India Tours

Kerala Hills, Backwaters & Beaches Tour

Cochin - Munnar - Periyar - Alleppey - Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Trivandrum
9 Nights ยท 10 Days
01 Day

Arrival in Cochin

Welcome to Cochin International Airport. Our representative will greet you and transfer you by air-conditioned vehicle to your pre-booked hotel. After check-in, all tour-related documents and itinerary details will be explained. In the evening, witness a traditional Kathakali Dance Performance, Kerala's classical dance form recognized for its elaborate costumes, expressive facial movements and storytelling inspired by ancient Hindu epics. Overnight stay at the hotel.

02 Day

Cochin Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore the heritage attractions of Cochin. Visit Fort Kochi, the historic colonial quarter reflecting Portuguese, Dutch and British influences, followed by St. Francis Church, India's oldest European church and the original burial place of Vasco da Gama. Continue to the Jewish Synagogue, renowned for its hand-painted Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, and the nearby Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), known for its Kerala murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Later, visit the Hill Palace Museum, Bolgatty Palace and Willingdon Island, before concluding the day at Cherai Beach, where the Arabian Sea meets peaceful backwaters. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Note: The Jewish Synagogue remains closed on Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Mattancherry Palace remains closed on Fridays.
03 Day

Cochin - Munnar

(130 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Munnar, a hill station where the rivers Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala meet. The journey passes tea estates, forests and mountain landscapes before reaching one of Kerala's principal tea-growing regions. Upon arrival, visit the Tea Museum, where exhibits explain the history of tea cultivation in Munnar, traditional processing techniques and the evolution of Kerala's tea industry. The remainder of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Note: The Tea Museum remains closed on Mondays.
04 Day

Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore the natural attractions of Munnar. Visit Pothamedu Viewpoint, overlooking tea, coffee and spice plantations spread across the hills, followed by Devikulam, known for its cool climate, mountain scenery and the natural Sita Devi Lake. Continue to Blossom International Park, the scenic Mattupetty Dam, where the reservoir attracts elephants and numerous bird species, Echo Point, famous for its natural echo phenomenon, and the picturesque Kundala Lake. Later, enjoy a tea, coffee and spice plantation tour before returning to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

05 Day

Munnar - Periyar

(90 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Periyar (Thekkady). Upon arrival, check in at the jungle resort before visiting the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's best-known protected forests, home to elephants, gaur, wild boar, sambar deer and numerous bird species. Enjoy a boat cruise on Periyar Lake for opportunities to spot wildlife along the forested shoreline, followed by an optional elephant ride through the forest. Later, visit a Spice Plantation, where cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, tea and coffee are cultivated, before stopping at the local spice market. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

06 Day

Periyar - Alleppey

(140 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Alleppey. Upon arrival, board your traditional Kerala Houseboat and begin a memorable cruise through the famous backwaters. Sail along palm-lined canals, peaceful villages, paddy fields and interconnected lakes while witnessing everyday village life along the waterways. Spot Chinese fishing nets, flocks of ducks and a variety of local birdlife before enjoying a freshly prepared dinner onboard. Dinner and overnight stay on the houseboat.

07 Day

Alleppey - Kovalam

(160 kms: 3โ€“4 hrs)

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kovalam, a coastal destination known for its three crescent-shaped beaches. Upon arrival, check in at the beach resort. The remainder of the day is free to relax by the sea or enjoy optional activities such as surfing, kayaking, water skiing and traditional Ayurvedic massage therapies offered at many resorts. Overnight stay at the beach resort.

08 Day

Kovalam Leisure Day

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely day at Kovalam Beach. You may choose from optional activities including sunbathing, water skiing, surfing, parasailing and angling. You can also experience traditional Ayurvedic wellness therapies, where herbal oils and natural treatments are used to relax the body, improve circulation and promote overall well-being. In the evening, you may attend a local cultural programme or enjoy an optional catamaran cruise along the coast. Overnight stay at the resort.

09 Day

Kovalam - Kanyakumari

(90 kms: 2 hrs)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India where the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean meet. Upon arrival, visit the Kumari Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kanya Kumari, followed by the Gandhi Memorial, built at the spot where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were kept before immersion. Later, take a ferry to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, where Swami Vivekananda is believed to have meditated, and view the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue. In the evening, witness the famous sunset over the confluence of the three seas. Overnight stay at the hotel.

10 Day

Kanyakumari - Trivandrum - Departure

(95 kms: 2โ€“3 hrs)

Early morning, you may witness the sunrise over the meeting point of the three seas before breakfast. Later, check out and drive to Trivandrum. En route, visit the Kuthiramalika (Horse Palace), built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal and known for its distinctive wooden horse carvings, followed by the Napier Museum and the Sree Chitra Art Gallery, displaying works by Raja Ravi Varma and other renowned artists. Continue to Padmatheertha Kulam, the historic temple pond associated with the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward journey with wonderful memories of Kerala's hills, wildlife, backwaters and coastal landscapes.

Tour Pricing Details

The final cost of a customized tour varies depending on accommodation choices, travel period, number of travellers and individual preferences. While an exact quotation can be provided upon finalization of details, the following indicative price range will help you plan your holiday (based on a minimum of two persons sharing a double room together).

  • 3-Star: $100 - $120 per person per day
  • 4-Star: $125 - $160 per person per day
  • 5-Star: $175 - $250+ per person per day

This Tour Includes

  • Hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis with daily buffet breakfast
  • One-night Alleppey Houseboat accommodation with all meals
  • Periyar Resort accommodation with all meals
  • Air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver for all transfers, sightseeing and intercity travel
  • Complete transportation services from arrival until departure
  • Driver allowance (food and accommodation)
  • All toll taxes, entry permits and parking charges
  • Kathakali Dance Performance tickets in Cochin
  • Tea plantation entry during the Munnar plantation tour

This Tour Excludes

  • Goods and Service Tax (GST) @5%
  • Any international or domestic air/train fare
  • Monument and sightseeing entry fees
  • English or multilingual guide charges during sightseeing (at actual cost)
  • Water sports and adventure activities unless specifically mentioned
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, insurance, porterage, telephone calls and beverages
  • Meals not specifically mentioned under inclusions
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions

Important Notes

  • This is a customized private tour and can be modified according to your preferences.
  • Additional wellness therapies, wildlife activities, cultural experiences, excursions and upgraded accommodation can be arranged at extra cost.
  • Tour prices may vary during festivals, New Year, Christmas and peak travel periods.
  • Air-conditioning in the Alleppey houseboat operates during night hours only.