Spend your first day in Kochi, a historic port city that was once center of the Indian spice trade. Visit the beautiful Chinese fishing nets at the waterfront, then head to the Fort Kochi Beach for a leisurely stroll or dip your toes in the water. Walk to the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, to see its exquisite interior that depicts the Hindu temple art style. After lunch, visit the Jewish Synagogue nearby that boasts of its colorful interiors and Kashmiri carpets. End your day with a spectacular sunset view at the Marine Drive.
Take a day trip to Alleppey, known for its serene backwaters. Head to the Alleppey Beach for a peaceful stroll and enjoy serene sunset views. Then book a houseboat tour in the Alleppey Backwaters, a scenic place where you can relax and soak in nature's beauty. See the lush green palms and paddy fields as you glide through the calm waters. Savor delicious homecooked traditional Kerala cuisine on board and spend the night on the houseboat.
End your trip with a day of total relaxation at the beach town of Kovalam and Kovalam Beach with its scenic lighthouse and clear blue waters. Enjoy a rejuvenating ayurvedic massage at a spa, trying out the ancient Indian healing therapies. In the evening, watch the spellbinding sunset while dining at German Bakery Cliff and taste their scrumptious cakes and pizzas.
If you have extra time, visit the Hill Palace Museum in Kochi that has an extensive collection of rare archaeological and historical artifacts of Kerala. In Alleppey, visit the Pathiramanal Island, a serene island famous for its migratory birds and diverse flora. If time is short, skip Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue and choose from various other activities in Alleppey, such as exploring canals through a traditional canoe or visiting the coir industry to watch weaving. Opt for a government-approved houseboat or take recommendations only from a reliable source; avoid unauthorized agents.