Kochi, the backwaters and Varkala cliffs

Day 1: Arrive in Kochi (Fort Kochi)

Kochi (Fort Kochi)

• Kathakali performance with make-up session · 2 h. Fort Kochi's cultural centres run a nightly shortened show with an explanation of the gestures; arrive an hour early to watch the elaborate make-up being applied.
• Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura · 2 h. The former Cochin royal palace with crowns, palanquins and a deer park; closed on Mondays.

Local tip: Fort Kochi's cultural centres run a nightly shortened show with an explanation of the gestures; arrive an hour early to watch the elaborate make-up being applied.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Kochi (Fort Kochi)

Kochi (Fort Kochi)

• Fort Kochi heritage walk: fishing nets, St Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica · 2.5 h. Start at the Chinese fishing nets early, when fishermen haul them in; St Francis Church is where Vasco da Gama was first buried. Fishmongers by the nets will cook your pick at nearby stalls.
• Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue · 2.5 h. The palace has some of Kerala's finest Ramayana murals (closed Fridays); the synagogue closes on Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Jew Town's spice warehouses and antique shops fill the lanes between.

Local tip: Start at the Chinese fishing nets early, when fishermen haul them in; St Francis Church is where Vasco da Gama was first buried. Fishmongers by the nets will cook your pick at nearby stalls.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Kochi (Fort Kochi) → Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Alleppey (Alappuzha) · Kochi (Fort Kochi) to Alleppey (Alappuzha), Private car ~1.5h (train ~1.25h)

• Country-canoe tour of the narrow canals · 3 h. Paddled or small motor canoes slip into village canals around Kainakary with breakfast or lunch at a home; quieter than a houseboat.
• Toddy shop lunch (karimeen and kappa) · 1.5 h. Kerala's licensed toddy shops serve some of the spiciest local food; the better ones have family rooms.

Local tip: Paddled or small motor canoes slip into village canals around Kainakary with breakfast or lunch at a home; quieter than a houseboat.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Overnight houseboat cruise on the backwaters

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

• Overnight houseboat cruise on the backwaters · Full day. Boarding is around noon and check-out around 9am; boats cruise until about 5:30pm, then moor. Meals by the onboard cook are included. Check the licence, the route (Kuttanad paddy canals beat the crowded main channel) and AC hours before paying.

Local tip: Boarding is around noon and check-out around 9am; boats cruise until about 5:30pm, then moor. Meals by the onboard cook are included. Check the licence, the route (Kuttanad paddy canals beat the crowded main channel) and AC hours before paying.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Alleppey (Alappuzha) → Varkala

Varkala · Alleppey (Alappuzha) to Varkala, Private car ~2.5–3h (train ~2h)

• North Cliff walk and sunset · 2 h. Cafés line the cliff path above the beach; stairs lead down to the sand. Watch the edge in the dark.
• Cliff-top yoga class · 1.5 h

Local tip: Cafés line the cliff path above the beach; stairs lead down to the sand. Watch the edge in the dark.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Varkala

Varkala

• Kappil lake and beach with a canoe ride · 2.5 h. Where the backwater meets the sea 8 km north of the cliff; quiet and good at sunset.
• Ponnumthuruthu (Golden Island) boat trip · 2 h

Local tip: Where the backwater meets the sea 8 km north of the cliff; quiet and good at sunset.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Explore Varkala

Varkala

• Surf lesson at Varkala · 2 h. Beginner lessons run Oct–Apr; mornings are cleaner before the wind picks up.
• Papanasam beach and Janardanaswamy temple · 2 h. Hindu families perform rites for ancestors on the beach in the morning; give them space. The temple's inner sanctum is for Hindus only.
• Ayurvedic massage · 1.5 h. Pick a centre with a resident doctor and separate therapists for men and women.

Local tip: Beginner lessons run Oct–Apr; mornings are cleaner before the wind picks up.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Depart from Varkala

Varkala

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.