We are always thankful that our first experience of travel in India was landing in Kochi for 4 days in Kerala. Four days in Kerala was the perfect amount for us. We planned just the right amount of food, rest, exploration and culture on our Kerala itinerary.
Kerala is a beautifully slower version of India. It makes for a brilliant introduction! From the salt-sprayed colonial streets of Kochi to the misty, canals of the Alleppey backwaters, this strip of South India offers a sensory overload in the best possible way.
This 4-Day Kerala Itinerary is designed to maximise your experience, blending the cultural heritage of the coast with the beauty of the highlands and the iconic tranquillity of the backwaters. So, whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, this guide will help you navigate the very best of 4 Days in Kerala.
Getting There and Getting Around
Kochi and Kerala are well connected internationally and domestically in India.
Arriving in Kochi
If your journey for 4 days in Kerala begins at Cochin International Airport (COK), you are landing at the world’s first fully solar-powered airport. It is exceptionally well-connected to major Indian cities and international hubs.
- From the Airport: Fort Kochi is about 40 km from the airport. A prepaid taxi (fixed rate around ₹1,200–₹1,500) is the most convenient option and takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
- By Train: Ernakulam Junction (South) and Ernakulam Town (North) are the two main railway stations serving the city, connecting Kochi to the rest of India’s vast rail network.
Read more about Travel By Bus In India.
Getting Around in Kerala
It is easy to get around in Kochi and Kerala by public transport. Or you have the option to book a car and driver for your Kerala itinerary – which is what we recommend – even if you book a driver for the daily excursions.
- Within Kochi: Use the iconic Kochi Water Metro or local ferries for a scenic and affordable commute between Ernakulam and Fort Kochi (fares are as low as ₹6–₹40). For short hops on land, auto-rickshaws are plentiful.
- Between Cities: For this 4-days in Kerala itinerary, hiring a private car with a driver is highly recommended. It offers the flexibility to stop at waterfalls and viewpoints that public buses might bypass. Alternatively, KSRTC buses are a budget-friendly way to reach Munnar and Alleppey.
Best Time to Visit Kerala?
October to March offers the most pleasant weather. April and May can be quite hot, and the monsoon (June to September) brings heavy, dramatic rains.
Our 4 Days in Kerala Itinerary
With four days in Kerala there is a lot to see. From the iconic Port Kochi to the vibrant markets and colourful temples, narrowing down your Kerala itinerary can be challenging!
We ended up having four nights as well as four days in Kerala to fully explore.
Here is what we enjoyed most and what we recommend as the best things to do in Kerala, South India.
- Day 1: Arrive in Kochi.
- Day 2: Port Kochi
- Day 3: Mattancherry
- Day 4: Alleppey Backwaters
- Day 5: Departure.
The only thing we would do differently is to take a night to stay in Munnar up in the hills! We have added that into the detailed 4-Days in Kerala Itinerary below.
Complete 4-Days in Kerala Itinerary
Kochi is a great start to your Kerala itinerary. The city is steeped in history and culture. Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese culture all have left their mark. With four days in Kerala, we enjoyed the eclectic and indulgent culture of the South Indian State.
Day 1: Fort Kochi & Mattancherry
Your first day is dedicated to the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Kochi is a historical palimpsest, with layers of Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Chinese influence.
Morning: A Walk Through History
Start your morning in Fort Kochi.
- Chinese Fishing Nets: Witness these massive, cantilevered structures that have lined the shore since the 14th century. Watching the fishermen operate them in perfect synchronization is a hypnotic start to your day.
- St. Francis Church: Visit the oldest European-built church in India, where the explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried.
- Santa Cruz Basilica: Admire the stunning Gothic architecture and the vibrant pastel interiors of this historic cathedral.
- Dhoby Khana: This is a 300-year-old public laundry. We reckon this is one of the most unique things to do in Kochi and Kerala!
Afternoon: The Soul of Mattancherry
A short rickshaw ride takes you to Mattancherry, the heart of the old spice trade.
