Kerala is often called “God’s Own Country” for good reason. This southern Indian state is blessed with lush forests, tea plantations, spice gardens, golden beaches, and serene backwaters that you can explore on traditional houseboats.
With its unique culture, tantalizing cuisine, rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, and opportunities for yoga and meditation, Kerala offers the ultimate India travel experience.
Planning the perfect Kerala itinerary can be overwhelming with so many incredible destinations packed into this small state.
This 10-day Kerala itinerary covers all the must-see highlights and hidden gems so you can experience the diversity of landscapes and cultures that makes Kerala so magical.
Day 1: Kochi
Kickoff your Kerala trip in Kochi, the gateway city to the state. Spend your first day wandering through Fort Kochi, Jew Town, Mattancherry Palace, and watching a traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Don’t miss the iconic Chinese fishing nets or seafood at the hotels and restaurants overlooking the harbor.
Day 2: Munnar Tea Plantations
Escape the heat by heading to the hill station of Munnar. Meander through lush tea and spice plantations, admire waterfalls hidden along walking trails, and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Top tea estate tours include TATA Tea Museum, Kolukkumalai, and Rajamalai.
Day 3: Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary
Get up early for a nature trek inside Periyar National Park to spot native wildlife like elephants, tigers, lion-tailed macaques, and more.
Take a guided bamboo raft tour on Periyar Lake then learn about local spices at an organic farm. Finish with a visit to a tea factory or plantation.
Day 4: Alleppey Backwaters
Cruise along palm-fringed backwaters and relax aboard a traditional houseboat in Alleppey. These converted kettuvallams (rice barges) let you enjoy the extremely scenic backwater villages, paddy fields, small chapels, and local toddy shops.
Don’t forget to indulge in fresh seafood caught from the backwaters.
Day 5: Marari & Bekal Beach Resorts
Soak up the sun with stays at Marari Beach (near Alleppey) and Bekal Beach up north.
Both have top eco-friendly beach resorts, perfect for Ayurvedic spa treatments or to simply unwind oceanside after your first few days exploring.
Day 6-7: Varkala Cliffs & Beaches
Cliff jumping, yoga classes on red laterite cliffs, walking along golden crescent beaches…the seaside town of Varkala has it all.
Schedule in free time to explore the remote beaches north and south of the main cliff area via hiking or motorbike tours.
Day 8: Houseboat Cruise to Alappuzha
Get a new perspective on backwater life with a full day houseboat cruise from Varkala north to Alappuzha.
This lets you disembark away from the common Alleppey route. Wander through the less-touristy canals and villages before ending in Alappuzha.
Day 9: Fort Kochi Culture & Heritage
Return back to Kochi for more time exploring Fort Kochi’s cultural attractions. See Mattancherry Palace’s intricate Hindu murals, watch dancers practice Kathakali, and wander through the medieval St. Francis Church said to be the oldest European church in India.
Day 10: Kochi Departure
On your last morning, grab an authentic Kerala breakfast with puttu (steamed rice cake), curry leaves chicken, or appam (rice hopper) before catching flights home or onward to your next India destination.
Conclusion:
With palm-fringed beaches, spice and tea covered mountains, jungle wildlife encounters, and serene backwaters to cruise, this 10-day Kerala itinerary packs the ultimate introduction to “God’s Own Country”.
Using major transport hubs like Kochi and Alleppey as start and end points keeps travel logistics simple so you can better immerse yourself in the amazing diversity of landscapes, cultures, flavors and wellness experiences unique to Kerala, India.
