Wild and Serene Kerala: Tea Trails, Backwaters and Ocean Breeze

<b>Your adventure begins in Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Take a moment to settle in before heading out to explore this historic port city.

Kochi is a fascinating blend of old and new, where ancient architecture meets a thriving modern culture. Wander through the atmospheric streets of Fort Kochi, where colonial influences are evident in the Portuguese churches, Dutch mansions, and the famous Chinese fishing nets swaying over the water. Visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, with its stunning murals and artefacts that offer a glimpse into Kerala’s royal past.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant arts scene with a traditional Kathakali dance performance. This dramatic storytelling art form, complete with elaborate costumes and expressive gestures, is a must-see experience.

Enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel.</b>

<b>After breakfast, leave the coastal charm of Kochi behind and set off on a scenic drive to Munnar. En route, stop at the stunning Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls, where cascading waters create a breathtaking backdrop for photos and a refreshing break from the journey.

Arriving in Munnar, you’ll check into your resort and take in the cool mountain air. Nestled at 1,600 metres above sea level, Munnar is a dreamland of tea plantations, misty hills, and abundant wildlife. Once the summer retreat of the British Raj, this charming hill station is still renowned for its lush greenery and pleasant climate.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take a stroll through the picturesque tea gardens, visit the local markets, or simply relax and soak up the serenity of your surroundings. </b>

<b>Wake up to the crisp mountain air and enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out for a day of exploration in Munnar.

Start your morning with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, a stunning 97-square-kilometre sanctuary that’s home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat species. Take a short trek through the park’s rolling hills, where misty landscapes and lush greenery create an unforgettable experience.

Afterwards, make your way to the scenic Mattupetty Dam, nestled between the hills. This picturesque spot is perfect for a boat ride, offering beautiful reflections of the surrounding tea gardens and forests on the calm waters.

Next, head to Echo Point, a fascinating natural wonder where your voice echoes back to you from the distant hills. Take in the panoramic views and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before moving on to a nearby tea plantation, where you’ll get a closer look at how tea is grown and processed.

Wrap up your day with a visit to the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history of tea cultivation in Munnar and sample some of the finest brews.

Return to your resort in the evening and relax after a day of adventure. </b>

<b>After breakfast, bid farewell to the tea-covered hills of Munnar and set off on a scenic drive to Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. As you journey through winding roads and picturesque villages, soak in the views of misty hills, spice plantations, and dense forests.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, set out on a boat safari across the tranquil Periyar Lake. This is one of the best ways to spot wildlife, including elephants, deer, wild boars, and a variety of bird species, as they gather along the water’s edge.

After your boat ride, visit a nearby spice plantation where you’ll discover the secrets behind Kerala’s world-famous spices. Learn about the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, vanilla, and other aromatic treasures that have drawn traders to this region for centuries.

Spend your evening enjoying the fresh mountain air and perhaps indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage. </b>

<b>Start your day with an early morning guided nature walk through the forests of Periyar National Park. Experience the magic of the jungle as you trek along trails teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for giant squirrels, Malabar hornbills, and even wild elephants if you’re lucky!

Later in the morning, you’ll have the option to try bamboo rafting – a unique adventure that takes you deep into the forest while floating along the Periyar River. This immersive experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe wildlife up close in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, visit a local spice market and browse for aromatic souvenirs such as fresh cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. If you’re interested in cultural performances, you can also catch a demonstration of Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art.

Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel, soaking in the tranquil surroundings. </b>

<b>After breakfast, check out from your hotel and set off on a scenic drive to Kumarakom, a charming backwater village on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Upon arrival, check into your resort and take some time to relax amidst the serene surroundings.

Spend the afternoon exploring the renowned Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for migratory species such as the Siberian stork, herons, egrets, and kingfishers as you walk along the tranquil trails.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. 

Overnight stay in Kumarakom. </b>

<b>You are at leisure on this day to enjoy the backwater paradise at its best. Enjoy a visit to the nearby bird sanctuary; an ornithologist's paradise is a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Overnight stay at Kumarakom. </b>

<b>After breakfast, check out from your resort and head to Alleppey, where you’ll board a traditional houseboat for an unforgettable backwater cruise. Drift along the serene waterways, passing lush paddy fields, swaying coconut palms, and charming villages. Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine on board and experience the slow, peaceful rhythm of life on the backwaters.

Overnight stay on the houseboat. </b>

<b>After a refreshing breakfast on board, disembark from your houseboat and set off on a scenic drive to Kovalam. En route, stop at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s vibrant capital city, known as ‘the abode of Anantha,’ the snake god.

Begin with a visit to the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, an architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Admire the imposing gopuram (gateway tower) and the intricate carvings that make this temple one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in India.

Next, explore the Napier Museum, home to an impressive collection of archaeological and historical artefacts, including bronze idols, ancient ornaments, and a magnificent temple chariot. Then, visit the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, which displays stunning paintings from the Rajput, Mughal, and Thanjavur schools, alongside original works by Raja Ravi Varma and unique copies of Indian mural paintings spanning centuries.

After soaking in the cultural highlights of Thiruvananthapuram, continue your journey to Kovalam. Upon arrival, check into your beachfront resort and spend the rest of the day unwinding by the sea. Stroll along the golden sands, take a dip in the warm Arabian Sea, or simply relax and watch the sunset over the horizon.

Overnight stay in Kovalam. </b>

<b>Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off on an excursion to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet.

En route, visit the historic Padmanabhapuram Palace, a beautifully preserved wooden palace showcasing Kerala’s architectural brilliance. Explore its grand halls, intricate carvings, and historical artefacts that provide a glimpse into the Travancore kingdom’s rich heritage.

Upon reaching Kanyakumari, visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a serene site dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, accessible by ferry. Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the towering statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.

Stop by the Gandhi Memorial, built at the spot where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were kept before immersion, and visit the Church of Our Lady of Ransom, a stunning example of Gothic architecture.

After soaking in the breathtaking sunset at Kanyakumari’s coastline, return to Kovalam for a relaxed evening by the beach.

Overnight stay in Kovalam. <b>

<b>Spend a leisurely day enjoying Kovalam’s golden beaches, tranquil waters, and laid-back vibe. Start your morning with a refreshing walk along Lighthouse Beach, where the iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the coastline.

For those interested in wellness, indulge in an authentic Ayurvedic massage at one of Kovalam’s renowned wellness centres. Kerala is known as the birthplace of Ayurveda, making this the perfect place to experience its rejuvenating benefits.

Alternatively, explore the vibrant fishing villages nearby, where you can watch local fishermen hauling in their catch using traditional methods. Visit the bustling markets, sample fresh seafood, or simply unwind with a coconut in hand as you soak in the coastal atmosphere.

As the sun sets, enjoy a beachfront dinner at one of Kovalam’s charming seaside restaurants, serving up delicious Kerala-style seafood dishes.

Overnight stay in Kovalam.</b>

<b>Today marks the end of your incredible journey through Kerala. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Trivandrum International Airport for your onward or homeward journey. Depart with beautiful memories of Kerala’s lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back to Kerala again soon!</b>