tablets for hilly drives.
- Electronics: Power bank, universal charger, camera/phone.
- Others: Sunglasses, umbrella, mosquito repellent, sunscreen.
Is 7 Days Enough for Kerala?
Yes, a Kerala trip plan for 7 days is ideal for covering major places without rushing. It lets you experience:
- A heritage coastal city
- A tea plantation hill station
- A forest zone with wildlife
- The famous backwaters
- A tropical beach town
- A cultural capital city
If you want more relaxation, you could skip one destination (like Kovalam or Thekkady) and spend more time in Alleppey or Munnar.
Travel Modes for This Itinerary
- Trains: Great for long-distance legs, especially Kochi to Trivandrum.
- Cabs: Best for full control over stops and comfort.
- Buses: Budget-friendly but might be tiring for longer routes.
Hiring a private car with a driver is a common choice for many families and couples. It saves time and helps cover more ground comfortably.
Final Thoughts
This Kerala trip plan for 7 days gives you a smooth route, varied landscapes, and a real taste of Kerala’s lifestyle. It includes every key part of the state—hills, forest, rivers, sea, and cities—without making you feel rushed.
Each day has its own mood: old lanes in Kochi, green silence in Munnar, earthy aroma in Thekkady, calm waters in Alleppey, open skies in Kovalam, and cultural corners in Trivandrum.
Stick to this plan or tweak it based on what you enjoy more—rest or exploration. Either way, Kerala never disappoints.
