Spend the morning exploring the Alleppey Backwaters with a houseboat tour. See the lush greenery, local villages, and enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine for lunch. Spend the afternoon at a nearby beach, like Marari Beach, playing in the sand and waves.
Visit Varkala Beach, famous for its cliffs and stunning sunset. For lunch, try fresh seafood at one of the many beachside restaurants. After lunch, visit the Janardhana Swami Temple, one of the oldest temples in Kerala, and watch an evening prayer ritual.
Start the day at Kovalam Beach, where you can go for a swim or try surfing. Enjoy lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants, like the popular German Bakery. Spend the afternoon at Lighthouse Beach, where you can relax on the sand or enjoy water sports. On your way back to Kochi, stop by the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple.
If you have more time, consider spending an extra day at Alleppey Backwaters to enjoy a local village tour or a cooking class. If you have less time, consider skipping Kovalam and going straight back to Kochi. Note that many restaurants and shops in Alleppey and Varkala close early, so plan accordingly. Don't forget to try traditional Kerala cuisine like Appam and Puttu, and pack sunblock and insect repellent for the beach days.