Kick off your relaxation trip in Kochi, a coastal city in Kerala known for its serene backwaters, beaches, and historic sites. Start your day with a relaxing early morning stroll at the scenic Fort Kochi Beach, a tranquil beach with the beautiful Chinese fishing nets as its backdrop. Afterwards, visit the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, before heading to the Paradesi Synagogue, a historic Jewish synagogue that dates back to the 16th century. For lunch, enjoy local cuisine at the popular Bharathissery Restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring the serene backwaters through a houseboat cruise or visit the Mattancherry Palace, known for its Kerala murals and royal artefacts.
Start your day early for a relaxing drive to Mahabalipuram, a small town in Tamil Nadu known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites. Begin your sightseeing with an early morning visit to the Shore Temple, a beautiful 8th-century temple carved out of granite stones. Afterwards, visit the Pancha Rathas, five monumentally carved monolith rock temples, and stroll around Arjuna's Penance, a giant relief sculpture that dates back to the 7th century. For lunch, relish the local cuisine at Mahabalipuram Kitchen before driving to the Dakshinachitra Museum, a recreated South Indian village showcasing traditional arts, crafts, and architecture. End your day with a relaxing sunset at the Mahabalipuram Beach.
On your final day, drive to Pondicherry, a coastal town that was formerly a French colony. Start your day with a visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community that promotes yoga and meditation. Afterwards, visit the Pondicherry Museum, an eclectic collection of colonial-era artefacts, sculptures, and archaeological findings. For lunch, visit the popular Le Dupleix, a French-Indian fusion restaurant housed in a restored 18th-century mansion. Spend the evening at the Promenade Beach, a bustling beachfront with a scenic view of the Bay of Bengal. End your trip with a visit to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a stunning church known for its Gothic architecture and stained glass.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Chettinad Palace in Tamil Nadu, a stunning mansion that showcases the traditional Chettinad architecture. Alternatively, you can take a detour to the Munnar Tea Plantations in Kerala for a relaxing tea-tasting and scenic hiking. If you have less time, skip the Dakshinachitra Museum and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Pondicherry, as they can be time-consuming and may not be of interest to everyone. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and carry sunscreen and bug spray for a comfortable trip.