Itinerary
- Day 1
Cochin
You'll arrive at Cochin airport and head to your hotel to settle in. Once you're ready, the afternoon opens up to explore the main sights around the city. The Dutch Palace shows off Kerala's colonial architecture, and from there you can walk through Jew Town with its narrow lanes and antique shops. The Jewish Synagogue sits in this same area, followed by the spice market where the scent of cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon fills the air. St. Francis Church is also on the route. By evening, you'll catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a classical art form native to Kerala.
Included Activities
- City tour of Cochin
- Visit Dutch Palace
- Visit Jew Town and Jewish Synagogue (1568)
- Visit spice market
- Visit St. Francis Church
- View Chinese fishing nets
- Kerala classical dance performance
Landmarks Dutch Palace Jew Town Jewish Synagogue St. Francis Church Chinese Fishing Nets - Day 2
Cochin to Munnar
After breakfast you'll drive about 4 hours north to Munnar, a hill station sitting at high elevation in the Western Ghats. Once you check in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and take in the views around the property. If you're interested, tea plantations are nearby for a visit, or you could try paragliding if you want something more active. It's mainly a travel day with time to adjust to the cooler mountain climate.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit aromatic tea plantations
- Paragliding
- Day 3
Munnar
Today is a full day of sightseeing around Munnar. You'll see Anamudi, the tallest peak in South India, which offers panoramic views across the region. Christ Church is worth a stop for its architecture and history. Head to Eravikulam National Park to look for wildlife like Nilgiri tahr and other mountain species. Then move on to Rajamalai Hills, followed by Madupetty Dam where you can go boating or try horse riding. Top Station wraps up the day with more high-altitude views and cooler mountain air.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Full day sightseeing in and around Munnar
- View Anamudi peak
- Visit Christ Church
- Wildlife watching at Eravikulam National Park
Optional Activities
- Boating at Madupetty Dam
- Horse riding at Madupetty Dam
Landmarks Anamudi Christ Church Eravikulam National Park Rajamalai Hills Madupetty Dam Top Station - Day 4
Munnar to Periyar
After eating, you'll spend 4 hours driving to Periyar and check into your hotel. In the evening, there's an option to take a boat ride on Periyar Lake where tigers, elephants, wild boar, and deer come to drink. The lake itself sits within a wildlife sanctuary, so sightings aren't guaranteed but the setting is worth it. If wildlife watching doesn't appeal, nearby tribal villages offer visits where you can learn how local communities traditionally collect honey and live off the land.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Boat ride on Periyar Lake
- Wildlife watching at Periyar/Thekkady National Park
- Visit tribal villages around Periyar
- Watch tribal honey-collecting activities
Landmarks Periyar National Park Periyar Lake - Day 5
Periyar to Kumarakom
A 3 hour drive brings you to Kumarakom, where you'll check in at a backwater resort built right along the water. The rest of your day is free to spend however you like. Most people take a walk along the backwaters or book a small boat ride to see the local fishing techniques and village life. The backwaters are a series of interconnected lagoons and lakes, creating a serene landscape with coconut palms lining the shores.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Kumarakom Backwaters - Day 6
Kumarakom to Alleppey
After breakfast you'll head to Kottayam to board your houseboat. This is an overnight journey south along the backwaters toward Alleppey, so you'll spend the evening and night on the water. The houseboat has all the comforts you need, and meals are typically served on board. As you travel, you'll pass through narrow canals, village areas, and open water, giving you a real sense of how Kerala's backwaters function as both transportation and livelihood for local people.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Meal at houseboat), Dinner (Meal at houseboat)
Included Activities
- Transfer to Kottayam
- Overnight houseboat journey on Kerala backwaters
Landmarks Kerala Backwaters - Day 7
Alleppey to Kovalam
You'll disembark from the houseboat in Alleppey and then transfer south to Kovalam, a beach town. Check in at your beachfront hotel and the day is yours to use as you wish. The beach here has golden sand and relatively calm water, so swimming is easy. You can lounge, sunbathe, play beach volleyball, or just walk along the shore. An optional Ayurvedic massage treatment can be arranged at the hotel if you want to relax that way instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Meal at houseboat)
Optional Activities
- Ayurvedic massage
- Beach sports
Landmarks Kovalam Beach - Day 8
Kovalam
Today is completely open. You'll have the full day to explore Kovalam's beaches on your own terms. Some people spend the day swimming and sunbathing, while others walk to nearby coves, try a local restaurant, or book water sports like jet skiing or surfing lessons. It's also a good day to sleep in and move at a slower pace after several days of sightseeing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 9
Kovalam to Trivandrum
You'll drive to Trivandrum for a city tour focusing on Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Hindu Vaishnavites. The temple has intricate carvings across 400 pillars and is considered one of the 108 most important temples in the faith. The architecture and artwork alone make it worth the visit. After the temple tour, the afternoon is free, giving you time to head back to the beach or explore other parts of the city at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- City tour of Trivandrum
- Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Landmarks Padmanabhaswamy Temple - Day 10
Departure from Trivandrum
A driver will pick you up and take you to Trivandrum Airport, which is about 15 km from the city. Depending on your flight time, you'll have the morning to finish packing and have a final meal. Then it's the transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
