8 days in Kerala Itinerary

A flourishing port city and magnet for the spice trade since the 15th century, Kochi (Cochin) proudly bears its distinct international influence and local Keralan culture.

On the 21st (Mon), buy something for everyone on your list at LuLu Mall, then admire the masterpieces at Kerala Folklore Museum, and then gain insight at Kerala Kathakali Centre. On the 22nd (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: wander the streets of Jew Town, make a trip to Chinese Fishing Nets, explore the world behind art at Gallery OED Cochin., then look for gifts at Joe Ikareth, then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and finally explore the galleries of Durbar Hall Art Gallery.

To see ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Kochi (Cochin) tour itinerary planning website.

Surat to Kochi (Cochin) is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Surat in December: high temperatures in Kochi (Cochin) hover around 37°C and lows are around 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Tue) early enough to go by car to Alappuzha.

Affectionately known as Alleppey to locals and tourists alike, Alappuzha acts as a major transport and cultural hub on the Kerala backwaters.

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Wed): enjoy the sand and surf at Alappuzha Beach, then stroll through Marari Beach, and then stroll through Mararikulam Beach.

To see traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, read Alappuzha trip app.

Traveling by car from Kochi (Cochin) to Alappuzha takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Alappuzha can reach 37°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Wed) so you can drive to Thekkady.

Centered on an artificial lake, Thekkady provides a sanctuary to a diverse set of animals and plant species.

On the 24th (Thu), identify plant and animal life at Periyar Tiger Reserve, then contemplate the waterfront views at Periyar Lake, then pause for some serene contemplation at Our Lady of Lourde's Roman Catholic Latin Church, and finally admire the natural beauty at Abraham's Spice Garden. On the 25th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: examine the collection at Angadipetty -Kerala Ayurveda Museum, look for all kinds of wild species at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, then indulge in some personalized pampering at Ayur Sparsh, and finally take in nature's colorful creations at Green Park Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Thekkady trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Alappuzha to Thekkady takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Fri) early enough to drive to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).

Situated among a collection of low hills that lead up to the coastline, state capital Thiruvananthapuram acts as a base for exploration of the southern tip of the country.

Shop till you drop at Asparagus and The Art of India. Get in touch with nature at Kovalam Beach and Lighthouse Beach. Change things up with these side-trips from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum): Varkala Town (Varkala Beach & Spas) and Kovalam Avaduthura Devi Temple (in Kovalam). There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, examine the collection at Puthenmalika (Kuthiramalika) Palace, hunt for treasures at Chalai Bazaar, and kick back and relax at Shanghumukham Beach.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) trip planner.

Traveling by car from Thekkady to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and flight; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.