A Soulful Escape from Misty Peaks to Sun-Kissed Shores
Overview
The Calming Kerala (7 Nights / 8 Days) tour is a meticulously crafted journey that balances the cultural heritage of the coast, the misty allure of the mountains, and the peaceful rhythm of the backwaters. The experience begins with one night in Cochin, where the colonial charm of Fort Kochi, the historic Jewish Synagogue, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets provide a glimpse into Kerala’s maritime history. The trail then ascends to the Western Ghats for two nights in Munnar, the “Green Capital.” Here, visitors immerse themselves in the world of tea at the local museums and estates, visit the Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake, and seek out the rare Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park.
The journey continues toward the heart of the backwaters for two nights in Kumarakom. Nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake, this segment is dedicated to ultimate relaxation, featuring a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and a serene sunset cruise across the silent waters. The finale of the trip takes place in Kovalam for two nights, where the golden sands of Hawa Beach and the towering landmark of Lighthouse Beach offer a quintessential tropical escape. This leg also includes a visit to the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, known for its spiritual grandeur and architectural brilliance. After seven nights of diverse exploration and 14 inclusive meals, the tour concludes with a departure from the airport, leaving travelers refreshed by the “calming” essence of God’s Own Country.
Accommodation
- 1 Night(s) in Cochin at Ginger Kochi MG Road/ Marine Inn Hotel or similar
- 2 Night(s) in Munnar at Falling Waters/ Elysium Gardens Hill Resorts or similar
- 2 Night(s) in Kumarakom/ Alleppey at Kumarakom Park Resort or similar
- 2 Night(s) in Kovalam at Sagara Beach Resort or similar
Your journey begins in Kochi (formerly known as Cochin), a vibrant port city nestled on the southwest coast of the Indian Peninsula. Often referred to as the Gateway to Kerala, Kochi is a fascinating blend of history and modernity, where the ancient spice trade routes meet a thriving cosmopolitan lifestyle. This city has been a melting pot of cultures for centuries, having been influenced by the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese—all of whom have left an indelible mark on its architecture and heritage.
Upon your arrival, you will be met by our representative and assisted with your transfer to the hotel. After checking in, take some time to unwind and soak in the coastal atmosphere. If time permits, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade or explore the nearby markets where the scent of fresh spices still lingers in the air.
As the sun sets over the Arabian Sea, return to the hotel to relax. The evening is yours to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of this “Queen of the Arabian Sea.”
Dinner & Overnight stay at Cochin.
Meal Plan: Dinner
After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel to begin a day that perfectly blends colonial history with the lush beauty of the Western Ghats. Your morning starts with a guided exploration of Kochi’s most iconic heritage sites:
- Chinese Fishing Nets: Experience one of Kerala’s most photographed sights. These massive shore-operated nets are a legacy of 14th-century Chinese explorers and the royal courts of Kublai Khan. Watching them in operation against the harbor backdrop is a glimpse into ancient maritime traditions.
- Fort Kochi: Wander through the historic streets of Fort Kochi, where the architecture tells a story of English, Dutch, and Portuguese influences. This area serves as a living museum of Kerala’s rich cultural and colonial heritage.
- Jewish Synagogue: Visit the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth, originally built in 1568. Inside, you’ll find a stunning gold pulpit, hand-painted Chinese willow-pattern floor tiles, and magnificent Belgian chandeliers.
- Timings: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Closed on Saturdays).
- Entry Fee: INR 10 per person.
Following the heritage tour, begin your drive toward Munnar, the “Green Capital” of Kerala. Once a summer escape for the British, Munnar is famous for its rolling hills and vast tea estates. As you approach the hill station, we will stop for photos at the cascading Attukad Waterfalls and the Pothamedu View Point, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the spice plantations.
To wrap up your sightseeing, visit the Tata Tea Museum. Here, you can see the traditional ‘Rotorvane’ rollers used in tea processing and even enjoy a session of tea plucking and tasting to understand the journey of the leaf from the bush to your cup.
- Timings: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Closed on Mondays).
- Entry Fee: INR 75 per adult, INR 35 per child.
On arrival, check into your hotel to relax and enjoy the cool mountain air.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Munnar.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
After a hearty breakfast, prepare for a full day dedicated to the natural wonders of Munnar. Your exploration begins at the high-altitude Eravikulam National Park, situated in the Kannan Devan hills. This 97 sq. km sanctuary is the pride of Kerala, serving as the home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. You will explore the Rajamalai region, the designated tourism zone, where you can observe these exotic mountain goats in their natural habitat.
- Timings: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm.
- Entry Fee: INR 125 (Adults), INR 95 (Children), INR 420 (Foreign Nationals).
- Note: The park is closed every February and March for the Tahr calving season. Advance online booking is highly recommended.
The tour continues to Kundala Lake, home to Asia’s first arch dam. This serene spot is famous for the Neelakurinji flowers that blanket the hills once every 12 years. Here, you can enjoy a unique Shikara boat ride, or choose from pedal and rowboats to experience the tranquility of the water.
