Central & Southern Charms (10 Days / 9 Nights)

This itinerary is comprehensive but well-paced and relatively relaxed. By focusing on 5 key regions (Kochi, Munnar, Kumily, Kumarakom, Varkala) over 10 days, it allows for two-night stays in the main destinations (Munnar, Kumarakom, Varkala), minimizing the “pack-and-go” feeling.

This is a logistically efficient “one-way” itinerary. It allows you to travel south through Kerala’s central and southern highlights without any backtracking, maximizing your sightseeing time and ending your trip at a different international airport (TRV) for a convenient departure.

This is a great question. While both are on the backwaters, Alleppey is famous for its narrow canals and overnight houseboats. Kumarakom, where you will be staying, is known for its wide-open lake views, luxury resorts, and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. This itinerary focuses on a more relaxed backwater resort experience rather than an overnight cruise.

No. This itinerary is built around a more luxurious backwater resort stay in Kumarakom. It includes a day cruise (on a houseboat or traditional shikara boat) to explore the Vembanad Lake and its canals, allowing you to return to the full comfort and amenities of your resort in the evening.

You will need to pack for two distinct climates. For the highlands (Munnar and Kumily/Thekkady), pack layers, a light sweater, or a jacket, as mornings and evenings will be cool. For the coastal and lowland areas (Kochi, Kumarakom, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram), pack light, breathable summer clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat.

A moderate fitness level is sufficient. Most activities involve light walking (Fort Kochi sightseeing, spice plantation tours). The only potentially strenuous part is at Varkala, where you must walk down a flight of steep steps on the cliff to access the main beach.

Yes. The visit to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram (Day 9) has a very strict dress code. Men must wear a mundu (a white dhoti, which can be rented or bought) and must not wear a shirt (bare-chested). Women must wear a sari or a long skirt and blouse. Pants, shorts, and other non-traditional clothing are not allowed inside the inner sanctum.

The drives are part of the scenic experience. Approximate travel times are:

• Kochi to Munnar: 4-5 hours (scenic, winding hill drive)
• Munnar to Kumily: ~4 hours (through tea and spice plantations)
• Kumily to Kumarakom: ~4 hours (driving down from the hills)
• Kumarakom to Varkala: ~3.5-4 hours (coastal drive)