Visit Alleppey or Kumarakom to experience an amazing stay in a houseboat on the backwaters. Waking up on the water, surrounded by paddy fields and coconut palms, is unlike anything else.

Head to Munnar for endless tea and coffee plantations rolling over misty hills. On the way from Kochi, stop at the Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls — they're right off the road and worth the pause. Once in Munnar, don't miss Mattupetty Dam for kayaking, jet ski, and speed boating, and the Gap Road viewpoint as you leave — one of the most photogenic spots in Kerala.

The Tea Museum is a great quick stop if you're curious about the history of Munnar's plantations. Attukad Waterfalls in the Idukki district is also a must on your way out.

Eravikulam National Park (Munnar): Book tickets online in advance — walk-in queues are long. Note that the park closes in February and March. A bus takes you through the tea estates to a beautiful viewpoint with a trail walk.

Periyar National Park (Thekkady): A 1-hour boat ride around Periyar Lake is the must-do — you might spot elephants, bison, and rare birds. From Munnar, Thekkady is a scenic 3-hour drive through the plantations. Book ahead at periyartigerreserve.org. Camping, trekking, and rafting are also available for those who want more.

Visit Varkala and Kovalam to enjoy the serene beaches of Kerala. Varkala's clifftop beach is particularly stunning at sunset.

Kerala is the home of Ayurveda. On the drive to Munnar, stop at the Vedic Village — you can walk through spice, rubber, and medicinal plant plantations and buy authentic Ayurvedic products directly from the source.

Kerala's cuisine is known for its bold spices and coconut-based curries. Must-tries: appam, puttu, fresh seafood, and a traditional Kerala sadya served on a banana leaf. In Thekkady, the local market near Periyar also has great local produce — spices, tea, coffee, and chocolates at excellent prices.

Kerala is known for Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. For a live show, visit Punarjani in Munnar — they perform Kathakali alongside Kalaripayattu (Kerala's ancient martial art) for around ₹500 per person. Tickets on the spot. The same experience is available in Thekkady if you're passing through there instead.

You can book many good packages for Kerala using Cred, which often has exclusive deals on resorts and houseboat packages.