A Kerala Travel Itinerary: Ernakulam, Kochi, Alleppey and Varkala

1. Day 1: Explore Ernakulam
   From Kochi, it's a short 30-minute drive (9.8 miles)

   Ernakulam has a variety of cultural and historical landmarks worth exploring. Visit the Hill Palace Museum with its rich collection of artifacts from the royal family. Later check out St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India. End the day with some shopping at the Lulu Mall

2. Day 2: Discover Kochi
   From Ernakulam, Kochi is a quick 20-minute drive (7.9 miles)

   Kochi is often called 'The Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Start the day with an early morning visit to the Chinese Fishing Nets and watch the fishermen go out to the Arabian Sea to bring back fresh catch! Explore the Jewish Quarter and the Paradesi Synagogue. Visit the monumental Maritime museum and round off the day with a sunset boat ride along marine drive.

3. Day 3: Relax in the Backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha)
   From Kochi is about 1:30-hour drive south (40 miles)

   Surrounded by Canals, backwaters, and lagoons, Alleppey (Alappuzha) is a slice of paradise. Take a houseboat tour and spot the local wildlife while enjoying native food. Spend the night aboard and disembark the next morning.

4. Day 4: Catch the Waves in Varkala
   From Alleppey, take a 3-hour drive north (70 miles)

   Varkala is southern Kerala's go-to surf spot. Take a surfing lesson if it's your first time or bring your own board if you're a seasoned surfer. Relax with some beachside yoga at the Shiva Shakti Ayurveda Yoga School. The Varkala Beach is also an amazing spot for a stunning sunset view.

5. Day 5: Head Home
   From Varkala, the drive to the Kochi International Airport is about 2:30-hours (60 miles)

   Take an early departure from Varkala and stop by Kochi's Fort Kochi Beach to catch the panoramic view of the Cherai Beach. Traverse across the old-world Fort Kochi, taste local food, buy souvenirs, and make final memories before heading back home.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Hill Palace Museum (2 hours, Rs 60)
• St. Francis Church (1 hour, Free entry)
• Lulu Mall (3 hours, Varies)
• Chinese Fishing Nets (1 hour, Free entry)
• Paradesi Synagogue (1 hour, Free entry)
• Maritime Museum (2 hours, Rs 10)
• Boat Ride along Marine Drive (1 hour, Rs 1500)
• Houseboat Tour in Alleppey (20 hours, Rs 10,000)
• Surfing Lesson in Varkala (2 hours, Rs 2000)
• Shiva Shakti Ayurveda Yoga School (2 hours, Rs 1500)
• Varkala Beach (2 hours, Free Entry)
• Fort Kochi Beach (2 hours, Free entry)
• Food and souvenirs (Rs 2500)
Total Estimated Costs: Rs 19,670

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you could visit some of the nearby hill stations like Munnar or explore Kovalam, another beautiful beach haven. If you have less time, you could skip the Ernakulam museum and shopping mall. Can extend the houseboat tour by booking an extra day. Finally, try local cuisine and coconut water for the best foodie experience.