Kerala Tour
Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is a lush, tropical state in southwestern India, renowned for its serene backwaters, misty hill stations, pristine beaches, spice plantations, and Ayurvedic wellness traditions. Bordered by the Western Ghats mountains to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west, it spans 38,863 km² with a population of about 35 million. The capital is Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), but Kochi (Cochin) is the main gateway for tourists. Kerala’s diverse culture blends Hindu, Christian, and Muslim influences, evident in its festivals like Onam (harvest celebration in August-September) and Kathakali dance performances. It’s a biodiversity hotspot with wildlife sanctuaries, tea estates, and houseboat cruises on networks like Vembanad Lake. The economy thrives on tourism, spices, coconuts, and coir. October is an ideal time to visit—post-monsoon greenery peaks, temperatures hover at 25–32°C (77–90°F), and crowds are moderate, though light showers are possible. Avoid peak summer (March–May) for heat.
Details
This itinerary starts and ends in Kochi (COK airport), focusing on central Kerala's highlights: culture, hills, wildlife, and backwaters. It's designed for a mix of relaxation and adventure, assuming mid-range travel. Total estimated cost: ₹25,000–40,000 per person (excluding flights; includes stays, meals, activities, and private transfers). Book houseboats and transfers in advance, especially in October.
- Morning: Arrive at Cochin International Airport (flights from Delhi/Mumbai: 2–3 hours). Transfer to Fort Kochi. Check into a heritage hotel.
- Afternoon: Stroll the colonial-era Fort Kochi area. Visit St. Francis Church (India's oldest European church, 1503) and Dutch Palace (Mattancherry, ₹5 entry; exhibits on Kerala royalty and murals).
- Evening: Watch a Kathakali dance show (Kerala Kathakali Centre, 7 PM) with elaborate costumes and storytelling from epics like Mahabharata. Dinner at a seaside café (try Kerala fish curry and appam at Kashi Art Café).
- Stay: Kochi.
- Morning: Explore Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue (₹5 entry; 16th-century artifact-rich site). Shop for spices and antiques at Jew Street.
- Afternoon: Private transfer to Munnar, scenic drive through cardamom hills). Arrive and check into a tea estate resort
- Evening: Relax with views of rolling tea plantations. Optional: Bonfire and local folk music arranged by the hotel.
- Stay: Munnar.
- Morning: Guided tour of Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. Spot Nilgiri tahrs (mountain goats).
- Afternoon: Visit Tea Museum ( learn about colonial tea history) and a working tea factory for plucking demos. Trek through Eravikulam National Park (home to endangered Nilgiri tahr; best Oct–Mar).
- Evening: Sunset at Photo Point viewpoint. Dinner at the resort (try masala chai and Kerala sadhya platter).
- Stay: Munnar.
- Morning: Drive to Thekkady. En route, stop at spice plantations near Kumily (learn about cardamom, pepper tour).
- Afternoon: Check into a jungle resort. Head to Periyar Tiger Reserve (2-hour boat safari on Periyar Lake, spot elephants, otters, and birds; book via KTDC).
- Evening: Cultural show at Kadathanadan Kalari Centre (martial arts demo). Ayurvedic massage for relaxation.
- Stay: Thekkady.
- Morning: Optional bamboo rafting in Periyar (serene wildlife spotting).
- Afternoon: Transfer to Alleppey (Alappuzha). Check into a backwater resort
- Evening: Short canoe ride through narrow canals (glimpse village life, paddy fields, and kingfishers). Seafood dinner (prawns in coconut milk).
- Stay: Alleppey.
- Morning: Board a private houseboat, book via Kerala Tourism. Cruise Vembanad Lake's backwaters, passing Chinese fishing nets and coir villages.
- Afternoon: Dock for a village walk; try toddy (local palm wine) and fresh toddy shops.
- Evening: Anchor for sunset views. Enjoy onboard Kerala cuisine (karimeen pollichathu—pearl spot fish fry). Stargaze from the deck.
- Stay: Overnight on houseboat (moored safely).
- Morning: Disembark after breakfast. Transfer back to Kochi. If time allows, visit Marine Drive for waterfront promenade or Chinese Fishing Nets for photos.
- Afternoon: Shop at LuLu Mall (spices, handicrafts) or relax with a spa session. Depart from Kochi airport.
- Evening: If extending, catch a sunset ferry to Vypeen Island.
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