7-Day Budget-Friendly Kerala Trip Plan

If you’re thinking about exploring Kerala without spending too much, here’s a simple itinerary you can follow. You can adjust it to fit your style and days. This plan mixes a bit of everything—backwaters, hills, culture, and wildlife.

Day 1 – Arrive in Kochi

  • You’ll probably land in Kochi Airport or come by train.

  • Head to Fort Kochi, it’s the old part of the city.

    • Walk around the Chinese fishing nets, they look beautiful at sunset.

    • Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India.

    • Explore Jew Town, which has antique shops and spice markets.

  • In the evening, watch a Kathakali dance show. Tickets are around ₹300–₹400, and it’s worth seeing the makeup and costumes.

  • Stay: Budget guesthouses are easily available here, you can get a clean room for ₹800–₹1,200 per night.

Day 2 – Kochi to Munnar

  • In the morning, take a bus or hire a cab to Munnar. It takes about 4 hours.

  • On the way, you can stop at Cheeyappara Waterfalls and take photos.

  • After reaching Munnar, just relax or walk around the little town market.

  • Stay: Homestays and budget hotels cost ₹1,000–₹1,500.

Day 3 – Munnar Sightseeing

  • Start early. First, visit the Tea Museum (entry ₹150) to learn how tea is made.

  • Go to Eravikulam National Park, where you can see the Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goats). Entry is about ₹200–₹300.

  • Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point are nice for short stops.

  • If you like adventure, you can join a small trekking or Jeep safari (around ₹600 per person).

Day 4 – Munnar to Thekkady

  • Drive to Thekkady, which takes 3 to 4 hours.

  • After reaching, visit a spice plantation tour. You’ll see pepper, cardamom, and other spices growing. Tours cost around ₹200–₹300.

  • In the evening, you can watch a Kalaripayattu martial arts show (about ₹300 ticket).

  • Stay: Budget lodges are available from ₹800.

Day 5 – Periyar Wildlife and Alleppey

  • Early morning, go for a boat safari in Periyar Tiger Reserve. You might see elephants and other animals near the lake. Tickets cost approx. ₹450.

  • Later, have lunch and start towards Alleppey. It takes about 4 hours to reach.

  • Stay: Budget homestays near the backwaters (₹800–₹1,200).

Day 6 – Alleppey Backwaters

  • The highlight of Kerala is a houseboat ride. For budget travel, book a shared day cruise. It costs ₹800–₹1,200 per person with lunch included.

  • You’ll see palm trees, quiet villages, and fishermen.

  • In the evening, walk on Alleppey Beach to watch the sunset.

  • Stay: Same homestay.

Day 7 – Return to Kochi & Departure

  • After breakfast, take a bus or cab back to Kochi (around 2 hours).

  • If you have time, do some last shopping or just relax in a café in Fort Kochi.

  • Catch your train or flight home.

Budget Tips to Save Money in Kerala

✅ Transport

  • Use state buses (KSRTC) between cities, they are super cheap.

  • For short distances, take auto rickshaws but always ask the fare before you get in.

  • If you’re traveling with 2–3 people, sharing a cab is better value.

✅ Stay

  • Homestays are the best for budget travelers. You get clean rooms and home-cooked meals sometimes.

  • Always check reviews online before booking.

  • If you stay longer, you can ask for a discount.

✅ Food

  • Eat at small local restaurants called “hotels.” Kerala meals (Sadya) are tasty and cheap.

  • Try local snacks like banana chips and parottas.

  • Avoid fancy tourist restaurants if you want to save.

✅ Activities

  • Skip luxury private houseboats; instead go for shared cruises.

  • Most entry fees to parks and museums are under ₹300.

  • Walking around towns is free and you’ll see more real life.

✅ When to Visit

  • Best time is October to March – nice weather for sightseeing.

  • If you don’t mind rain, June to September is beautiful and cheaper because it’s off-season.

  • Summers (March–May) can be hot but hills like Munnar stay pleasant.

  Kerala is really that kind of place where you feel like time slows down. Everywhere you look, there’s something beautiful—green hills covered in tea, calm backwaters with little boats, quiet beaches, and colorful festivals. Even simple things like drinking fresh coconut water or watching a Kathakali dance feel special here.

The best time to visit is usually October to March, when the weather is cool and nice. But honestly, every season has its own charm. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, the monsoon makes everything super green and fresh.

No matter if you are traveling on a small budget or want a bit of luxury, you’ll find plenty of options. The people here are friendly, the food is amazing, and there’s a peaceful vibe that makes you feel relaxed.