Kerala’s scenic beauty is renowned worldwide, and this short tour will take you to several of the most beautiful places across the state.
Adding extra time to this, or any of our Kerala itineraries is recommended to explore further off the main tourist routes. This week-long trip takes in Fort Cochin, Munnar, Periyar and the Alleppey backwaters.
Arrival at Cochin
On arrival at Cochin Airport you will be met and assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Fort Cochin
Cochin Sightseeing
Experience historic Fort Cochin through the eyes of a knowledgeable local guide who will take you on a tour around the Dutch Palace, St Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, the small but beautiful synagogue and more. Fort Cochin is a very popular tourist destination, but it retains the feel of a traditional Asian port city almost as soon as you step off the main routes. Ample time will be available in the afternoon to walk in the area along the waterfront and visit some of the many boutiques which dot the area. Overnight in Fort Cochin
Cochin - Munnar
Leave the coast and head steeply up into the Western Ghats to the heart of South India’s tea industry at Munnar. This famous hill station has a near-perfect climate for growing tea bushes. Seasonal waterfalls at Valera and Cheeyappara can be visited if you’re here soon after the monsoon. On arrival in Munnar, settle in and take a walk around a tea estate in the afternoon. Overnight in Munnar
Munnar Sightseeing
Your day of sightseeing around Munnar can include a selection of the following- to cover them all would take 2 full days. Eravikulam National Park, home to the highly endangered Nilgiri Thar, a species of mountain goat found only here; Rajamala - the highest peak in Munnar; Devikulam - a small hill station with exotic flora and fauna; a tea factory; Mattupetty Dam and Top Station - which offers a spectacular view of the plains of Tamil Nadu. Overnight in Munnar.
Munnar - Periyar
Depart after breakfast drive to Periyar, whose climate is better suited to growing spices than tea. Tour a spice plantation/garden here and take a forest trek in the late afternoon. Overnight in Periyar
Periyar - Alleppey
After breakfast and a leisurely start, drive 4 hours or so down to Alleppey where you can stay alongside the backwaters at a boutique homestay or resort-style property. Explore the backwaters in a small boat in the afternoon. Overnight near Alleppey
Alleppey - Cochin Depart
Time around Alleppey to discover more of the backwaters and see the lifestyle of the local people up-close. You can walk, cycle or take a public ferry to gain an appreciation of how people live in this very special region. Later transfer to Cochin airport for your journey home.