PLACES: COCHIN | THEKKADY | ALLEPPEY | KOVALAM | TRIVANDRUM Discover the best of Kerala on this unforgettable journey through serene backwaters, lush spice plantations, tropical beaches and vibrant heritage towns. From village life in Kumbalangi and historic Cochin to wildlife encounters in Periyar, an overnight houseboat cruise in Alleppey, and relaxation in Kovalam, this tour captures the true essence of “God’s Own Country.” Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Cochin. In the evening, witness the world-famous Kathakali dance at a local theatre, a traditional art form of Kerala and one among the national dances of India. (Timings: Kathakali make-up starts at 5.30 PM & the performance starts from 6.30 PM till 7.30 PM) Return to your hotel. Overnight in Cochin. After breakfast, visit Kumbalangi. Discover Kumbalangi, a serene backwater village near Kochi and India’s first model fisheries and tourism village. Your visit begins with fresh tender coconut on arrival, followed by a tranquil country boat ride through interlinked waterways. Explore a crab farm, agricultural fields, coconut leaf weaving, coin-yarning units, and traditional Chinese fishing nets. Lunch is served in a peaceful backwater-front hall, completing a memorable immersion into Kerala’s rural life, culture, and natural beauty. In the afternoon, proceed on a sightseeing tour of Cochin, the financial capital and most cosmopolitan city of Kerala. The tour includes a visit to the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry (closed on Fridays and national holidays), renowned for its exquisite murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Continue to the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays), located in the heart of Jew Town. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the historic Santa Cruz Basilica, originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The tour concludes with a view of the iconic Chinese fishing nets, massive cantilevered structures believed to have been introduced to Kochi by ancient Chinese traders. Overnight in Cochin. After breakfast, depart for Periyar, also known as Thekkady. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Western Ghats to a landscape of tea gardens, rubber estates, and coffee and pepper plantations set high in the Cardamom Hills. Periyar is an established wildlife sanctuary and home to elephants, tigers, bison, sambar deer, wild boar, langurs, and more. The artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam adds to the charm of the park. Spread across 777 sq. km, including 360 sq. km of thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also a designated Tiger Reserve. After check-in at the hotel, proceed to a spice plantation visit. A walk through the plantation reveals pristine greenery, low-hanging clouds, gurgling streams, and the faint silhouette of the Western Ghats in the backdrop. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you will explore cardamom, pepper, rubber, vanilla, coffee, and tea plantations. While pepper is most abundant in Thekkady, you will also see cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, and curry leaves growing on the sloping terrain. Overnight in Thekkady. In the morning, proceed to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for a boating experience. Nestled at a refreshing altitude, with temperatures ranging from 15° to 30°C, the sanctuary surrounds the serene artificial Periyar Lake. The most popular way to view wildlife here is a steamer cruise on the lake, passing partially submerged tree trunks and forested shores. Keep an eye out for elephant herds at the water’s edge, sambar deer emerging from the thickets, wild boar on the move, and with a bit of luck, even the elusive Bengal tiger resting in a clearing. Always keep your binoculars handy — birdlife is abundant. You may spot blue-winged parakeets, solitary kingfishers, Nilgiri wood pigeons, white-bellied treepies, laughing thrushes, flycatchers, and many more species unique to this region. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, depart for Alleppey to board your private kettuvallam (houseboat) and begin an unforgettable overnight cruise through the unique backwaters of Kerala. Your exclusive houseboat cruises until sunset and then anchors for the night. The boat features a private open deck with comfortable seating and well-furnished rooms with attached bathrooms. Air conditioning is provided during sleeping hours. The fully equipped kitchen and on-board chef will prepare authentic Kerala cuisine, including seafood specialties and fresh vegetables — a great chance to pick up some local cooking tips! The waterways of Kerala are a lifeline for the region, connecting remote villages and islands to the mainland. Cruising these emerald channels offers an incredibly different perspective on daily life in Kerala. Traditionally known as kettuvallam or rice boats, houseboats once transported rice and cargo; today, they are a signature travel experience. Built using natural materials such as bamboo poles, coconut fibre ropes, bamboo mats, carpets, and coir, these boats glide gracefully through shimmering waters and scenic landscapes. Overnight onboard the HOUSEBOAT. After breakfast, drive to Trivandrum. Upon arrival, proceed on a sightseeing tour of the capital city of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram offers several interesting attractions, including the Napier Museum (closed on Mondays and before noon on Wednesdays), a striking building designed by English architect Chisholm that blends English, Saxon, and Travancore architectural styles. Continue to the Sri Chitra Art Gallery (closed on Mondays and before noon on Wednesdays), which displays an impressive collection of Indian paintings. You will also visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple from the outside, an architectural marvel and the focal point around which the city developed, as well as the Horse Palace, a unique structure created by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, renowned for its horse-shaped windows and fine collection of antiques. Later, proceed to Kovalam, the world-famous beach destination of Kerala. With three adjacent crescent-shaped beaches, Kovalam has been a favourite of travellers, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. Leisure options are plentiful, including sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, cultural programmes, and catamaran cruising. Upon arrival, check in to your resort in Kovalam. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Kovalam. Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure, to enjoy the beach. Overnight in Kovalam. You will be dropped off at Trivandrum airport on time for your onward journey.
Itinerary
