Kerala Escape – Relaxed Family Holiday (08 days & 07 nights)

Distance: Approximately 130 Kilometres

Travel Time: Approximately 4–5 Hours

Welcome to Kerala, a destination celebrated worldwide for its breathtaking landscapes, lush greenery, tea-covered mountains, and warm hospitality. Upon your arrival at Cochin International Airport or Ernakulam Railway Station, our representative will warmly welcome you and assist you with your comfortable private transfer to the beautiful hill station of Munnar.

The drive from Kochi to Munnar is regarded as one of the most scenic journeys in South India. As your vehicle gradually climbs into the majestic Western Ghats, you'll witness dramatic changes in the landscape—from bustling towns and spice plantations to mist-covered mountains, dense forests, and endless stretches of emerald-green tea gardens.

Your first scenic halt is at the spectacular Cheeyappara Waterfalls, a multi-tiered cascade surrounded by lush tropical forests. During the monsoon and winter months, the waterfall flows in full glory, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle and offering excellent opportunities for photography.

A short drive later, you'll reach the equally picturesque Valara Waterfalls, another beautiful cascade nestled amidst evergreen forests. The soothing sound of flowing water and refreshing mountain air make this a perfect stop before continuing your journey.

As you approach Munnar, the landscape transforms into rolling tea plantations spread across undulating hills. The region is famous for producing some of India's finest tea, and numerous viewpoints along the route provide breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys and surrounding mountains. These scenic stops are perfect for capturing memorable photographs while soaking in the cool mountain breeze.

Upon arrival in Munnar, check into your hotel or resort and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Relax amidst the tranquil surroundings, enjoy a freshly brewed cup of local tea, or take a leisurely walk around the nearby tea gardens while experiencing the peaceful ambiance that has made Munnar one of India's most sought-after hill stations.

Highlights

• Scenic drive through the Western Ghats

• Cheeyappara Waterfalls

• Valara Waterfalls

• Tea Plantations

• Mountain Viewpoints

• Refreshing Hill Station Climate

Overnight Stay: Munnar

After a refreshing breakfast, begin your leisurely exploration of Munnar's most iconic attractions. Designed to be a relaxed sightseeing day, today's itinerary allows ample time to enjoy each destination without feeling rushed.

Your first stop is the scenic Mattupetty Dam, one of Munnar's most popular attractions. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and sprawling tea estates, this beautiful reservoir offers breathtaking views in every direction. The calm waters mirror the surrounding mountains, creating postcard-perfect scenery. Visitors may also opt for a peaceful boating experience while admiring the pristine natural surroundings.

Continue your journey to the famous Echo Point, located amidst mist-covered hills overlooking a tranquil lake. As its name suggests, this picturesque destination is known for the fascinating echo phenomenon where sounds reverberate naturally through the surrounding valleys. Apart from its unique acoustic feature, Echo Point is a favourite spot for photographers and nature lovers owing to its spectacular landscapes and refreshing climate.

Throughout the day, you'll have plenty of opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking endless tea plantations, valleys, and mountain peaks. These leisurely stops allow you to truly appreciate the beauty of Kerala's highlands while capturing memorable photographs.

Unlike conventional sightseeing schedules, today's itinerary intentionally avoids covering too many attractions, allowing you to fully enjoy Munnar's peaceful atmosphere. You may choose to spend additional time exploring the local market, shopping for premium tea, homemade chocolates, spices, and handcrafted souvenirs, or simply return to your resort to relax amidst nature.

Spend the evening at leisure while enjoying the cool mountain weather and serene surroundings of your accommodation.

Highlights

• Mattupetty Dam

• Optional Boating

• Echo Point

• Scenic Tea Plantation Views

• Local Shopping

• Leisurely Exploration

Overnight Stay: Munnar

Wake up to another beautiful morning amidst Munnar's mist-covered hills and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your resort. Today has been intentionally kept flexible, allowing travellers to customize the day according to their interests while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Kerala's most famous hill station.

Guests interested in exploring more of Munnar may opt to visit the renowned Eravikulam National Park, one of Kerala's premier wildlife sanctuaries and home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The park features rolling grasslands, shola forests, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding mountains. Eco-friendly buses transport visitors to designated viewing areas where breathtaking landscapes unfold in every direction.

Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the opportunity to witness Anamudi Peak, the highest mountain in South India, visible from several viewpoints within the park.

Alternatively, visitors may choose to spend the day entirely at leisure, making full use of their resort's facilities. Relax beside the swimming pool, enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage, sip freshly brewed tea overlooking the valleys, or simply unwind amidst the peaceful surroundings.

Guests wishing to explore the town can enjoy leisurely walks through Munnar's local market, where premium tea, aromatic spices, handmade chocolates, essential oils, and locally crafted souvenirs are available for purchase. Small cafés serving authentic Kerala cuisine also provide an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture.

This flexible day ensures that every traveller can enjoy Munnar at their own pace, whether through sightseeing, wellness experiences, shopping, or simply relaxing amidst nature.

Highlights

• Optional Eravikulam National Park

• Nilgiri Tahr

• Anamudi Peak Viewpoints

• Resort Leisure

• Ayurvedic Wellness (Optional)

• Tea & Spice Shopping

• Relaxed Hill Station Experience

Overnight Stay: Munnar

Distance: Approx. 95 km

Travel Time: 3–4 Hours

Following breakfast, check out and proceed towards Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The drive passes through picturesque plantations growing cardamom, pepper, coffee, and cloves, offering some of the most scenic landscapes in Kerala.

Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing boat safari on Periyar Lake, one of the best ways to experience the rich biodiversity of Periyar National Park. During the cruise, keep an eye out for elephants, Indian bison, deer, wild boars, and numerous bird species along the forested shoreline.

Later, visit a traditional spice plantation, where expert guides explain the cultivation and processing of Kerala's world-famous spices.

In the evening, experience Kerala's rich cultural heritage by attending a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance or witnessing the ancient martial art form Kalaripayattu, known as one of the oldest fighting systems in the world.

Highlights

• Scenic plantation drive

• Periyar Lake Boating

• Spice Plantation Tour

• Kathakali Dance Show

• Kalaripayattu Performance

Overnight Stay: Thekkady

Wake up to the refreshing aroma of spice plantations and the soothing sounds of nature as you begin another relaxed day in the beautiful wilderness of Thekkady. Unlike conventional sightseeing itineraries that rush through attractions, today's schedule has been intentionally designed to offer flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace while enjoying Kerala's pristine natural beauty.

After a delicious breakfast at your resort, guests may choose to visit the renowned Periyar Lake, situated within the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of South India's most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. Surrounded by dense evergreen forests and rolling hills, the lake offers one of the most peaceful experiences in Kerala.

An optional boat safari across Periyar Lake provides an excellent opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors often spot elephants grazing along the shoreline, Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, wild boars, playful otters, and a variety of colourful bird species. Although tiger sightings are extremely rare, the reserve remains one of India's richest biodiversity hotspots and offers an unforgettable nature experience.

For travellers seeking a more immersive encounter with nature, optional guided nature walks, bamboo rafting experiences, or soft trekking trails are available inside the reserve. Accompanied by trained forest guides, these eco-tourism activities introduce visitors to the region's diverse flora, medicinal plants, and fascinating wildlife while promoting responsible tourism.

Guests who prefer a slower pace may simply spend the day enjoying the facilities at their resort. Many premium resorts in Thekkady offer beautifully landscaped gardens, swimming pools, Ayurvedic wellness centres, yoga sessions, and peaceful surroundings ideal for relaxation.

The evening is free to enjoy Kerala's tranquil countryside. You may choose to explore nearby spice shops, purchase authentic cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, homemade chocolates, herbal products, and locally crafted souvenirs before returning to your hotel.

Highlights

• Optional Periyar Lake Boat Safari

• Periyar Tiger Reserve

• Nature Walks (Optional)

• Bamboo Rafting (Optional)

• Ayurvedic Wellness

• Spice Shopping

• Leisure Resort Experience

Overnight Stay: Thekkady

Distance: Approximately 125–140 Kilometres

Travel Time: Approximately 4 Hours

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your scenic drive towards Kerala's world-famous backwaters. Depending on your selected package, today's destination will be either Kumarakom, known for its luxury lakeside resorts, or Alleppey (Alappuzha), famous for its iconic houseboats and picturesque canals.

