Morning: Arrive at Kochi International Airport and check into your hotel in Fort Kochi. Take a leisurely walk along the historic waterfront, spotting the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and the charming colonial streets.
Afternoon: Visit the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) to admire its intricate murals, then explore the nearby Jewish Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset view from the Fort Kochi Beach followed by a traditional Kathakali performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.
Find HotelsMorning: Stroll through the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and admire the vibrant street art at the Fort Kochi Wall Murals.
Afternoon: Dive into the bustling Spice Market at Ernakulam, sampling local spices and tasting Kerala’s famous banana leaf meals at a nearby restaurant.
Evening: Sail on a traditional houseboat in the backwaters of Kochi, experiencing the tranquil canals and lantern-lit villages.
Find HotelsMorning: Transfer to Alleppey and board a private houseboat for an overnight cruise. Glide past lush paddy fields and observe daily life along the Alleppey Backwaters.
Afternoon: Enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala lunch on board while the boat navigates through narrow canals and passes by coconut groves.
Evening: Dock at a serene village, explore the local market, and watch a traditional folk dance performance before retiring to the comfort of your houseboat cabin.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart for Munnar, a scenic drive through rolling hills. Upon arrival, visit the sprawling Tea Museum at Tata Tea to learn about tea production.
Afternoon: Wander through the fragrant Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a boat ride, then head to the nearby Echo Point for panoramic views.
Evening: Relax at your hill resort, sipping fresh tea while watching the mist roll over the tea estates.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to Thekkady and embark on a guided boat safari on Periyar Lake, spotting elephants, sambar deer, and a variety of bird species.
Afternoon: Explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a trekking path, learning about the region’s biodiversity from a local naturalist.
Evening: Attend a cultural show featuring Kalaripayattu (martial arts) and traditional music at your resort.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Varkala and start your day with a refreshing dip at the Varkala Cliff Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs and golden sands.
Afternoon: Explore the historic Janardanaswamy Temple and stroll through the bustling seaside promenade lined with cafes and boutiques.
Evening: Savor a sunset dinner at a cliffside restaurant, tasting fresh seafood while enjoying the panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend your Kerala adventure, consider adding a day in the coastal town of Kovalam for more beach time or a visit to the historic city of Thiruvananthapuram to explore the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. To shorten the trip, you can combine the backwater experience by taking a day cruise from Kochi instead of an overnight stay, and skip the evening cultural show in Thekkady, focusing only on the wildlife safari.