Complete Kerala

Upon your arrival at Kochi (Cochin) Airport or Railway Station, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Kochi, often called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” is a vibrant port city that has served as a melting pot of cultures for centuries. Strategically located on the southwest coast of the Indian Peninsula, it acts as the gateway to the breathtakingly scenic state of Kerala.

After checking into your hotel, you can take some time to settle in and relax. If time permits and you wish to explore, you can take a leisurely stroll through the local markets or enjoy a sunset view along the Marine Drive promenade, which offers stunning vistas of the backwaters and the harbor. Kochi is famous for its natural harbor and rich history, where the influences of Arab, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese traders are still visible in the architecture and local lifestyle. The rest of the evening is yours to soak in the tropical atmosphere before enjoying a traditional dinner at the hotel.

 Overnight stay at Cochin.

Your second day begins with a morning exploration of Kochi’s iconic coastal landmarks before heading into the hills. You will visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, a signature sight of Fort Kochi. Legend says these massive cantilevered nets were introduced in the 14th century by the Chinese explorer Zheng He. Next, you will wander through Fort Kochi, where the streets are lined with age-old architecture that reflects a unique blend of English, Dutch, and Portuguese influences. A highlight of the morning is the Jewish Synagogue (Paradesi Synagogue) in Mattancherry. Built in 1568 and later restored by the Dutch, it is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth. You will be mesmerized by its gold-plated pulpit, hand-painted willow-pattern floor tiles from China, and magnificent Belgian chandeliers. Please note the synagogue is open from 10:00 am–12:00 pm and 3:00 pm–5:00 pm (closed on Saturdays), with a modest entry fee of INR 10.

After the city tour, you will begin your scenic drive to Munnar, once the favored summer retreat of the British. As the road winds upward, enjoy breathtaking views of the Cardamom Hills and the endless emerald-green tea plantations. Before reaching the town, you’ll have a photo stop at the cascading Attukad Waterfalls and the Pothamedu Viewpoint, which offers a panoramic vista of the surrounding valleys. The day’s exploration concludes at the Tata Tea Museum (Kannan Devan Tea Museum). Here, you can see vintage tea rollers like the ‘Rotorvane’ and learn the fascinating history of tea processing in Munnar. For tea lovers, the museum offers a chance to see live demonstrations and even taste different varieties of tea. The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays), with an entry fee of approximately INR 75–150.
overnight stay at Munnar.

After a delicious breakfast, you will head out for a full day of sightseeing in and around Munnar. The morning starts with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park, situated in the scenic Kannan Devan hills. This park is famous as the home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, which can be easily spotted in the Rajamalai tourism zone. Spanning 97 sq km, the park offers stunning views of high-altitude grasslands. Note: The park typically closes for two months during February and March for the calving season, and it is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance. Next, visit the unique Kundala Lake, home to Asia’s first arch dam. The lake is incredibly serene, and if you’re lucky, you might see the rare Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years. You can enjoy a peaceful Shikara boat ride here, a popular activity among visitors. The lake is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The tour continues to the Mattupetty Dam, located near the towering Anamudi Peak. Surrounded by tea plantations and rolling hills, the dam and its lake are perfect for a picnic or a thrilling speedboat ride. Nearby, you can experience a unique “Haathi Mere Saathi” moment at the Carmelagiri Elephant Park, which offers elephant safaris through the rocky Munnar terrain—a hit for both children and adults. To conclude the afternoon, visit the Blossom Park situated near the Muthirappuzha River. This exotic garden features artificial waterfalls, nature trails, and bird watching. It’s a wonderful place to relax amidst migratory waterbirds and mountain butterflies, especially between December and February when the greenery is at its peak. After a day filled with nature and adventure, you will return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay at Munnar.

For Day 4, your journey takes you from the rolling tea gardens of Munnar to the deep spice heartlands of Thekkady. As you climb to an altitude of 2,800 feet, the air noticeably changes, becoming thick with the scent of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Along the way, you’ll stop at a traditional Spice Plantation in Kumily. It’s a fascinating experience to see how “Green Gold” (cardamom) and black pepper are grown in the shade of giant forest trees. Watching the sunlight filter through the pepper vines is easily one of the most photogenic moments of the drive.

Once you’ve checked into your hotel and freshened up, the evening is dedicated to Kerala’s soul-stirring performing arts. You’ll head to the Mudra Cultural Centre to witness Kathakali, the world-famous classical dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes and intense expressions. Right after, you can watch a high-energy Kalaripayattu performance—the oldest martial art in existence. Seeing the warriors perform gravity-defying stunts with swords and fire is a thrilling way to end your day before heading back for dinner and your overnight stay in Thekkady.

Your morning begins with a visit to the renowned Periyar Lake, the heart of South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary. This unique destination offers a rare opportunity to view wildlife in their natural habitat from the safety of a boat. As you cruise across the lake, keep a keen eye on the water’s edge, where herds of wild elephants, gaur, and sambar deer frequently gather. For those seeking a more immersive adventure, you can opt for Bamboo Rafting, a dawn-to-afternoon program that combines forest hiking with a peaceful paddle on traditional bamboo rafts, providing panoramic views of the forest-clad hills. The lake is open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, and it is highly recommended to book your boat tickets in advance through the KTDC portal.

