- 10 Days
- Kochi | Munnar | Thekkady | Alappuzha | Kumarakom
“A natural perspective on India with its unique parks, wildlife and tea plantations that represent its true beauty.“
Tour Highlights
Heritage Walk
Dance Performances
Tea Plantations
Spice Garden
National Parks
Houseboat Cruise
Cooking Class
about this tour
about this tour
In the heart of India lies the most beautiful and tranquil parks and villages. Start in Kochi with the city's peaceful, well-organized streets and laid-back atmosphere as they invite you to uncover its untold stories. Explore the passing landmarks such as the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace by taking our heritage walk and end the day with some free time before enjoying an evening of a Kathakali dance performance. The next day, travel to Munnar, a hill station surrounded by tea plantations and mist-covered hills. On the way, enjoy a visit to a tea plantation and a lunch with a local family. Munnar offers scenic vistas, trekking opportunities, and visits to the Eravikulam National Park, home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr. In the evening, explore the local market, offering everything from home-made chocolates to fresh produce. Continue your journey with a trek through the lush landscapes of Munnar and a visit to Thekkady. Here, explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its elephants, tigers, and diverse flora. Visit a spice garden, and enjoy a nature walk guided by local experts. Your next stop is Alleppey, where you'll board a traditional houseboat for an overnight cruise through the serene backwaters of Kerala. Conclude your trip with a visit to Kumarakom, where you can relax and indulge in Ayurvedic treatments or a cooking class before transferring to Kochi airport for your final flight home.
Mundakkal Plantation homestay, located on a 104-acre rubber estate, provides an authentic experience of traditional Syrian Christian Kerala cuisine, expertly prepared by your host, Daisy. Her passion for cooking is reflected in the delicious dishes made from family recipes passed down through generations, blending Syrian, Indian, and European influences. Sit down to a communal meal of stews, curries, fish, and appams at the family table, where warmth and tradition come together.
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Arrival DayArrive in Kochi by international flight. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our team, before being transferred to your hotel. Kochi's present-day character is shaped by centuries of foreign influence. From the French to the Portuguese and the British, each of these colonial powers has left a lasting imprint on the city. These diverse cultures have blended together over time, creating a unique atmosphere that is both harmonious and distinctive. The city feels peaceful and well-organized, with its relaxed streets offering a sense of calm and simplicity. As you wander through, it’s easy to imagine the untold stories and historical layers that have shaped this place. Kochi is also known for its local cuisine, a delightful fusion of flavors influenced by the various cultures that have passed through over the centuries. Whether you’re sampling seafood or savoring traditional dishes, the food here is a reflection of the city’s rich and varied past. Arrive at your hotel for an overnight stay, where you can rest and refresh, ready for the days ahead.
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Arrive in Kochi by international flight. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our team, before being transferred to your hotel. Kochi's present-day character is shaped by…2
Tour of Kochi and Kathakali DanceBegin the day with a heritage walk through the streets of Fort Kochi, a coastal town shaped by trade and maritime history. In 1341, a major flood created a natural harbor here, which later attracted merchants from around the world. By the 15th century, Kochi became the site of the first European settlement in India with the arrival of the Portuguese. During the walk, visit local landmarks such as the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and Santa Cruz Basilica. The route also offers chances to speak with residents and get a sense of daily life in the area. Later, visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturdays), built in 1568, and located next to the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays). The synagogue was built on land donated by the local ruler and reflects the long presence of the Jewish community in Kerala. The Dutch Palace, or Mattancherry Palace, is designed in traditional Kerala style, with murals and shrines dedicated to Hindu deities. The afternoon is free to rest or explore independently. In the evening, attend a Kathakali performance—a traditional dance-drama from Kerala that uses expressive movements, detailed costumes, and stories from Indian epics.
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Begin the day with a heritage walk through the streets of Fort Kochi, a coastal town shaped by trade and maritime history. In 1341, a major flood created a natural…3
Transfer to Munnar & Tea PlantationAfter breakfast, you will be taking a transfer to Munnar. On the way there, you will make a stop at a tea plantation for lunch, where you’ll have the chance to meet a local family and learn about their life and work. After lunch, continue the drive to Munnar, where you will check in at your hotel once you have arrived. Munnar, perched at an elevation of about 6,000 feet, is a place of serene beauty, surrounded by mist-covered hills. The views here are simply stunning, with the fragrant scents of tea, coffee, and cardamom drifting from the nearby plantations. In the distance, you'll see Anai Mudi, the highest peak in Kerala, along with the tropical forests of Anamalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Eravikulam National Park in Kerala. Eravikulam is home to the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare species of mountain goat found only in this region. The drive around Munnar offers scenic views, and visitors can trek to a tranquil stream where trout are bred. The surrounding hills, covered in lush green slopes and dense shola forests, provide a haven for a variety of bird species. Nilgiri langurs, lion-tailed macaques, and other monkeys are also commonly seen. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through Munnar’s local market. Stroll through the lively market, where you'll find food stalls, bakeries selling homemade chocolates, and shops offering groceries and souvenirs. One section of the market is dedicated to fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats, giving you a taste of the everyday life of this charming hill station.
