Fort Kochi is a beautiful coastal town steeped in history, with a variety of cultural influences, from Dutch architecture to Chinese fishing nets. Enjoy the local cuisine, art galleries, and street markets.
Munnar is a hill station known for being a tea estate region. It has various scenic viewpoints, including Echo Point and the Kannan Devan Tea Museum. Check out the beautiful flora and fauna, and enjoy some trekking if desired.
Thekkady is a beautiful hill station situated on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is best known for the Periyar National Park, which is home to tigers, elephants, and various other animals. Enjoy a jungle safari here.
Kumarakom is a scenic location situated on the Vembanad Lake, with a variety of flora and fauna. Take a houseboat ride in the backwaters, and enjoy the bird sanctuary here.
Alleppey, also known as "Venice of the East," is a popular destination for backwater cruises, houseboat stays, and boat races. Take a leisurely stroll at the Alleppey Beach, and enjoy the local seafood.
Kovalam has three beautiful beaches - Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach. It's a great place for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. Visit the Halcyon Castle, and the Vizhinjam Lighthouse.
Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, is the capital of Kerala. Visit the various museums, palaces and temples here, including the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Napier Museum, and the Kuthiramalika Palace.
Varkala Beach is a popular spot for cliff-diving and surfing, with scenic views of the sea. Visit the 2,000-year-old Janardanaswamy Temple, and the Sivagiri Mutt founded by the sage Sri Narayana Guru.
Wayanad is a quiet hill station, with stunning views of Western Ghats. Visit the Chembra Peak, the Edakkal Caves, and the Banasura Sagar Dam. Enjoy a variety of adventure sports here, including trekking, camping, and rafting.
Athirappilly Waterfalls is a scenic waterfall located on the Chalakudy River, in Thrissur district. Enjoy the view from the Vazhachal Forest Gardens, and visit the nearby Thumpurmuzhi Gardens and Charpa Falls.
To travel to each destination, you can hire a private taxi or book a car with a driver. The cost of transportation will vary depending on your choice of vehicle and provider. Make sure to book in advance, especially during peak season, to get the best deals possible. A private car will cost around INR 2500-3000 per day, and a taxi will cost around INR 3500-4000 per day. Consider intercity trains for shorter distances.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the hill station of Vagamon or a trip to the pristine beaches of Bekal. If you have less time, skip Wayanad or Athirappilly Waterfalls. Make sure to carry rain gear during the monsoon season. Also, it is wise to travel light as you may require to change accommodations frequently.
The main airport in Kerala is the Cochin International Airport (COK), which is located in Kochi. It is situated around 30 km from the city center, and offers domestic and international flights.