Highlights of Kerala

Also known as Cochin, Kochi is a city in southwest India’s coastal Kerala state.

This attractive city has served as a popular port for over 600 years and is known for its eclectic architecture and its array of religious monuments, museums, galleries, cafes and antique shops.

The city stretches across a number of peninsulas and islands, which can be reached by a network of water taxis and bridges.

The majority of Kochi’s visitor highlights can be found on the peninsula of Fort Kochi. These highlights include the St Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India; and Mattancherry Palace, which dates back to 1557 and contains some exceptional Kerala murals and temple art.

Other must-see attractions include the Kerala Folklore Museum, displaying more than 4,000 cultural and ethnic artifacts; and the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue; and the vibrant local market.

On arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check in. Standard check in time is 1400hrs.

Rest of the day is free to relax or explore the Fort Kochi area

After breakfast, you will be driven to your hotel in Fort Kochi (approx. 2 to 2.5 hrs).

On arrival, check in at the hotel or if rooms are not ready as the check-in time is 2 pm, you may proceed for the sightseeing tour of Kochi visiting the beautiful churches, Jewish synagogue, Dutch Palace, the markets and try your luck with the locals to get the fresh catch on the Chinese fishing nets.

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi takes its name from a long-gone fort which was built during its occupation by the Portuguese. The Portuguese were followed by the Dutch, who left their own legacy, and hot on their heels came the British with their own unique ways. Independent now for many years, Fort Kochi remains a colourful melting pot of diversity, retaining its colourful history in its architecture and culture.

Jew Town

Jew Town is located in Mattancherry in the southern Indian city of Kochi. The history of Jew Town dates back to 1492 when a group of Sephardic Jews came to Kochi after being expelled from the Iberian Peninsula. In 1524 more Jews faced persecution and were granted refuge by the Raja of Cochin who granted them land near his own palace. In 1568 the Paradesi Synagogue, which still functions today and is the oldest in India, was built, and the Jew Town neighbourhood developed around it.

Idyllically set at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar is a beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats Mountain range in India’s Kerala state.

The village once served as a popular vacation resort for the British Raj elite who flocked to here to enjoy the pleasant cool climate and the scenic natural surroundings characterised by rolling hills dotted with colonial bungalows, streams, waterfalls and 19th-century tea plantations.

The main attraction in the area is the extraordinary Eravikulam National Park, which is famous for its diverse array of wildlife including the endangered mountain goat known as Nilgiri tahr. The park is also home to the exquisite Lakkam Waterfalls, some excellent hiking trails, and the impressive 2,695 metre-high Anamudi Peak.

Breakfast is at the hotel in Kochi

After breakfast you would be driven to Munnar [Approx 126 Kms: 4 Hrs].

On arrival check in at hotel

Afternoon is at leisure.

Breakfast is at the hotel

After breakfast you will be taken for half day sightseeing tour of Munnar

Breakfast is at the hotel.

After breakfast you would be driven to Thekkady [Approx 92 Kms: 03 Hrs]

On arrival you will check in at hotel.

Afternoon you will be taken for Spice Plantation tour.

Thekkady, located within Kerala’s renowned Periyar National Park, is a captivating tourist destination known for its lush evergreen forests and expansive savanna grasslands. This region is famed for its rich bounty of natural spices, including black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove.

Periyar National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, sambar deer, and numerous other species, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Top attractions in Thekkady include the ancient and serene Mangala Devi Temple, the aromatic and educational Abraham’s Spice Garden, and the stunning waterfall nestled in the tranquil, scenic village of Chellarkovil. From the Chellarkovil Viewpoint, visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the breathtaking landscape.

Pandikuzhi offers a perfect setting for picnics, with its lush green meadows and cool mountain air. For a cultural experience, don’t miss the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, where you can witness thrilling demonstrations of Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s traditional martial art.

Thekkady is not only a natural and cultural retreat but also a region where tribal traditions and communities continue to thrive, offering visitors a glimpse into a rich and living heritage.

Kumarakom is one of Kerala’s most enchanting towns—a vibrant hub of biodiversity where mangrove forests intertwine with lush rice paddies, swaying coconut palms, and blooming white lilies. This picturesque subtropical peninsula extends into the serene waters of Vembanad Lake, creating a tranquil setting ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Kumarakom is renowned as a centre for yoga, meditation, and traditional Ayurvedic therapies. It’s also a popular base for bird-watching, boating, and fishing excursions, offering a perfect blend of nature and wellness.

Just two kilometres away lies the scenic Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, where water tumbles gracefully down rocky slopes from a height of about 30 metres. Another must-visit is Pathiramanal—literally meaning “sands of midnight”—a captivating island and bird sanctuary nestled in the middle of Vembanad Lake, home to a wide variety of local and migratory birds.

After your nature walk you will return to your hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast you would be driven to Kumarakom [ Approx. 122 Kms : 4 Hrs]

On arrival you will check in at your hotel.

Breakfast is at the hotel.

After breakfast you will have the day to yourselves.

Breakfast is at the hotel.

Afternoon you would embark the houseboat for a cruise.

The backwaters of Alappuzha form an intricate network of canals, rivers, lakes, and inlets, extending over 900 kilometres. These serene waterways are lined with lush vegetation, swaying coconut palms, emerald paddy fields, and picturesque villages, creating a truly enchanting landscape.

Cruising through this tranquil setting on a traditional houseboat, known as a kettuvallam, is one of the most iconic and unforgettable experiences Kerala has to offer.

After breakfast you would disembark the houseboat and would be driven to Mararikulam [Approx 30 Kms :45 Mins]

On arrival you will check in at your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast you will be at leisure to relax on the beach.

Breakfast is at the hotel.

Standard check out time is 1200hrs.

After breakfast you would be transferred to Kochi airport for onward flight [72 Kms: 2 Hrs]