2 Weeks Kerala trip: Best Kerala Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Planning to spend 2 weeks in Kerala? In this guide, you’ll find the best two-week Kerala itinerary, practical travel tips, and my honest experience to help you prepare your trip to South India.

Serene, lush & exotic.

This 2-week trip to Kerala almost didn’t happen. Just ten days before departure, we were still one click away from booking flights to Mexico.

Still, I owed a visit to Myriam, a childhood friend who has been living in this region of South India for nearly 15 years. She described Kerala to me as a sort of better version of Sri Lanka (her words, not mine). With its ochre-cliff beaches, rolling tea plantations, tranquil backwaters, and tropical climate, I have to admit — I was intrigued. I’d always been a bit intimidated by the idea of traveling to India, but Kerala seemed to offer a gentler introduction. Less chaos, more coconut trees. And let’s be honest — when you travel with zero expectations, you leave more room for surprises, right?

The downside? This trip also happened with very little planning. Between our tight schedule and the lack of up-to-date resources online, I couldn’t prepare this 2-week Kerala itinerary the way I normally would. Sure, I was occasionally frustrated not to be doing more, but I also allowed myself to slow down. It may have been less intense than other trips, but much more relaxing. And that’s what holidays are for, after all.

In the end, I really enjoyed Kerala. I loved the vibrant everyday life, the quick masala chai stops, the stillness of the backwaters, the shy smiles of locals, and the bold saris lighting up the streets. The absolute highlight? The food — rich, spicy, and delicious! Of course, there were a few downsides: the crowds (local, yes, but still crowded), the litter in some areas, and the nerve-racking traffic… But all in all, this trip to Kerala was a beautiful experience, and one I’d recommend to anyone who wants to explore India — but doesn’t quite dare take the plunge just yet.

So, if you’re also thinking of visiting Kerala — whether you’re looking for a soft first step into India or a refreshing tropical getaway — this travel guide is for you. In this blog post, I’m sharing my full 2-week Kerala itinerary: what was worth it, what I would’ve planned better, and what I wouldn’t do again — to help you skip my mistakes and make the most of your own journey.

Ready?

Last update : 05/20/2026

Days 1-2: Cochin (or Kochi)

Upon arriving in Cochin (or Kochi — both names are used), we were instantly hit by the thick, heavy air. In April, humidity in Kerala is at its peak, and when combined with jet lag and travel fatigue, it made us a little unreceptive to the city’s charms at first.

But after a good night’s sleep and a first taste of Keralan cuisine, we began to see this old port city in a softer light.

READ MORE | Que faire à Cochin ?

Shaped over the centuries by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and later the British, Kochi still bears the traces of its colonial past. In the shade of its towering and majestic banyan trees, you’ll come across a surprising number of whitewashed churches, slightly worn-out but character-filled buildings, and cobbled lanes that almost feel like a tropical version of Europe.

But make no mistake — this is India, through and through. And the chaos never stays quiet for long: a chorus of honking horns, wild traffic, tuk-tuk drivers calling out every few meters (“hello sir, tuk tuk? Where are you going?”). Down by the water, a pungent mix of fish and washed-up trash stings the nostrils… At first glance, Cochin didn’t leave much of an impression.

More than Fort Cochin (or Fort Kochi), the historic center, it was the Jewish Quarter and Bazaar Road that left the strongest impression on us. It was actually while walking to Bazaar Road via Pullupalam Road that the city’s true energy finally caught up with us. Gone were the tourist cafés and artsy galleries — replaced by something far more raw, authentic, and alive. Butchers, fishmongers, banana sellers, bike repairmen… a whole little world bustled before our eyes. Be warned: the smells are strong and animal carcasses hanging under the blazing sun can be quite a shock!

All in all, Kochi may not be the most spectacular or picturesque city India has to offer, but it’s an essential key to understanding Kerala’s history, its mix of influences, its religious mosaic, and its unique identity. And in the end, it’s the perfect first step for immersing yourself in the rhythm of Kerala.

Days 3 to 6: Varkala

Despite its hundreds of kilometers of coastline, India isn’t exactly a beach destination. Locals rarely go to the sea to swim — and even less to sunbathe. The ocean is first and foremost a spiritual space, used for rituals, processions, and sometimes even cremation ceremonies.Still, after two days in Cochin, we were really craving the sound of the waves and the feeling of warm sand under our feet.While planning the trip, I had long hesitated between Varkala — a beach town that seemed just a little too popular — and the beaches further north, around Kannur (also known as Cannanore), said to be wilder and more untouched. Thottada Beach and its neighbor Kizhunna Beach had especially caught my eye. But the reality was that it would take over 5 hours by train from Cochin to reach Kannur, and just as long to return a few days later. On a 2-week Kerala itinerary, that kind of detour is pretty significant.In hindsight, I probably should have trusted my instincts and headed north anyway.

