Kerala Highlights

On arrival at Kochi (Cochin), you will be greeted and assisted before beginning your scenic drive to Munnar. Once a favored summer retreat of the British, Munnar today is one of Kerala’s most loved hill stations, known for its cool climate, rolling hills, and endless stretches of tea plantations.

As you approach Munnar, pause for a photo stop at Attukad Waterfalls and enjoy the panoramic views from Pothamedu View Point, where the Cardamom Hills and lush greenery create a beautiful landscape.

After reaching Munnar, visit the Tata Tea Museum, a must-see for tea enthusiasts. The museum showcases the history of tea cultivation in the region and displays vintage machinery such as the traditional “Rotorvane” used in CTC tea processing. You can also experience tea tasting and learn about the art of tea plucking.
(Timings: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Closed on Monday | Entry Fee: INR 75 per adult, INR 35 per child)

Later, check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure, relaxing and enjoying the pleasant hill station atmosphere.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour exploring the best of Munnar’s scenic and wildlife attractions.

Start with Eravikulam National Park, nestled in the Kannan Devan Hills, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Visit the Rajamalai region to catch a glimpse of these exotic animals in their natural habitat. (Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Entry: INR 125/adult, INR 95/child; closed Feb–Mar for calving season. Advance online booking recommended.)

Next, head to Kundala Lake, Asia’s first arch dam, offering serene views and the chance to spot the rare Neelakurinji flowers (bloom every 12 years). Enjoy pedal boating, row boating, or the popular Shikara ride on the lake. (Entry: INR 10; Boating: INR 350/15 mins)

Proceed to Mattupetty Dam, surrounded by lush tea plantations, spice gardens, and rolling hills. This is an ideal spot for a picnic, trekking, or speedboat ride on the lake. (Entry: INR 10; Speedboat: INR 500/15 mins)

For a fun experience, visit Carmelagiri Elephant Park for an elephant safari through Munnar’s rocky terrain—perfect for both kids and adults. (Elephant ride: INR 1150/10–15 mins)

End the day at Blossom Park, a beautifully landscaped area with gardens, waterfalls, bird-watching, adventure trails, boating, and nature walks. The park is perfect for relaxation and enjoying the lush greenery of Munnar. (Entry: INR 10/adult, INR 2/child; activity costs extra)

Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Thekkady, enjoying scenic plantations along the way. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and savor the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and other spices that thrive in this region, located 2,800 ft above sea level.

En route, stop at a Spice Plantation in Kumily, where you can see the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, and other spices. The lush plantations, with sunlight filtering through leaves, create a truly enchanting sight. (Entry: INR 200–300 per person)

On arrival, check into your hotel. In the evening, you may attend a Kathakali dance or Kalaripayattu martial arts performance at Mudra Cultural Centre (optional, additional cost). The shows are entertaining, and photography is allowed. (Timings: 5:00–6:00 PM, 6:00–7:00 PM, 8:00–9:00 PM; Entry: INR 300 onwards)

Overnight stay in Thekkady.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive towards Kumarakom, en route visiting Periyar Lake.

Periyar Lake is part of South India’s most famous wildlife sanctuary, offering a unique opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat from the safety of a boat. Enjoy boat rides or, for adventure enthusiasts, bamboo rafting through forested areas of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, spotting elephants, gaurs, and sambars along the way. (Boat ride: INR 500+; Bamboo rafting: INR 2000+, booking recommended online.)

Continue the drive to Kumarakom, famously called the “Venice of the East”, a serene backwater village set on the Vembanad Lake. On arrival, check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the resort facilities or indulging in optional Ayurvedic treatments. You can also visit Kottayam city for shopping, especially for South Indian silk sarees.

Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and board a traditional houseboat (Kettuvallam) in Kumarakom/Alleppey. These charming wooden boats, tied with coir ropes and featuring a thatched roof, offer a unique way to experience Kerala’s backwaters.

Cruise through the serene Vembanad Lake and picturesque backwater canals, surrounded by lush greenery and quaint village life along the banks. The houseboat stay usually starts with lunch on board and continues overnight, with breakfast the following morning. These houseboats are equipped with all basic and luxury amenities and managed by skilled staff, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey.

• Houseboat Check-in: 12:00 PM
• Houseboat Check-out: 9:00 AM

Overnight stay on the houseboat.

After breakfast, check out early from your hotel and drive to Kovalam or Poovar, two of Kerala’s most enchanting coastal destinations.

Kovalam is a paradise of peace and tranquility, lined with coconut palms and pristine beaches, including the famous Lighthouse Beach, located just 19 km from Trivandrum. Enjoy the sun, sand, and optional water sports activities such as parasailing, snorkelling, windsurfing, and backwater cruises.

Poovar, meaning “flower river,” is named after a historic event involving Marthanda Varma, the king of Travancore. The estuary at Poovar, where the river meets the sea, offers a serene and scenic experience, perfect for relaxation and photography.

Overnight stay at Kovalam or Poovar.

After breakfast, explore the cultural and historical highlights of Trivandrum.

Start with the Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its stunning architecture blending Tamil and Kerala styles. Admire the intricately carved walls and serene atmosphere. (Dress code: Women – saree; Men – dhoti; Timings: multiple slots from early morning to evening.)

Next, visit the Napier Museum (Halcyon Castle), built in 1932 as a summer retreat. The museum showcases elegant architecture and historical artifacts.

For those opting for an extended trip, visit Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of peninsular India where three oceans meet. Highlights include:

• Vivekananda Rock Memorial – accessible via ferry, iconic monument on a rock island
• Thiruvalluvar Statue – 38-foot tall statue of the celebrated poet-philosopher
• Gandhi Mandapam – commemorates Mahatma Gandhi, with a precise sun alignment on 2nd October
• Kanyakumari Temple (Bhagvaty Amman Temple) – one of the 108 Shakti Peeths
• Kanyakumari Beach – scenic views of sunrise, sunset, memorials, and ocean confluence

Overnight stay at Kovalam / Poovar.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Trivandrum Airport to catch your flight back home. Depart with cherished memories of Kerala, God’s Own Country, and the serene landscapes, backwaters, and cultural experiences you enjoyed throughout your trip.