In the morning, head to the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. This historic building features beautiful murals and artwork depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. For lunch, make your way to the nearby Dal Roti for delicious Indian food. In the afternoon, explore the Fort Kochi area, known for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Catch a beautiful sunset at the Fort Kochi beach.
Start your day with a visit to the Tea Museum to learn about the history and production of tea in Munnar. Then, drive to the Eravikulam National Park to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy a scenic hike. For lunch, stop by Rapsy Restaurant for some local cuisine. In the evening, visit the Top Station viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
Take a relaxing morning cruise on the Alleppey backwaters on a traditional houseboat, admiring the lush greenery and peaceful surroundings. For lunch, dig into some spicy seafood curry at Thaff Delicacy. In the afternoon, visit the Krishnapuram Palace to see intricate murals and artefacts from the bygone era. End the day with a stunning sunset at the Alleppey beach.
Spend the morning relaxing at the Kovalam beach, known for its pristine white sand and clear blue waters. After lunch at the Curry Leaf restaurant, visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a stunning 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the evening, take a stroll through the vibrant Lighthouse Beach and enjoy the various food and souvenir options.
Start the day with a visit to the Periyar National Park, where you can go on a guided nature walk or take a boat ride to spot wildlife such as elephants and tigers. For lunch, try some spicy and flavourful Chettinad cuisine at Spice Garden Restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Mangala Devi Temple, located at a scenic 1337m elevation, and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding hills.
Visit the Varkala beach in the morning, known for its unique cliff formations and abundant natural springs. Have lunch at Darjeeling Cafe for some delicious coffee and snacks. In the afternoon, visit the 800-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple. End your trip by catching the beautiful sunset at the Varkala cliff.
If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip to the Athirapally Waterfalls, located about 3.5 hours from Kochi. If you're interested in exploring local markets, visit the Jew Town in Kochi or the Chalai Market in Thiruvananthapuram. To maximise your fun, try attending a traditional Kathakali dance performance or Ayurveda massage.