Start your trip in the captivating city of Kochi. In the morning, explore Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood with colonial architecture. Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, a unique sight along the waterfront, and the St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. For lunch, enjoy local Kerala cuisine at a restaurant like Dal Roti. In the afternoon, take a traditional tuk-tuk ride to Jew Town and browse the shops for antiques and spices. In the evening, catch a Kathakali dance performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.
Begin your day in Kozhikode, known for its rich history and trade connections. Start with a visit to the Kozhikode Beach, where you can relax and take a stroll along the beautiful coastline. In the afternoon, explore the Mananchira Square, a centrally located park surrounded by important landmarks like the Commonwealth Trust, the Town Hall, and the Central Library. For dinner, try the authentic Malabar Biryani at Paragon Restaurant. End the day with a walk through the bustling SM Street, a popular shopping destination.
On this day, you'll explore the charming city of Thrissur. Begin your morning with a visit to the Vadakkunnathan Temple, a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire the beautiful architecture and witness the morning rituals. In the afternoon, head to the Thrissur Zoo and learn about the diverse wildlife of Kerala. For the evening, immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Kerala by watching a Kathakali performance at the Kerala Kalamandalam.
Head to the enchanting hill station of Munnar for breathtaking natural beauty. In the morning, visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and surrounded by rolling hills. Take a scenic drive to the Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a boat ride on the serene reservoir. In the afternoon, explore the aromatic tea plantations and visit a tea museum to learn about the tea production process. End the day with a visit to the Tea Gardens viewpoint for stunning sunset views.
Discover the backwaters of Alleppey, a unique experience in Kerala. Start your day with a relaxing houseboat cruise, drifting through the serene canals, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch on the houseboat. In the afternoon, explore the small villages along the backwaters, and if time permits, visit the Krishnapuram Palace, known for its mural paintings. In the evening, witness a spectacular sunset over the backwaters.
Conclude your Kerala journey in the vibrant city of Thiruvananthapuram. Begin your morning with a visit to the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its architectural beauty and religious importance. Explore the Napier Museum, showcasing a rich collection of art and historic artifacts. Indulge in a traditional Kerala Sadhya for lunch at Hotel Ariya Nivaas. In the evening, visit the Kovalam Beach and relax by the Arabian Sea, enjoying the sunset.
When exploring Kerala's cities, there are a few off the beaten path attractions and local favorites worth discovering. In Kochi, explore the unique architecture of the Dutch Palace and visit the quiet and serene beaches of Cherai. In Kozhikode, take a stroll through the serene Kallayi river bank and savor the delectable Malabar snacks. In Thrissur, visit the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi Art Gallery for a dose of local art and culture. In Munnar, venture beyond the tourist spots to the idyllic Lakkam Waterfalls. Finally, in Thiruvananthapuram, explore the Kanakakkunnu Palace gardens and try the delicious Pazham Pori (banana fritters) at a local street vendor.