So you’re thinking about heading to Kerala and you want the whole “tea gardens → houseboat → beaches → cute cafés → chill sunsets” vibe in one neat trip?
Perfect. Grab a coffee, because I’m gonna walk you through a super simple 5-day Kerala itinerary the way I’d explain it to a friend who hasn’t even Googled “Kerala” yet.
The plan covers Munnar → Alleppey → Varkala/Kovalam → Kochi, and it’s honestly one of the easiest (and prettiest) travel loops in South India.
And don’t stress — I’ll keep it casual, warm, and not like some overly-polished travel brochure. Think of this as your buddy from Question Miles telling you exactly what to expect, what to skip, and how not to get ripped off on tuk-tuks.
Why a 5-Day Kerala Trip Is Totally Worth It
Kerala is that one friend who can do everything — the multitasker.
One minute you’re looking at endless green tea estates, and the next you’re eating sadya on a banana leaf while floating on a houseboat. Then you hop over to the beach for a lazy sunset and wrap up the trip strolling around art cafés in Kochi.
If you only have five days, don’t worry. You can still:
- See Munnar’s misty hills
- Drift through Alleppey’s backwaters
- Chill at beaches like Varkala or Kovalam
- Wander around Kochi for food, art, and last-minute shopping
Let’s break it all down.
🌿 Day 1–2: Munnar — Tea Gardens, Waterfalls & Chill Mountain Weather
If Kerala had a movie trailer, Munnar sneaking through the mist would be the opening shot. This place is green in ways your camera cannot handle.
How to get to Munnar
Most people land in Kochi and take a car or bus.
It’s around 4–5 hours by road. The drive itself is gorgeous, especially the last stretch where the air suddenly gets cooler and everything starts smelling like plants.
What to do in Munnar (Day 1)
1. Visit the Tea Gardens & Tea Museum
Munnar is basically the tea capital of the south.
Imagine rolling hills covered in super neat tea bushes. Yes, they really look like wallpaper.
At the Tata Tea Museum, you’ll see:
- How tea is processed
- Mini-machines puffing and shaking leaves
- People tasting tea like wine critics
Not gonna lie, it’s pretty cool even if you’re not a tea nerd.
2. Check out Photo Point & Elephant Arrival Point
These are quick-stop places along the main road.
Great for photos.
You’ll find locals offering elephant rides — but honestly, skip that. Just enjoy seeing the elephants from a distance.
3. Chill in the Evening
Evenings in Munnar = sweater weather.
Grab hot chocolate, sit on your balcony, and listen to the random crickets buzzing like backup singers.
What to do in Munnar (Day 2)
1. Eravikulam National Park
Home to the Nilgiri Tahr, which is this adorable mountain goat that behaves like it owns the place.
The views here are insane — valleys that just… keep going.
Go early in the morning.
Like, before-Instagram-hotspot-crowds early.
2. Mattupetty Dam & Boat Ride
This is more chill than thrilling, but the scenery is worth the stop.
You can do a short speedboat ride if you’re in the mood.
3. Echo Point & Kundala Lake
Echo Point is fun for like five minutes.
You yell, the hills yell back.
Simple joys.
Kundala Lake is peaceful and less commercial. Take a pedal boat if you want something cute and simple.
Where to Stay in Munnar
You’ve got tons of choices:
Budget picks:
- Small homestays around Old Munnar
- Guesthouses with balcony views starting around ₹800–1500
Mid-range:
- Cozy resorts with tea plantation views (₹3000–6000)
Pro tip:
Pick a place slightly outside the main town. More views, fewer honking buses.
🚤 Day 3: Alleppey — Houseboat Time!
Alright, this is the part everyone dreams of — floating through Kerala’s backwaters on a houseboat.
Getting to Alleppey
From Munnar, it’s about 4.5 hours by road.
You’ll reach around noon, which is perfect because houseboats usually start between 12–1 PM.
What Happens on a Houseboat
It’s pretty simple (and very relaxing):
- You board the boat
- The crew welcomes you with juice (usually something bright and fruity)
- The boat cruises slowly through palm-fringed canals
- You eat delicious Kerala meals cooked fresh on board
- You watch ducks, fishermen, and random kids waving at you
- You basically do nothing and feel awesome
By evening, the boat anchors because locals don’t want noisy engines at night.
Dinner is usually fish curry, veg dishes, rice, and sometimes Kerala special desserts.
Houseboat Options
Types of boats:
- Deluxe (budget-friendly but may have basic AC timing)
- Premium (full-time AC, better interiors)
- Luxury (more like a floating hotel)
Budget-friendly hack:
If staying overnight feels pricey, try a day cruise instead. It’s cheaper and you still get the full backwater vibe.
What to Expect
- Super chill vibes
- Slow travel at its best
- Lots of food
- Lots of photos
- Terrible Wi-Fi (take it as a blessing)
🏖️ Day 4: Varkala or Kovalam — Beach Day!
After all the green hills and watery calmness, it’s time for some beach action.
You can pick either Varkala or Kovalam — both roughly 2–3 hours from Alleppey.
