Kerala Coast

On arrival at Kochi (formerly Cochin), you will be received by our representative and transferred to the beautiful hill station of Munnar. Once a summer retreat for the British, Munnar is today one of Kerala’s most loved hill destinations, known for its rolling Cardamom Hills and endless stretches of lush tea plantations.
On the way, stop near Munnar town for photo breaks at Attukad Waterfalls and Pothamedu Viewpoint, both offering stunning panoramic views of the valley and tea gardens.
After reaching Munnar, visit the well-known Tata Tea Museum, one of the key attractions in the region. The museum showcases the history of tea cultivation in Munnar and features unique exhibits, including the traditional tea roller called the “Rotorvane”, which is used in processing CTC tea. Visitors can also enjoy the delightful experience of seeing tea leaves being plucked and tasting different varieties of freshly brewed tea.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Open all days, closed on Monday)
Entry Fee: INR 75 per adult | INR 35 per child
Later, check into your hotel and unwind amidst the peaceful surroundings of your resort. Enjoy dinner and an

overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar, exploring its misty hills, lush tea plantations, scenic lakes, waterfalls, wildlife zones, and leisure parks.

Begin the day with a visit to Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai), located in the Kannan Devan Hills and famous for being the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The Rajamalai tourism zone, which is open to visitors, offers breathtaking views of rolling grasslands and excellent opportunities to spot this rare mountain goat. Spread across 97 sq. km, the park is divided into core, buffer, and tourism zones, with public access permitted only in the tourism area.

Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Open all days)
Entry Fee: INR 125 per adult | INR 95 per child | INR 420 for foreign nationals
Advance Booking Recommended: https://eravikulamnationalpark.in/landing
Note: The park remains closed from February to March every year due to the calving season of Nilgiri Tahr.

Next, visit Kundala Lake and Dam, Asia’s first arch dam, surrounded by serene landscapes and rolling hills. The lake is known for its calm beauty and offers pedal boating, row boating, and popular shikara rides. During specific years, visitors may also witness the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years in the surrounding valleys and hills.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
Boating Charges: INR 350 for 15 minutes

Continue to Mattupetty Dam, located near Anamudi Peak and encircled by tea plantations, spice gardens, and green slopes. This scenic spot is ideal for photography, picnics, and relaxed walks. Boating facilities operated by the District Tourism Promotion Council include speedboats and motorboats, offering panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding hills.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
Speed Boat Charges: INR 500 for 15 minutes (shared by 1 to 5 persons)

Later, proceed to Carmelagiri Elephant Park, situated on Mattupetty Road, where guests can enjoy a memorable elephant safari across the rugged terrain of Munnar. The park offers short elephant rides lasting 10–15 minutes, making it an enjoyable experience for both adults and children.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Elephant Ride Charges: INR 1,150 per adult

The day concludes with a visit to Blossom Park, a beautifully landscaped attraction featuring vibrant flower gardens, the flowing Muthirappuzha River, artificial waterfalls, manicured lawns, and lush greenery. The park offers several leisure and adventure activities such as nature walks, boating, bird watching, adventure trails, roller skating, badminton, and more, creating a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere. The best time to visit is between December and February, when the surrounding greenery is at its peak.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 per adult | INR 2 per child (activity charges extra)

In the evening, return to the hotel to relax.

Overnight stay at Munnar.