- Boating Charges: Approx. INR 350 for 15 minutes.
Next, visit the Mattupetty Dam, a stunning picnic spot located near Anamudi Peak. Surrounded by tea plantations and spice gardens, the lake offers thrilling speedboat rides for those looking for a bit of adventure amidst the rolling hills. Just a short drive away is the Carmelagiri Elephant Park, where both kids and adults can enjoy a 10-15 minute elephant safari through the rocky mountain terrain.
- Mattupetty Speedboat: INR 500 (Shared by 1 to 5 people).
- Elephant Ride: INR 1150 per adult.
Conclude your outdoor journey at Blossom Park, an exotic landscape situated near the Muthirappuzha River. With its artificial waterfalls, mountain butterflies, and migratory birds, the park is a haven for relaxation. You can indulge in nature walks, bird watching, or even roller skating. The park is at its most beautiful between December and February when the greenery is at its peak.
- Timings: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
- Entry Fee: INR 10 (Adults), INR 2 (Children).
In the evening, return to your hotel to unwind.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Munnar.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, you will check out from your mountain retreat in Munnar and begin the descent toward the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom. Often celebrated as the “Venice of the East,” this exotic destination is a beautiful cluster of island villages nestled around the vast Vembanad Lake. The journey itself offers a striking transition from the high-altitude tea estates to the lush, tropical palm-fringed plains of the coast.
Upon arrival in Kumarakom, check into your backwater resort. The rest of the afternoon is yours to unwind. This region is world-renowned for its authentic Ayurvedic treatments—an ancient science of healing that provides complete relaxation for the mind, body, and soul. We highly recommend trying a traditional massage or spa session at the resort (available at an additional cost) to rejuvenate after your travels.
As the day draws to a close, head out to experience the highlight of the backwaters: a Sunset Cruise on Vembanad Lake. Drift slowly across the mirror-like waters as the sky turns into a canvas of gold and crimson, offering a peaceful glimpse into the heart of rural Kerala.
Dinner and Overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, start your morning with an immersive village walk. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the authentic rural life of Kerala, walking through narrow palm-fringed lanes, observing local coir-making, and seeing the unique lifestyle of the people living along the canals.
Later in the morning, proceed to Kottayam City, a prominent center for culture and commerce. This is the perfect time for some retail therapy, specifically to shop for the world-famous South Indian Silk Sarees. Kottayam is renowned for its high-quality textiles and traditional Kerala Kasavu sarees, making it an ideal place to pick up authentic souvenirs.
Return to the hotel in the afternoon to fully embrace the “calming” theme of your trip. The serene environment of Kumarakom is best enjoyed by indulging in a traditional Ayurvedic spa treatment (available at an additional cost), designed to rejuvenate your senses.
As evening approaches, prepare yourself for a spectacular sight. The sunset on the Kumarakom horizon is legendary for its beauty, but the “perfect” golden moment often lasts for just five minutes—be sure to be by the lakeside at the right time to catch this alluring view. To wrap up the evening, you may choose to watch a Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance, where local artists showcase Kerala’s dramatic dance-drama and ancient martial arts.
Dinner and Overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
After an early breakfast, check out from your backwater resort and head further south toward the world-famous beaches of Kovalam or Poovar. This drive takes you through the heart of Kerala, transitioning from the serene inland lakes to the vast, open horizon of the Arabian Sea.
Depending on your stay location:
- Kovalam: A breathtaking haven of peace, Kovalam is known for its three crescent-shaped beaches. The most iconic is Lighthouse Beach, characterized by its precipitously mounting headlands and dense groves of fertile coconut palms.
- Poovar: A unique destination where the river, sea, and land meet. Legend says the name was coined by King Marthanda Varma, who, upon seeing the flowers (Poo) from the trees floating in the Neyyar River (Var), named it “Poovar.” It is one of the rare places in Kerala where you can witness a beautiful estuary.
Upon reaching the coast, head to the Lighthouse Beach to dive into a variety of water sports. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline rush or a peaceful cruise, the local sports clubs offer something for everyone:
- Parasailing: Experience a bird’s-eye view of the coastline (Approx. INR 1000).
- Jet Skiing: A thrilling 10–15 minute ride over the waves (Starting from INR 450).
- Snorkeling: Explore the underwater life with a guided dive (Approx. INR 2500 per dive).
- Backwater Cruise: For those who prefer a slower pace, explore the mangrove-rich estuaries.
After an action-packed afternoon, check into your hotel and enjoy the sea breeze as the sun dips below the horizon.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Kovalam / Poovar.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7: Trivandrum Sightseeing & The Southern Tip of India
After breakfast, your morning is dedicated to exploring the regal heritage and spiritual landmarks of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). The city is home to some of the most impressive architecture in South India:
- Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Begin your day at this world-famous temple, a breathtaking fusion of authentic Kerala and Dravidian (Tamil) architectural styles. Known for its gold-plated exterior and intricate stone carvings, it offers a deeply serene atmosphere.
