Your 7-Day Kochi & Thekkady Trip: St. Francis Church & Beyond

Check into your hotel in Fort Kochi. Take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax after your journey.

Savor a hearty Kappa Biryani, a local specialty of mashed tapioca mixed with slow-cooked beef or mutton, simmered in traditional Kerala spices and coconut, at a local eatery in the vibrant Jew Town area.

Enjoy some free time to relax or explore Princess Street, one of the oldest streets in Fort Kochi, known for its European-style houses and charming cafes. It's a great spot for a relaxed walk and light souvenir hunting.

Indulge in a traditional Kerala dinner with Karimeen Pollichathu, a pearl spot fish marinated in local spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, and grilled, offering a smoky, spicy flavor unique to Kerala's backwaters.

Take a local ferry or auto-rickshaw across the backwaters to the Ernakulam mainland, transitioning from the historic island to the bustling city center.

Indulge in a traditional Kerala Sadya, a grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, featuring a variety of curies, rice, and delicious side dishes, offering an authentic taste of local cuisine.

Koshy Koshy from Faridabad, Haryana, India (CC BY 2.0)

Embark on a serene four-hour boat cruise through Kochi's picturesque backwaters and narrow canals. Observe local life, traditional homes, and diverse bird species in their natural habitat, offering a unique blend of nature and culture.

Savor a flavorful Thalassery Biryani, a distinct Malabar-style biryani known for its fragrant short-grain Kaima rice, tender meat, and blend of aromatic spices, cooked in the traditional dum style.

Enjoy a delicious lunch of flaky Kerala Parotta served with a rich vegetable or chicken curry at a local eatery in Fort Kochi.

Savor the iconic Kerala Beef Fry, a local specialty of slow-roasted beef with coconut and spices, at a popular restaurant in the lively Kadavanthra area.

Enjoy a traditional Keralan breakfast of steamed rice cakes layered with grated coconut, served with a robust black chickpea curry.

Complete your check-out formalities at your hotel in Fort Kochi, preparing for the journey to Thekkady.

Embark on a scenic 4-hour drive through Kerala's lush hills, rubber plantations, and spice-filled landscapes, making your way to the wildlife haven of Thekkady.

Savor an authentic Kerala Vegetarian Sadya, an elaborate and traditional feast served on a banana leaf featuring rice with a variety of curries, side dishes, and pickles.

Arrive and check into your accommodation in Thekkady, settling in before an exciting afternoon of wildlife exploration.

Enjoy a delicious Keralan fish curry, a local specialty featuring fresh fish cooked in a rich coconut-based gravy with aromatic local spices, in the vibrant town of Kumily.

Savor authentic Kerala dishes for lunch, focusing on local vegetarian preparations.

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu, a spicy Kerala chicken fry, at a local restaurant in the broader Thekkady area.

Participate in a hands-on cooking class to learn the secrets of traditional Kerala dishes, utilizing the region's famous spices.

Savor classic South Indian staples like crispy dosa or fluffy idli served with flavorful sambar and fresh coconut chutney at a local eatery.

Enjoy a light and authentic breakfast of Appam with Vegetable Stew before departing Thekkady. Appam is a lacy, bowl-shaped fermented rice pancake, perfectly paired with a mild, coconut milk-based vegetable stew.

Return to your hotel in Kumily to check out and collect your luggage, preparing for the drive to Kochi.

Begin the scenic journey from the hill station of Thekkady back to the coastal city of Kochi, heading directly towards Cochin International Airport for your departure.

Enjoy a traditional Kerala Sadya, a feast typically served on a banana leaf, featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes like rice, curries, and pickles, at a local eatery near the airport.