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After breakfast, you will be taking a transfer to Munnar. On the way there, you will make a stop at a tea plantation for lunch, where you’ll have the chance…4
Eravikulam National ParkMunnar, located at the meeting point of three mountain streams, derives its name from the Tamil words for "three rivers." It is the largest tea-growing region in South India, so take a walk through a tea plantation and visit the tea museum (closed on Mondays) to appreciate this large area of the culture. Next, you will visit the stunning Eravikulam National Park, which is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat. After a morning of exploring, you will then have the afternoon free for leisure.
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Munnar, located at the meeting point of three mountain streams, derives its name from the Tamil words for "three rivers." It is the largest tea-growing region in South India, so…5
Transfer to Thekkady and Spice Garden VisitThe next day, you will be driven to Thekkady in the morning and will check in at your hotel upon arrival. Thekkady is home to the serene and scenic trails of Periyar, a place where the beauty of nature and wildlife come together. The 777-square-kilometer Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its tiger population, as well as a variety of other wildlife, including elephants, boars, langurs, bison, and sambar. The rich, untamed forests here make it a true haven for nature lovers.
In the afternoon, visit a spice garden, where you can see cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, clove, vanilla, nutmeg, coffee, and more growing in their natural habitat. Periyar, located at an altitude of 1,000 meters, provides an ideal climate for cultivating these spices. In the 15th century, Vasco da Gama was the first European to land on the Malabar Coast in search of these prized spices. During those times, pepper was known as "Black Gold" and was traded at a value equal to its weight in gold.
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The next day, you will be driven to Thekkady in the morning and will check in at your hotel upon arrival. Thekkady is home to the serene and scenic trails…6
Periyar National ParkIn the morning, enjoy a guided nature walk in Periyar National Park, lasting about 3-4 hours. Led by an experienced tribal guide, this walk provides an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife such as elephants, wild boar, monkeys, birds, butterflies, and more. The trail winds through a mix of evergreen and deciduous forests, as well as marshy grasslands, offering a gentle trek. While sightings of tigers are rare, you will experience the rich biodiversity of the park. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to relax and unwind. Then in the evening, you will have the opportunity to watch a Kalaripayattu performance. Considered one of the oldest and most systematic martial arts in the world, Kalaripayattu originated in Kerala. The term is a combination of "kalari" (battle) and "payattu" (ground). Training begins with an oil massage to make the body agile, followed by physical feats like jumping, running, and somersaulting. The practice also includes lessons in weaponry, such as swords, daggers, spears, and bows. Kalaripayattu is not just a martial art but a way of life, focusing on coordination between mind and body, and teaching values like discipline, compassion, and respect for others.
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In the morning, enjoy a guided nature walk in Periyar National Park, lasting about 3-4 hours. Led by an experienced tribal guide, this walk provides an excellent opportunity to spot…7
Alappuzha Overnight Boat CruiseIn the morning, you will be driven to Alappuzha, situated along the scenic backwaters of Kerala. Here, you will board a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, known as a ‘Kettuvallum,’ for an overnight cruise through the tranquil backwaters. As the houseboat glides through narrow canals, you’ll have the opportunity to observe local life up close. Take a stroll through paddy fields, visit small village markets, and interact with the friendly locals. The houseboat continues its journey during the day and is anchored in a peaceful spot by sunset, where it will remain until the following morning.
In the morning, you will be driven to Alappuzha, situated along the scenic backwaters of Kerala. Here, you will board a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, known as a ‘Kettuvallum,’ for an…8
Tranquility in KumarakomAfter breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and transfer to your hotel. Kumarakom is set in a stunning location where the beauty of nature comes together. Located on the western shore of the famous Vembanad Lake, the area is surrounded by lush rice fields, vibrant greenery, and a variety of birdlife. It’s a peaceful retreat where the sights and sounds of nature create a serene atmosphere. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the calm surroundings, whether you choose to unwind by the lake or simply enjoy the tranquility of the area.
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After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and transfer to your hotel. Kumarakom is set in a stunning location where the beauty of nature comes together. Located on the western shore…9
Traditional Relaxation and CuisineThe day is free for you to relax and unwind at your own pace. You may choose to rejuvenate with traditional Ayurvedic treatments, known for their healing and restorative properties, or participate in a relaxing yoga class to enhance your well-being. In the evening, join the hotel’s chef for a cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare some of Kerala's most popular dishes. Kerala is renowned for its high-quality spices, which play a central role in the region's cuisine. Coconut, in all its forms—pulp, milk, and oil—is another key ingredient that gives Kerala’s food its distinctive flavor. After the class, enjoy the fruits of your labor by savoring the dishes you’ve prepared during dinner.
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The day is free for you to relax and unwind at your own pace. You may choose to rejuvenate with traditional Ayurvedic treatments, known for their healing and restorative properties,…10
Departure DayThe final day, after breakfast, you will be transferred to Kochi airport (approximately a 2.5-hour drive) to catch your flight back home.
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The final day, after breakfast, you will be transferred to Kochi airport (approximately a 2.5-hour drive) to catch your flight back home.
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