Start your trip to Kerala by visiting the historic Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Explore Fort Kochi’s colonial architecture, Chinese fishing nets and art galleries. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Take a walk to Princess Street and indulge in some shopping. At Mattancherry, learn about the Jewish history of Kerala by visiting the Jewish synagogue. Stop by the Dutch Palace and the Spice Market as well.
Escape the city and head to Munnar hill station. Enjoy incredible views of tea plantations and lush green forests. Take a guided tour of the tea factories and learn about the history of the tea industry in Kerala. Visit the tea museum and see ancient tea-making methods. Take a walk in the Eravikulam National Park, also known for its rare Nilgiri Tahr.
A day cruising the serene backwaters of Alleppey is a must-do experience in Kerala. Book a houseboat and enjoy a traditional Keralan meal as you sail along the network of waterways lined with coconut trees and paddy fields. Watch the locals fishing and their daily life along the verdant shore. Don’t miss taking a small canoe ferry to explore smaller canals.
On your final day, visit the majestic Athirapally Waterfalls, located at the entrance of Sholayar ranges. Soak in the breathtaking views from many of the viewpoints. Later, head to Paniyeli Poru, a white-water river surrounded by green forests. Take a guided rafting trip down the river, which is known for its thrilling rapids and the scenic beauty of the surroundings.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the hill station town of Vagamon or spending another day at Alleppey backwaters watching the traditional ways of making coir ropes and extracting coconut oil. For those visiting during the monsoon, the Athirapally waterfalls are at their peak during the months of June to September. If you have less time, consider skipping Mattancherry and Dutch Palace or reducing your time at Athirapally and Paniyeli Poru.