The drive gradually descends from the spice-covered hills of Thekkady into Kerala's lush countryside, passing through charming villages, coconut groves, rubber plantations, paddy fields, and peaceful rural landscapes. The journey itself offers a wonderful glimpse into Kerala's traditional way of life.

Upon arrival in Kumarakom, check into your beautiful backwater resort situated along the tranquil shores of Vembanad Lake, India's longest freshwater lake. Guests staying here can relax amidst landscaped gardens, enjoy breathtaking lake views, and experience the unmatched serenity of Kerala's backwaters.

Alternatively, travellers opting for Alleppey will check into a traditional private houseboat, one of Kerala's most iconic experiences. Beautifully crafted using traditional techniques and equipped with modern comforts, these floating homes cruise gently through the interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes while offering panoramic views of village life, swaying coconut palms, fishing boats, and lush paddy fields.

Spend the evening unwinding amidst the peaceful surroundings while witnessing a spectacular sunset over the backwaters. The golden reflections dancing across the calm waters create one of the most memorable moments of your Kerala holiday.

Whether relaxing at your lakeside resort or cruising aboard a traditional houseboat, today's experience perfectly captures the timeless beauty that has made Kerala's backwaters famous across the world.

Highlights

• Scenic Countryside Drive

• Kumarakom Backwaters

• Alleppey Houseboat Experience (Optional)

• Vembanad Lake

• Sunset Views

• Traditional Kerala Village Life

• Peaceful Leisure Evening

Overnight Stay: Kumarakom / Alleppey

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast while enjoying uninterrupted views of Kerala's serene backwaters. Today has been intentionally kept free from extensive sightseeing, allowing you to fully appreciate the peaceful surroundings and exceptional hospitality of your resort or houseboat.

Guests staying at Kumarakom may spend the day exploring the resort's world-class amenities, including infinity pools overlooking the lake, Ayurvedic wellness centres, yoga sessions, cycling trails, canoe rides, or simply relaxing amidst lush tropical gardens.

Nature lovers may also opt to visit the nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to numerous resident and migratory bird species including herons, kingfishers, cormorants, egrets, darters, and seasonal visitors from across the globe. The sanctuary's peaceful walking trails provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and experiencing Kerala's rich biodiversity.

Travellers staying aboard an Alleppey Houseboat can continue enjoying the unique rhythm of life on Kerala's backwaters. Observe fishermen casting traditional Chinese fishing nets, villagers travelling in country boats, children walking along narrow canals, and farmers tending lush paddy fields that lie below sea level.

Guests may also choose an optional short sunset cruise, canoe ride through narrow canals, or simply relax on the open deck while watching life unfold along Kerala's picturesque waterways.

This slow-paced day offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect from everyday routines and reconnect with nature while experiencing the timeless charm of Kerala's backwaters.

Highlights

• Resort Leisure

• Infinity Pool & Spa

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (Optional)

• Houseboat Relaxation

• Canoe Ride (Optional)

• Village Backwater Experience

• Sunset Cruise (Optional)

Overnight Stay: Kumarakom / Alleppey

Distance: Approximately 50–75 Kilometres

Travel Time: Approximately 1.5–2 Hours

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before checking out from your resort or houseboat.

Depending on your flight or train schedule, you may spend some free time purchasing authentic Kerala spices, handmade chocolates, Ayurvedic products, handicrafts, or traditional souvenirs before beginning your comfortable drive back to Kochi.

Your chauffeur will transfer you safely to Cochin International Airport or Ernakulam Railway Station, marking the conclusion of your memorable Kerala holiday.

As your journey comes to an end, take home unforgettable memories of mist-covered tea plantations, scenic mountain drives, wildlife experiences, fragrant spice gardens, tranquil lakes, peaceful backwaters, warm hospitality, and the natural beauty that has earned Kerala its title as "God's Own Country."

Tour Ends with Wonderful Memories.