Take an early flight BLR → COK (≈1h15m) to maximize sightseeing time; road takes ~9–10 hours so fly unless you prefer driving. Flights run frequently in the morning.
Popular cliffside café and art space serving light Kerala breakfasts and excellent coffee; good place to plan the day's walk. Typical opening hours ~9:00am–7:00pm (confirm seasonally).
Stroll the waterfront to see the iconic Chinese fishing nets and colonial-era streets—great for photos and local life; the nets are visible all day (no formal closing time).
Visit St. Francis (one of India’s oldest European churches) and walk by Santa Cruz Basilica; churches generally welcome visitors 9:00am–5:00pm but check for services.
Dhe Puttu offers regional comfort food (puttu & kadala) and Fort House is a well-regarded seafood option on/near the waterfront; many Kochi restaurants serve lunch 12:00pm–3:00pm.
Explore the palace’s murals and the fragrant spice shops and antique lanes of Jew Town; Mattancherry Palace typically open 10:00am–5:00pm (confirm local hours).
Choose a short museum visit (e.g., Kerala Folklore or local galleries) or browse boutique shops along Princess Street; museums usually close by 5:00–6:00pm.
Evening classical-dance performances typically start around 6:00–6:30pm and last ~1.5–2 hours — an excellent way to experience Kerala’s culture (book in advance).
Enjoy coastal Kerala seafood or a curated South Indian meal; many seaside restaurants serve dinner until 10:00–11:00pm. Reservations recommended for popular spots.
Most houseboats board around 12:30–1:30pm; you board, settle in and enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala lunch as the backwater cruise begins. Houseboat operators usually provide meals and sightseeing onboard.
Cruise the Kuttanad rice paddies and narrow canals to see village life and birdlife; the cruise typically runs from ~1:00pm to next-morning ~9:00am with included meals and optional short canoe rides.
Savor home-style Kerala seafood and vegetarian dishes prepared by the onboard cook; meals on houseboats are included in the overnight package and served in the evening.
Most houseboats return to the dock early; enjoy breakfast onboard and disembark by ~8:30–9:30am. Confirm exact disembark time with your operator (commonly by 9:00am).
Road transfer south along the coast to Varkala (≈1.5–2 hours, depending on route and traffic); check-in to your hotel on the cliff if early check-in is available.
Popular cliffside bakery and café serving sandwiches, salads and Kerala-influenced dishes; open roughly 9:00am–10:00pm, good for a light, fresh midday meal.
Relax on the sandy beach and walk the scenic Varkala Cliff with its cafés and shops—beach is open all day but swim with caution (no lifeguards in some spots).
Janardana Swami Temple has morning and evening darshan (typical public hours ~5:00am–12:30pm & 4:00pm–7:00pm); Sivagiri Mutt (watching the climb and viewpoint) is open roughly 8:30am–4:30pm—check exact times for festivals.
The cliff’s cafés provide one of Kerala’s most dramatic sunsets — arrive early to secure a good vantage and enjoy a drink while the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.
Choose a cliffside restaurant for fresh seafood, Kerala thali or international choices; most popular cliff restaurants are open until 10:00–11:00pm, but hours vary—reserve if possible.
Early-morning yoga or a beach walk at sunrise is a peaceful way to end the trip; public beach access is unrestricted but organized classes usually start around 6:00–7:00am.
Take an early afternoon flight to Bangalore (~1h10m) to be back in the city by mid-afternoon. If you prefer a cheaper option, trains/buses are available but take much longer.