- Dress Code: Please note that a strict traditional dress code is enforced—men must wear a Dhoti (Mundu), and women must wear a Saree.
- Darshan Timings: Several slots are available throughout the day, including early morning (6:30 AM – 11:00 AM) and evening hours (5:00 PM – 7:20 PM).
- Napier Museum & Halcyon Castle: Visit this architectural marvel built in 1932. Originally a summer retreat for Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, the castle exhibits unique design traits that highlight the royal history of the Travancore family.
Optional Excursion to Kanyakumari: For those wishing to reach the very edge of the subcontinent, an optional trip to Kanyakumari (the southernmost tip of India) is available. This is the unique “Triveni Sangam,” where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. Key highlights here include:
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Take a ferry ride to this iconic monument situated on a small rock island where Swami Vivekananda meditated.
- Thiruvalluvar Statue: Admire the massive 133-foot stone statue dedicated to the legendary Tamil poet and philosopher.
- Gandhi Mandapam: A commemorative memorial where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were kept. The structure is designed so that on October 2nd, the sun’s rays fall exactly on the spot where the urn once rested.
- Kanyakumari Beach: A perfect spot to witness the confluence of the three seas and a spectacular sunset.
In the evening, drive back to your coastal retreat for your final night in Kerala.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Kovalam / Poovar.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
After a final breakfast by the coast, it is time to wrap up your soulful journey through Kerala. Depending on your flight timing, you can spend your last few hours soaking in the sea breeze at the resort or doing some last-minute gift hunting.
Since the Trivandrum International Airport is just 25 km (approx. 45 minutes) from Kovalam/Poovar, the transfer is short and scenic. If you have extra time before your flight, you might consider:
- Last-Minute Shopping: Stop by the Mall of Travancore (conveniently located right in front of the airport) or the Kairali Government Handicrafts Emporium to pick up authentic Kerala souvenirs like sandalwood carvings, spice boxes, or traditional handloom fabrics.
- Shankumugham Beach: Located very close to the airport, this beach is perfect for a quick final view of the Arabian Sea and the giant sculpture of the Jalakanyaka (Mermaid).
Your driver will ensure you reach the airport in time for your check-in. As you board your flight back home, you carry with you the misty memories of Munnar’s tea gardens, the tranquil rhythm of the Kumarakom backwaters, and the golden warmth of the southern beaches.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Tour Information
Inclusions
- Accommodation as Per Package Category
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner.
- All Transfers & Sightseeing’s by Private AC Vehicle as per the tour itinerary. (Car at disposal)
- Total Valid Kilometres For Sedan Car 1150 kms & for luxury car 1150 kms
- AC will not work in Hilly Area
- Hotel Luxury Taxes.
Exclusions
- GST 5%
- Air / Train Fare.
- Meals other then mentioned above.
- Expenses incurred due to change in oil price, mishaps, landslides, strikes, political unrest, etc. high season surcharge if levied any.
- The Peak Season Supplement and Gala Dinner Charges on Christmas and New Year applicable as per Hotel Policy.
- Cost for Optional Tours, up gradation Charges, Sightseeing Entry Fee & Guide Charges and special permits.
- Personal expenses such as Laundry, soft drinks, bottles of water, incidental, porter charges, tips, etc.
- Usage of mini bar.
- AC in the vehicle will not be kept on when the vehicle is not moving . i.e. When the vehicle is parked at some sightseeing place, restaurant or any place , the AC will not be kept on.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the park typically closes for two months (February and March) every year for the calving season of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. If you are traveling during this window, the park visit is usually replaced with a visit to the Tea Museum or additional sightseeing in Munnar.
Yes, the temple maintains a very strict traditional dress code. Men must wear a Dhoti (Mundu) and are required to be bare-chested to enter the inner sanctum. Women must wear a Saree. While some temples allow long skirts or dhotis over pants, it is best to carry a proper saree to ensure entry. Dhotis are usually available for purchase or rent outside the temple.
In Kerala, it is a standard practice that vehicle AC is switched off in hilly areas (like the drive to and within Munnar). This is to ensure the engine has enough power to navigate the steep climbs and hairpin bends. However, the natural mountain air in these regions is usually very cool and pleasant.
Kanyakumari is about 90 km from Kovalam. A round trip takes approximately 8 to 10 hours including sightseeing. It is best to start very early in the morning to catch the ferry to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and return by late evening.
Water sports like Parasailing and Snorkeling are available at Lighthouse Beach, but their operation is subject to weather and sea conditions. During the monsoon season (June to August), most water sports are suspended for safety. Always use authorized sports clubs provided in your itinerary.
Yes, this is a “Calming” package designed with a relaxed pace. However, note that the Eravikulam National Park requires some walking/uphill movement after getting off the park bus. Similarly, the village walk in Kumarakom is on foot. If mobility is a concern, these activities can be enjoyed at a slower pace or observed from the vehicle/resort.
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