Kerala Backwater and Beach

Day 1: Arrival in Cochin – Cultural Welcome

Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take time to relax after your journey or explore nearby surroundings at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, showcasing Kerala’s classical art form with colorful costumes and expressive storytelling. Cochin introduces you to a rich blend of colonial charm, coastal beauty, and cultural depth. The evening remains free for rest and acclimatization. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 2: Cochin to Munnar (140 km / approx. 4 hrs) – Hill Station Drive

After breakfast, begin a guided exploration of Fort Cochin including Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue, and Mattancherry Palace. Later, drive towards Munnar through scenic routes of waterfalls, spice plantations, and misty hills. On arrival, check into your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, visit a tea estate and witness the tea-making process while enjoying fresh plantation views. The cool climate and green landscapes create a refreshing hill station experience. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 3: Munnar – Tea Gardens & Scenic Valleys

After breakfast, begin a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar. Visit Pothamedu Viewpoint for panoramic valley views, followed by Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point known for its natural acoustics. Continue to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Explore the Tea Museum to understand Munnar’s colonial tea heritage. The day is filled with lush landscapes, rolling hills, and cool mountain air. Evening at leisure amidst serene plantation surroundings. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady (110 km / approx. 3.5 hrs) – Spice Country Journey

After breakfast, drive towards Thekkady through scenic mountain roads and spice plantations. En route, enjoy views of Ramakkalmedu windmills and panoramic valleys. On arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. In the evening, explore the local spice markets or enjoy optional cultural activities. Thekkady introduces you to Kerala’s rich biodiversity and aromatic spice culture. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 5: Thekkady – Wildlife & Spice Plantation Experience

After breakfast, enjoy a boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you may spot elephants, deer, wild boar, and exotic bird species in their natural habitat. The serene lake setting offers a unique jungle experience. Later, visit a spice plantation to learn about cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and coffee cultivation. You may also shop for authentic spices directly from local farms. The day offers a perfect blend of wildlife and cultural discovery. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 6: Thekkady to Alleppey (135 km / approx. 4 hrs) – Houseboat Experience

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters. On arrival, board your traditional Kerala houseboat and begin a magical cruise through narrow canals and lush paddy fields. Watch village life unfold along the waterways where boats are the primary mode of transport. Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine onboard as you glide through serene waters. Sunset views from the deck create a truly unforgettable experience. Dinner and overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 7: Alleppey to Kovalam (200 km / approx. 5 hrs) – Coastal Drive

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive towards Kovalam, Kerala’s most famous beach destination. On arrival, check into your hotel and relax. The rest of the day is free for leisure at the beach. You may walk along the shoreline or simply enjoy the sea breeze. Kovalam offers a perfect coastal retreat with golden sands and palm-lined shores. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 8: Kovalam – Temple & Cultural Exploration

After breakfast, visit the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance. Continue to Napier Museum and Kuthira Malika Palace showcasing Kerala’s royal heritage. Explore Sri Chitra Art Gallery featuring works of Raja Ravi Varma and traditional art collections. Later, enjoy a scenic drive along Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach. The evening is free for relaxation by the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 9: Kovalam – Leisure Day

After breakfast, the entire day is free for personal activities. You may relax at the beach, enjoy Ayurveda therapies, or explore local markets at your own pace. Optional activities such as boating or coastal walks can also be arranged. This day is designed for complete relaxation and rejuvenation. Kovalam’s peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for unwinding. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 10: Kovalam – Departure

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for your onward journey. The tour concludes with unforgettable memories of Kerala’s backwaters, hill stations, wildlife, and beaches. You depart with a refreshing experience of nature, culture, and coastal beauty.

• Meet & assist on arrival and departure
• 9 nights accommodation in selected hotel category
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers & sightseeing
• English-speaking local guides (as per itinerary)
• Houseboat stay with all meals (Alleppey)
• Periyar boat safari with naturalist
• All applicable tolls, parking, and government taxes
• Bottled drinking water during transfers
• All mentioned sightseeing entrances (where applicable)

Hotels used or similar for 9 nights accommodation

Cochin x 1 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 night
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats
4* - ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats
5* - Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons/ Spice Route Premium

Kovalam x 3 nights
3* - Harmonia Beach Resort/ Sagara Beach Resort
4* - Estuary Island Resort/Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
5* - Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove/ The Leela Kovalam Beach

• Airfare (international/domestic)
• Lunch & dinner (except houseboat meals)
• Entry fees not mentioned in inclusions
• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, telephone, beverages)
• Optional activities (Ayurveda, water sports, etc.)
• Travel insurance
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions