Munnar Tea Hills, Alleppey Houseboat and Fort Kochi

Roadside falls that tumble down in steps. Quick photo stop, with no walking.

A tall waterfall you see from the road, fullest after the rains. Keep food away from the monkeys.

See how tea goes from leaf to cup, with a short film and tasting. It shuts at 4 PM and stays closed on Mondays.

A forest bus takes you up to the grassy hills where the shy Nilgiri tahr live. Entry is included. Closed in February and March.

A calm reservoir ringed by tea slopes. Boating is extra and paid there.

Shout across the valley and listen for the echo. Short, easy walk.

A quiet lake on the Top Station road. Shikara rides are extra.

The highest point on the road, with a wide view over the Tamil Nadu plains. Clearest before the afternoon mist.

Welcome drink and lunch on board. The car and driver wait at the jetty overnight.

Paddy fields below water level, coconut groves and village churches. Cruising stops by about 5:30 PM as per Kerala rules.

A pastel Gothic church with a painted ceiling. Free entry. Shoulders and knees covered, and visits pause during Mass.

A flat walk through Princess Street and Vasco da Gama Square to the Dutch Cemetery, with old colonial buildings on the way.

Watch the giant cantilevered nets go up and down near sunset, then walk to the church where Vasco da Gama was first buried.

Dutch Palace murals, old spice warehouses and antique shops. The palace is closed on Fridays. The synagogue is closed on Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Jewish holidays.