1. TimlessHeritage
  2. India
  3. Classic Kerala with Beach Relaxation
Classic Kerala with Beach Relaxation

Tour Info

Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Nature & Serenity

Best time to travel

August – March

Destinations

Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady,
Kumarakom (Houseboat), & Kovalam
Overview

Experience this memorable journey through Kerala, a land renowned for its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and serene backwaters. This comprehensive tour covers the best of Kerala, including Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom (Houseboat), and Kovalam. Each destination offers unique experiences, from historical landmarks and wildlife encounters to tranquil backwater cruises and pristine beaches.

This tour promises a luxurious and personalized experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality of Kerala. Whether you’re exploring historical sites, enjoying wildlife adventures, or relaxing on a houseboat, each moment will be a cherished memory.

 

Highlights

Historic Fort Kochi: Wander through the charming streets of Fort Kochi, where colonial architecture reflects Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Santa Cruz Basilica.

Chinese Fishing Nets: Witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets in action along the waterfront, a testament to Cochin’s maritime history.

Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace: Explore the Jewish Synagogue, adorned with exquisite hand-painted tiles, and the Mattancherry Palace, known for its stunning murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Kathakali Performance: Enjoy an evening of traditional Kathakali dance, a classical art form of Kerala, known for its elaborate costumes and expressive gestures.

Tea Plantations: Stroll through the verdant tea gardens of Munnar, visit a tea museum to learn about the history and process of tea production, and savor freshly brewed tea.

Spice Plantations: Tour the aromatic spice gardens of Thekkady, where you can see, smell, and taste a variety of spices like cardamom, pepper, and vanilla. Learn about their cultivation and medicinal uses.

Bamboo Rafting: Experience the thrill of bamboo rafting on the Periyar Lake, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding wilderness.

Backwater Cruise: Relax on a traditional houseboat as you glide through the serene backwaters of Kumarakom. Enjoy the tranquil scenery, lush greenery, and glimpses of village life along the banks.

Ayurvedic Treatments: Rejuvenate your mind and body with traditional Ayurvedic massages and therapies at one of Kovalam’s renowned wellness centers.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Cochin

Arrive in Cochin and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day at leisure.

Cochin’s history began with a major flood in AD 1341, transforming it into a major natural harbor. It became the first European township in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century. The Dutch took over in 1663, followed by the British in 1795. Fort Kochi became a prime commercial center, known for trade, military, culture, shipbuilding, and Christianity. Today, it is home to nearly thirteen communities.

In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 02: Explore Cochin

After breakfast, visit:

Old Cochin Area: Discover one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. Visit the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, known for its hand-painted Chinese tiles and brass lamps.

Chinese Fishing Nets: See these iconic nets in action along Vasco Da Gama Square.

Historic Sites: Explore Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow, and Mattancherry Palace.

In the evening, stroll along Princess Street, known for its European-style houses. Enjoy a sunset harbor cruise.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03: To Munnar

After breakfast, drive to Munnar (5 hours). Check in to your hotel upon arrival.

Munnar, located at the confluence of three mountain streams (Mudrapuzha, Nallathani, and Kundala) and 1600 meters above sea level, was once the summer resort of the British in South India. It is known for its sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, and winding lanes. The region is also home to the rare Neelakurinji flower, which blooms every twelve years, and Anamudi, the highest peak in South India, ideal for trekking.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 04: Scenic Munnar and its tea plantations

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Munnar:

Elephant Lake: A scenic picnic spot surrounded by tea plantations, forests, and grasslands, perfect for photography.

Tata Tea Museum: Learn about the history of tea plantations in Munnar and the process of tea production at the Nallathanni Estate.

CSI Church: Visit this historic Protestant church built in 1910, known for its charming interiors and stained-glass windows.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 05: Drive to Periyar, Thekkady

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive south to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a major wildlife reserve in India known for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. The sanctuary, located in Thekkady, is home to elephants, tigers, and a picturesque 100-year-old artificial lake.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel.

Experience an unforgettable elephant walk at a nearby farm, where you can feed, walk, and bathe these gentle giants amidst cardamom, coffee, and pepper plantations.

Relax in the evening and overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Periyar and spice plantations

After breakfast, visit the spice plantations. Explore the captivating farms where various spices like pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, and curry leaves are cultivated.

Enjoy lunch at the plantation.

Evening take a boat ride on Periyar Lake.

Overnight stay at Periyar.

Day 07: Proceed for a day at the backwaters, Kumarakom

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, a village of islands on Vembanad Lake. Visit the bird sanctuary, home to migratory birds like egrets, herons, and the Siberian stork.

Check into a traditional houseboat and enjoy a leisurely backwater cruise. Lunch, dinner, and breakfast will be served on board. Cruise towards Alleppey, with tea and snacks in the evening. The boat will anchor near a paddy field for a village stroll or relaxation.

Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 08: To Kovalam

Breakfast on board while cruising to Alleppey. Disembark and drive to Kovalam, a beautiful beach destination with three crescent-shaped beaches.

Kovalam is a picturesque beach town on the Arabian Sea, known for its stunning crescent-shaped beaches and serene ambiance. Once a quiet fishing village, Kovalam has transformed into a popular holiday destination while retaining its natural charm. The three main beaches—Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach—offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and traditional Ayurvedic treatments, making Kovalam a rejuvenating retreat.

Afternoon: Check into the hotel. Relax and explore the beach.

Overnight at Kovalam.

Day 09-11: Unwind at Kovalam with Kanyakumari and Trivandrum Excursion

Breakfast at the hotel.

The days are at leisure to unwind and have relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

One of the days, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Trivandrum and Kanyakumari on one of the days.

Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, is the capital city of Kerala. It is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage with modernity. Trivandrum is home to several historical landmarks, including the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Napier Museum, and the Kuthiramalika Palace. The city is also a gateway to the beautiful backwaters and beaches of Kerala, offering a diverse range of experiences from cultural tours to nature excursions.

Kanyakumari, located at the southernmost tip of India, is a unique destination where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. Known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, Kanyakumari is a place of great natural beauty and cultural significance. Key attractions include the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Thiruvalluvar Statue, and the Kanyakumari Temple.

Kovalam provide a perfect mix of relaxation, cultural exploration, and natural beauty, making them essential stops on your Kerala itinerary.

Day 12: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home with sweet memories of God’s own country.

Enquire Now