Waquar Habib
Kerala is home to palm-fringed beaches, tea-clad hills, and serene backwaters. This state boasts diverse art forms, classical dance, ancient Ayurvedic traditions, authentic South Indian cuisine, wildlife sanctuaries, and colorful festivals. Kerala is a haven for those seeking natural beauty and cultural exploration.
Upon arrival in Kochi, known for its backwaters, a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes along the Arabian sea coast. Check into your accommodation and take some time to relax and freshen up after your journey.
Explore the historic Fort Kochi area, take a walk along the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, and enjoy traditional Kerala cuisine at a local restaurant for lunch.
Explore Jew Town and Mattancherry. Later, visit the Jewish Synagogue and the Mattancherry Palace. Enjoy the evening at Fort Kochi beach, strolling and watching the sun go down.
Travel to Munnar, which is just a four-hour drive away from Kochi. The place is most famous for Neelakurinji, a rare plant that flowers only once every twelve years. Check into your accommodation and get ready to begin your day.
Visit the Tea Gardens and learn about the tea-making process. The place is heaven for both nature photographers and tea lovers. Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Explore Eravikulam National Park and enjoy the local markets in Munnar. End your day with a relaxing evening in the serene surroundings.
Head to the lofty Pothamedu Viewpoint for scenic panoramas of the valley. The place is easily accessible and is a tourist hotspot. Have breakfast at a local cafe.
Visit the Attukal Waterfalls, just 6 km from Pothamedu Viewpoint. You will find multiple waterfalls cascading amid rolling hills. Hit on a hiking trail and roam about late until lunch.
Head to the Mattupetty Dam located in Idukki distict. The dam is built in the mountains and attracts elephants and other animals. You can enjoy paddle boating at this site.
Travel to Alleppey, the Venice of the North, famous for its boat races, beaches, and coir industry, which is only 4 hours away. Check into a houseboat for a backwater cruise.
Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch on the houseboat and head for the Alappuzha Beach where you can enjoy at the 150 years old pier that stretches into the sea. The beach holds many festivals like the Sand Art Festival and the Alappuzha Beach Festival.
Walk up to the Alappuzha Light House, built in 1862, the oldest lighthouse on India's southwest coast. Later, relax on the houseboat and take in the picturesque views of the backwaters.
Head to Kumarakom, about 1.5 hours of a ride from Alleppey. The place is famous for backwater tourism, beautiful houseboats, and rare birds. Check in your accomodation and ready yourself for the day of exploration ahead.
Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which sits by the banks of Vembanad Lake and houses migratory birds. You many spot waterfowl, cuckoo, owls, ducks, Siberian Cranes, teal, kingfishers, and Indian darters, among others.
Enjoy a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake. The lake is considered the largest freshwater lake in Kerala and the longest lake in India. It is a great destination for bird watching, boating, and sailing.
Travel to Kovalam, a small coastal town and seaside resort just 4-5 hours away from Kumarakom. Check into your beachside accommodation and get ready for the day.
Enjoy the serene Kovalam Beach, known for its lighthouse, beach umbrellas, and seaside dining options. Ascend the lighthouse for stunning views and savour a delicious lunch at one of the beachside restaurants.
Visit the Aazhimala Shiva Temple, known for its ornate Hindu architecture and annual festivals. Later, explore the local markets and indulge in some shopping.
Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, one of the wealthiest temples in India dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is famous for its beauty and grandeur. Later, explore the Napier Museum and Art Gallery.
Explore the Kanakakkunnu Palace, India's first digital garden in Thiruvananthapuram near the Napier Museum. It was created by Akhilesh S. V. Nair and A. Gangaprasad from the University of Kerala's Department of Botany.
Visit the Kuthira Malika (Puthen Malika) Palace, built by Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma on the south-eastern side of Padmanabhaswamy temple. Later, explore the local markets for souvenirs.