Kerala Holiday – Culture, Nature & Backwaters

11 Days / 10 Nights

About Kerala Holiday – Culture, Nature & Backwaters

A holiday in Kerala is the opportunity to experience a place where the beauty of the landscape, the traditions of the past and the tranquillity of the surroundings all come together. Whether you're exploring the traditional temples and cultural sites, or simply enjoying the cool of Munnar's tea gardens and the beauty of Thekkady, there's something to suit every taste. You get a real insight into the local way of life, the chance to try the real Kerala food and the opportunity to experience the very essence of the place.

The experience is even more memorable with a relaxing houseboat cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey, set amongst the coconut groves, the quiet canals and the life of the village. It's the perfect holiday for a family, a couple or indeed anyone looking for a break in the midst of nature. You get a real mix of culture, sightseeing and backwater cruising.

Destinations Covered

ACochin
BFort Kochi
CThodupuzha
DMunnar
EThekkady
FAlleppey
GCochin

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Cochin

On arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will assist you with your transfer to Fort Kochi. Fort Kochi is a charming historic town where different cultures and traditions come together. Known for its colonial architecture, art galleries, quaint cafés and laid-back atmosphere, it is the perfect place to begin your Kerala holiday. On arrival, check in to your heritage-style hotel and take some time to relax after your journey. In the evening, you may wish to enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance, one of Kerala's most fascinating cultural experiences. Overnight stay at your hotel in Fort Kochi.

Day 02Discover Fort Kochi

After breakfast, set out on a guided sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi and explore its fascinating history and cultural heritage. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town and Princess Street. Each of these places has its own unique story and offers a glimpse into the rich cultural past of this historic coastal town. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant during your sightseeing tour. Later, spend some relaxing time at Fort Kochi Beach, where you can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a beautiful sunset. In the evening, you can savour a delicious seafood dinner at your hotel or at one of the local restaurants. Alternatively, if you are interested in Kerala's traditional cuisine, you may opt for a home-cooked dinner experience with a local family, including a cooking demonstration. Overnight stay at your hotel in Fort Kochi.

Day 03Cochin – Thodupuzha (Approximately 2.5 Hours' Drive)

After breakfast, drive to Thodupuzha, a beautiful countryside destination surrounded by lush greenery, forests and plantations. On arrival, check in to your eco-friendly farmstay, a peaceful retreat where you can experience the charm of rural Kerala. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. You may also take a leisurely nature walk, explore the organic farm, participate in a traditional Kerala cooking experience or simply unwind with some yoga and relaxation. Overnight stay at your farmhouse.

Day 04Experience Rural Life in Thodupuzha

Today is all about enjoying the simple pleasures of countryside living. After breakfast, you can explore the surrounding countryside on a guided forest walk or enjoy some of the activities arranged by your farmstay.

Depending on your interests, experiences may include bamboo rafting, cycling along quiet village roads, visiting a local school and learning about traditional rubber processing. You will also have plenty of time to interact with local people, discover everyday village life and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of rural Kerala. Overnight stay at your farmhouse.

Day 05Thodupuzha – Munnar (Approximately 2 Hours' Drive)

After breakfast, proceed to Munnar, one of the most beautiful hill stations in South India. The journey itself is a delightful experience, taking you through green countryside, charming Kerala villages, rubber and pineapple plantations and winding mountain roads. As you approach Munnar, the scenery gradually transforms into mist-covered hills, cascading waterfalls and endless stretches of tea plantations. En route, stop at the beautiful Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls to enjoy the scenery and capture some memorable photographs. Munnar is famous for its pleasant climate, breathtaking landscapes and peaceful surroundings. It is the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with nature. On arrival, check in to your resort and spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Overnight stay at your resort in Munnar.

Day 06Explore Munnar

After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Munnar and discover some of its most beautiful attractions. You can enjoy a leisurely walk through the tea plantations or, if you are feeling adventurous, opt for a trek in the scenic Lakshmi Hills. Other attractions you may wish to visit include Eravikulam National Park, the Tea Museum, Kundala Dam and Mattupetty Dam. Take your time to enjoy the fresh mountain air, rolling green hills and spectacular views that make Munnar such a special destination. Return to your resort in the evening. Overnight stay at your resort in Munnar.

Day 07Munnar – Thekkady (Approximately 3 Hours' Drive)

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve and one of Kerala's most beautiful destinations for nature and wildlife lovers. On arrival, check in to your resort and take some time to relax.

In the afternoon, visit a local spice plantation and explore the spice market, where you can discover Kerala's famous spices, including cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and cloves. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kalaripayattu performance. This ancient martial art of Kerala is a fascinating display of strength, agility and skill. Overnight stay at your hotel in Thekkady.

Day 08Explore Thekkady

After breakfast, head to Periyar Lake for a scenic boat safari through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the reserve and, with a little luck, spot elephants, deer, wild boar and a variety of birds along the lakeside. Later, you may choose to enjoy additional activities such as a guided nature walk, a forest experience or an elephant interaction, depending on availability and your interests.

The rest of the day can be spent relaxing at your resort or exploring the local surroundings. Overnight stay at your hotel in Thekkady.

Day 09Thekkady – Alleppey (Approximately 4.5 Hours' Drive)

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey, famous for its enchanting backwaters, traditional houseboats, coconut-lined canals and charming village life. On arrival, board your deluxe day-cruise houseboat and get ready for a memorable journey through the beautiful Kerala backwaters. As the houseboat gently cruises along the waterways, you will pass picturesque villages, lush green paddy fields, churches, temples and traditional Kerala homes. Sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you get a glimpse of everyday life along the backwaters. A freshly prepared traditional Kerala lunch will be served on board, giving you the opportunity to savour some delicious local cuisine. At around 5:00 pm, disembark from the houseboat and transfer to your charming backwater homestay. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing and enjoying the tranquil village atmosphere. Overnight stay at your backwater homestay.

Day 10Experience Village Life in Alleppey

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day discovering the charm of the Kerala backwaters and village life. You may choose to go for a leisurely village walk, explore the countryside by bicycle, enjoy a traditional canoe ride through the narrow canals or indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the slower pace of life in Kerala, interact with local people and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding waterways. Overnight stay at your backwater homestay.

Day 11Alleppey – Cochin Airport (Approximately 2.5 Hours' Drive)

Enjoy your breakfast, Depending on your flight schedule, our driver will pick you up from the property and transfer you to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey home.

End of Tour