Kerala: God’s Own Country Escape – Hills to Backwaters (6 days & 5 nights)

Distance: Local sightseeing

Travel Time: Approx. 5–6 hours (including sightseeing)

Upon your arrival at Cochin International Airport or Ernakulam Railway Station, our representative will warmly welcome you and assist with your hotel transfer.

After freshening up, begin exploring Kochi, a city where colonial history, vibrant culture, and modern lifestyle beautifully coexist. Once known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," Kochi has been an important trading port for centuries, attracting merchants from Europe, Arabia, and China.

Your first stop is the charming Fort Kochi, famous for its colonial architecture, art cafés, heritage streets, and vibrant atmosphere. Walk through the narrow lanes lined with Portuguese and Dutch-era buildings while soaking in the old-world charm.

Continue to the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, one of Kochi's most photographed landmarks. These centuries-old fishing structures standing gracefully along the Arabian Sea provide a glimpse into Kerala's maritime heritage.

Later, visit Marine Drive, a picturesque waterfront promenade overlooking the serene backwaters. It is one of the best places to enjoy a leisurely evening walk while witnessing a spectacular sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Spend the evening exploring local markets where you can shop for spices, handicrafts, antiques, and traditional Kerala souvenirs.

Highlights

• Fort Kochi Heritage Walk

• Chinese Fishing Nets

• Marine Drive

• Colonial architecture

• Local shopping & cafés

Overnight Stay: Kochi

Distance: Approx. 130 km

Travel Time: 4–5 Hours

After breakfast, check out and begin one of Kerala's most scenic road journeys towards Munnar.

As the road ascends into the Western Ghats, the landscape gradually transforms into rolling hills, dense forests, spice plantations, and endless tea gardens.

En route, stop at the magnificent Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls, where crystal-clear streams cascade through lush tropical forests, creating picture-perfect scenery.

Continue your drive through aromatic cardamom and pepper plantations before reaching Munnar, Kerala's most celebrated hill station.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the evening relaxing amidst cool mountain weather and panoramic tea plantations.

Guests may enjoy a leisurely walk through the tea gardens or simply admire the breathtaking valley views from their resort.

Highlights

• Scenic Western Ghats drive

• Cheeyappara Waterfalls

• Valara Waterfalls

• Spice plantations

• Tea garden landscapes

Overnight Stay: Munnar

After breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar, renowned for its emerald-green tea estates, mist-covered mountains, and pleasant climate.

Begin your day with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and one of the most scenic protected areas in South India. The park offers breathtaking views of rolling grasslands, shola forests, and the majestic Anamudi Peak, the highest mountain in South India.

Next, proceed to the beautiful Mattupetty Dam, surrounded by lush hills and tea plantations. Visitors can enjoy boating while taking in the tranquil surroundings.

Continue to Echo Point, a popular viewpoint where visitors can experience the fascinating natural echo phenomenon amidst spectacular mountain scenery.

If time permits, visit the Tea Museum, where you'll learn about Munnar's rich tea heritage and witness the fascinating tea manufacturing process.

The remainder of the day is perfect for exploring local markets offering homemade chocolates, aromatic spices, and premium tea varieties.

Highlights

• Eravikulam National Park

• Mattupetty Dam

• Echo Point

• Tea Museum

• Munnar Tea Gardens

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

Distance: Approx. 140 km

Travel Time: 4 Hours

After breakfast, proceed towards Alleppey, internationally renowned for its tranquil backwaters and traditional houseboat cruises.

Upon arrival, board your beautifully decorated private houseboat and begin an unforgettable journey through Kerala's intricate network of canals, lagoons, lakes, and coconut-lined waterways.

As the houseboat gently glides across the serene backwaters, witness authentic village life, lush paddy fields, traditional fishing methods, coir-making units, and charming churches and temples along the banks.

Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine served onboard while relaxing amidst one of the world's most peaceful landscapes.

Spend the evening watching the sunset over the tranquil waters before enjoying a peaceful overnight stay on the houseboat.

Highlights

• Private Houseboat Stay

• Kerala Backwaters

• Traditional Village Life

• Authentic Kerala Cuisine

• Sunset Cruise

Overnight Stay: Deluxe Houseboat, Alleppey

After enjoying a traditional Kerala breakfast onboard, disembark from the houseboat and proceed towards Cochin International Airport or Ernakulam Railway Station for your onward journey.

Your memorable Kerala holiday concludes with unforgettable experiences of colonial heritage, mist-covered mountains, aromatic tea plantations, wildlife adventures, cultural performances, and the serene backwaters of Alleppey.