Varkala (my biased favorite)
Varkala is like Goa’s chill cousin who listens to indie music and reads poetry at cafés.
Why Varkala is awesome
- Clifftop cafés with insane ocean views
- Yoga studios everywhere
- Sunrise and sunset points
- Clean beaches
- Backpacker-friendly
Just walk along the cliff, hop into any café that smells good, and enjoy.
Kovalam (more classic)
Kovalam is more family-friendly and has bigger hotels.
Think curved beaches, lighthouses, and long walks by the shore.
Top things to do
- Lighthouse Beach
- Ayurvedic massages
- Evening seafood grills
Either way, day 4 is all about slowing down again.
Where to Stay
Budget:
- Homestays near the cliff (Varkala)
- Simple beach shacks (Kovalam)
Mid-range:
- Boutique resorts with beach views
Splurge:
- Clifftop luxury stays
- Ayurvedic retreat resorts
🎨 Day 5: Kochi — Sightseeing, Food & Last-Minute Shopping
Kochi (or Cochin) is where your trip comes full circle.
You’ll find history, art, cute stores, and cafés that look straight out of Pinterest.
What to do in Kochi
1. Fort Kochi Walk
Fort Kochi is super walkable. Expect:
- Narrow lanes
- Colorful cafés
- Vintage shops
- Old houses with European vibes
2. Chinese Fishing Nets
These huge wooden nets have been around forever.
They look extra pretty at sunset.
3. Mattancherry & Jew Town
This area has antique shops, spice stores, and the famous Jewish Synagogue.
Perfect for souvenir shopping — just bargain a bit.
4. Kerala Art Cafés
Cafés like Kashi Art Café (and many others) are fun spots to cool down, snack, and people-watch.
5. Shopping
Kochi has everything from fancy malls to local markets:
- Lulu Mall
- Broadway Market (budget shoppers, this is your arena)
- Handicraft stores
Great things to buy:
- Spices
- Tea
- Handmade soaps
- Local art
- Banana chips (don’t skip this)
✨ Best Time to Visit Kerala
Kerala has a tropical climate, which basically means:
| Season | Weather | Should You Go? |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–Feb | Pleasant, cool | ★ Best time |
| Mar–May | Hotter | Good for hill stations |
| Jun–Sep | Heavy monsoon | Beautiful, but houseboats may be affected |
🚗 Getting Around Kerala (Simple Guide)
1. By Car
If you’re in a group of 2–4 people, hiring a taxi for 5 days is super practical.
2. By Bus
Cheapest option. Kerala buses are everywhere but not the comfiest.
3. By Train
Great for long stretches like Alleppey → Varkala → Kochi.
4. Tuk-Tuks
Use these inside cities. Always ask for the meter, or quote a price before hopping in.
🏨 Where to Stay (Quick Guide)
| Place | Budget | Mid-range | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Munnar | Homestays | Tea-view resorts | Luxury hillside villas |
| Alleppey | Day-cruise boats | Deluxe houseboats | Luxury houseboats |
| Varkala/Kovalam | Cliff homestays | Boutique resorts | Ayurvedic retreats |
| Kochi | Guesthouses | Boutique hotels | Luxury heritage hotels |
💸 Budget Breakdown (Approx.)
| Category | Budget Trip | Mid-range Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (per night) | ₹800–1500 | ₹3000–6000 |
| Food (per day) | ₹400–800 | ₹800–1500 |
| Transport (total trip) | ₹4000–7000 | ₹8000–15000 |
| Houseboat | ₹5000–8000 | ₹9000–20000 |
📝 Extra Tips to Make Your Trip Smoother
- Book the houseboat in advance, especially in December–January.
- Carry light sweaters for Munnar — it gets cold unexpectedly.
- Try local food like appam, puttu, fish curry, and Kerala parotta.
- Drink lots of water — Kerala is humid.
- Download offline maps because network loves disappearing in hills.
- Respect local culture — especially around temples.
❓ FAQ Section
1. Is 5 days enough for Kerala?
Totally. You won’t see everything, but you’ll get the perfect mix of hills, backwaters, beaches, and city vibes.
2. Munnar or Wayanad?
For a short trip, Munnar fits better with the Alleppey/Kochi route.
3. Is the houseboat worth it?
Yes. Even if it feels touristy, it’s still relaxing and kind of iconic.
4. Is Varkala better than Kovalam?
If you like cafés, cliffs, and backpacker vibes — go Varkala.
If you want resort comfort — Kovalam.
5. Is Kerala safe for solo travelers?
Yes, one of the safest in India. Just take normal precautions.
🌅 Final Thoughts (From Your Question Miles Travel Buddy)
If you’re craving a short and sweet getaway where every day looks different — misty hills, calm lakes, sunny beaches, and heritage streets — this 5-day Kerala itinerary is honestly perfect.
You don’t need to overthink it.
Just keep the schedule loose, stay hydrated, eat all the banana chips you can, and let the trip unfold at its own pace.
And hey, if you need help planning or tweaking this itinerary, just ask — happy to help you craft the perfect Kerala adventure!