Kerala – Gods Own Country

Day 1: Welcome to the Gateway – Arrival in Kochi Your Kerala story begins in Kochi, a city that wears its history on its sleeve. Upon your arrival, The Kangaroo Travels team will be there to greet you and whisk you away to your hotel. Kochi is a beautiful blend of old-world spice trading charm and modern coastal life—often called the “Gateway to Kerala” for its vibrant energy. Once you’ve checked in and freshened up, enjoy a quiet dinner at the hotel. It’s the perfect time to settle in and soak up the tropical breeze before the adventure truly kicks off.

• Meals: Dinner

• Stay: Kochi

After breakfast this morning, we’ll check out from the hotel and begin our drive to Munnar. Once the preferred summer retreat of the British, Munnar has grown into one of Kerala’s most loved hill stations. It’s a beautiful drive where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Cardamom hills and the endless greenery of the tea plantations.

As we get closer to Munnar town, we will stop for photos at the Attukad Waterfalls and the Pothamedu Viewpoint.

Upon reaching Munnar, we’ll visit the Tata Tea Museum, a must-see spot in the area. The museum houses unique exhibits, including the ‘Rotorvane’—a traditional tea roller used in processing CTC tea. For tea enthusiasts, the best part is getting a hands-on experience with leaf plucking and tasting various local tea blends.

• Museum Timings: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Open all days; Closed on Mondays)

• Entry Fees: INR 75 per adult / INR 35 per child

Later, we will check into the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the resort surroundings.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Munnar.

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll head out for a full day of sightseeing, taking in the very best landscapes and wildlife that Munnar has to offer.

Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai) Located in the Kannan Devan hills, this park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. We’ll visit the Rajamalai region, the designated tourism zone of the park, where you can catch a glimpse of these exotic mountain goats. The park spans 97 sq. km of lush forest.

• Timings: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Entry Fee: INR 125 (Adult), INR 95 (Child), INR 420 (Foreign Nationals).

• Note: We recommend booking online in advance. The park is closed every February and March for the Nilgiri Tahr calving season.

Kundala Lake Experience the serenity of Asia’s first arch dam. Kundala Lake is famous for its Shikara boat rides and peaceful beauty. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the rare Neelakurinji flowers on the nearby hills, which bloom only once every 12 years.

• Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

• Entry Fee: INR 10 | Boating: INR 350 for 15 minutes.

Mattupetty Dam Nestled near Anamudi Peak and surrounded by spice gardens and tea estates, Mattupetty Dam is a stunning picnic and trekking spot. The District Tourism Promotion Council offers exciting speedboats and motorboats on the lake.

• Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

• Entry Fee: INR 10 | Speedboat: INR 500 (15 mins, up to 5 people).

Carmelagiri Elephant Park For a bit of adventure, enjoy a “haathi mere saathi” moment with a short elephant safari through the rocky terrain of Munnar. It’s a favorite for both families and kids.

• Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

• Elephant Ride: INR 1150 per adult.

Blossom Park Located by the Muthirappuzha River, this park is a beautiful stretch of landscaped gardens, artificial waterfalls, and lawns. It’s perfect for nature walks, bird watching, or simply relaxing among the flowers and butterflies.

• Timings: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

• Entry Fee: INR 10 (Adult), INR 2 (Child). Activity costs are extra.

Evening: We’ll return to the hotel for a relaxing dinner. Dinner & Overnight stay at Munnar.

Please Note:

• The order of the itinerary may change depending on your schedule and hotel location.

• All entry fees and activity costs are to be paid directly at the venue.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll check out and begin our drive toward Thekkady. As we wind along the mountain roads, the wooded terrain opens up to reveal breathtaking views. Situated at 2,800 feet above sea level, Thekkady is the perfect place to fill your lungs with fresh mountain air and enjoy the rich fragrance of cinnamon and cloves.

Spice Plantation Visit En route, we will stop at a spice plantation in Kumily. The unique elevation and cool climate here make it the ideal environment for spice cultivation. You’ll see the famous ‘Cardamom Small’ (Elettaria Cardamom) growing in thick shrubs at altitudes of up to 1200 meters. Kerala produces 70% of India’s cardamom, with the majority coming from these very plantations. You’ll also walk through pepper plantations, where the sunlight filtering through the leaves creates a truly alluring sight.

