Explore the historic area of Fort Kochi, a melting pot of Indian and colonial Portuguese, Dutch and British cultures. Stroll down the narrow streets and admire the colorful houses, colonial architecture and local street art. Visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India and the Chinese fishing nets, iconic for Kochi's marine industry, which dates back to the 13th century. Finish off the day with a sunset at the picturesque Fort Kochi beach.
Take a scenic drive to the hill station of Munnar, famous for its sprawling tea plantations, misty mountains and exotic flora and fauna. Spend the day hiking in the lush green forests of Eravikulam National Park or Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India. Visit the Munnar Tea Museum to learn about the history of the tea industry in Munnar and sip on some freshly brewed tea.
Head to Thekkady, known for its spice plantations and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a scenic boat ride on the Periyar Lake and witness elephants, tigers, bison and other wildlife. Along the way, visit a spice plantation and learn about pepper, cardamom, ginger and nutmeg cultivation. In the evening, witness the traditional Kathakali dance performance.
Drive to Alleppey, famous for its backwaters, canals, lagoons and beaches. Board a houseboat and spend the day cruising through the beautiful backwaters, observing the vibrant village life and feasting on fresh seafood delicacies. At sunset, anchor at a secluded spot and witness the striking view of the horizon turning crimson.
Relax and unwind at the beautiful beach town of Kovalam. Soak in the sun, sand and sea or indulge in water sports like surfing and paragliding. Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, an ancient Dravidian architecture marvel and one of the richest temples in the world. In the evening, treat your taste buds to lip-smacking seafood at one of the many beachside restaurants.
If you have more time, you can add a day trip to the hill station of Wayanad, the commercial capital of Thrissur or the beach town of Varkala. If you have less time, skip Alleppey and head straight to Kovalam. However, if you want to experience the backwaters, you can opt for a half-day canoe trip instead of a houseboat. Do carry sufficient cash as most of the tourist spots and restaurants do not accept credit cards. Additionally, plan your trip during the winter season (October to February) to avoid the monsoon rains and enjoy pleasant weather.