Kerala Coastal Paradise

You'll land in Trivandrum and get picked up straight away for the short drive to Kovalam. Once you've checked in and settled, there's not much on the agenda except the beach - walk along the shore, get in the water if you're up for it, or just sit back and watch the waves for a while. As evening comes in, head up to the lighthouse point for one of the better sunsets you'll see on this coast. Overnight in Kovalam.

Morning's for Poovar, about half an hour from Kovalam, where you'll board a boat for a cruise through narrow backwater canals lined with mangroves. It's quieter and less crowded than Alleppey, which is part of the appeal. Back in Kovalam by afternoon, there's an Ayurvedic massage session booked in - a proper one, not the tourist-shortcut version, done the traditional way. Spend the rest of the evening however you like; the beach is right there if you want it again. Overnight in Kovalam.

After breakfast and a relaxed check-out, you'll be transferred back to Trivandrum International Airport. Two nights isn't long, but between the beach, the backwaters, and a proper Ayurvedic session, it's enough to actually feel like you got a real piece of Kerala's coast.