4-Day Itinerary for Kerala

  1. Day 1: Fort Kochi
    1 hour (34 km) from Cochin International Airport

    Begin your trip with a visit to the charming, historic district of Fort Kochi. Walk along the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and watch fishermen haul in their daily catch. Visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India and the burial spot of Vasco da Gama. Take a stroll down Jew Town and visit the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Finally, end your day at Marine Drive, watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

  2. Day 2: Munnar
    3 hours 45 minutes (130 km) from Fort Kochi

    Start your day early and witness the stunning sunrise over the Western Ghats in Munnar. Visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea plantations in India. Drive to the Top Station viewpoint for a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains and valleys. For the adventurous, hike to the beautiful Attukad Waterfalls. End the day with a visit to Mattupetty Dam and Lake, and boat ride if time allows.

  3. Day 3: Alleppey
    4 hours (160 km) from Munnar

    Travel to the "Venice of the East" and take a houseboat tour through the backwaters of Alleppey. Relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the coconut palms, paddy fields, and local villages. Savor a traditional Kerala-style lunch served on board. Take a stroll through the Alleppey Beach and visit the 150-year-old Alappuzha Lighthouse. End the day with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage at a local spa.

  4. Day 4: Varkala Beach
    2 hours 30 minutes (100 km) from Alleppey

    Head to the laid-back beach town of Varkala. Stroll along the cliffside path and enjoy the scenic view of the Arabian Sea. Visit the 2,000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt, a pilgrimage center for followers of the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. Relax at the white sand beach or go surfing and swimming in the sea. End your trip with a spectacular sunset at Varkala Beach.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Kochi (1 hour, free)
  • St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi (30 minutes, free)
  • Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town (1 hour, ₹5 for entrance fee)
  • Houseboat tour in Alleppey (6 hours, starting from ₹6000 for two people)
  • Surfing lesson at Varkala Beach (1 hour, starting from ₹500)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹6,500 (~$90 USD) per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Wayanad for its lush green forests and wildlife sanctuaries. For art lovers, visit Kalamandalam, the premier center for Kathakali dance in Kerala. If you have less time, consider staying only in Fort Kochi and Alleppey for a relaxing trip. Skip Munnar if you are not a fan of long car rides or tea plantations.

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