Kerala Itinerary 10 Days: From Mountains to Backwaters
A Kerala itinerary 10 days plan is perfect if you’re looking for a complete experience—green mountains, palm-fringed backwaters, quiet beaches, rich traditions, and warm food. This 10-day trip allows travelers to soak in the natural charm of Kerala without rushing. Whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent visitor, this itinerary balances relaxation, nature, and local life across Kerala’s most talked-about locations.
Here’s the complete breakdown of your 10-day plan:
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – Start with Colonial Charm
Your journey begins in Kochi (Cochin), a port city that wears a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence. After landing, check into your hotel in Fort Kochi.
Things to do:
- Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets
- Walk around the historic Fort Kochi area
- Explore Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue
- Watch a Kathakali performance in the evening
Travel Tip:
Stay in a heritage homestay for an authentic local experience.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar – Drive into the Western Ghats
Drive up to Munnar (around 4–5 hours), the tea country of Kerala. With winding roads, waterfalls, and tea plantations, the journey itself is memorable.
On the way:
- Stop at Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls
- Grab a local lunch at a roadside dhaba
Evening Plan:
- Check into a plantation resort
- Visit the Munnar town market
- Relax with a cup of fresh local tea
Day 3: Munnar – Tea Gardens and Misty Views
Dedicate this day to exploring Munnar’s natural beauty.
Top spots to visit:
- Eravikulam National Park (home to the Nilgiri Tahr)
- Tea Museum for the story of Kerala’s tea trade
- Top Station for panoramic views
- Echo Point and Mattupetty Dam for photo stops
Local Bite:
Try hot cardamom tea and banana fritters at a hill café.
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady – Forests and Spice Trails
Leave Munnar after breakfast and drive 3–4 hours to Thekkady, known for its forests, spices, and wildlife.
Activities in Thekkady:
- Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (boat ride highly recommended)
- Explore spice plantations and learn about pepper, cardamom, and clove
- Watch a Kalaripayattu (martial arts) show in the evening
Stay Suggestion:
Pick a jungle resort for a raw and peaceful vibe.
Day 5: Thekkady to Kumarakom – Backwater Calm Begins
Start your descent from the hills to the backwaters. Kumarakom is about a 3–4 hour drive and offers quiet backwater life on Vembanad Lake.
Relaxed Day Activities:
- Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Watch the sunset by the lakeside
- Enjoy a gentle canoe ride or sunset boat ride
Don’t Miss:
Fresh fish cooked Kerala-style from a local lakeside eatery.
Day 6: Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey – Life on the Water
This is the most-awaited part of any Kerala itinerary 10 days plan. Drive to Alleppey in the morning (approx. 1 hour) and board a houseboat.
Full-Day Houseboat Experience Includes:
- Private boat with meals and air-conditioned rooms
- Views of paddy fields, coconut groves, and village life
- Meals cooked on board with traditional flavors
Travel Note:
You can stay overnight on the boat or return to land-based accommodation depending on your comfort level.
Day 7: Alleppey to Varkala – The Cliffs and the Beach
Depart Alleppey and head to Varkala (around 4 hours by road), a coastal gem with red cliffs and calm beaches.
Must-Do in Varkala:
- Walk along Varkala Cliff for cafes and sea views
- Visit Papanasam Beach for a spiritual dip
- Relax with Ayurvedic massages by certified therapists
Evening Tip:
Enjoy seafood while watching the sun dip into the Arabian Sea.
Day 8: Varkala – A Day of Slow Living
Spend a full day in Varkala. After days of travel, this is your day to rest and soak in the beachside charm.
Optional Activities:
- Morning yoga sessions
- Temple visit at Janardanaswamy Temple
- Reading or writing by the cliffside cafés
Great Buy:
Local handloom fabrics and natural soaps sold by small artisans.
Day 9: Varkala to Trivandrum – Culture and Coastal City Life
Take a short drive to Trivandrum (1.5 hours), the capital city of Kerala.
Places to Explore:
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple (note dress code)
- Napier Museum and Zoo
- Local market in Chalai for traditional shopping
Stay Tip:
Choose a hotel near Shanghumukham Beach for a city-plus-sea experience.
Day 10: Departure from Trivandrum – End of the Journey
Depending on your flight time, squeeze in a beach walk or early morning temple visit before heading to the airport.
Departure Ideas:
- Buy Kerala spices and banana chips for gifts
- Take one last picture of the sea before you leave
Why This Kerala Itinerary 10 Days Plan Works
This Kerala itinerary 10 days plan strikes a balance. It doesn’t rush you from city to city. Instead, it allows time to enjoy each place deeply—whether it’s sipping tea in Munnar, cruising through Alleppey’s waters, or reading a book on Varkala cliff.
Key Highlights Across the Journey:
- Cultural touch in Kochi and Trivandrum
- Mountain air and tea in Munnar
- Wildlife and spices in Thekkady
- Calm waters in Kumarakom and Alleppey
- Cliffside beaches in Varkala
Budget Tips for 10 Days in Kerala
- Transport: Use local taxis between cities or hire a cab for the entire trip.
- Stay: Homestays and eco-resorts offer better connection to local life.
- Food: Eat where locals eat. Kerala thali meals are budget-friendly and flavorful.
- Activities: Pre-book wildlife, houseboats, and Ayurvedic massages for better deals.
What to Pack for Kerala (Season-Wise)
- October to March: Light cotton clothes, shawl for evenings
- April to June: Umbrella, sunscreen, breathable outfits
- July to September (monsoon): Quick-dry clothes, raincoat, insect repellent
Footwear: Comfortable sandals or walking shoes
Essentials: Camera, power bank, reusable water bottle
Final Thoughts
A Kerala itinerary 10 days trip is not about rushing through a checklist. It’s about pausing in nature, listening to birds in the backwaters, or tasting a jackfruit curry for the first time. Kerala welcomes you with open skies and calm waters—give yourself time to absorb it all.
If you follow this 10-day route, you’re not just ticking boxes. You’re touching every corner of what makes Kerala magical—from tea-covered hills to still backwaters and vibrant coastal life. It’s not just a trip; it’s a memory that lingers.