In the morning, explore the streets of Fort Kochi, a historic neighborhood that boasts of a mix of Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial architecture. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the nearby Santa Cruz Basilica. After a delicious lunch at one of the numerous cafes, head to the Chinese fishing nets for a unique photo opportunity. In the evening, watch a Kathakali performance at the Kerala Kathakali Centre.
Start your day early and drive up to Munnar, a hill station known for its sprawling tea plantations. Take a tour of a tea factory and learn about the tea-making process. Post-lunch, go on a nature walk in the Eravikulam National Park and spot endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat species. Before retiring for the day, visit the Pothamedu viewpoint to catch a beautiful sunset.
Drive to Thekkady and take a boat ride on Periyar Lake that runs through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spot exotic birds and animals like elephants, tigers, and gaurs. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation and learn about the different spices used in Indian cuisine. Go for a short trek in the serene surrounding hills.
Start your morning with a houseboat ride in Alleppey, the Venice of the East. Admire the scenic backwaters while enjoying a traditional Kerala breakfast. After the houseboat ride, visit the Alleppey Beach and spend some time soaking in the sun. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate your mind and body.
Other must-visit attractions in Kerala include the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, the Athirapally Waterfalls, and the Kovalam Beach. If you have a couple of extra days, consider taking a side trip to Wayanad, known for its wildlife sanctuaries and coffee plantations. To maximize your fun, try out some of the authentic local foods like appam and stew, puttu and kadala curry, and seafood delicacies like karimeen pollichathu. Don't forget to shop for souvenirs like spices, handicrafts, and sarees at the local markets.
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