Vibrant Kerala

8 Days 7 Nights

Unforgettable 8-day journey through God's Own Country, where diverse landscapes and rich cultures await. Begin in the historic port city of Cochin, exploring its colonial streets and iconic Chinese fishing nets. Then, ascend into the cool, emerald hills of Munnar, wandering through endless tea plantations and breathing in the crisp mountain air. Venture to Thekkady for a unique chance to spot wildlife from the safety of a boat on Periyar Lake. The journey culminates in the serene backwaters of Alleppey, where you'll glide through palm-fringed canals on a traditional houseboat, before concluding on the golden sands of Kovalam. This tour is a perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation.

Trip Highlights

  • Historic Fort Kochi Walk
  • Munnar's Tea Plantations
  • Periyar Lake Boating
  • Alleppey Backwaters Cruise
  • Kovalam Beach Relaxation

Inclusions

  • Accommodation for 7 nights in 3-star hotels/houseboat as per the itinerary (1 night Cochin, 2 nights Munnar, 1 night Thekkady, 1 night Alleppey, 2 nights Kovalam).
  • Daily Breakfast.
  • All sightseeing and transfers using a private air-conditioned vehicle (Maruti Swift Sedan or similar) with an English-speaking driver.
  • Alleppey Houseboat stay with all meals (lunch, evening tea/snacks, dinner, and next day's breakfast) OR a day cruise/Shikara ride if opting for a hotel stay.
  • All currently applicable taxes.

Exclusions

  • Airfare/Train tickets.
  • Lunch and Dinner (except those specified on the houseboat).
  • Entrance fees to monuments, parks, and guide charges.
  • Boating charges in Thekkady (Periyar Lake) and other places unless specified.
  • Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, beverages, etc.
  • Any cost arising due to natural calamities, roadblocks, political unrest, etc.
  • Room heater charges, travel insurance, or anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'.

Day Wise Itinerary

Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After freshening up, embark on a sightseeing tour of historic Fort Kochi. Explore a fascinating blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences, visiting the storied St. Francis Church, the ancient Dutch Cemetery, the Mattancherry Palace, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets. The day concludes with a stroll through the quaint, narrow lanes of Jew Town before an overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast, journey towards the beautiful hill station of Munnar. En route, be mesmerized by the cascading beauty of Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls. Upon arrival, the cool climate and vast expanses of tea plantations welcome you. Spend a leisurely evening visiting a Photo Point, a fragrant Rose Garden, and taking a relaxing city walk before settling in for the night.

Today is dedicated to exploring the natural treasures around Munnar. Visit the famous Eravikulam National Park, a unique sanctuary set against a backdrop of rolling tea plantations, known for its population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. In the afternoon, proceed to the picturesque Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy boating, and then visit the serene Echo Point. A visit to a tea factory to learn about tea processing concludes the day.

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, the gateway to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The highlight of the day is a boat ride on Periyar Lake, offering a chance to view wildlife from the water. You can also opt for a plantation tour to see spices like cardamom, pepper, and coffee being grown. Overnight stay will be in Thekkady.

Depart for Alleppey after breakfast. By noon, you will check into your pre-booked houseboat or hotel. If staying on a houseboat, embark on a mesmerizing cruise through the legendary backwaters, witnessing local life and breathtaking scenery. The package includes lunch, dinner, and breakfast on the houseboat. If staying at a hotel, you will enjoy a day cruise or a Shikara boat ride on the backwaters.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), the capital city. Here, you will visit the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the city zoo, and the Kanakakunnu Palace. Afterwards, proceed to the coastal town of Kovalam for your overnight stay.

Spend the day exploring the charms of Kovalam. Relax on its palm-backed beaches, including Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach. Climb the Vizhinjam Lighthouse for panoramic views, visit the Vizhinjam Juma Masjid mosque overlooking the fishing harbor, and explore the local museum. The day ends perfectly by watching a stunning sunset over the Arabian Sea.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Trivandrum airport or railway station for your departure, marking the end of the tour with sweet memories.

Vibrant Kerala