holidays to kerala india

Wander through the charming streets of Fort Kochi, where history comes alive in every corner. Watch the iconic Chinese fishing nets being lowered into the Arabian Sea as fishermen carry on centuries-old traditions. The colonial architecture tells stories of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences, while the aroma of fresh spices drifts from nearby warehouses. Experience the vibrant art scene and cultural performances that make Kochi a living museum. Activities:

• Morning visit to Chinese fishing nets
• Tour of St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica
• Exploration of Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue
• Evening Kathakali dance performance
• Spice market walk

• Forte Kochi or similar boutique heritage hotel

• Breakfast at hotel
• Lunch at historic Ginger House Restaurant
• Recommended: Seafood dinner at Old Harbour Hotel

Journey into the Western Ghats to reach Munnar, where endless carpets of tea plantations paint the hills in shades of green. The cool mountain air carries the fresh scent of tea leaves and cardamom. Watch tea pickers at work and learn about the art of tea processing while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Activities:

• Scenic drive to Munnar (4-5 hours)
• Visit to Tea Museum
• Guided tea plantation walk
• Photo stop at Mattupetty Dam
• Evening nature walk

• Windermere Estate or similar tea plantation resort

• Breakfast at Kochi hotel
• Packed lunch during journey
• Dinner at resort with mountain views

Immerse yourself in Munnar's natural beauty with a day of exploration through its most stunning locations. The morning mist slowly reveals magnificent mountain vistas, while rare mountain flowers add splashes of colour to the landscape. Visit a spice garden to learn about Kerala's famous spice heritage. Activities:

• Eravikulam National Park visit (spot Nilgiri Tahr)
• Top Station viewpoint excursion
• Spice garden tour
• Visit to Flower Garden
• Optional: Mountain biking

• Windermere Estate or similar tea plantation resort

• Breakfast at resort
• Picnic lunch at viewpoint
• Traditional Kerala dinner at resort

Travel to Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve. The journey takes you through cardamom hills and spice plantations. The air becomes more humid as you descend into the wildlife-rich forests of Periyar, where the possibility of spotting wild elephants adds excitement to every turn. Activities:

• Morning drive to Thekkady (3-4 hours)
• Afternoon spice plantation tour
• Evening martial arts show (Kalaripayattu)
• Night forest walk (optional)

• Spice Village or similar forest resort

• Breakfast at Munnar resort
• Lunch at spice garden restaurant
• Dinner at resort with tribal cuisine options

Experience the wilderness of Periyar National Park, one of India's most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries. The morning mist over the lake creates a magical atmosphere as you search for wildlife. The afternoon brings opportunities to learn about local tribal culture and traditional medicine. Activities:

• Early morning lake boat safari
• Guided jungle walk with tribal guide
• Bamboo rafting (seasonal)
• Visit to tribal village
• Ayurvedic massage (optional)

• Spice Village or similar forest resort

• Breakfast at resort
• Packed lunch during activities
• Interactive cooking demo and dinner

Journey to Kumarakom, where Kerala's famous backwaters create a maze of waterways lined with swaying palms. The peaceful atmosphere and slower pace of life offer a perfect contrast to the previous days of activity. Watch village life unfold along the waterways and spot numerous water birds. Activities:

• Scenic drive to Kumarakom (4-5 hours)
• Bird Sanctuary visit
• Sunset village walk
• Traditional fishing demonstration
• Evening cultural show

• Kumarakom Lake Resort or similar waterfront property

• Breakfast at Thekkady resort
• Lunch at toddy shop experience
• Seafood dinner at resort

Board your private houseboat (kettuvallam) for an unforgettable cruise through Kerala's backwaters. These traditional rice barges have been converted into comfortable floating hotels. Glide past villages, temples, and churches while watching local life unfold along the banks. Activities:

• Transfer to houseboat at Alleppey
• Full-day backwater cruise
• Village visits
• Sunset photography
• Stargazing from deck

• Premium houseboat with air-conditioned rooms

• All meals freshly prepared on board
• Traditional Kerala cuisine
• Fresh seafood options

Head to the coastal paradise of Kovalam, known for its crescent-shaped beaches and lighthouse. The journey from the backwaters to the coast shows yet another face of Kerala's diverse landscape. Arrive in time to witness a spectacular sunset over the Arabian Sea. Activities:

• Morning cruise conclusion
• Drive to Kovalam (4 hours)
• Beach relaxation
• Lighthouse visit
• Sunset boat ride (optional)

• Taj Green Cove or similar beach resort

• Breakfast on houseboat
• Lunch at local seafood restaurant
• Beachside dinner at resort

Enjoy a relaxing day at Kovalam's beautiful beaches. The gentle sound of waves and swaying palms create the perfect atmosphere for unwinding. Take advantage of optional activities or simply relax on the beach. Activities:

• Morning yoga session (optional)
• Ayurvedic spa treatment
• Beach time
• Water sports (seasonal)
• Local market visit

• Taj Green Cove or similar beach resort

• Breakfast at resort
• Beach shack lunch
• Fine dining at resort restaurant

Take a day trip to the cliff-top beach town of Varkala, known for its dramatic landscape and holy springs. The red cliffs against the blue Arabian Sea create stunning photo opportunities, while the bohemian atmosphere offers a different vibe from Kovalam. Activities:

• Drive to Varkala (2 hours)
• Cliff walk
• Temple visit
• Shopping at cliff-top bazaar
• Beach time

• Return to Taj Green Cove or similar beach resort

• Breakfast at resort
• Lunch at cliff-top café
• Dinner at resort

Explore Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala's capital city, known for its British colonial architecture and ancient temples. The city offers a fascinating mix of traditional and modern Kerala. Activities:

• Visit to Padmanabhaswamy Temple
• Napier Museum tour
• Zoo and park visit
• Local market exploration
• Evening food walk

• Taj Green Cove or similar beach resort

• Breakfast at resort
• Traditional vegetarian sadhya lunch
• Street food dinner experience

Enjoy your last full day of Kerala beach life. Take time to revisit favourite spots or try activities you haven't experienced yet. The day is yours to design according to your preferences. Activities:

• Optional sunrise fishing trip
• Beach relaxation
• Last-minute shopping
• Cooking class (optional)
• Farewell dinner

• Taj Green Cove or similar beach resort

• Breakfast at resort
• Light lunch at beach
• Special farewell dinner

Bid farewell to Kerala as you head to the airport for your departure. The morning is free for last-minute shopping or relaxation, depending on your flight time. Activities:

• Free morning
• Airport transfer
• Departure assistance

• Breakfast at resort
• Light snacks for journey