Venice of Kerala

Cochin

Arrive at Kochi (colonial name Cochin), where you will be greeted by our assistance and transferred to your hotel.

Kochi, a vibrant city on the south-west coast of India, is part of the scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, famously known as ‘God’s Own Country.’ Informally called the Gateway to Kerala, Cochin offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. On arrival, check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight stay at Cochin.

Cochin - Munnar - (130 kms , 5hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your drive to Munnar. En route, explore the beautiful sights of Cochin:

Chinese Fishing Nets – Iconic and picturesque, these nets were introduced in the 14th century by the Chinese explorer Zheng He and are a unique feature of Kochi’s coastline.

Fort Kochi – A historic area reflecting the rich blend of English, Dutch, and Portuguese cultures through its architecture and heritage.

Jewish Synagogue – The oldest synagogue of its kind in the Commonwealth, built in 1568 and restored by the Dutch. Highlights include a gold pulpit, hand-painted Chinese tiles, and a Belgian chandelier. (Timings: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, closed on Saturdays; Entry fee: INR 10 per person)

Later, continue your journey to Munnar, once a summer retreat for the British, now a popular hill station surrounded by lush tea plantations and rolling Cardamom hills. On arrival, enjoy a photo stop at Attukad Waterfalls and Pothamedu Viewpoint. Visit the Tata Tea Museum, where you can see traditional tea processing methods and taste different varieties of tea. (Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, closed on Mondays; Entry fee: INR 75 per adult, INR 35 per child)

Check into your hotel in Munnar, relax, and enjoy the resort amenities.

Overnight stay at Munnar.

Munnar

Today morning after breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar covering its most famous attractions.

Eravikulam National Park – Located in the Kannan Devan hills, this park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The Rajamalai region, open to the public, allows a close view of these exotic animals. The park is spread over 97 sq km, with core and buffer areas restricted for conservation.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Entry Fee: INR 125 per adult, INR 95 per child, INR 420 for foreign nationals
Note: Closed from February to March during the Nilgiri Tahr calving season. Booking in advance is recommended via Eravikulam National Park.

Kundala Lake – Asia’s first arch dam, offering serene views and a chance to spot rare Neelakurinji flowers (bloom once in 12 years). Enjoy boating options including pedal boats, rowboats, and the famous Shikara rides.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Entry Fee: INR 10 | Boating Charges: INR 350 per 15 minutes

Mattupetty Dam – Nestled near Anamudi Peak, surrounded by tea plantations and spice gardens. Ideal for picnics, trekking, and boating.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Entry Fee: INR 10 | Boating Charges: INR 500 per 15 minutes (speedboat, shared 1–5 people)

Carmelagiri Elephant Park – Enjoy a short 10–15 minute elephant ride amidst the rocky landscapes of Munnar. Fun for both kids and adults.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Entry Fee: INR 1150 per adult

Blossom Park – A landscaped park featuring fresh flowers, rivers, artificial waterfalls, and lawns. Activities include nature walks, birdwatching, boating, adventure trails, roller skating, and badminton. Best visited between December and February for maximum greenery.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Entry Fee: INR 10 per adult, INR 2 per child (additional activity charges apply)

Return to the hotel in the evening. Relax, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight in Munnar.

(The itinerary may vary depending on time, schedule, and hotel location. Entry fees and activity charges are to be paid directly wherever applicable.)

Munnar - Thekkady - (110 kms , 4 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Thekkady, located about 2800 ft above sea level. As you journey through the winding mountain roads, the thick wooded terrain gradually opens up to breathtaking plantation views. Enjoy the crisp mountain air filled with the rich aroma of cinnamon and cloves, giving you a true feel of Kerala’s spice country.

En route, visit a Spice Plantation in Kumily. The region’s cool climate and elevation make it ideal for spice cultivation. Cardamom, especially the variety Elettaria Cardamom (Small Cardamom), is widely grown here. Kerala contributes nearly 70% of India’s cardamom production, with a major share coming from Kumily plantations. You will also witness pepper plantations, where sunlight filtering through the lush green leaves creates a beautiful sight.
Entry Fee: INR 200–300 per person

On arrival in Thekkady, check into your hotel and relax.

In the evening, you may opt to enjoy a Kathakali dance performance or Kalaripayattu (traditional martial art) at the Mudra Cultural Centre at an additional cost. The centre is well known for its vibrant Kathakali shows and energetic Kalaripayattu performances. The make-up and costume preparation begins 30 minutes before each show and can be observed by visitors. Still photography is allowed. It is advisable to arrive early for good seating.
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

Return to the hotel.

Overnight stay at Thekkady.

Thekkady – Kumarakom (140 kms, 4 hrs)– Kumarakom (140 kms, 4 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to visit Periyar Lake.

Periyar Lake is part of South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary. It is the only wildlife sanctuary in India that offers the unique opportunity to view wildlife in their natural habitat from the safety of a boat. Cruising on the lake gives you a chance to spot animals along the forest edges.
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

OR

For adventure lovers, opt for Bamboo Rafting at Periyar Tiger Reserve. This programme includes guided hiking through rich forest trails followed by rafting on bamboo rafts. While rafting, you can enjoy panoramic views of forest-clad hills and may spot animals like elephants, gaur, and sambar near the lake.
Timings: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Price: INR 2000 onwards per person (minimum two persons required)
Note: Periyar boat ride to be booked in advance online at http://www.ktdc-boating.com/#booking

Later, drive to Kumarakom, popularly known as the ‘Venice of the East.’ This beautiful backwater destination consists of a cluster of island villages around Vembanad Lake. Kerala is also known for offering some of the world’s best Ayurvedic treatments for complete relaxation of mind, body, and soul, which you may enjoy at the resort at an additional cost.

