Spend your first day exploring the charming colonial town of Fort Kochi. Walk along the beach and the famous Chinese fishing nets before visiting the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Next, head to the Dutch Palace and marvel at its exquisite murals depicting epic tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. End the day with a Kathakali dance performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.
Spend a day surrounded by the lush greenery of the Periyar National Park. Take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake and keep your eyes peeled for elephant herds, tigers, and Sambar deer. After the boat ride, go for an elephant ride through the spice plantations and learn about the various spices grown there. End the day with a soothing Ayurvedic massage at the Green Woods Resort.
End your trip with a serene journey through the backwaters of Alleppey. Book a private houseboat and cruise through the canals and lagoons while enjoying a sumptuous meal cooked on board. Watch egrets and kingfishers darting about and villagers going about their day on the shore. End your journey at the Marari Beach Resort where you can soak in the sun on the pristine beach, take a dip in the infinity pool or indulge in a relaxing spa session.
If you have extra time, consider adding a day in Munnar to visit the tea plantations and experience the unique Neelakurinji bloom. If you're short on time, you can skip the elephant ride at the Periyar National Park. Keep in mind that Kochi has a vibrant food scene, so try to explore as much as you can. Finally, don't forget to pack comfortable shoes and breathable clothes since Kerala is humid and tropical.