Exotic Kerala

Upon your arrival in the historic port city of Kochi, you will be met by our representative and assisted with your scenic drive to Munnar. Once a favored summer retreat for the British, Munnar has transformed into Kerala’s most iconic hill station. As you climb higher, the landscape shifts into a vibrant tapestry of rolling cardamom hills and endless tea plantations that seem to carpet the entire mountain range.

Before reaching the heart of Munnar town, we will make a couple of essential photostops to capture the region’s natural splendor. We stop at the Attukad Waterfalls, where water thunders down through a rocky terrain surrounded by thick jungle, and the Pothamedu View Point, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the tea, coffee, and cardamom estates.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Tata Tea Museum, a must-visit for anyone looking to understand the soul of Munnar. This museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts, including the traditional ‘Rotorvane’ tea roller used in the processing of CTC tea. Beyond the history, the true highlight here is the immersive experience—you can witness the process of tea making and indulge in a tasting session of various local blends.

• Timings: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Open all days except Mondays)
• Entry Fee: INR 75 per adult, INR 35 per child.

After the museum visit, check into your hotel/resort. Spend the evening at your leisure, soaking in the cool mountain air and the tranquil ambiance of the resort.

Overnight stay at Munnar.

After breakfast, set out for a full day of sightseeing across Munnar’s most iconic natural landmarks. Your morning begins with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park, located in the scenic Kannan Devan hills. This 97 sq km sanctuary is the proud home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. While the core and buffer zones are protected, you will explore the Rajamalai tourism zone, where these exotic mountain goats can often be spotted roaming the cliffs.

• Timings: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm.
• Entry Fee: INR 125 for Indians / INR 420 for Foreigners.
• Note: The park usually closes from February to March for the Tahr calving season. Advance online booking is highly recommended.

Next, head to the unique Kundala Lake, home to Asia’s first artificial arch dam. The area is famously surrounded by hills that host the rare Neelakurinji flowers once every 12 years. Here, you can enjoy a serene Shikara boat ride, similar to those in Kashmir, or opt for pedal and row boating.

• Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
• Costs: Entry is INR 10; Boating is approx. INR 350 for 15 minutes.

The journey continues to Mattupetty Dam, situated near the towering Anamudi peak. Surrounded by tea plantations and rolling hills, the lake is a premier spot for speedboating and picnics. For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the nearby Carmelagiri Elephant Park offers a chance to experience a 10-15 minute elephant safari through the rugged mountain terrain—a big hit for families and kids.

• Mattupetty Speedboat: INR 500 (1 to 5 people).
• Elephant Ride: INR 1150 per adult.

Wrap up your outdoor exploration at Blossom Park, an exotic landscape featuring the Muthirappuzha River, artificial waterfalls, and lush lawns. It is a haven for migratory birds and mountain butterflies. You can engage in activities ranging from nature walks and bird watching to roller skating and badminton. The park is especially vibrant from December to February when the flora is at its peak.

• Timings: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
• Entry Fee: INR 10 per adult.

In the evening, return to the comfort of your hotel for a relaxing end to an eventful day.

Overnight stay at Munnar.

After breakfast, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can choose to relax at the resort and soak in the mountain views or participate in one of the many optional activities that Munnar has to offer:

• Top Station (Optional): If you wish to reach the “top of the world,” you can hire a vehicle to visit Top Station, situated 32 km from Munnar on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. At an altitude of 1700m, it is the highest point in the region, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Western Ghats and the vast plains of the Theni district in Tamil Nadu.
• Mountain Biking & Cycling: For those seeking an active morning, Munnar’s hairpin bends and rolling estate roads are perfect for cycling. Popular routes include Suryanelli, Kundala, and Marayoor. You can rent cycles from local hubs like KDHP House or Gokulam Bike Hire, with prices starting from approximately INR 300 per person. Many resorts also facilitate these biking trips for their guests.
• Dreamland Fun & Adventure Park: Families may prefer spending a half or full day at this open-air adventure park. It features a wide range of thrilling activities, including ziplining, cable car rides, mountain biking, camel and horse rides, and even a haunted house for those feeling brave.

  • Timings: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Entry Fee: Ranges from INR 1500 to 2000 per person, depending on the package.

After a day of personal exploration or adrenaline-pumping activities, return to your hotel for a quiet evening.

Overnight stay at Munnar.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your scenic ascent toward Thekkady. As the road winds upward, the landscape transitions from tea estates to dense, wooded terrain and sprawling plantations. Situated at an altitude of 2,800 feet above sea level, Thekkady offers a refreshing change of atmosphere where you can fill your lungs with crisp mountain air and the rich, natural fragrance of cinnamon and cloves.