Varkala — or more precisely, Varkala Cliff — isn’t quite the hidden paradise that some promise. But this ochre cliff perched above the Arabian Sea does have something unique about it. A narrow pedestrian path winds along the top, lined with incense stalls, breezy clothing shops, lounge cafés playing Bollywood-style music or soft electro, and a few restaurants overlooking the horizon. Below, a vast golden beach pounded by waves is accessible via steep stairways.

The vibe is undeniably touristy. There’s a reason Varkala is often dubbed the “new Goa,” and we definitely saw more Western travelers here than anywhere else in Kerala. That said, most tourism remains local: on weekends, Indian families pour in, the beach gets crowded, and navigating the cliffside path becomes a bit of an elbow game.

Fortunately, all it takes is a short walk north to find a bit of peace and quiet again. Odayam Beach, about 15 minutes on foot from Varkala Cliff, offers a much calmer atmosphere — perfect for walking with your feet in the water or enjoying a more peaceful swim. That’s actually where we chose to stay.

For us, Varkala wasn’t exactly love at first sight. We found it crowded, overly touristy, and fairly dirty. That said, it really depends on what you’re looking for. For yoga lovers, Varkala is still a little paradise. Many of the cliffside guesthouses offer morning yoga sessions facing the Arabian Sea, in a serene setting. It’s also the perfect spot to spend an afternoon swaying in a hammock, lulled by the sound of waves, simply enjoying the pleasure of doing nothing.

READ MORE | Varkala au Kerala mérite-t-elle la peine ?

HOW TO GET TO VARKALA | From Cochin, the easiest (and most budget-friendly) way to get there is by train. The journey takes between 3.5 and 4 hours, and tickets cost on average between €9 and €18, depending on the class you choose. Unfortunately, the trains were fully booked during our stay. So we ended up booking an InterCity ride directly through the Uber app for 4,500 INR (around €45) for two people. Just keep in mind that Uber is available for the journey from Cochin to Varkala — but not the other way around!

Days 7-8: The backwaters

If there was one stop I was most looking forward to during this 2-week trip through Kerala, it was this one.The backwaters. The name alone evokes another world.Kerala’s backwaters are one of the region’s most iconic landscapes: an immense network of canals, lagoons, rivers, and lakes mixing freshwater and seawater, winding inland and running parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. This aquatic labyrinth stretches over 900 km! But the backwaters are also a living ecosystem, where people grow crops, fish, and go about their daily lives to the gentle rhythm of lapping water.

The most famous backwaters are around Alleppey, known for its houseboats—old rice barges that have been converted into floating hotels. On paper, it sounds perfect, right? You picture yourself gliding along the water beneath palm trees, dining on deck at sunset, and falling asleep to the gentle rocking of the current… But actually, it’s not that dreamy and a few traveler accounts made me think twice.

The popularity of houseboats has brought a number of problems to the backwaters and raised real concerns about their ecological impact in such a fragile environment: boat traffic jams, noise pollution, and fuel leaking into the water.

Following my friend Myriam’s advice, we headed instead to a quieter, lesser-known area north of Cochin—just as beautiful, but far less crowded. That’s how we ended up at Kayal Island Retreat, a boutique hotel located on a tiny island only accessible by boat. Along the way, we passed fishermen, children playing at the water’s edge waving with wide smiles… and not much else.

It’s hard to imagine a more peaceful sight than these green islands floating in still, shimmering water. It felt like stepping into an impressionist painting. At sunset, we set off for a slow canoe ride through the canals. Birds stirred, life carried on gently by the water’s edge, and even the storm that caught us mid-ride gave the scene an even more mystical feel.

The backwaters show Kerala at its most tranquil. Far from Cochin’s bustle, Varkala’s crowds or the madness of traffic, it feels like a different world. It’s also the perfect place to try out Ayurveda—India’s ancient holistic medicine—or simply unwind, read a book, and reconnect with yourself.

READ MORE | Que faire dans les backwaters du Kerala ?

HOW TO GET TO THE BACKWATERS | Of course, it all depends on which part of the backwaters you’re heading to. In our case, we took the train from Varkala to Cherthala (about 2 hours), then ordered an Uber to the “ferry point,” where our accommodation came to pick us up by boat.

Days 9-10: Athirappilly Waterfalls

Sometimes called the “Niagara Falls of India,” Athirappilly is nothing short of impressive. This majestic waterfall bursts forth in the heart of dense jungle, home to wild elephants—and even a few tigers. Since I found very little information about the place beforehand, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Is Athirappilly worth the trip? Yes… and no. But let me explain.

For this stop, we decided to treat ourselves and stretch the budget a little with a night at Flora Misty Falls, a hotel with a direct view of the waterfall. A small luxury we definitely didn’t regret. Having every meal on the hotel’s terrace with that magical panorama in front of us, and waking up to the morning mist floating above the jungle, was a truly special experience.

More than anything, the hotel offered a true oasis of peace—the perfect way to enjoy nature in the best possible setting. While Athirappilly is still relatively unknown among international travelers planning a 2-week itinerary in Kerala, it’s extremely popular with Indian tourists. Especially on weekends. And this was our big mistake!

We arrived on a Saturday afternoon, naively thinking we’d enjoy a quiet visit early Sunday morning. The hotel receptionist ended up advising us to head to the site around 5:30 p.m.—a time when, according to him, the crowds start to thin out. I don’t even want to imagine what it’s like when it’s really crowded. Sure enough, by 7 a.m. the next morning, the first tour buses were already lining up, horns blaring.Hundreds of local visitors came with their families to cool off in the natural pools at the top of the falls, enjoy a picnic, and take endless selfies at the foot of the cascade. It was so packed that we ended up leaving pretty quickly—especially once it started to rain. In the end, the best experience was simply enjoying the view from our balcony.

The waterfall is stunning, but if I had to do it again, there are definitely a few things I’d do differently.

First, absolutely avoid weekends. Honestly, that goes for all of Kerala. With such a large local population (1.4 billion people, after all…), popular spots quickly become overcrowded on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekdays—especially in the morning—are usually much more peaceful.

Second, the waterfall was at its lowest in April. Even though it was still beautiful, I can only imagine how impressive it must look around November or December, right after the monsoon.

Lastly, I wish we had explored the surrounding area a bit more. The jungle around Athirappilly is stunning, but there aren’t really any excursions offered to visitors. I’m pretty sure we could have arranged something through the hotel with a local guide or a forest ranger. There are also several smaller waterfalls nearby (probably less crowded too), and likely some scenic trails along the river downstream.

ACCESS TO ATHIRAPPILLY FALLS | The entrance to the falls is located here. A well-maintained wooden path leads to the site. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the top of the waterfall, which already offers a stunning view of the falls and the surrounding jungle. From there, a slightly steeper trail takes you down to the base of the falls in another 5 minutes.

OPENING HOURS & ENTRY FEE | The waterfall is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance fee is 200 INR for foreign visitors (about €2). Forest rangers patrol the area outside official hours, so attempting an early morning or after-hours visit isn’t recommended.

HOW TO GET TO ATHIRAPPILLY | Since Athirappilly is a bit off the typical tourist trail, getting there can be a bit tricky. The easiest option from the backwaters is to go back through Kochi or reach Ernakulam Junction, then continue by Uber. For our ride, we paid 2,500 INR (around €30).You can also visit on a day trip from Cochin with a tour like this one via Get Your Guide.

Days 11 to 14: Munnar

On the way from Athirappilly to Munnar, we tried to spot a few elephants that, according to our driver, often roam the area. But not a single ear in sight. That said, the journey itself was absolutely stunning.

Perched over 1,600 meters high in the heart of the Western Ghats, Munnar is the greenest region in Kerala – and a real gem. Here, the tropical heat gives way to a refreshing coolness, the air feels lighter, and the hills roll endlessly under a sea of tea plantations.

Once a beloved hill station for British colonists escaping the sweltering plains, Munnar now offers breathtaking misty vistas, gentle light, and a true breath of fresh air.

It was also a special stop for us, as we met up with my friend Myriam and her partner Abbhi, both of whom have been living in Kerala for many years. They took us around the region, and we simply let ourselves be guided.

Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side. The waterfalls had dried up, the sunset was swallowed by clouds, and once again—not a single elephant in sight.

Still, despite the missed opportunities, I have fond memories of our time there. Wrapped in mist and tea leaves, Munnar exudes a calm and exotic charm. And waterfalls or not, the landscapes are without a doubt some of the most beautiful in all of Kerala!

READ MORE | Que faire à Munnar ?

HOW TO GET TO MUNNAR | Since Uber doesn’t operate in Athirappilly, our hotel arranged a trusted local taxi for us at a negotiated rate of 6,500 INR (around €70) for a 4-hour drive.

Day 15: Heading home

For our final night — with a 5 a.m. flight looming — we got a few hours of sleep at a hotel right across from the airport.

And just like that, our 2-week trip through Kerala comes to an end. With a slight pang of sadness, we said goodbye to Myriam and Abbhi… before heading back to Madrid, its sunshine, and its tapas ☀️

So, what did we think of this 2-week trip in Kerala? 🇮🇳

This 14 days Kerala itinerary may not have been our biggest travel crush, but it was undoubtedly a beautiful discovery. Between the food — which completely won us over — India’s unique culture, and landscapes filled with serenity, we’re heading home with a heart full of sweet memories.Above all, this first immersion into India gave us a chance to challenge some preconceived notions and dismantle the overly simplified image I had of this vast country.In the end, Kerala intrigued me, soothed me, even moved me at times — and left me wanting more. Because of course, India can’t be reduced to a single region or a single experience.This was only the beginning!

CONTINUE YOUR ADVENTURE IN SOUTH INDIA