- Jew Town & Paradesi Synagogue: Wander through the narrow lanes of Jew Town, filled with antique shops and spice warehouses. The Synagogue, built in 1568, is famous for its hand-painted Chinese porcelain tiles and Belgian chandeliers.
- Mattancherry Palace (The Dutch Palace): Don’t let the simple exterior fool you; the Hindu murals inside are some of the finest examples of temple art in India.
Evening: Culture and Sunsets
- Kathakali Performance: Head to the Kerala Kathakali Centre. Arrive early (around 5:00 PM) to watch the performers apply their intricate, colourful makeup—a ritual as fascinating as the dance itself.
- Dinner: Enjoy fresh seafood at an outdoor cafe like Kashi Art Cafe or Old Harbour Hotel.
Day 2: The Tea Gardens of Munnar
On Day 2, leave the coast behind as you drive toward the Western Ghats. The 4-hour journey to Munnar (130 km) is a highlight in itself.
The Scenic Drive
As the road begins to wind upward, the humidity of the coast gives way to the crisp mountain air. This part of India is so different to the bustling chaos and colours of the big cities!
- Waterfalls: Stop at the Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls, which cascade down the rocky cliffs right beside the highway.
- Spice Plantations: Visit a local spice farm en route to see how cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon are grown.
Afternoon: Exploring Tea Country
Once you check into your resort, head into the heart of the tea country.
- Tea Museum (Tata Tea): Learn about the evolution of tea production in Munnar, from the early colonial days to modern-day processing.
- Tea Garden Strolls: Wander through the endless rolling hills of manicured tea bushes. The geometric patterns of the plantations against the backdrop of the rugged mountains are a photographer’s dream.
Evening
Enjoy a quiet evening in the hills. Munnar is best enjoyed slowly. Sip on a cup of freshly brewed Nilgiri tea as the mist rolls over the peaks.
Read our Step-By-Step Guide To Apply For a Tourist e-Visa For India.
Day 3: Munnar to Alleppey Backwaters
After breakfast in the clouds, descend toward Alleppey (Alappuzha), the hub of Kerala’s world-famous backwaters.
The drive takes about 5 hours, transitioning from the green highlands back to the tropical lowlands.
The Houseboat Experience in Alleppey
By around midday, you will reach the jetty to board your Kettuvallam (traditional houseboat). These boats, once used to transport rice, are now luxurious floating villas.
We absolutely loved this experience. It is such a vast contrast to the busy (BUSY) cities of India.
You will spend the afternoon cruising a labyrinth of palm-fringed canals, lagoons, and lakes. Watch village life on the banks—children walking to school, women washing clothes, and fishermen casting their nets from small wooden canoes.
As the sun dips below the horizon, your boat will anchor in the serene Vembanad Lake or a quiet canal, providing an unparalleled sense of peace.
Evening
Your onboard chef will prepare a traditional Keralan feast. Dining on a floating boat in the middle of a silent lagoon is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Day 4: Backwaters and Back to Kochi
On your final day of the 4 Days in Kerala, enjoy the quiet water at dawn before heading back to the mainland. It is a special experience to wake up on board a boat in the backwaters!
Morning
Most houseboats offer a final morning cruise through narrower canals that are particularly beautiful in the soft morning light. After a traditional breakfast, you’ll disembark at the Alleppey jetty.
Afternoon: Alleppey Beach
If you have a late flight or are flying tomorrow, take a detour to Alleppey Beach or visit the Coir Museum to see how coconut husks are transformed into intricate rugs and mats.
Departure
The drive from Alleppey to Cochin International Airport takes approximately 2 to 3 hours (around 85 km). Ensure you leave plenty of time to navigate the traffic as you approach the city.
What to Eat in Kerala
South Indian cuisine is a world away from the heavy creams of the North. In Kerala, the food is a vibrant, mix of coconut, spices, and the freshest local produce.