En route, you will stop to visit a Spice Plantation in the Kumily region. Due to its unique elevation and cool climate, this area is the heart of India’s spice cultivation. You will get an up-close look at the “Queen of Spices,” the small green cardamom (Elettaria Cardamom), and see how Kerala produces nearly 70% of the nation’s supply. You will also walk through pepper plantations, where the sunlight filtering through the broad leaves of the pepper vines creates a truly alluring sight.

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

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to refresh. In the evening, immerse yourself in Kerala’s vibrant heritage at the Mudra Cultural Centre. You have the option to witness Kathakali, the world-famous classical dance-drama, and Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial arts in existence. It is highly recommended to arrive early to watch the performers apply their elaborate, traditional makeup, which begins 30 minutes before the show. Photography is welcome, and the performances are a captivating blend of power and grace.

• Show Timings: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
• Entry Fee: Starting from INR 300 per person.

After the performances, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Start your morning with a visit to the Periyar Lake, the heart of South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary. This is a rare destination where you can view wildlife in their natural habitat from the safety and comfort of a boat. As you cruise along the lake, keep your eyes peeled for wild elephants, gaur, and sambar deer that often come down to the water’s edge.

• Entry Fee: INR 40 per person.
• Boating Slots: 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:15 am, 1:45 pm, and 3:30 pm.
• Boat Charges: Starting from INR 500 per person.
• Tip: It is highly recommended to book your boat tickets in advance at ktdc-boating.com.

For those seeking an active morning, you can opt for Bamboo Rafting. This eco-tourism program includes a guided forest hike and rafting through some of the richest forest tracts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

• Timings: 7:30 am – 12:30 pm or 9:30 am – 2:30 pm.
• Price: Starting from INR 2,000 per person (minimum two people required).

In the afternoon, you will drive to Kumarakom, an exotic village nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Often called the “Venice of the East,” this cluster of island villages is famous for its serene backwaters and world-class Ayurvedic resorts. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax. You can indulge in authentic Ayurvedic treatments (like the Abhyangam oil massage or Shirodhara) at the resort to rejuvenate your body and soul. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful Sunset Cruise on the lake, where the sky turns brilliant shades of gold over the silent waters.

Overnight stay at Kumarakom.

After a leisurely breakfast, start your day with an immersive village walk. This is the perfect way to witness the unhurried pace of life in rural Kerala. You’ll wander through narrow lanes shaded by coconut palms, passing by local homes, small canals, and lush paddy fields. It’s an opportunity to see age-old practices like coir making and shell mining, offering a true taste of the “essential Kumarakom” that lies beyond the luxury resorts.

Later in the morning, proceed to Kottayam city, a hub of culture and commerce. This is your chance to indulge in some serious shopping, specifically for the world-renowned South Indian Silk Sarees. Kottayam’s boutiques are famous for their exquisite collection of Kanchipuram and traditional Kerala Kasavu sarees, known for their rich gold borders and intricate craftsmanship.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon to focus on your well-being. The tranquil atmosphere of Kumarakom is ideal for soothing the senses. We highly recommend indulging in an Ayurvedic spa treatment at the resort. Whether it’s a traditional oil massage or a rejuvenating herbal scrub, these ancient healing therapies are designed to relax the mind, body, and soul.

As evening approaches, find a quiet spot by the shore for a truly magical experience. The sunset on Vembanad Lake is legendary, but it is fleeting—the perfect “golden moment” where the sky transforms into a canvas of deep oranges and purples often lasts for just about five minutes. To round off your final night in Kerala, you can also opt to watch a Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance. Performed by local artists, these shows bring to life the dramatic storytelling and ancient martial traditions that define Kerala’s cultural identity.

Overnight stay at Kumarakom.

After a final, relaxed breakfast overlooking the tranquil backwaters, it is time to bid farewell to the “Venice of the East.” You will check out from the resort and begin your 2-hour drive back toward the coastal city of Kochi.

Depending on your flight schedule, you can enjoy a short drive through the historic lanes of Fort Kochi, catching a glimpse of the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets or the ancient St. Francis Church. If you have a few hours to spare before your departure, a quick stop at the Lulu Mall or the local spice markets in Broadway is perfect for some last-minute souvenir shopping—don’t forget to pick up some authentic Kerala banana chips and local spices to take home.

Your driver will then transfer you to the Cochin International Airport in time for your onward flight. You return home carrying the serene spirit of the backwaters and the wonderful, wild memories of Kerala’s landscapes.