Note: The sightseeing sequence may vary based on time availability, weather conditions, traffic, and hotel location. Entry fees and activity charges are payable directly wherever applicable.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed on a scenic drive to Thekkady, a charming hill destination known for its spice plantations, forest landscapes, and pleasant climate. As the journey unfolds, the winding mountain roads open up to breathtaking plantation views, refreshing mountain air, and the rich natural fragrance of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Situated at an altitude of 2,800 feet above sea level, Thekkady offers a refreshing and peaceful atmosphere.
En route, visit a Spice Plantation in Kumily, where you can gain insight into Kerala’s world-famous spice cultivation. The region’s unique geographical setting, cool climate, and elevation make it ideal for growing premium-quality spices, especially cardamom (Elettaria Cardamom). The small cardamom variety thrives at altitudes between 600 and 1,200 metres above sea level, and Kerala contributes nearly 70% of India’s total cardamom production, with a major share coming from Kumily plantations. You will also explore flourishing pepper plantations, where sunlight filtering through the lush green leaves creates a truly mesmerizing sight.
Entry Fee: INR 200 – 300 per person
On arrival in Thekkady, check in to your hotel and relax.
In the evening, you may opt to attend traditional cultural performances at the Mudra Cultural Centre (at an additional cost). This popular centre is renowned for its vibrant Kathakali dance shows and Kalaripayattu martial art performances. The elaborate makeup and costume preparations begin 30 minutes before each show, offering guests a fascinating behind-the-scenes experience. Still photography is permitted, and early arrival is recommended for good seating. Two Kalaripayattu performances are held every night.
Show Timings: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 300 per person onwards
After the show, return to the hotel for relaxation.

Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Today morning after breakfast, proceed to visit Periyar Lake, located inside one of South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuaries. This sanctuary is unique as it offers visitors the rare opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat from the safety of a boat on the lake.
During the boat ride, you may spot animals such as elephants, gaur, and sambar deer near the water’s edge, along with a variety of bird species.
Periyar Lake Boating
Sanctuary Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 40 per person
Boating Timings:
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
11:15 AM – 12:45 PM
1:45 PM – 3:15 PM
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Boat Charges: INR 500 onwards per person
Advance Booking: Recommended online at http://www.ktdc-boating.com/#booking

OR
Bamboo Rafting (For Adventurers)
For those looking for a more immersive experience, opt for the Bamboo Rafting programme inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This half-day activity combines guided forest trekking and rafting through some of the richest forest tracts in the reserve.
The experience begins with a range hiking session through diverse forest habitats, followed by rafting on bamboo rafts. From the water, you get panoramic views of forest-clad hills and may sight wildlife such as elephants, gaur, and sambar near the lake shores.
Timings:
7:30 AM – 12:30 PM
9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Price: INR 2000 onwards per person
(Minimum two persons required)

The rest of the day is free for optional activities such as:
Visiting Elephant Junction
3-hour Jeep Ride inside the reserve area.

overnight stay at Thekkady.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Kumarakom, fondly referred to as the “Venice of the East.” This picturesque backwater village is made up of a cluster of small island settlements spread across and around the serene Vembanad Lake, creating a peaceful and scenic atmosphere unique to Kerala.

Kerala is globally known for its authentic Ayurvedic therapies that offer complete relaxation for the mind, body, and soul. Guests may choose to experience these rejuvenating treatments at the resort at an additional cost.

On arrival at Kumarakom / Alleppey, check into the hotel and relax. The remainder of the day is at leisure — you can unwind or make use of the resort’s in-house facilities.

In the evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake, where the calm waters and golden hues of the setting sun create a memorable backwater experience.

overnight stay in Kumarakom.

After breakfast, begin the day with a guided village walk, offering a closer look at the simple and charming lifestyle of the local communities around Kumarakom. Walking through narrow lanes, interacting with villagers, and observing daily routines gives you an authentic glimpse of Kerala’s backwater culture.

Later, proceed to Kottayam city for shopping. The city is well known for its famous South Indian silk sarees, making it a great place to pick up traditional attire and souvenirs. After spending some time shopping, return to the hotel in the afternoon.

The tranquil beauty of Kumarakom is best experienced at a relaxed pace. Spend the remaining time unwinding and soaking in the peaceful surroundings. You may also choose to indulge in authentic Ayurvedic spa treatments at the hotel (at an additional cost) for complete relaxation of mind, body, and soul.

In the evening, witness the beautiful sunset over the horizon. The golden hues reflecting on the backwaters create a truly charming and memorable sight. The perfect sunset lasts only a few minutes, so timing is important to fully enjoy this magical moment.

