Morning: Land at Cochin International Airport, transfer to a boutique hotel in Fort Kochi and begin with a leisurely walk to the famous Chinese Fishing Nets and the historic St. Francis Church.
Afternoon: Savor a traditional Kerala lunch, then explore the vibrant Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town and the adjacent Dutch Palace, learning about the region’s colonial past.
Evening: Experience a captivating Kathakali dance drama at the Kalaripayattu Cultural Centre followed by dinner at a waterfront restaurant serving fresh catch of the day.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Munnar (≈4 h). After check‑in, wander through the sprawling Tea Museum to discover the history of tea cultivation.
Afternoon: Take a guided walk among the lush Kolukkumalai Tea Plantations, stopping for a cup of “world’s highest” tea and panoramic mountain vistas.
Evening: Relax at the hotel garden, then dine on local specialties like “Kerala beef fry” while enjoying the cool hill‑air.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart for Thekkady (≈3 h). Board a boat for a serene Periyar Lake Cruise, spotting elephants, deer and a variety of birds along the shoreline.
Afternoon: Embark on an optional guided Elephant Safari or a short trek through the rainforest to the Hanging Bridge for breathtaking views.
Evening: Attend a traditional spice‑farm demonstration at a local plantation, followed by a dinner featuring aromatic Kerala spices.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to Alappuzha (≈3 h). Board a traditional houseboat (kettuvallam) and set sail on the tranquil backwaters, cruising past paddy fields, coconut groves and villages.
Afternoon: Enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala feast on board while the boat glides past the iconic Alappuzha Bridge and narrow canals.
Evening: Disembark at the harbour, explore the bustling Alappuzha Market**, and return to a seaside resort for a sunset walk along the beach.
Find HotelsMorning: Head to Kovalam (≈4 h). Check into a beachfront resort and unwind on the golden sands of Lighthouse Beach.
Afternoon: Try your hand at surfing or take a calming Ayurvedic massage at the resort’s spa. Visit the historic Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple for a quick cultural stop.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring a seafood feast, then transfer to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for departure.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider adding a day in the historic city of Thiruvananthapuram to visit the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the nearby Kovalam Lighthouse. For a shorter trip, you can combine Munnar and Thekkady into a single “Hill & Wildlife” day, skipping the houseboat night and opting for a day‑trip cruise from Alappuzha instead.