The first day begins by exploring Parumala, a small village located on the banks of river Pampa. Start with a visit to the Parumala Church, the final resting place of Saint Gregorios, one of the most revered Saints in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Next, visit the St. Peter's and St. Paul's Orthodox Syrian Church, which is an excellent example of traditional Kerala-style architecture. After that, visit the Parumala Seminary, a theological institute that has played a significant role in the development of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
Day two takes you to the nearby towns of Aranmula and Pandalam. Start with a visit to the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. The highlight of the temple is the annual Aranmula Boat Race, held during Onam festival. After that, visit the Aranmula Heritage Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Aranmula. The next destination is Pandalam, a town that is significant to both Christians and Hindus. Visit the Pandalam Palace, the birthplace of Lord Ayyappa, a major Hindu deity. End the day with a visit to the Valiyapally, one of the oldest churches in Kerala.
The last day begins with a cruise through the Kollam backwaters. Enjoy the serene beauty of the backwaters and watch the lives of the locals go by. After the cruise, head to Varkala Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Kerala. The crescent-shaped beach is surrounded by high cliffs and is famous for its natural spring that is believed to have medicinal properties. Enjoy swimming, surfing, or sunbathing at the beach. End the day by watching the sunset from the cliff, which is a breathtaking view.
If you have an extra day, consider visiting the nearby town of Chengannur, which has a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Mahadeva.
If you have less time, skip the Aranmula Heritage Museum and the Valiyapally church.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking and climbing stairs involved.
Carry sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Try the local cuisine, especially the seafood, which is fresh and delicious.