On arrival at Kumarakom/Alleppey, check into the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, or you may enjoy the resort facilities. In the evening, you can opt for a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake.

Overnight stay at Kumarakom.

kumarakom

KumarakomToday Morning after Breakfast go for a village walk.  Later visit Kottayam city for some shopping of famous silk sarees of south india. Afternoon return to the hotel.The peaceful glory of Kumarakom is enjoyed best by soothening of senses and relaxation of mind, body, and soul. Indulge in some good ayurvedic spa treatments in the hotel(at additional cost). In the evening, enjoy the beautiful, charming and alluring sun setting on the horizon. Do not miss to see it in the evening time, the perfect sunset will be there for just five minutes, you got to see this on perfect timing. One can also enjoy the Kathakali Show and Kalaripayattu - a traditional martial art form of Kerala, performed by local artists. 

Overnight stay at the hotel in Kumarakom.

Kumarakom - Alleppey (House Boat)

Today morning after breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kumarakom/Alleppey and proceed to board your traditional houseboat, locally known as a ‘Kettuvallam’ – a wooden country boat tied together with coir ropes and topped with a thatched roof.

Staying in a houseboat and cruising through the serene and enchanting backwaters is one of the most memorable experiences in Kumarakom. As the boat glides gently along the waterways, you can admire the stunning scenery, lush green stretches of land along the banks, and the sparkling waters of Vembanad Lake, formed by the confluence of ten Malabar rivers.

The houseboats are equipped with all basic and modern amenities and are managed by experienced staff to ensure a comfortable stay. Typically, the stay begins with lunch and concludes with breakfast the following morning.

Check-in Time: 12:00 PM
Check-out Time: 9:00 AM

Alleppey – Kovalam / Poovar

Today morning after breakfast, check out early and drive towards Kovalam/Poovar.

Kovalam is breathtakingly beautiful – a true haven of peace and tranquility, making it one of the most idyllic tourist destinations in God’s Own Country. Surrounded by steep headlands and lined with swaying coconut palms, its beaches are simply stunning. The southernmost stretch, Lighthouse Beach, is especially popular and is located just 19 kms from Trivandrum city.

Poovar has an interesting history behind its name. Earlier known as Pokkumoosapuram, the place is linked to Marthanda Varma, the King of Travancore. During internal conflicts in Travancore, while escaping from the Ettuveetil Pillamar (Lords of the Eight Houses), the king reached Poovar. It was spring, and the trees along the Neyyar River were in full bloom. Flowers had fallen into the river, creating a beautiful sight. Impressed by the scenery, the king described it as “Poo-var,” combining the Malayalam words for “flower” and “river.” Poovar today is known for its scenic estuary, where the river meets the sea.

On arrival in Kovalam, visit Lighthouse Beach and enjoy water sports activities offered by local sports clubs. Activities include snorkelling, parasailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, and backwater cruises.

Activities Offered: Snorkelling, Parasailing, Wind Surfing, Backwater Cruise
Cost of Activities:

• 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

Later, check into your hotel.

Overnight stay at Kovalam / Poovar.

Kovalam / Poovar

Today morning after breakfast, proceed to visit the main attractions of Trivendrum.

Begin with Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a revered shrine known for its exceptionally beautiful architecture that blends Tamil and authentic Kerala styles. The temple is admired for its intricately carved walls and peaceful, spiritual atmosphere, making it a truly sacred place.
Dress Code: Women are required to wear a saree, and men must be dressed in a dhoti while entering the 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

Next, visit the Napier Museum (Halcyon Castle). Built in 1932 by Sri Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran as a summer retreat, the palace was later sold to the Kerala Government in 1964. Visitors can admire the architecture and historical significance of this structure.

Later, you may opt for a visit to Kanyakumari (at additional cost). Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of peninsular India and the meeting point of three oceans – the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Apart from being an important Hindu pilgrim center, it is well known for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the waters.

Places to visit in Kanyakumari:

• Vivekananda Rock Memorial – An iconic monument consisting of two main structures, accessible by an exciting ferry ride to the small rock island.
• Thiruvalluvar Statue – A magnificent statue dedicated to the poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, standing on a 38-foot pedestal and serving as a prominent landmark.
• 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 the sun’s rays fall exactly on the same spot every 2nd October.
• Kanyakumari Temple (Bhagavathy Amman Temple) – One of the 108 Shakti Peeths of the Hindu Goddess.
• Kanyakumari Beach – A beautiful beach offering views of the sunrise, sunset, Vivekananda Memorial, lighthouse, and the confluence of the three oceans.

In the evening, return to the hotel.

Overnight stay at Kovalam / Poovar.

Kovalam / Poovar – Trivendrum

Today morning after breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kovalam/Poovar and proceed to Trivendrum Airport for your onward flight to your hometown.

As your journey comes to an end, carry back wonderful memories of Kerala – truly God’s Own Country.