Flight
If flying in from US, you would probably need one stop if flying to Cochin. Middle eastern airlines (Qatar and Emirates) would likely be the best Option. If flying into any of the other major cities like Delhi (IGI) then Turkish or European airlines could be a cheaper option. You can then connect to Cochin through any of the Indian domestic airlines ( Indigo or Air India)
Travel Note
1. Since it is a very long flight, many traveling to India break their journey by spending a few days in Istanbul ( Turkish Airline) or Dubai (Emirates) and then head to India. 2.If planning to visit any other city, choosing multicity with the same airline might be the best option. 3. Major cities like Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai are very well connected to neighboring countries like Maldives, Thailand, Indonesia etc
Travel Note
There are plenty of things to do in Kerala Itself for a week. This involves visiting a hill station (town at elevation) and so break from the heat Friday evening leave Houston Day 1 (Sun): Land in Cochin (early AM); Head to backwaters; stay in House boat Day 2 (Mon): Drive up to Thekkady/Munnar Day 3 (Tuesday): Explore nature/Town/tea plantation Day 4 (Wednesday) : Head back to Cochin Day 5 (Thursday) : Explore Fort Kochi Day 6 (Friday) pm : Madhuram Veppu Day 7 ( Sat) : Wedding Day 8 (Sun): Get Ayurveda massage during the day and Fly out of Cochin late night or Mon Early Morning Mon afternoon Arrive back in US
Travel Note
Friday evening leave Houston Day 1 (Sun): Land in Delhi (early AM); Explore local Market/Food Day 2 (Mon): Taj Mahal day Trip Day 3 (Tuesday):Travel to Cochin (2/3 hr flight ) Spend night in House Boat Day 4 (Wednesday) : Back to Cochin (1/1.5 hr car ride) Day 5 (Thursday) : Explore Fort Kochi Day 6 (Friday) pm : Madhuram Veppu Day 7 ( Sat) : Wedding Day 8 (Sun): Get Ayurveda massage during the day and Fly out of Cochin late night or Mon Early Morning Mon afternoon Arrive back in US