Cool Kerala

Upon your arrival at Kochi International Airport or the railway station, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is a captivating coastal city that perfectly balances its ancient maritime history with a modern, vibrant lifestyle. Nestled along the southwest coast of the Indian Peninsula, it serves as the primary gateway to the lush landscapes of Kerala, famously known as “God’s Own Country.” This historic port has been a cultural crossroads for centuries, blending Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences into its unique local charm.

After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in. You can enjoy the hotel’s amenities or take a quiet stroll through the nearby streets to catch your first glimpse of the Arabian Sea.

Overnight stay at Cochin.

Day 2: Ascent to the Hills | Kochi to Munnar (130 km / 5 Hours)

After breakfast, you’ll leave the coastal plains behind and head toward the rolling hills of Munnar. Once the favored summer retreat of the British, Munnar has transformed into one of India’s most iconic hill stations. As you wind through the Western Ghats, the landscape shifts into endless waves of tea plantations and fragrant cardamom hills.

Before reaching the heart of the town, we will make two scenic stops:

• Attukad Waterfalls: A breathtaking sight, especially as the water cascades through the rugged mountain terrain.
• Pothamedu View Point: Offering a panoramic view of the sprawling tea, coffee, and cardamom estates—perfect for your first high-altitude photographs.

Once you arrive in Munnar, you will visit the Tata Tea Museum. This is a must-visit for anyone curious about the region’s heritage. You’ll see the ‘Rotorvane’—a traditional tea roller used in processing—and learn how raw leaves are transformed into the world-famous Munnar tea. The highlight for many is the immersive experience of tasting various tea blends and trying your hand at tea plucking.

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays).
• Entry Fee: INR 75 per adult / INR 35 per child.

In the late afternoon, check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing in the cool mountain air and enjoying the resort’s peaceful surroundings.

Overnight stay at Munnar.

After a hearty breakfast, prepare for a full day of exploration across the stunning landscapes of Munnar. Your journey takes you through rolling tea gardens, misty peaks, and serene lakeside vistas.

• Eravikulam National Park: Located in the heart of the Kannan Devan hills, this sanctuary is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. You will visit the Rajamalai zone, the only area open to the public, where these majestic mountain goats are often seen grazing peacefully on the cliffs.

  • Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
  • Entry Fee: INR 125 (Adults), INR 95 (Children), INR 420 (Foreign Nationals).
  • Note: The park is strictly closed for visitors from February 1st to March 31st, 2026 for the Nilgiri Tahr calving season. If traveling during this time, you can still enjoy a buggy ride between Anjamile and the check post or explore the watchtower area.

• Kundala Lake: Visit Asia’s first arch dam, nestled in a valley that occasionally blooms with the rare Neelakurinji flowers (once every 12 years). This is a top spot for a serene Shikara boat ride or a fun pedal boat session.

  • Boating Charges: Approx. INR 350 for 15 minutes.

• Mattupetty Dam: Located near the towering Anamudi Peak, this dam is surrounded by vibrant tea plantations and spice gardens. It’s an ideal picnic spot where you can take a high-speed boat ride across the lake.

  • Speedboat Charges: INR 500 (shared by up to 5 people).

• Carmelagiri Elephant Park: Experience a “Haathi Mere Saathi” moment with a short safari through the rocky mountain terrain. It’s a wonderful experience for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

  • Elephant Ride: INR 1150 per adult.

• Blossom Park: End your day at this lush park situated by the Muthirappuzha River. With its artificial waterfalls, butterfly gardens, and nature trails, it’s the perfect place to relax. The park is especially vibrant during the winter months when migratory birds and butterflies are abundant.

  • Entry Fee: INR 10 (Adults), INR 2 (Children).

In the evening, return to your hotel to unwind and enjoy a quiet dinner amidst the cool mountain air.

Overnight stay at Munnar.

Day 4: Into the Heart of the Spices | Munnar to Thekkady (110 km / 4 Hours)

After breakfast, check out from your Munnar hotel and begin your journey toward Thekkady. As you navigate the winding roads of the Western Ghats, the dense forests gradually give way to sprawling, emerald-green plantations. Sitting at an altitude of 2,800 feet above sea level, Thekkady offers a refreshing atmosphere filled with the aromatic fragrance of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Enroute: Spice Plantation Tour. Before reaching your hotel, we stop for an immersive tour of a local Spice Plantation in the Kumily region. This area is world-renowned for its “Green Gold”—cardamom. You’ll learn about the Elettaria Cardamom (Small Cardamom), which thrives in this specific elevation and climate. You will also walk through pepper groves, where the sight of sunlight filtering through the vines is truly mesmerizing. This is the perfect place to see how these essential spices are grown, harvested, and processed.

• Entry Fee: Approx. INR 200 – 300 per person.

Upon arrival in Thekkady, check into your hotel and take some time to refresh.