Guests can also opt to attend a Kathakali performance and watch Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s traditional martial art form, performed by skilled local artists.

overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Today morning after breakfast, check out early and drive to Kovalam / Poovar for a relaxing beach experience.
Kovalam
Kovalam is breathtakingly beautiful — a haven of peace and tranquility, making it one of the most idyllic beach destinations in God’s Own Country. The coastline is backed by steep headlands and lined with fertile coconut palms. The southernmost stretch, known as Lighthouse Beach, is especially popular among visitors. Located just 19 kms from Trivandrum city, Kovalam offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and beachside leisure.
Upon arrival, visit Lighthouse Beach and enjoy various water sports activities offered by local sports clubs.
Activities Offered:
Snorkelling
Parasailing
Wind Surfing
Backwater Cruise
Cost of Activities (Approximate):
Jet Skiing – Rs 450 onwards
Parasailing – Rs 1000
Snorkelling – Approx Rs 2500 per dive
Time Required:
Jet Skiing – 10 to 15 minutes
Parasailing – 5 to 10 minutes
Snorkelling – Approx 30 minutes

Poovar
Poovar is known not only for its natural beauty but also for its historical significance. The name “Poovar” is believed to have originated during the time of Marthanda Varma, the King of Travancore. Earlier called Pokkumoosapuram, the place got its present name when the king, while escaping internal conflicts involving the Ettuveetil Pillamar (Lords of the Eight Houses), reached this region.
It was spring, and the trees along the banks of the Neyyar River were in full bloom. Flowers fell into the river, creating a picturesque sight. Impressed by the scenery, the king referred to it as “Poo-var” — derived from the Malayalam words for “flower” (Poo) and “river” (Var).
Poovar is also known for its beautiful estuary, where the river meets the sea, forming a wide and scenic water body.

overnight stay at Kovalam / Poovar.

After breakfast, proceed for local sightseeing in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), the capital city of Kerala, known for its cultural heritage and historic landmarks.

Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Visit the sacred Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, renowned for its magnificent architecture that beautifully blends Tamil and traditional Kerala styles. The temple features intricately carved walls, detailed craftsmanship, and a serene spiritual atmosphere, making it one of the most revered shrines in South India.
Dress Code:
Women are required to wear a saree inside the temple.
Men must wear a dhoti.
Temple Timings:
Morning:
3:30 AM – 4:45 AM (Nirmalya Darshanam)
6:30 AM – 7:00 AM
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening:
5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
6:45 PM – 7:20 PM

Napier Museum
Later, visit the historic Napier Museum, also known as Halcyon Castle. Built in 1932 by Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran as a summer retreat, the palace was later sold to the Government of Kerala in 1964. Visitors can explore the building and admire its distinctive architectural style and heritage significance.

Optional Excursion: Kanyakumari
You may choose to take an optional excursion (at additional cost) to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of peninsular India. It is the meeting point of three oceans — the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Apart from being an important Hindu pilgrimage centre, Kanyakumari is famous for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the waters.
Places to See in Kanyakumari:
Vivekananda Rock Memorial – An iconic monument built on a small rock island. Visitors reach the memorial via an exciting ferry ride. The structure consists of two main sections and stands as a tribute to Swami Vivekananda.
Thiruvalluvar Statue – A towering statue dedicated to the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The statue stands on a 38-foot pedestal and is a prominent landmark of the coastal town.
Gandhi Mandapam – Built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, this is the place where his ashes were kept before immersion. The structure is uniquely designed so that on every 2nd October, sunlight falls exactly on the spot where the ashes were placed.
Kanyakumari Temple – Also known as the Bhagavathy Amman Temple, this shrine is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas dedicated to the Hindu Goddess.
Kanyakumari Beach – A scenic beach ideal for spending quality time. It offers stunning views of the sunrise, sunset, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the lighthouse, and the confluence of the three seas.

Overnight stay at Kovalam / Poovar.

Departure – Trivandrum

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Trivandrum Airport for your onward flight to your hometown.

As your journey comes to an end, carry back beautiful memories of Kerala — from misty hill stations and wildlife experiences to serene backwaters and sun-kissed beaches of God’s Own Country.

We wish you a pleasant journey home.