Overview of Tour

Experience the best of Kerala tour package 6 days covering Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey backwaters. This journey takes you through Kerala’s top attractions including tea plantations in Munnar, spice gardens and wildlife in Thekkady (Periyar National Park), and a relaxing overnight houseboat cruise in Alleppey. End your trip in Fort Kochi, known for its colonial heritage, Chinese fishing nets, and cultural experiences. Perfect for travelers seeking a Kerala holiday package, nature tour in South India, and an authentic God’s Own Country travel experience blending nature, culture, and relaxation.

Tour Highlights

• Stay overnight in Munnar, once a favored summer retreat of the British
• Visit sprawling plantations producing cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee, and vanilla
• Enjoy an early morning nature walk through the forest to spot butterflies and rare bird species
• Cruise Kerala’s peaceful backwaters and spend a night aboard a traditional houseboat
• Take part in a lively cooking demonstration at a local home to round off your journey

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Cochin

Welcome to Kochi, a historic port city on India’s southwestern coast in the state of Kerala. Upon arrival and after completing immigration and customs formalities, you’ll be greeted by a tour representative with a traditional welcome. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel, where assistance with check-in will be provided along with an overview of your upcoming journey.

After settling in, you can relax at the hotel or step out to explore the surroundings at your own pace. Kochi has a rich history dating back centuries and was once a major hub for global trade, attracting merchants from Arabia, China, and Europe in search of spices, silk, and sandalwood. This cultural blend is still visible today, especially in areas like Fort Kochi, known for its colonial-era architecture, charming streets, and diverse places of worship. The network of scenic canals further adds to the city’s unique appeal.

In the evening, you may choose to enjoy a cultural experience such as a traditional Kathakali dance performance or opt for a relaxing sunset cruise along the Arabian Sea, offering beautiful coastal views to end your day.

Day 2: Cochin to Munnar – Tea Country Exploration

After breakfast in Kochi, you will depart from the coastal plains and begin a scenic drive into the hills toward Munnar (approximately 140 km). Located in the Western Ghats at an altitude of around 1,600 meters (5,249 feet), Munnar is renowned for its rolling tea plantations, cool climate, and breathtaking landscapes. Once a favored summer retreat of the British administration, the town still reflects traces of its colonial heritage.

On arrival, check in to your hotel and proceed for a guided sightseeing tour. The first stop is the picturesque Mattupetty Dam, an important hydroelectric site surrounded by serene waters that attract a variety of birds and wildlife, making it a peaceful natural retreat.

Next, visit the Tata Tea Museum, located at the Nallathanni Estate. This museum offers a fascinating look into the region’s tea heritage, showcasing historic photographs, machinery, and the entire tea-making process—from fresh green leaves to the final packaged product. It also honors the generations of workers who have sustained this vital industry.

After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to explore Munnar at your own pace. You may choose to stroll through the charming streets, browse local markets, or look for handcrafted souvenirs amidst the town’s scenic surroundings.

Day 3: Transfer to Thekkady with driver & Spice Plantation Experience

This morning, travel through Kerala’s lush, green hills as you head toward Thekkady (approximately 104 km). The route offers scenic views of plantations and forested landscapes as you approach one of the region’s most renowned wildlife destinations near Periyar National Park.

This protected sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, Indian bison (gaur), sloth bears, monkeys, and numerous bird species. The park’s natural environment of dense forests and grasslands provides ideal conditions for wildlife sightings, and optional boat safaris offer a unique way to observe animals in their natural habitat.

Upon arrival in Thekkady, check in at your hotel before continuing for a guided spice plantation tour. Kerala’s spice gardens are a defining feature of the region, and this experience offers insight into the cultivation of aromatic spices such as cardamom and black pepper, along with crops like tea, coffee, and vanilla. The tour provides a deeper understanding of how these globally traded products are grown and processed, often familiar only as packaged goods in everyday life.

After the visit, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the hill town.

Day 4: Jungle Walk at Sunrise, Transfer to Alappuzha & Houseboat Cruise

Begin your day early with a sunrise jungle walk in and around Periyar National Park. The forest trails pass through evergreen and moist deciduous landscapes, interspersed with grasslands and streams. Along the way, you may spot vibrant birdlife such as kingfishers, hornbills, and storks, along with butterflies and other wildlife, creating a truly immersive nature experience.

After the walk, return to your hotel for breakfast before departing for Alappuzha (Alleppey), located approximately 145 km away. Known as the “Venice of the East,” Alappuzha is a major hub of Kerala’s famous backwater network, where canals, lagoons, and lakes form a unique and essential water-based transport system.

Upon arrival, board a traditional houseboat and begin a peaceful cruise through Kerala’s scenic backwaters. As you glide through narrow canals and open waterways, you’ll witness everyday life along the shores—villages, paddy fields, and small boats carrying goods such as fish, produce, and even newspapers, reflecting how deeply the waterways are woven into local life.

In the evening, settle in for an overnight stay on the houseboat anchored in the tranquil waters of Vembanad Lake. Surrounded by calm scenery and starlit skies, this experience offers one of the most memorable highlights of Kerala’s backwater journey.

Day 5: Return to Cochin, Fort Kochi Exploration & Cooking Experience

After disembarking from your houseboat in Alappuzha, you will travel back to Kochi (approximately 60 km). On arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax before continuing with a half-day guided tour of Fort Kochi.

Your exploration begins with the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the shoreline, a centuries-old technique introduced by traders from China. Nearby, you’ll visit the historic Fort Emmanuel, a reminder of the region’s early colonial presence.

Continue to the St. Francis CSI Church, recognized as the oldest European church in India, originally built in 1503. From there, enjoy a lively tuk-tuk ride through the streets of Fort Kochi, offering an authentic glimpse into local life.

During your ride, you’ll stop at the traditional Dhobi Khana laundry area, a site with historical links to the Dutch colonial period. You’ll also visit the grand Mattancherry Palace, originally gifted by the Portuguese to the Kochi royalty. Along the way, pass by the Paradesi Synagogue and explore the aromatic spice markets, perfect for picking up souvenirs.

In the evening, take part in a memorable cooking demonstration hosted by a local Keralan family. The experience begins with a traditional sari draping session, followed by an interactive cooking lesson where you’ll learn how to prepare authentic dishes using Indian spices. This warm cultural exchange offers a meaningful way to conclude your journey in Kerala.

Day 6: Depart from Cochin

It’s time to bid farewell to Kerala. At the scheduled time, you will be transferred from your hotel to Cochin International Airport for your departure flight and onward journey. Safe travels!

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