Evening: Traditional Arts at Mudra Cultural Centre As evening falls, you have the option to witness Kerala’s most famous performing arts at the Mudra Cultural Centre. The center is celebrated for its Kathakali (classical dance-drama) and Kalaripayattu (the mother of all martial arts) performances.

• Pro Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early to watch the performers apply their elaborate, natural make-up—a fascinating process in itself. Photography is encouraged here!
• Timings: Performances are held between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
• Entry Fee: Starts from INR 300 per person.

Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Day 5: Wildlife Encounters and the Backwater Bliss | Thekkady to Kumarakom (140 km / 4 Hours)

Start your morning with an early breakfast before heading to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of South India’s most renowned natural reserves. The park offers a rare chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitat from the safety of a boat on the lake.

Morning Activity (Choose your experience):

• Periyar Lake Boat Safari: Drift across the serene waters of Periyar Lake. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of wild elephants, gaur, and sambar deer that often come down to the water’s edge.

  • Boating Slots: 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:45 PM, and 3:30 PM.
  • Charges: Entry is INR 40 per person; Boat tickets start from INR 500 per person.
  • Pro Tip: Pre-booking online is highly recommended to secure your preferred slot.

• Bamboo Rafting (For Adventure Seekers): If you prefer a more rugged experience, opt for this dawn-to-afternoon hiking and rafting program. You’ll trek through dense forest tracts before boarding a traditional bamboo raft for a panoramic view of the forest-clad hills.

  • Timings: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM or 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.
  • Price: Starts from INR 2000 per person.

The Journey to Kumarakom: Later, begin your drive toward Kumarakom, an exotic backwater destination often called the “Venice of the East.” This picturesque village is a cluster of little islands scattered across the massive Vembanad Lake.

Upon arrival, check into your lakeside resort. Kumarakom is the heartland of authentic Ayurvedic treatments. If you’re feeling the travel fatigue, we recommend indulging in a traditional massage at the resort’s spa to relax your mind and body (available at an additional cost).

Evening: Sunset Cruise As the day winds down, head out for a peaceful Sunset Cruise on Vembanad Lake. Watch the sky change colors over the palm-fringed horizon as the local houseboats and canoes glide past—a quintessential Kerala experience.

Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Day 6: Kumarakom | Village Rhythms and the Art of Relaxation

After breakfast, your morning begins with an immersive village walk. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the authentic lifestyle of the backwaters—walking along narrow canals, witnessing traditional coir-making, and seeing the local fishing communities in their daily rhythm.

Later in the morning, we take a short drive to Kottayam City, a bustling hub known for its cultural heritage and commerce. This is the perfect time for some retail therapy, specifically for the world-renowned South Indian Silk Sarees. Whether you are looking for a traditional Kerala Kasavu (white with gold border) or a vibrant silk masterpiece, Kottayam offers some of the best selections in the region.

Afternoon: Relaxation and Rejuvenation Return to the hotel to fully embrace the “peaceful glory” of Kumarakom. This destination is designed for the soothing of senses. We recommend indulging in a traditional Ayurvedic spa treatment at your resort (available at an additional cost), which uses ancient techniques and herbal oils to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

Evening: The Golden Moment and Cultural Immersion As evening approaches, find a quiet spot by the lake. The sunset in Kumarakom is legendary, but there is a catch—the “perfect” golden light usually lasts for just a fleeting five minutes. Be sure to be in position at the right time to catch this alluring horizon.

To conclude your stay in the backwaters, you may choose to watch a local performance of Kathakali (dance-drama) and Kalaripayattu (traditional martial arts). Watching these artists perform in their home element is a truly mesmerizing experience.

Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Day 7: Coastal Heritage & Farewell | Kumarakom to Cochin (100 km / 2 Hours)

Enjoy your final breakfast by the backwaters before we begin our journey back to the coast. Before you head to the airport, we will spend the morning exploring the historical soul of Fort Kochi, where every corner tells a story of the explorers and traders who shaped this port city.

Morning Sightseeing in Fort Kochi:

• Chinese Fishing Nets: These iconic, cantilevered structures are a silhouette of Kochi’s maritime heritage. Believed to have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He in the 14th century, they remain a picturesque and functional reminder of ancient trade links with the courts of Kublai Khan.
• Fort Kochi Heritage Walk: Wander through the tree-lined avenues of the old town. You’ll see a unique architectural tapestry—a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British styles that reflects the city’s history as a colonial stronghold.
• Jewish Synagogue (Paradesi Synagogue): Located in the heart of “Jew Town,” this is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth. It is a marvel of craftsmanship, featuring a magnificent gold pulpit, hand-painted willow-pattern tiles imported from China, and sparkling Belgian chandeliers.

  • Timings: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Saturdays).
  • Entry Fee: INR 10 per person.

Departure: Following the sightseeing tour, we will drive you to Cochin International Airport (COK) in time for your flight home. As you depart, you take back the mist of the tea gardens, the scent of the spice forests, and the tranquil rhythm of the backwaters.