Kerala, a tropical paradise located on the southwestern coast of India, is known for its lush greenery, serene backwaters, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Nicknamed "God's Own Country," Kerala offers a unique blend of natural beauty, traditional culture, and modern luxury, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
Highlights
1. Backwaters & Houseboats
Alleppey (Alappuzha) : Famous for its intricate network of canals, rivers, and lakes, Alleppey is best explored by traditional houseboats, offering a peaceful cruise through paddy fields, coconut groves, and quaint villages.
Kumarakom : A quieter backwater destination known for luxury resorts and bird sanctuaries, offering equally stunning backwater experiences.
2. Hill Stations
Munnar : Located in the Western Ghats, Munnar is a hill station known for its expansive tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and pleasant climate. It is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, with attractions like the Eravikulam National Park and Mattupetty Dam.
Wayanad : A lesser-known hill station, Wayanad is perfect for trekking, wildlife safaris, and exploring coffee plantations, waterfalls, and caves.
3. Wildlife and Nature
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady) : One of India’s most famous wildlife reserves, Periyar offers boat rides through its lake, where visitors can spot elephants, bison, deer, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Silent Valley National Park : A protected rainforest home to endangered species and incredible biodiversity.
4. Beaches
Kovalam : A crescent-shaped beach known for its calm waters, luxury resorts, and beachside activities. Kovalam is famous for its lighthouse and Ayurvedic wellness centers.
Varkala : A cliffside beach with a unique setting, offering stunning sunset views, natural springs, and spiritual centers.
Marari Beach : A quiet and pristine beach near Alleppey, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
5. Ayurveda & Wellness
Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda , the ancient system of holistic medicine. Visitors can indulge in therapeutic massages, detox programs, and wellness retreats in luxury Ayurvedic resorts, especially in Kovalam, Varkala, and Thekkady.
6. Cultural Experiences
Kathakali & Theyyam : Kerala’s traditional performing arts like Kathakali , a classical dance-drama, and Theyyam , a ritualistic folk performance, offer a glimpse into the state’s deep cultural roots.
Onam Festival : The harvest festival celebrated with grandeur, showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through traditional dance, music, and the famous Vallamkali (Snake Boat Races) .
7. Cuisine
Kerala’s cuisine is rich in flavors and influenced by its tropical landscape:
Appam with Stew : A popular breakfast dish.
Puttu and Kadala Curry : A favorite among locals.
Seafood : Kerala is famous for fresh seafood dishes like Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot fish), Prawn Curry, and Meen Moilee.
Banana Chips and Kerala Sadhya : Traditional meal served on a banana leaf with over 20 dishes during festivals.
8. Spices & Plantations
Kerala is known as the Spice Garden of India , producing a wide range of spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and clove. Spice plantations in Thekkady offer guided tours, allowing visitors to learn about the cultivation of these aromatic crops.
Tour Plan
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Arrival in Cochin (Kochi)
Arrival at Cochin International Airport.
Transfer to the hotel, check-in, and relax.
In the afternoon, explore Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Mattancherry Palace.
Overnight stay in Cochin.
Cochin – Munnar (Approx. 4 hours drive)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Munnar, a hill station known for tea plantations and scenic beauty.
En route, visit Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls.
Check-in at the hotel in Munnar.
Overnight stay in Munnar.
Munnar Sightseeing
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Eravikulam National Park (home to the Nilgiri Tahr), Mattupetty Dam, and Tea Museum.
Explore Echo Point and Kundala Lake.
Evening leisure time to walk around tea gardens.
Overnight stay in Munnar.
Munnar – Thekkady (Approx. 3.5 hours drive)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Thekkady, known for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Check-in at the hotel.
Afternoon boat cruise on Periyar Lake to spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and bison.
Evening visit to a spice plantation or explore the local market.
Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Thekkady – Alleppey (Approx. 4 hours drive)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Alleppey, the hub of Kerala’s famous backwaters.
Check-in to a houseboat for a unique overnight experience.
Enjoy cruising through the serene backwaters, passing through villages, paddy fields, and coconut groves.
All meals served on the houseboat.
Overnight stay on the houseboat.
Alleppey – Kovalam (Approx. 4.5 hours drive)
Breakfast on the houseboat and disembark.
Drive to Kovalam, a beach destination known for its serene shores.
Check-in at the hotel and enjoy the day at the beach.
Relax or explore the local markets and cafes.
Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Kovalam – Trivandrum Departure
Breakfast at the hotel.
Optional morning visit to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple or Napier Museum.
Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for departure.
Inclusion
6 nights' accommodation (2 nights in Munnar, 1 night in Thekkady, 1 night in Alleppey houseboat, 2 nights in Kovalam).
Daily breakfast at hotels and all meals on the houseboat.
Transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
Sightseeing as per the itinerary.
Boat ride at Periyar Lake in Thekkady.
Backwater cruise in Alleppey on a private houseboat.
Entrance fees to all mentioned attractions.
English-speaking driver/guide.
All applicable taxes.
Exclusion
International/domestic airfare.
Travel insurance.
Any visa fees (if applicable).
Meals not mentioned in the inclusions.
Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, tips, and phone calls.
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary (such as Ayurvedic treatments, Kathakali shows).
Gratuities for drivers and guides.
Any other expenses not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
