7 Weekend Trips to Kerala For Rs 5000 or Less

Who says you need deep pockets to experience the magic of Kerala?

With just ₹5000 in hand, you can wake up to misty hills, sail through dreamy backwaters, laze on a beachside cliff, or even go on a spice-scented adventure!

Yes, Kerala may be known for its luxurious houseboats and high-end resorts, but if you know where to look, it’s also one of India’s most budget-friendly travel destinations.

Whether you’re craving an offbeat escape or a weekend full of vibrant culture, we’ve got you covered. So, pack your bags, grab your wallet (don’t worry, it won’t feel too light!), and get ready for 7 budget-friendly weekend trips to Kerala under ₹5000!

Because Epic Adventures Don’t Have to Break the Bank!

1. Munnar: The Tea-Scented Dreamland

• Estimated Budget: ₹4500

Misty hills embrace you like an old friend, while winding trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints. The cool breeze carries whispers of adventure, perfect for dreamy strolls.

Whether you’re sipping freshly brewed chai or watching the sun melt into the mountains, Munnar feels like a world untouched by time.

How to Get There?

• Bus from Kochi: ₹300 (one way)

• Shared auto from Munnar Bus Stand: ₹100–₹200

Things to Do in Munnar (On a Budget!):

• Visit the Tata Tea Museum (₹75): Learn about tea while sipping on some freshly brewed goodness!

• Explore Eravikulam National Park (₹200): Spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and soak in panoramic views.

• Trek to Pothamedu Viewpoint (Free): The perfect spot to watch a sunrise that looks straight out of a postcard.

• Stroll through the Tea Gardens (Free): The aroma itself is therapeutic!

• Try Kerala’s Famous Appam & Stew (₹150): Soft, fluffy appams with coconut-based stew will make you want to move here.

Where to Stay?

• Budget Hostels & Homestays: ₹400–₹900 per night

Pro Tip: Rent a bicycle for ₹150/day and explore the winding hill roads like a local!

Also read: 10 Unique Stays Near Munnar for the Explorers

2. Alleppey: Backwaters Without Burning Your Wallet

• Estimated Budget: ₹5000

As coconut palms sway lazily over the tranquil waters of Alleppey, every turn reveals a picture-perfect scene straight out of a painting.

Glide through narrow canals where life moves at a peaceful rhythm, with fishermen casting their nets and birds skimming the surface.

End your day with a fiery sunset over the lagoons, a plate of fresh seafood, and the soothing lull of rippling waves.

How to Get There?

• Train from Ernakulam: ₹50 (one way)

• Bus from Kochi: ₹120 (one way)

Things to Do in Alleppey:

• Shikara Boat Ride (₹200 per person): A budget-friendly alternative to houseboats!

• Relax at Alleppey Beach (Free): Perfect for sunset views and budget travelers.

• Visit the Ancient Krishnapuram Palace (₹30): Get a glimpse of Kerala’s royal past.

• Try Local Toddy (Palm Wine) (₹100): A Kerala must-try!

• Must-try Alleppey authentic foods – Relish Karimeen Pollichathu (₹300), Meen Curry with Kappa (₹200), and Appam with Stew (₹150) for a true coastal taste.

Where to Stay?

• Backpacker Hostels & Budget Homestays: ₹400–₹600 per night

Pro Tip: Bargain with boat operators for the best shikara ride prices, especially if you’re traveling in a group.

3. Varkala: Beach, Cliffs, and Good Vibes

• Estimated Budget: ₹4500

With dramatic red cliffs overlooking the endless Arabian Sea, Varkala feels like a hidden coastal gem waiting to be embraced.

Golden sunsets paint the sky as waves crash against the shore, setting the perfect scene for barefoot strolls.

Whether you're sipping fresh coconut water at a cliffside café or soaking in the natural spring waters, Varkala offers a slice of serenity without the splurge.

How to Get There?

• Train from Trivandrum: ₹50 (one way)

• Bus from Kochi: ₹300 (one way)

Things to Do in Varkala:

• Laze on Varkala Beach (Free): Soft sands, blue waters, and zero stress!

• Walk Along the Cliffs (Free): Spectacular views and sea breeze guaranteed.

• Visit Janardanaswamy Temple (Free): Over 2000 years old and rich in history.

• Try Café Hopping: Enjoy a budget-friendly seafood platter for ₹200 while watching the waves.

• Take a Dip in the Natural Springs (Free): Healing mineral waters right by the beach!

Where to Stay?

• Beachside Hostels & Budget Cottages: ₹500 per night

Pro Tip: Walk along the cliffside cafés at night, the fairy lights and ocean breeze make it a magical experience!

4. Thekkady: Where the Wild Things Are

• Estimated Budget: ₹5000

Nestled in the heart of Kerala’s wilderness, Thekkady is where nature thrives in its wildest form. Wake up to the call of exotic birds, trek through dense forests, and watch majestic elephants roam freely in their natural habitat.

Whether it’s a boat ride on Periyar Lake or a walk through fragrant spice gardens, every moment in Thekkady feels like an adventure straight out of a storybook.

How to Get There?

• Bus from Kochi: ₹300 (one way)

Things to Do in Thekkady:

• Explore Periyar National Park (₹150): Spot wild elephants, bison, and maybe even a tiger!

• Go on a Spice Plantation Tour (₹200): The fresh smell of cardamom and pepper is intoxicating.

• Try a Kalaripayattu Martial Arts Show (₹200): Witness Kerala’s ancient martial art in action.

• Snack on Thekkady’s Famous Banana Chips (₹50): The crunchiest, tastiest chips ever!

Where to Stay?

• Dorms & Budget Hotels: ₹600–₹800 per night

Pro Tip: Skip taxis and rent a bike for ₹250/day to explore the spice-scented trails on your own!

