Explore the historic Kochi Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through the streets lined with Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture and visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. Witness the amazing Chinese fishing nets in action and visit the interesting museums of the town.
Spend the day at the pristine Varkala Beach renowned for its natural springs, mineral-rich black sand and stunning sunset views. Take a dip, go surfing or parasailing and taste delicious local seafood. Take a stroll around the cliff and explore the shops selling Indian handicrafts, books, and souvenirs.
Visit the lush and beautiful Periyar National Park known for its diverse wildlife and elephant herds. Take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake, go trekking and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Attend a traditional Kathakali dance performance in the evening.
Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary spread across 14 acres of lush greenery and wetlands. Spot hundreds of birds such as Siberian cranes, egrets, and kingfishers on a serene boat ride through the mangroves. Take a relaxing Ayurveda massage and end the day with a rich Kerala cuisine dinner.
End the trip with the amazing Athirapally Waterfalls in Thrissur district. Relax at the base of the falls or trek to the top of the Sholayar forest range. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Chalakudy River and take a walk through the tea gardens.
If you have more time, consider taking a houseboat ride across the backwaters of Alleppey or explore the spice plantations in Munnar. You can also visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram or the beaches of Kovalam. If you have less time, prioritize the locations according to your interest and add more time in Kochi, as it's near the airport. Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June-August) as it rains heavily in Kerala.