Periyar National Park is a beautiful protected area of verdant forest situated in the hills of the Western Ghats. You can spend your first day here visiting the park's elephant reserve to see elephants up close and personal, or take a boat ride through the tranquil Periyar Lake. In the evening, you can explore the spice-scented village of Kumily, located near the park entrance.
Munnar is a famous hill station located in the Western Ghats, dotted with tea and spice plantations. Spend the morning visiting the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea manufacture in India, and then stop at Top Station for lunch with a panoramic view of the valleys. In the afternoon, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to rare Nilgiri Tahr and a stunning array of wildflowers and birds.
Drive to Alleppey, where the backwaters form a labyrinth of lagoons, canals, and lakes. Opt for a morning houseboat cruise through the canals and witness the daily life of Keralan villagers on the waterfront. Treat yourself to a traditional Keralan lunch on board and finish the day with an Ayurvedic massage at the end of a long, relaxing day.
Marari Beach is a quiet, undeveloped seaside village located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala. Spend your last day relaxing on the palm-lined sandy beach, snorkelling in the shallow waters, or enjoying a rejuvenating yoga class on the beach. If you still have any energy left, visit the sleepy coastal town of Fort Kochi to see its ornate colonial architecture and its iconic Chinese fishing nets.
For those who have more days to spend, you might consider adding a visit to the Athirapally falls. The waterfall is 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Periyar, and it's best visited during the monsoon. On the other hand, those who have less time should consider focusing only on the Kerala backwaters by taking a day cruise on a houseboat. Be aware that in Kerala, alcohol is not allowed, except for some licensed bars and restaurants in larger hotels.