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Kerala Travel Diary — A Week in God’s Own Country

Day 1: Kochi — Landing in the Queen of the Arabian Sea

Arrived at Kochi International Airport from Mumbai. The air was warm and salty, with a hint of spices — you can smell Kerala before you see it.

Checked into a heritage homestay in Fort Kochi — colonial buildings with pastel shutters, bougainvillaea, and a sleepy vibe.

Spent the evening walking around Princess Street and the Chinese Fishing Nets. The sunset at Fort Kochi beach was magical.

Small thing: Bought a cup of spicy masala chai from a roadside cart and watched fishermen pull in their nets — life felt slow in the best way.

Day 2: Fort Kochi — Churches, Cafés & Street Art

After breakfast of appam and stew, explored the St. Francis Church — the resting place of Vasco da Gama once upon a time.

Wandered through Jew Town, browsed antique shops, and found the Paradesi Synagogue with its blue-and-white hand-painted tiles.

Lunch at a small café that served fresh fish curry and Kerala rice.

Small thing: Sat on a bench under a banyan tree, listening to local artists playing violin near Mattancherry Palace.

Day 3: Munnar — Tea Gardens & Misty Hills

Left Kochi early for Munnar. The drive up the Western Ghats was lush and winding, with waterfalls and roadside tea stalls.

Checked into a hilltop cottage overlooking endless green tea estates.

Visited the Tata Tea Museum — learned how tea leaves go from pluck to cup.

Small thing: Bought a tiny pouch of hand-picked tea to gift mom back home.

Day 4: Munnar — Eravikulam National Park & Local Life

Hiked up to Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr — caught glimpses through the mist.

Stopped by a local spice garden — learned about cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon straight from the source.

Lunch was steaming Kerala parotta with beef fry at a local dhaba.

Small thing: A local uncle taught me how to properly sip black tea with jaggery. Heartwarming!

Day 5: Alleppey — Houseboat Life on the Backwaters

Drove down to Alleppey — the Venice of the East. Boarded a traditional kettuvallam houseboat for an overnight cruise.

Glided through the backwaters, passing tiny villages, coconut groves, and kids waving from canoes.

Fresh-cooked lunch on deck: karimeen fry, rice, and sambar — simple, delicious.

Small thing: Watched the sunset from the deck with my feet dipped in the backwater. Bliss.

Day 6: Kumarakom — Village Walks & Bird Watching

Checked into a beautiful homestay near Vembanad Lake.

Took a guided village walk — saw women weaving coir mats and men fishing with Chinese nets.

Visited the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary — spotted kingfishers and herons.

Small thing: Bought fresh tender coconut from a village vendor, cracked open on the spot.

Keywords: Kumarakom sightseeing, Vembanad Lake activities, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary guide

Day 7: Varkala — Cliffs, Cafés & Beach

Ended the trip with a visit to Varkala. Checked into a beach shack with views of the dramatic red cliffs.

Spent the day lounging at Papanasam Beach and sipping fresh juice at cliffside cafés.

Dinner was grilled tiger prawns under fairy lights at a shack right on the sand.

Small thing: Picked up handmade shell jewellery from a local stall as my Kerala keepsake.

What to Pack for Kerala

  • Lightweight cotton clothes — it’s humid!

  • A light raincoat or umbrella, especially during monsoon

  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals

  • Swimwear for beaches and backwaters

  • Insect repellent for evenings by the water

  • Sunscreen and a reusable water bottle

Health & Altitude Tips

  • No altitude worries — except in Munnar, it’s mostly lowland

  • Stay hydrated, especially in humid coastal areas

  • Mosquito repellent is a must in backwaters and villages

  • Eat at clean, popular spots to avoid stomach issues

Unique Experiences in Kerala

  • Stay overnight on a houseboat in Alleppey

  • Hike through tea gardens in Munnar

  • Watch Theyyam performance in North Kerala

  • Try an authentic Ayurvedic massage

  • Spot rare birds at Kumarakom or Periyar

Best Ways to Travel to Kerala from Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Delhi

  • Direct flights to Kochi, Trivandrum, or Calicut from Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi

  • Kerala has excellent train connectivity — scenic routes too!

  • Overnight buses available from Karnataka

  • Local cabs or auto-rickshaws are best for short distances

Famous Local Cuisine

  • Kerala sadya: traditional vegetarian feast on banana leaf

  • Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish)

  • Malabar biryani (try it in Kozhikode)

  • Puttu with kadala curry for breakfast

  • Banana chips and fresh coconut water on the go

Currency & Budget Tips

  • Indian Rupee (INR) — ATMs widely available in towns

  • Carry small notes for local ferries and shops

  • Homestays and local restaurants offer good value

  • Bargain politely at souvenir shops

Connectivity & SIM Cards

  • Jio and Airtel work well in most areas

  • Wi-Fi available in most homestays and cafés

  • Buy a local SIM at the airport or main towns

Shopping & Souvenirs

  • Handloom saris and Kasavu mundus

  • Spices like pepper, cardamom, and cloves

  • Banana chips and jaggery-coated sweets

  • Coir mats, Kathakali masks, and wooden handicrafts

  • Handmade soaps and Ayurvedic oils

Instagram Spots

  • Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset in Fort Kochi

  • Munnar tea plantations at sunrise

  • Houseboats gliding on Alleppey backwaters

  • Varkala Cliffs and beaches

  • Traditional Kathakali dance performance

Keywords: Instagrammable places Kerala, best photo spots Kerala, Kerala photography guide

Final Word

Kerala is not just about backwaters and beaches — it’s the smell of fresh spices, the hum of temple drums, the calm of tea hills, and the warmth of local smiles. Every tiny detail, from a plate of puttu to a sunset boat ride, made this trip unforgettable.

If you’re ready to discover Kerala’s big beauty and tiny moments, plan your trip with Mauzee Holiday — they’ll make your dream holiday seamless, local, and safe.