• Entry Fees: INR 200 to 300 per person

Evening Culture at Mudra Centre Upon arrival, we’ll check into the hotel. In the evening, you have the option to visit the popular Mudra Cultural Centre to witness Kalaripayattu (martial arts) or a Kathakali dance performance. If you choose the Kathakali show, we recommend arriving 30 minutes early to watch the fascinating makeup and costume process. Cameras are welcome, so feel free to capture the experience!

• Performance Timings: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

• Entry Fee: INR 300 per person onwards (at additional cost)

Return to the hotel for Dinner & Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Please Note:

• The itinerary may change based on your arrival time and hotel location.

• All entry fees and activity costs are to be paid directly at the venue.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, we dive into the natural beauty of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Today, you can choose how you’d like to explore one of South India’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries.

Option 1: Periyar Lake Boat Safari Periyar is the only sanctuary in India where you can view wildlife from the safety and comfort of a boat. As you cruise across the lake, keep your eyes peeled for wild elephants, boars, and various bird species coming down to the water’s edge.

• Park Entry Fee: INR 40 per person

• Boating Charges: INR 500 onwards per person

• Boating Slots: 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:15 am, 1:45 pm, and 3:30 pm.

• Note: We highly recommend booking your boat tickets in advance at ktdc-boating.com.

Option 2: Bamboo Rafting (For Adventure Seekers) If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, this “dawn-to-afternoon” program combines hiking through dense forest tracts with rafting on traditional bamboo boats. It offers a panoramic view of forest-clad hills and a chance to spot Gaur, Sambar, and elephants at close range.

• Timings: 7:30 am – 12:30 pm OR 9:30 am – 2:30 pm

• Price: INR 2000 onwards per person (Minimum of two people required)

Afternoon: Optional Activities The rest of the day is free for you to explore more of Thekkady’s unique attractions. Popular choices include:

• Elephant Junction: Spend time interacting with these gentle giants.

• Jeep Safari: A 3-hour rugged ride through the off-road trails of the surrounding hills.

Evening: Return to the hotel for a quiet evening. Dinner & Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Please Note:

• The itinerary order may adjust based on your chosen activities and hotel location.

• All entry fees and activity costs are to be paid directly at the venue.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll check out and begin our journey toward the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom. Often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” this exotic destination is a cluster of beautiful island villages situated around the vast Vembanad Lake.

Arrival & Relaxation Upon reaching Kumarakom (or Alleppey), check into your hotel and settle in. Kerala is world-renowned for its authentic Ayurvedic treatments, which offer complete rejuvenation for the mind, body, and soul. If you’re looking to unwind, you can opt for a traditional massage or treatment at the resort (at an additional cost).

Evening by the Lake The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can explore the resort’s facilities or take in the peaceful atmosphere of the backwaters. As the day winds down, we recommend enjoying a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake—it’s the perfect way to witness the golden hues of the Kerala sky reflecting off the water.

Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom.

Please Note:

• The itinerary may vary based on your schedule and the specific area of your hotel.

• Activity costs and spa treatments are to be paid directly at the resort.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll start the day with a gentle village walk. This is a wonderful way to experience the local pace of life, seeing the traditional homes and the quiet daily routines of the backwater community.

Silk & Shopping in Kottayam Later in the morning, we’ll take a short trip to Kottayam city. Known for its rich heritage, it is the perfect place to shop for famous South Indian silk sarees and local handicrafts—a great chance to pick up a meaningful souvenir of your journey.

Afternoon Relaxation We’ll return to the hotel by the afternoon. The peaceful charm of Kumarakom is best enjoyed by slowing down. We suggest indulging in a professional Ayurvedic spa treatment at the hotel (at an additional cost) to soothe your senses and relax your mind.

The Golden Moment In the evening, keep a close eye on the horizon. The sunset here is breathtakingly beautiful, but the “perfect” golden moment often lasts for just about five minutes. Make sure you are by the water on time to catch this alluring view.

Cultural Evening To wrap up your final full day in Kerala, you can also enjoy a local Kathakali performance or a Kalaripayattu martial arts show, where talented local artists showcase the traditional spirit of the region.

Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom.

Please Note:

• The timing of activities may vary based on your personal preference and hotel location.

• Spa treatments and cultural show entries are to be paid directly at the venue.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner