Welcome to India! On arrival in Cochin, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in and take in your first impressions of Kerala’s most historically rich city.

For centuries, Cochin (Kochi) has been a major port, drawing traders from Arab, Chinese, and European lands, making it a melting pot of cultures, religions, and architectural styles. The Portuguese arrived in the 16th century, establishing one of India’s first European colonies, followed by the Dutch and later the British, all of whom left their mark on the city.

Today, Cochin embodies the eclectic spirit of Kerala, where the past and present exist side by side. Traditional Chinese fishing nets stand silhouetted against the Arabian Sea, while Portuguese-built churches, Dutch mansions, and British-era bungalows dot the charming streets of Fort Kochi. The city’s Jewish heritage is reflected in the historic Paradesi Synagogue, while Hindu temples, mosques, and modern commercial centres showcase Kerala’s deep-rooted traditions and contemporary energy.

Cochin offers a blend of history, culture, and coastal charm, making it the perfect gateway to your Kerala journey.

Spend the morning sightseeing with a local guide, beginning at St Francis Church, considered India’s first European church and one of the oldest surviving. Built by the Portuguese in 1503, the church holds historical significance as the original burial site of Vasco da Gama, the famed explorer who died in 1524 (his remains were later moved to Lisbon).

Continue to Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, originally built by the Portuguese in 1555 and later renovated by the Dutch in 1663. Inside, the palace showcases 17th-century murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, as well as palanquins, coronation robes, furniture, and weapons belonging to the Rajas of Kochi. Nearby, visit the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568 and still in use today. The synagogue is strikingly decorated with hand-painted Chinese floor tiles, silver lamps, and a collection of ancient Torah scrolls and rare artefacts.

End your guided tour at Kochi’s iconic Chinese fishing nets, a unique feature of the city’s coastal landscape. These massive cantilevered nets, towering at around 10 metres high with a 20-metre-wide net, are operated by teams of up to six fishermen. The mechanism, believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th century, is finely balanced, using large stones as counterweights to lower and raise the net into the sea. These elegant structures are a popular attraction, and you may even be invited to help operate one.

The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. You may wish to stroll through the quiet streets around the Chinese fishing nets, where you’ll find boutique shops, cafés, and seafood restaurants serving the day’s fresh catch. Alternatively, take a short auto-rickshaw ride to Jewtown, a fascinating neighbourhood of narrow colonial-era streets lined with curio shops, antique dealers, handicraft stores, and cafés. The area reflects Kochi’s multicultural heritage, with artefacts from India, Europe, China, and the Arab world on display.

In the evening, attend a Kathakali performance, an elaborate 400-year-old classical dance-drama that brings to life stories from the Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Arrive early to watch the artists apply their intricate makeup and masks, a process that can take hours to complete, transforming them into mythological characters. Admire their vibrant costumes, which can weigh up to 40kg, before witnessing the expressive and dramatic performance, known for its intense facial expressions, rhythmic movements, and powerful storytelling.

Depart this morning for the scenic four-hour drive to Munnar, a charming hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. Situated at 1,800 metres above sea level, Munnar is Kerala’s highest town and sits at the heart of the state’s famed tea-growing region, surrounded by rolling hills, misty valleys, and vast tea plantations. As you ascend into the hills, the landscape shifts from dense forests and spice gardens to neatly manicured tea estates, offering stunning panoramic views along the way.

On arrival, check in to your hotel or plantation retreat, where you can take in the cool mountain air and lush surroundings. The afternoon is at leisure, providing time to explore or unwind at your own pace.

For those interested in learning more about Munnar’s tea heritage, consider a visit to a working tea plantation, where you can walk through the neatly trimmed bushes, watch tea pickers at work, and learn about the different varieties of tea grown in the region. The Tea Museum offers an insightful look into Munnar’s history as a British tea-growing hub, with exhibits on the colonial-era plantations, traditional tea-processing methods, and vintage equipment used in the early days of the industry.

Alternatively, enjoy a classic Raj-era experience at the High Range Club, a heritage club established during the British colonial period. The club retains its old-world charm, with its wood-panelled interiors, antique furniture, and a serene garden setting. You might choose to relax with a gin and tonic on the lawns, take in a game of golf on the club’s nine-hole course, or simply soak up the atmosphere of a bygone era.

After breakfast, depart for the three-hour drive to Thekkady, following the winding ghat road that climbs steeply through the Western Ghats, offering breathtaking views of forested hills, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls. The journey takes you through a region rich in biodiversity, passing small villages, tea gardens, and spice plantations, eventually arriving at Thekkady, which sits adjacent to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

On arrival, check in to your accommodation, whether a jungle lodge, plantation retreat, or boutique resort, and take some time to settle in and enjoy the cooler mountain climate. The afternoon is at leisure, giving you the opportunity to relax or explore the local area at your own pace.

For an insight into Kerala’s renowned spice trade, you may wish to visit a working spice plantation, where a knowledgeable guide will walk you through the lush green estate, introducing you to fragrant spices such as cardamom, cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Learn about their cultivation, harvesting, and traditional uses, from Ayurvedic medicine to Kerala’s famous cuisine. Many plantations also offer spice tasting sessions, allowing you to experience the aromas and flavours of these freshly grown spices before they are dried and processed for export.

Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll through Thekkady town, where you’ll find local markets selling fresh produce, hand-rolled spice packets, aromatic oils, and handicrafts. The town’s laid-back atmosphere, mountain air, and surrounding greenery make it a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the peaceful highland setting.

Start the day with an early morning guided walk through Periyar National Park, one of South India’s most important wildlife reserves, covering over 900 square kilometres of forest, grasslands, and freshwater lakes. Accompanied by an experienced naturalist, this gentle trek offers a chance to observe the park’s diverse flora and fauna in the cool, quiet hours of the morning, when birdsong fills the air and animals are most active.

Periyar is home to a thriving population of wildlife, including herds of wild elephants, sambar deer, Indian bison (gaur), langurs, and Malabar giant squirrels. Though elusive, tigers, leopards, and wild dogs also roam the park. Along the way, your guide will point out medicinal plants, ancient trees, and traces of wildlife activity, such as tracks, markings, and calls. Birdwatchers may spot great hornbills, kingfishers, eagles, and paradise flycatchers flitting through the canopy.

Beyond the morning nature walk, Periyar offers a variety of ways to experience the park:

Boat Cruise on Periyar Lake - A relaxing way to explore the sanctuary, this cruise takes you across the serene waters of Periyar Lake, where you may see elephants, otters, wild boar, and deer gathering at the water’s edge. The surrounding forests, reflected in the still waters, create a breathtaking setting for wildlife viewing and photography.

Jeep Safari and Jungle Treks - For those seeking a more adventurous experience, guided jeep safaris and longer jungle treks offer the chance to venture deeper into Periyar’s rugged wilderness, where tigers and leopards are occasionally spotted.

Village Walks and Cultural Encounters - Visit local tribal villages, where you can learn about indigenous communities, their traditional hunting techniques, herbal medicine knowledge, and daily life in the forest.

Elephant Experience - Depending on availability, you may have the opportunity to spend time with domesticated elephants, learning about their care, diet, and role in Kerala’s cultural heritage. This may include feeding, bathing, and walking alongside these gentle giants, a truly special and ethical way to appreciate these magnificent creatures.

Whether you choose a wildlife-focused trek, a peaceful boat ride, or a cultural experience, Periyar National Park offers a rich and immersive way to connect with nature, making it one of Kerala’s most rewarding destinations.

This morning, depart Thekkady and drive down the scenic ghat road to Alleppey (Alappuzha), a small market town and gateway to Kerala’s famous backwaters. The journey descends from the misty highlands of the Western Ghats into the lush, tropical lowlands, where the landscape transforms into coconut groves, banana plantations, and shimmering waterways.

On arrival in Alleppey, board a traditional Kerala houseboat for a backwater cruise and overnight stay, offering a peaceful escape into one of India’s most unique landscapes. These beautifully crafted wooden boats, known as kettuvallams, were originally used for transporting rice and spices but have been converted into floating retreats, complete with comfortable bedrooms, an open lounge area, and a kitchen where fresh meals are prepared onboard.

As you settle in, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch, while the houseboat glides slowly through the serene backwaters, past palm-lined canals, verdant rice paddies, and small waterside villages. The backwaters are a world of their own, where daily life unfolds along the water’s edge. Watch as local traders paddle by in small wooden boats selling fruit and fish, women in brightly coloured saris wash clothes on the banks, and children in crisp uniforms make their way to school by canoe.

Throughout the journey, you’ll see clusters of thatched-roof houses, tiny fishing hamlets, and glimpses of traditional industries, such as coir rope-making and toddy tapping (the extraction of Kerala’s famous palm wine). The gentle rhythm of the water, the occasional call of a kingfisher, and the scent of fresh spices make this a truly immersive experience - one that captures the essence of Kerala’s laid-back charm.

As evening falls, enjoy a delicious Keralan dinner prepared onboard, featuring freshly caught fish, coconut-infused curries, and local rice, before drifting off to sleep to the gentle sounds of water lapping against the boat.

After breakfast, disembark your houseboat and take a short drive to your backwater guesthouse or hotel, where you’ll spend the next night immersed in Kerala’s tranquil countryside. On arrival, check in and take some time to settle in and enjoy the peaceful setting, surrounded by lush greenery, coconut palms, and slow-moving waterways.

The rest of the day is at leisure, with a variety of activities available for those keen to explore. You may like to take a gentle stroll or cycle through the nearby village and paddy fields, passing local homes, small markets, and traditional workshops, providing a glimpse into daily life in rural Kerala. A visit to a pottery factory offers the chance to see local artisans at work, shaping clay into pots, vases, and traditional utensils using techniques passed down through generations.

For those interested in local traditions, a toddy tapping demonstration provides insight into the art of extracting toddy, a natural alcoholic drink made from fermented coconut sap, a practice that has been a part of Kerala’s culture for centuries. If you prefer to be on the water, you may enjoy fishing or swimming, or take a canoe ride through the narrow canals, gliding past coir-making yards, duck farms, and villagers going about their daily routines.

The backwaters are rich in birdlife, making this an ideal place for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for kingfishers, egrets, cormorants, herons, snakebirds, and the elusive crow pheasant, which can often be spotted along the water’s edge. Later, you may like to take part in a cooking class, where you’ll learn how to prepare Kerala’s traditional dishes, using fresh local ingredients and aromatic spices.

Alternatively, if you prefer a slower-paced afternoon, simply relax and soak in the surroundings. Unwind on the veranda with a book, cool off by the pool, or find a shaded spot under the trees, listening to the sounds of nature and the gentle lapping of the water.

Depart the backwaters region this morning for the scenic four-hour drive south along the Arabian Sea coast to Kovalam, Kerala’s most famous beach destination. As you travel, the landscape shifts from peaceful lagoons and rice paddies to coastal villages, swaying coconut palms, and golden beaches, offering glimpses of fishing boats returning with their morning catch and local life along the shoreline.

Arriving in Kovalam, you’ll find a beautiful stretch of coastline, where a crescent-shaped bay is formed by three sandy beaches, separated by rocky outcrops and fringed by lush palm groves. The main beach, Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular, named after the iconic red-and-white striped Vizhinjam Lighthouse that stands on a rocky promontory at the southern end. The views from the lighthouse’s observation deck are breathtaking, stretching across the Arabian Sea and the palm-covered headlands of Kovalam.

Hawah Beach, often referred to as Eve’s Beach, is a quieter spot where you’ll often see local fishermen hauling in their nets, while Samudra Beach, at the northern end, is less developed and offers a more secluded retreat away from the busier tourist areas.

Kovalam has long been a favourite seaside destination, known for its laid-back atmosphere, warm waters, and vibrant beachfront scene. Lining the headlands and beachfront promenades, you’ll find a mix of shops, market stalls, cafés, and restaurants, offering everything from locally made handicrafts and beachwear to fresh seafood, traditional Ayurvedic treatments, and yoga classes.

Spend the day at leisure in Kovalam, soaking up the warm coastal atmosphere and taking time to enjoy the sandy beaches, scenic headlands, and relaxed pace of life. Whether you choose to unwind by the sea or explore more of the area, there are plenty of options to make the most of your time here.

If you’re looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, consider indulging in a traditional Ayurvedic massage treatment, a specialty of Kerala. Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, focuses on balance and well-being, using herbal oils, therapeutic techniques, and natural remedies. Many of Kovalam’s spas and wellness centres offer a range of treatments, from stress-relieving massages to full-body detox therapies.

For a different perspective of the coastline, take a catamaran ride with local fishermen, a unique way to experience life on the water. These traditional wooden boats, guided by skilled boatmen, offer a gentle cruise along the shore, where you can take in stunning sea views and spot marine life. If you prefer something more active, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are also available in calmer waters.

Explore Kovalam’s coastal charm by taking a leisurely walk along the beachfront promenade, where you can browse handicraft shops, jewellery stalls, and local markets selling everything from beachwear to traditional Kerala souvenirs. You might also enjoy a visit to the nearby fishing harbour at Vizhinjam, where brightly coloured boats line the shore, and fishermen bring in their fresh catch of the day.

If you’re interested in local culture and history, visit the Halcyon Castle, built in 1932 as a royal summer retreat for the Travancore Maharaja. Now a heritage hotel, the castle’s grand architecture and ocean views make it an interesting stop.

We hope you enjoyed your time in Kerala! Transfer to Trivandrum to board a flight to your next destination.