Escape to 'God's Own Country' on this remarkably diverse 6-day coastal and highland adventure. Start by exploring the dense, colonial trading history of Kochi before driving up into the astoundingly green, mist-covered tea estates of Munnar. Traverse the spice-scented elephant trails of Periyar National Park, and culminate your journey by drifting lazily down the emerald-green backwaters of Alleppey in a private, luxurious thatched-roof houseboat. This tour perfectly balances wildlife, plantation culture, and slow, tropical relaxation.
Arrive at Cochin International Airport. Transfer to historic Fort Kochi. Spend the afternoon marveling at the incredible, iconic Chinese Fishing Nets operating at sunset, and walk through Jew Town to visit the ancient Mattancherry Palace and the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.
Embark on a staggeringly beautiful drive up the winding Western Ghats into Munnar, accompanied by cascading waterfalls. Check into your mist-shrouded mountain resort. Spend the evening visiting the sprawling, perfectly manicured tea gardens that coat the undulating hills like a bright green carpet.
Visit the Eravikulam National Park to spot the highly endangered Nilgiri Tahr mountain goat against the backdrop of Anamudi, the highest peak in South India. In the afternoon, take a picturesque drive to the Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point to enjoy serene lakeside views.
Drive through incredibly fragrant cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon plantations down to Thekkady. Take a thrilling afternoon boat safari on the expansive Periyar Lake inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, where you have excellent chances to spot wild elephant herds coming to drink at the banks.
Descend from the hills to Alleppey, the 'Venice of the East'. Board your traditional, luxurious Kettuvallam (houseboat). Spend an unforgettable 24 hours cruising silently through a vast, labyrinthine network of palm-fringed canals and emerald lakes. Enjoy freshly prepared local Kerala cuisine on board under the stars.
Wake up to a surreal sunrise over the still backwaters. Disembark after breakfast and drive seamlessly back to Kochi Airport for your onward flight.
Alleppey (Alappuzha) offers a range of backwater activities including houseboat stays on tranquil canals, Shikara canoe rides through narrow village waterways, fishing, sunset cruises, and visits to coir-making villages. A minimum overnight stay on a traditional Kerala houseboat is highly recommended for the full backwater experience.
The best way to experience Munnar is to visit the sprawling tea plantations on guided walks where you can see tea plucking in action. You can also visit the Tea Museum, enjoy tea tasting sessions, and take scenic drives through the estates to enjoy the lush green hillscapes.
The best time to visit Kerala is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. This period is ideal for backwater cruises in Alleppey, wildlife safaris in Thekkady, and hill station visits in Munnar. Avoid June to August (southwest monsoon) as heavy rains can disrupt travel, though the lush green landscape during monsoon has its own charm.
Thekkady's Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to elephants, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, wild boar, and a variety of birds. Lucky visitors may even spot tigers and leopards, though sightings are rare. The best way to explore is by taking a Periyar Lake boat ride or a jungle trekking experience with a forest guide, typically in the early morning or late afternoon.
Fort Kochi is a charming colonial neighbourhood famed for its iconic Chinese fishing nets, Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church (the oldest European church in India), and vibrant art galleries and cafes. A half-day to full-day exploration is ideal. The area is best explored on foot or by cycling, and the evening Kathakali dance performance is a must-see cultural experience.