While we were absolutely hooked on the Masala Dosa, the culinary landscape here goes deep. Do not leave without trying:
The Essentials
- Masala Dosa: A thin, crispy fermented rice and lentil crepe stuffed with a lightly spiced potato filling. Served with a side of cooling coconut chutney and tangy sambar, it’s a masterclass in texture. This was our new fave!
- Appam with Stew: These soft, fermented rice pancakes have pillowy centres and thin, lacy edges. They are the perfect vessel for soaking up a creamy, coconut milk-based stew (choose from vegetable, chicken, or mutton).
- Puttu and Kadala Curry: The quintessential Keralan breakfast. It features cylinders of steamed rice flour layered with grated coconut, paired with a robust, spicy black chickpea curry.
Local Specialties
- Karimeen Pollichathu: A backwater delicacy. Pearl spot fish is marinated in a rich spice paste, wrapped tightly in a banana leaf, and grilled to smoky perfection.
- Malabar Parotta and Beef Fry: A beloved street food staple. The parotta is a flaky, multi-layered flatbread that pairs flawlessly with Beef Ularthiyathu—beef slow-roasted with coconut slivers and curry leaves.
- Kerala Sadya: The ultimate culinary experience. This traditional vegetarian feast is served on a banana leaf and can feature over 20 different dishes, including Sambar, Avial (a coconut-vegetable medley), and various Thorans (stir-fries).
Always look for small, local ‘toddy shops’ or family-run eateries for the most authentic flavours—that’s where the real magic happens. 🙂
Accommodation: Where to Stay in India
Pigeons aside (Ajmer) there are some great places to stay in India.
Where We Stay in Delhi
- New Delhi Airport – Mid-Range: Taurus Sarovar Portico
Beautiful hotel only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport. A great first stop arriving in India with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite. - Delhi – Budget: Hotel Hari Piorko
Good location in the heart of the Main Bazaar, Delhi. Close to restaurants and train station. No view from rooms. - Delhi – Budget: Smyle Inn
Extremely basic hotel in small back alley. Very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar.
Where to Stay in Kochi and Kerala
Kochi offers everything from backpacker hostels to ultra-luxury heritage hotels. Generally, you want to stay in Fort Kochi for the atmosphere and history.
We actually stayed the first nights on the other side of town though wished (in hindsight) that we had booked half of our stay in the Fort Kochi district! Our hotel, Abad Plaza was great and literally right next door to a shopping mall. It turned out to be an ideal arrival in India spot to land.
Where To Stay in Kochi (Fort Kochi)
- Luxury: Brunton Boatyard or Old Harbour Hotel – Stately heritage properties that feel like a step back in time.
- Boutique: Forte Kochi or The Malabar House – Art-focused stays with exceptional service.
- Budget/Homestay: Zostel Kochi or Ginger Kochi, MG Road – Known for affordable rates, clean rooms, and a central location.
Munnar
- Luxury: The Panoramic Getaway or Viceroy Luxury Mountain Resort – Stunning views of the tea valleys.
- Boutique/Nature: Kurinji Wanderlust Resort – Immersive nature experiences away from the town’s hustle.
- Budget: Munnar Tea Estate Cottage – Simple, clean, and surrounded by greenery.
Alleppey
- Houseboats: Look for ‘Gold Star’ or ‘Green Palm’ certified operators like Spice Coast Cruises (CGH Earth) or Xandari Riverscapes for high standards of safety and sustainability.
- On Land: If you prefer to stay on terra firma, Marari Beach Resort (a short drive away) offers luxury eco-villas by the sea.
Enjoy (at Least) 4 Days in Kerala
Four days in Kerala is just enough to fall in love with its rhythm. It is a beautiful part of India and a great choice for an introduction to this incredible subcontinent.
You’ll leave with a camera full of photos! 🙂
Travel Planning for India & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Tailored travel insurance (including for those who have already left home): Make sure you have good travel insurance before traveling to India!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
