Whole of Kerala

On arrival at Kochi (also historically known as Cochin), you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Cochin, located on the southwest coast of India, is a lively city set in the scenic and culturally rich state of Kerala, often celebrated as ‘God’s Own Country.’ Known as the Gateway to Kerala, Cochin beautifully blends history, culture, and modern vibrancy.

After checking in and freshening up, enjoy dinner at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Cochin and begin your journey to the scenic hill station of Munnar. Before leaving Cochin, enjoy sightseeing around the city:

• Chinese Fishing Nets – Iconic and picturesque nets introduced in the 14th century by Chinese explorers, still operated by local fishermen.
• Fort Kochi – Explore the historic fort area reflecting English, Dutch, and Portuguese influences in architecture and culture.
• Jewish Synagogue – Built in 1568, it’s the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth, featuring Chinese floor tiles, a Belgian chandelier, and a charming clock tower.

After sightseeing, drive to Munnar, the former summer retreat of the British, known for its lush tea plantations and rolling Cardamom hills. On the way, stop for photos at Attukad Waterfalls and Pothamedu Viewpoint.

On arrival, visit the Tata Tea Museum, where you can see traditional tea processing methods, learn about tea history, and taste various types of tea.

overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Munnar, exploring the hill station’s natural beauty, wildlife, and adventure spots.

Eravikulam National Park – Famous for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, this park in the Kannan Devan hills offers stunning views of the Rajamalai region. (Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Entry: INR 125/adult, INR 95/child, INR 420/foreigner. Closed Feb–Mar.)

Kundala Lake – Asia’s first arch dam, ideal for pedal boating, row boating, and Shikara rides. Occasionally, the rare Neelakurinji flowers bloom here once every 12 years. (Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Entry: INR 10)

Mattupetty Dam – Surrounded by tea plantations and spice gardens, perfect for picnics, trekking, and boating. (Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Entry: INR 10; Boating: INR 350–500)

Carmelagiri Elephant Park – Enjoy short elephant rides amidst Munnar’s rocky terrain. (Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Ride: INR 1,150/adult)

Blossom Park – Lush landscaped gardens with rivers, waterfalls, bird watching, and adventure activities like roller skating, nature walks, and boating. (Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Entry: INR 10/adult, INR 2/child; activity cost extra)

Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Munnar and drive towards Thekkady, enjoying scenic roads flanked by lush plantations. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and savor the fragrance of cinnamon, cloves, and other spices along the way.

Enroute Sightseeing – Spice Plantation:
Explore the spice plantations of Kumily, famous for cardamom, pepper, and other spices thriving in the cool climate and elevation of the region. Witness the sunlight filtering through the pepper vines and learn about the cultivation process.
(Entry Fee: INR 200–300 per person)

On arrival in Thekkady, check into your hotel and relax. In the evening, you can enjoy a Kathakali dance or Kalaripayattu martial arts performance at Mudra Cultural Centre (optional, additional cost). These performances showcase traditional Kerala art forms, with full costume and makeup starting 30 minutes before the show.
(Timings: 5:00–6:00 PM, 6:00–7:00 PM, 8:00–9:00 PM | Entry: INR 300 per person onwards)

Overnight stay in Thekkady.

After breakfast, head out to explore the famous Periyar Lake, located within South India’s renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary offers a unique chance to spot wildlife in their natural habitat while enjoying a safe and scenic boat ride on the lake.

Periyar Lake Boating:

• Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Boat Timings: 7:30–9:00 AM, 9:30–11:00 AM, 11:15–12:45 PM, 1:45–3:15 PM, 3:30–5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: INR 40 per person
• Boat Charges: INR 500 onwards per person
  (Booking in advance recommended: KTDC Boating)

Optional Adventure – Bamboo Rafting:
Experience a half-day hike and rafting adventure through dense forest tracts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Spot elephants, gaurs, and sambar near the lake while enjoying panoramic views from bamboo rafts.

• Timings: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
• Price: INR 2,000 onwards per person (minimum 2 persons required)

Rest of the day is free for additional activities such as visiting Elephant Junction or taking a 3-hour jeep safari in the sanctuary.

Overnight stay in Thekkady.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Thekkady and drive to Kumarakom, famously known as the ‘Venice of the East.’ This picturesque backwater village is made up of a cluster of islands around the serene Vembanad Lake.

On arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the resort facilities. You can also opt for an Ayurvedic treatment at the resort to relax your mind, body, and soul (additional cost). In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake, soaking in the tranquil backwaters.

Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

After breakfast, start your day with a village walk around the scenic surroundings of Kumarakom, experiencing the daily life, lush greenery, and serene backwater charm. Later, drive to Kottayam for some shopping, famous for South Indian silk sarees.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Kumarakom. You can relax with Ayurvedic spa treatments at the hotel (additional cost) to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. In the evening, witness the breathtaking sunset over the backwaters—a magical experience that lasts only a few minutes.

Optional activities include enjoying a Kathakali performance or a Kalaripayattu martial arts show by local artists, showcasing traditional Kerala culture.

Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kumarakom and drive to the coastal paradise of Kovalam or Poovar.

Kovalam: Known for its scenic beauty, calm beaches, and lush coconut palms, Kovalam is a tranquil getaway in Kerala, with the Lighthouse Beach being the most famous spot, just 19 km from Trivandrum. Enjoy water sports activities like parasailing, snorkelling, windsurfing, jet skiing, or a relaxing backwater cruise.

• Activity Costs: Jet Ski – INR 450+, Parasailing – INR 1,000, Snorkelling – INR 2,500 per dive
• Duration: Jet Ski – 10–15 mins, Parasailing – 5–10 mins, Snorkelling – approx. 30 mins

Poovar: This charming estuary town is named by Marthanda Varma, meaning “Flower River,” reflecting its natural beauty where the Neyyar River meets the sea. The serene landscape of Poovar makes it perfect for relaxation and backwater cruises.

Overnight stay at Kovalam/Poovar.

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

Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple: One of Kerala’s most revered temples, showcasing a blend of Kerala and Tamil architectural styles, with beautifully carved walls and a serene ambiance. Dress Code: Women – Saree | Men – Dhoti.

Timings: 3:30–4:45 AM (Nirmalya Darshanam), 6:30–7:00 AM, 8:30–10:00 AM, 10:30–11:00 AM, 11:45–12:00 PM; Evening – 5:00–6:15 PM, 6:45–7:20 PM

Napier Museum (Halcyon Castle): Built in 1932 as a summer retreat by Sri Rama Varma, this museum is famous for its unique architecture and historical artifacts.

Optional Trip – Kanyakumari: (Additional cost) Visit India’s southernmost tip, where three oceans meet: the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Key attractions include:

Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Accessible via a ferry ride to the rock island.

Thiruvalluvar Statue: 38-foot pedestal statue honoring the Tamil poet-philosopher.

Gandhi Mandapam: Memorial for Mahatma Gandhi, designed to align with the sunrise on October 2nd.

Kanyakumari Temple (Bhagavati Amman Temple): One of the 108 Shakti Peeths.

Kanyakumari Beach: Enjoy views of sunrise, sunset, the lighthouse, Vivekananda Memorial, and the ocean confluence.

Overnight stay in Kovalam/Poovar.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kovalam or Poovar and transfer to Trivandrum Airport for your onward flight. Depart with cherished memories of Kerala – God’s Own Country.