Later, you will leave the wild terrains behind and drive toward Kumarakom, an exotic backwater village often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East.’ This cluster of island villages is nestled around the vast Vembanad Lake, offering a landscape of shimmering water and swaying palms. Upon arrival, check into your lakeside resort and take some time to unwind. Kerala is world-famous for its Ayurvedic treatments, and this is the perfect setting to indulge in a traditional massage to rejuvenate your mind and body (available at the resort at an additional cost). As the day concludes, you can enjoy a serene sunset cruise on the lake, watching the sky transform over the backwaters. The evening ends with dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Start your day with a refreshing morning village walk, where you can experience the authentic, slow-paced lifestyle of the backwater locals and breathe in the tranquil morning air of Kumarakom. Following this, you will head to Kottayam City, a bustling hub famous for its exquisite collection of South Indian silk sarees. This is the perfect opportunity to shop for traditional Kerala weaves and authentic textiles. After your shopping excursion, return to the comfort of your hotel for a relaxing afternoon.

The true essence of Kumarakom lies in its “peaceful glory,” making it the ideal setting to soothe your senses. We highly recommend indulging in a traditional Ayurvedic spa treatment at the hotel (available at an additional cost) to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. As evening approaches, prepare for a breathtaking spectacle: the Kumarakom sunset. Be sure to find a good vantage point on time, as the “perfect sunset” where the sun kisses the horizon usually lasts for just a fleeting five minutes. To conclude your cultural experience, you may choose to watch a Kathakali performance or a Kalaripayattu show—Kerala’s ancient and powerful martial art form—performed by skilled local artists. 

overnight stay in Kumarakom.

After an early breakfast, you will check out and begin your journey toward the southernmost coast of Kerala. You have the choice of staying in Kovalam, a breathtaking “haven of peace” famous for its mounting headlands and fertile coconut groves, or the unique estuary of Poovar. The name Poovar, meaning “flower river,” was reportedly coined by King Marthanda Varma when he saw the Neyyar River covered in fallen blooms. Poovar is particularly special because it forms an estuary—a rare point where the river, backwaters, and sea all meet. If you are staying in Kovalam, the southernmost Lighthouse Beach awaits, located just 19 km from Trivandrum and widely considered one of the most magnificent beach destinations in India.

Upon arrival, the afternoon is dedicated to coastal adventure at Lighthouse Beach. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the local sports clubs offer a variety of water activities including Jet Skiing, Parasailing, and Windsurfing. If you prefer exploring the underwater world, Snorkeling is a popular choice, while a Backwater Cruise offers a more serene way to experience the coast. Activity costs typically range from INR 450 for Jet Skiing to approximately INR 2,500 for a snorkeling dive. After enjoying the sea breeze and golden sands, you will check into your hotel. The evening is yours to relax by the shore before a delicious dinner.

 Overnight stay at Kovalam.

After breakfast, your morning begins with a spiritual visit to the Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum. This world-famous temple is an architectural marvel, showcasing a stunning blend of Tamil and authentic Kerala styles. As you walk through its elegantly carved corridors, you will experience a deep sense of serenity. Please note that a strict dress code is observed here: women must wear a saree, and men are required to wear a dhoti. The temple follows specific darshan timings throughout the morning and evening, so planning your visit accordingly is essential. Following this, you will visit the Napier Museum (Halcyon Castle). Originally built in 1932 as a summer retreat for Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, this grand structure was later handed over to the Kerala Government. It stands today as a testament to royal Kerala architecture and historical elegance.

In the afternoon, you have the option to embark on an excursion to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of peninsular India. This is a unique geographical point where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean meet. Your exploration here includes an exciting ferry ride to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, perched on a small island, and a visit to the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue, dedicated to the legendary Tamil poet. You will also visit the Gandhi Mandapam, a memorial designed so that on every 2nd of October, the sun’s rays fall exactly on the spot where the Mahatma’s ashes were kept. The tour continues to the Bhagvaty Amman Temple, one of the 108 Shakti Peeths, and concludes at Kanyakumari Beach. Here, you can witness the breathtaking confluence of the three seas and a spectacular sunset before returning to your hotel. 

overnight stay in Kovalam or Poovar.

On your final morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, taking in the last views of the swaying palms and the rhythmic sounds of the Arabian Sea. After breakfast, you will check out and enjoy a short, scenic drive toward Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram).

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Trivandrum International Airport or the Railway Station for your journey back home. As you head toward your departure point, reflect on the incredible diversity of your journey—from the colonial streets of Kochi and the misty tea gardens of Munnar to the wild trails of Periyar and the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom. You depart with a heart full of peace and a camera full of vibrant memories from your ultimate 9-day Kerala experience.