Calming Kerala

Day 1: Touching Down in Kochi

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.”

Overnight stay at Cochin.

Day 2: Kochi Sightseeing & The Drive to Munnar

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast before diving into the history of Kochi. You’ll visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, said to have been introduced by 14th-century explorers, and wander through the cobblestone streets of Fort Kochi to see its unique mix of European architecture. Don’t miss the Jewish Synagogue, a 16th-century gem famous for its hand-painted Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers.

After lunch, we head toward the hills of Munnar. The drive is beautiful, taking you past the Attukad Waterfalls and the Pothamedu Viewpoint for some great photo ops. Once in Munnar, you’ll visit the Tata Tea Museum to see how your favorite brew is processed and even try some fresh local blends.

• Stay: Overnight in Munnar.

Day 3: Exploring the Heights of Munnar

After a hearty breakfast, head out for a full day of exploring Munnar’s natural wonders. Start with Eravikulam National Park, where you can spot the rare Nilgiri Tahr against a backdrop of rolling hills. Next, visit the serene Kundala Lake, known for its unique arch dam and relaxing Shikara boat rides.

The adventure continues at Mattupetty Dam, a perfect picnic spot nestled near Anamudi Peak. If you’re looking for some fun, stop by Carmelagiri Elephant Park for a quick safari, or unwind amidst the vibrant flower beds and riverside trails of Blossom Park. It’s a day packed with fresh air, mountain views, and the best of Kerala’s landscapes.

• Stay: Overnight in Munnar.

Day 4: Journey to the Backwaters

After breakfast, leave the hills behind as you drive down to Kumarakom, a stunning cluster of islands on Vembanad Lake often called the “Venice of the East.” After checking into your resort, the afternoon is yours to relax. You might want to indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage or simply enjoy the resort’s lakeside views. As the day winds down, head out for a peaceful sunset cruise to witness the backwaters in their golden hour glory.

Stay: Overnight in Kumarakom.

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.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom.

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.

Overnight stay at Kovalam / Poovar.

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.

Overnight stay at Kovalam / Poovar.

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.