7-day route
- Day 1-2: Kochi: Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, Jew Town, a Kathakali show.
- Day 3-4: Munnar (about 4 hours): tea estates, Eravikulam, Top Station.
- Day 5: Alleppey (about 4-5 hours): overnight houseboat.
- Day 6-7: Varkala (about 3 hours): cliffs, beach and Ayurveda. Fly out of Thiruvananthapuram.
Swaps and add-ons
- Thekkady (Periyar) for spice plantations and wildlife between Munnar and Alleppey.
- Kumarakom instead of Alleppey for quieter backwaters.
- Wayanad in the north for forests and tree houses.
When to go
September to March is ideal; the monsoon (June to August) is lush, quiet and the classic time for Ayurvedic treatments.