5. Fort Kochi: The Cultural Capital on a Budget

• Estimated Budget: ₹4000

With its charming blend of colonial architecture and coastal vibes, Fort Kochi feels like stepping into a living museum.

Stroll through lanes lined with colorful graffiti, where every corner tells a story of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences.

From watching Chinese fishing nets in action to savoring crispy banana fritters, Fort Kochi is a budget traveler’s dream wrapped in history and flavor.

How to Get There?

• Ferry from Ernakulam: ₹10

• Bus from nearby cities: ₹200

Things to Do in Fort Kochi:

• Explore Jew Town & Mattancherry (Free): A charming old-world market filled with antique stores, spice shops, and historical buildings. Perfect for window shopping or picking up affordable souvenirs.

• Visit Santa Cruz Basilica (Free): One of the oldest churches in India, showcasing stunning Portuguese architecture and beautiful frescoes.

• Watch the Chinese Fishing Nets in Action (Free): These iconic cantilevered fishing nets are one of Kochi’s most photographed attractions. You can even try helping the local fishermen for a small tip.

• Wander Through the Fort Kochi Streets (Free): Fort Kochi is an open-air museum with colorful street art, colonial-era buildings, and quirky cafés.

• Catch a Kathakali Performance (₹200): Watch the mesmerizing traditional dance drama of Kerala, where elaborate makeup and expressive storytelling take center stage.

• Try Street Food at Princess Street (₹100) : Relish crispy pazhampori (banana fritters), spicy egg puffs, or traditional Kerala parottas, all at pocket-friendly prices.

Where to Stay?

• Heritage Hostels & Guesthouses: ₹500–₹800 per night

  • Tip: Look for stays in Princess Street or near Vasco da Gama Square for a budget-friendly yet central location.

Pro Tip: Rent a cycle for just ₹100/day and explore Fort Kochi’s charming lanes at your own pace!

Also read: 10 Premium Resorts in Kochi, Kerala for a luxurious Kerala trip

6. Wayanad: Kerala’s Hidden Green Paradise

• Estimated Budget: ₹5000

Tucked away in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a haven of dense forests, rolling hills, and hidden waterfalls waiting to be explored.

The air is filled with the scent of coffee and spices, as winding trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints and ancient caves.

Whether you're trekking through misty landscapes or spotting wildlife in the wild, Wayanad promises an unforgettable escape into nature’s embrace.

Things to Do in Wayanad:

• Visit Edakkal Caves (₹50): These prehistoric caves contain carvings that date back over 8000 years, offering a fascinating glimpse into early human civilization. The short but steep trek to the caves rewards you with breathtaking valley views.

• Trek to Meenmutty Waterfalls (₹100 entry): One of Kerala’s most stunning waterfalls, surrounded by lush forests. The hike can be challenging but is worth every step.

• Explore Banasura Sagar Dam (₹30): India’s largest earthen dam, offering boating options and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

• Hike to Chembra Peak & Heart-Shaped Lake (₹150): One of Wayanad’s most famous trekking spots, known for its scenic heart-shaped lake and misty mountain views.

• Visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (₹200): Home to elephants, deer, and exotic bird species, this sanctuary is perfect for nature lovers.

Where to Stay?

• Forest Homestays & Budget Resorts: ₹600–₹900 per night

  • Tip: Stay in areas like Kalpetta or Meppadi for easy access to trekking trails and waterfalls.

Pro Tip: Visit during monsoon for the lushest landscapes, but pack light rain gear to stay comfortable on hikes!

Also read: 20 Places in Wayanad that are closer to Nature and Culture

7. Ponmudi: Kerala’s Mini Switzerland

• Estimated Budget: ₹3500

Tucked away in the Western Ghats, Ponmudi is one of Kerala’s best-kept secrets, a misty paradise waiting to be discovered.

Unlike the more famous hill stations of Munnar or Wayanad, Ponmudi remains delightfully offbeat, offering a tranquil retreat amidst rolling green hills, winding roads, and breathtaking viewpoints.

It’s the kind of place where you can leave behind the chaos of city life and step into a world that feels almost unreal, like a dream you never want to wake up from.

Things to Do in Ponmudi:

• Hike to Ponmudi Peak (Free): A scenic trekking experience with misty views, rolling green hills, and winding pathways that will remind you of Switzerland.

• Visit Golden Valley (₹50): A serene river valley surrounded by lush forests, perfect for a quiet picnic or a refreshing dip in the cool waters.

• Drive Through the Hairpin Bends (Free): Ponmudi’s winding roads, with 22 sharp hairpin bends, make for a thrilling road trip with jaw-dropping scenery.

• Explore Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary (₹100): A hidden gem near Ponmudi, home to elephants, leopards, and rare bird species.

Where to Stay?

• Guesthouses & Budget Cottages: ₹500–₹800 per night

  • Tip: Government guesthouses offer budget-friendly stays with great views of the rolling hills.

Pro Tip: Start your hike early in the morning for the best misty views, and carry some snacks since food options are limited on the trails!

Also read: 10 Places in Kerala that You can Visit Right Now

Who said you need a fortune to explore Kerala? With just ₹5000 in your pocket, you can sip tea in Munnar, cruise through Alleppey’s backwaters, chill on Varkala’s cliffs, or even trek through Wayanad’s lush hills.

Each of these destinations offers a unique slice of Kerala’s charm without burning a hole in your wallet!

So, whether you’re a solo traveler seeking adventure, a backpacker looking for offbeat experiences, or a group of friends planning a quick getaway, Kerala proves that great travel doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Pack light, travel smart, and embrace the beauty of God’s Own Country one budget-friendly trip at a time!

Now the real question is where are you heading this weekend?