Best Kerala Itinerary 10 Days for Nature, Culture & Relaxation

Planning a peaceful escape into the world of lush greenery, vibrant traditions, and serene backwaters? Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” offers the perfect balance of nature, culture, and relaxation. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this Kerala itinerary 10 days is crafted to give you the best experience of the state’s scenic beauty, heritage, and laid-back charm.

Why Choose Kerala for a 10-Day Trip?

Kerala stands out from other Indian destinations because it combines tropical landscapes, rich cultural roots, wildlife, beaches, tea gardens, and Ayurveda—all within close driving distance. A well-planned Kerala itinerary 10 days lets you explore the state’s heart without rushing, while still offering variety and relaxation.

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – History and Heritage Begin

What to Do:

Start your journey in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala’s cultural and historical hub. Arrive at the Cochin International Airport and check into a heritage hotel or a boutique homestay in Fort Kochi.

• Explore Fort Kochi and Mattancherry
• Visit the Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, and St. Francis Church
• Walk along the beach to see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets
• Enjoy local seafood and Kathakali performance in the evening

Why it Matters:

This is the perfect slow start to your kerala itinerary 10 days—absorbing colonial history, local flavors, and art.

Day 2: Kochi to Munnar – Drive to the Hills

Travel Time: Approx. 4-5 hours (130 km)

What to Do:

Leave behind the coastal city and head to Munnar, Kerala’s famed hill station. The winding roads are scenic with waterfalls and tea plantations.

• Stop at Cheeyappara Waterfalls en route
• Check into a plantation resort or eco-stay
• Visit a tea factory and the Tea Museum
• Take a stroll through nearby plantations

Experience:

By day two, the cooler weather and green views help you settle into the relaxed rhythm of Kerala. It’s the nature part of your Kerala itinerary 10 days kicking in.

Day 3: Munnar – Tea Gardens and Wildlife

What to Explore:

Spend the day exploring Munnar’s highlights:

• Early morning trek to Top Station or Meesapulimala
• Visit Eravikulam National Park (home to the Nilgiri Tahr)
• Relax at Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a boat ride
• Take photos in the rose garden and photo point

Pro Tip:

If you’re traveling during the blooming season (once every 12 years), don’t miss the Neelakurinji flowers covering the hills.

Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady – Into the Wild

Travel Time: Approx. 3.5 hours (90 km)

What to Do:

Drive to Thekkady, home to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This forest region blends spice plantations, wildlife, and peaceful forest trails.

• Spice plantation tour (cardamom, pepper, and vanilla)
• Visit Periyar Lake and opt for a jungle boat safari
• Optional bamboo rafting or nature walk inside the reserve
• Enjoy a traditional Kerala dinner and cultural show

Why It’s Unique:

Thekkady adds a raw and earthy touch to your Kerala itinerary 10 days. It’s one of the few places in India where you can float through a forest lake.

Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey – Backwater Escape Begins

Travel Time: Approx. 4 hours (140 km)

What to Do:

Check out from the hills and descend to Alleppey (Alappuzha), the Venice of the East. It’s time to experience Kerala’s famous backwaters.

• Board a private houseboat for a 22-hour cruise
• Float through palm-fringed canals, lakes, and paddy fields
• Enjoy traditional Kerala meals on the boat
• Watch sunset over the backwaters

Experience:

This is the most relaxing day in your kerala itinerary 10 days. Let the gentle waters and slow life reset your pace.

Day 6: Alleppey to Kumarakom – Lakeside Leisure

Travel Time: 1 hour (35 km)

What to Do:

Shift from moving waters to lakeside serenity at Kumarakom, on the banks of Vembanad Lake.

• Stay in a peaceful lake resort or Ayurvedic retreat
• Try birdwatching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Go for a canoe ride at sunset
• Opt for an Ayurvedic massage or spa therapy

Why It Fits:

Kumarakom is often skipped, but it’s ideal if you’re looking for more quiet and fewer crowds. It complements your kerala itinerary 10 days with a deeper sense of calm.

Day 7: Kumarakom to Vagamon – Hidden Hillside Retreat

Travel Time: Approx. 3.5 hours (90 km)

What to Do:

Head to Vagamon, a lesser-known hill station that offers pine forests, meadows, and a cool climate without the tourist rush.

• Visit Vagamon Pine Forest and Marmala Waterfall
• Enjoy paragliding (if weather permits)
• Walk through the meadows, tea gardens, and suicide point
• Spend the evening in a hilltop cottage or homestay

Offbeat Vibe:

This adds variety to your kerala itinerary 10 days, giving you a peaceful yet slightly adventurous hill experience.

Day 8: Vagamon to Varkala – Coastal Beauty Returns

Travel Time: Approx. 5.5 hours (150 km)

What to Do:

Time to unwind on the coast again. Varkala is a beach town with dramatic cliffs, yoga centers, and an artistic vibe.

• Check into a cliffside resort or boho homestay
• Relax at Varkala Beach or Papanasam Beach
• Shop local crafts at cliffside shops
• Watch the sun dip into the Arabian Sea

Pro Tip:

Skip Kovalam and choose Varkala for a quieter, cleaner, and more soulful beach town experience.

Day 9: Varkala – Rest, Yoga, and Ayurveda

What to Do:

Spend your second day in Varkala simply recharging:

• Book a yoga or meditation session
• Try authentic Ayurvedic massages or Panchakarma
• Visit Janardanaswamy Temple
• Explore nearby beaches like Kappil

Reconnect:

This is where your Kerala itinerary 10 days turns inward. It’s less about sightseeing and more about letting your body and mind reset before heading home.

Day 10: Departure from Trivandrum

Travel Time: Approx. 1.5 hours (45 km)

• Drive to Trivandrum International Airport or take a train back home
• Optional visit to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple if time allows

Ideal Time for This Itinerary

• October to March: Best weather, lush landscapes, cool climate
• April to May: Hot but manageable in hill stations
• June to September: Monsoon lovers will find this magical, especially in Munnar and Kumarakom

Accommodation Ideas by Region

Final Tips for a Smooth Kerala Itinerary (10 Days)

• Pack light: Cotton clothes, sandals, and a light sweater for Munnar/Vagamon
• Local SIM: Airtel and Jio work well in most regions
• Transport: Hire a private cab for the entire trip; it’s more flexible and efficient
• Cuisine: Try local dishes like Kerala Sadya, Karimeen Pollichathu, and Appam with stew
• Respect culture: Modest dressing is advised in temples and traditional areas

Wrapping Up

This Kerala itinerary 10 days is not just a sightseeing plan—it’s a rhythm. From the misty hills of Munnar to the silent backwaters of Alleppey, from the spice-scented forests of Thekkady to the laid-back cliffs of Varkala, it blends nature, culture, and deep relaxation.

If you’re looking to take a real break from chaos, Kerala doesn’t just offer you a trip—it offers a slower way of life, even if it’s just for 10 days.