Begin your trip with a backwater cruise experience in Alappuzha. Enjoy the serene beauty of the backwaters while cruising through the water canals. Witness exotic birds, vegetation, and aquatic life in their natural habitat. You can also visit the Church of St. Mary, a 16th century Catholic church which is located on the banks of the backwaters. Post-Lunch, head towards Alleppey Beach, the perfect place to relax and unwind. The beach has numerous eateries and shacks that serve authentic sea-food and drinks.
Visit Vembanad Lake, India's longest and largest lake famous for its scenic backwaters, and take a boat ride to explore the bird sanctuary on the nearby island. After the boat ride, take a day trip to Fort Kochi, a historic town that boasts colonial-era architecture, quaint Chinese fishing nets, and Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Visit the Jewish Synagogue, the St. Francis Church, known to be the oldest European church in India and the Dutch Palace Museum that houses numerous art and artifacts from the colonial era.
Visit the ancient Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, and famous for its mouth-watering payasam, a sweet porridge-like dish made of rice and milk, which is served as a token of blessing to the devotees. Once you have visited the temple, head towards the pristine Marari Beach which is known for its shallow and calm waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Take a stroll through the quaint fishing villages, visit ancient temples and churches, and indulge in some yoga and Ayurvedic massages at the nearby resorts.
Start your day with a visit to the Pathiramanal Island, a gorgeous island in the Vembanad Lake, famous for its bio-diversity and scenic beauty. Enjoy various water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, or take a leisurely walk and enjoy the picturesque view of the lake. Next, head towards the Thottapally Beach, a pristine and less crowded beach known for its golden sand, clear waters, and tranquil surroundings. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun, and enjoying various watersports like parasailing, motor boating, and skiing.
If you have more time, you can explore nearby temples like the Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, a unique temple dedicated to the serpent gods and the Chettikulangara Devi Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali. You can also explore the coir industry and witness local craftsman make various items out of coconut fibers. If you have less time, skip the Thottapally Beach, and spend more time at Marari Beach or Pathiramanal Island.