Kerala Holidays with Taj

Arrive at Cochin International Airport or railway station, where you will be met and transferred to the hotel. After check-in and some time to refresh, begin exploring the historic quarters of Kochi. The city developed through centuries of maritime trade, and its older neighbourhoods still reflect influences left by different trading communities and colonial powers.

Proceed to Fort Kochi and visit St. Francis Church, one of the area's important historic landmarks. Continue towards the waterfront to see the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, whose large cantilevered structures remain closely associated with Kochi's coastal identity. Walk through the surrounding heritage streets, where old buildings and narrow lanes create a very different atmosphere from modern Ernakulam.

Continue towards Mattancherry and visit Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), subject to its opening schedule. Walk through Jew Town and visit the historic Paradesi Synagogue when open to visitors. Spend some time around the old spice-trading streets before returning to the hotel. Overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast, check out and drive towards Kumarakom, leaving the urban surroundings of Cochin for Kerala's quieter backwater region. The road passes through towns, villages, coconut groves and low-lying countryside before reaching the shores of Vembanad Lake, the vast body of water around which Kumarakom's landscape and local life have developed.

On arrival, check into the hotel or resort and spend some time appreciating the surroundings of Vembanad Lake. Traditional boats, fishing activity, canals, palms and wetland vegetation give Kumarakom a distinctly slower rhythm. Depending on the confirmed programme, an optional or pre-arranged backwater cruise can be enjoyed to see more of the waterways from the water.

Later, visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, subject to opening arrangements and seasonal conditions. Walk through accessible sections of this wetland environment, where resident and migratory birds may be observed at different times of year. As this is a natural habitat, particular bird sightings cannot be guaranteed. Return to the resort and spend the evening beside the lake. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the backwater surroundings before checking out and beginning the journey south towards Varkala. The drive connects Kerala's inland waterways with its Arabian Sea coast, passing through densely green countryside, settlements and coconut-growing areas along the way.

Arrive in Varkala and check into the hotel. Later, head towards Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach, where the coastline is distinguished by dramatic laterite cliffs overlooking the sea. Walk along the cliff area and enjoy the elevated coastal views before descending towards the beach where conditions and access permit.

Spend time around the sacred surroundings of Janardhana Swamy Temple, subject to applicable entry rules, and see the nearby coastal character of Varkala. The late afternoon is particularly pleasant for a cliffside walk as the light changes over the Arabian Sea. Return to the hotel after the visit and enjoy a relaxed evening. Overnight stay in Varkala.

After breakfast, check out and travel south towards Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). The relatively manageable distance allows time for sightseeing after arrival. Check into the hotel and then begin exploring the cultural and historic landmarks of Kerala's state capital.

Visit the surroundings of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of Trivandrum's most important religious landmarks. The temple has specific entry and dress regulations, and access to inner areas is restricted according to prevailing religious rules. Even where entry is not possible, the surrounding historic precinct and monumental gateway remain significant parts of the city's identity.

Continue to the Napier Museum, known for its distinctive architecture and collections, and visit the nearby Sri Chitra Art Gallery, subject to their opening days and hours. Depending on the available time, additional city sightseeing can be arranged around important public and heritage areas. Return to the hotel after the day's programme. Overnight stay in Trivandrum.

After breakfast, leave Trivandrum for the short journey to Kovalam, one of Kerala's established beach destinations. On arrival, check into the hotel or resort and take some time to settle in. Unlike the sightseeing-oriented previous day, the programme now slows down to allow more time beside the Arabian Sea.

Visit Lighthouse Beach, the best-known stretch of Kovalam's coastline, distinguished by the prominent Vizhinjam Lighthouse overlooking the shore. Spend time walking along the beachfront and viewing the surrounding headlands. Access to the lighthouse itself is subject to its official visiting hours and local operating conditions.

The remainder of the afternoon can be spent around Kovalam Beach, relaxing at the resort or exploring the nearby coastal area. Swimming should only be considered when sea conditions are suitable and local safety guidance permits it. Enjoy the final evening of the holiday beside the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the morning at leisure according to the departure schedule. Travellers with a later flight or train can take a final walk along Kovalam Beach or enjoy some additional time at the resort before completing check-out formalities.

At the appropriate time, meet your driver and leave Kovalam for Trivandrum International Airport or railway station. The drive brings the journey back to Kerala's capital after a route that has connected Cochin's historic port, the inland backwaters of Kumarakom, Varkala's cliff-lined coastline and Kovalam's beaches.

Arrive at the airport or railway station with suitable time for onward travel formalities. The six-day Kerala journey concludes after visits to Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Varkala Beach, Trivandrum's major landmarks and Lighthouse Beach at Kovalam.