Classic Kerala Tour

Classic Kerala Tour

11 Days / 10 Nights

This short but comprehensive tour takes in plenty of Kerala’s major highlights, making it a good overview of this part of India, widely known as God’s Own Country.With stunning hill stations, exotic beaches, the backwaters and unique regional cuisine, Kerala is as close to paradise as you might have seen.

Detailed Itineary

  • Day 1 : Arrival at Cochin

    You’ll be met on arrival and assisted with the transfer to your hotel. Settle in and relax, with any free time left unstructured for wandering in nearby markets and bazaars. Overnight stay in Fort Cochin

  • Day 2 : Fort Cochin

    Historic Fort Cochin has a half-millennia of cultural gems waiting to be revealed. Places you’ll visit today on your guided tour of Fort Cochin include the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry (renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana), the synagogue at the heart of what is locally called Jew Town, (one of the oldest outside the Holy Land) and St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India and the Chinese fishing nets which are an iconic sight along the edge of the harbour. Time later in the day for a cultural show if you are interested. Overnight in Fort Cochin.

  • Day 3 : Cochin - Munnar

    Depart after breakfast and drive 4 hours to Munnar, heart of South India’s tea-growing industry with a lovely climate and expansive views when the weather is clear. En route visit waterfalls at Valera and Cheeyappara. In the afternoon, take a walk around a tea estate and enjoy the clear mountain air; overnight in Munnar.

  • Day 4 : Munnar

    A full day around Munnar can include a visit to the Tea Museum (much more interesting than it sounds!) plus a number of scenic viewpoints around the town. Further afield are Eravikulam National Park, home of endangered Nilgiri Thar, a very rare mountain goat endemic to this region, Rajamala - the highest peak in Munnar and Devikulam - a small hill station with exotic flora and fauna. Overnight in Munnar

  • Day 5 : Munnar - Periyar

    A very scenic drive today to Periyar, which is less suited to tea-growing but perfect for spice cultivation. A must-do while you’re here is a tour of a spice garden to learn about the exotic spices we take for granted in our kitchens but whose origins are unknown to most people. Overnight in Periyar.

  • Day 6 : Periyar

    Explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on any number of walking or rafting tours of various levels of strenuousness. From an easy stroll to a full-day hike, there are plenty of ways to get into the Sanctuary and see some of its inhabitants up close. Overnight stay in Periyar.

  • Day 7 : Periyar - Alleppey

    Descend from the Western Ghats to an entirely different environment on the plains below- the Alleppey backwaters. Head to a backwater resort or boutique accommodation and begin your exploration of the backwaters with an afternoon canoe ride. Overnight on the Alleppey backwaters.

  • Day 8 : Alleppey

    Enjoy a full day around Alleppey with options for a lunch-time houseboat cruise, walking/cycling the pathways which line the backwaters, a visit to Alleppey town and more. Overnight on the Alleppey backwaters

  • Day 9 : Alleppey - Mararikulam

    A short transfer across to the coast will see you reach your final destination, the beautiful Marari beach. While less well known than some of the famous beaches further south, Mararikulam (to give it its full name) retains a low-key charm with local fishermen a more common sight on the beach than tourists. Overnight at Mararikulam.

  • Day 10 : Mararikulam

    A full day on the beach- you might like to enjoy an Ayurveda massage at your accommodation, walk in the village or finish your trip with a day of complete relaxation. Overnight at Mararikulam.

  • Day 11 : Mararikulam - Cochin Depart

    Transfer 2 hours north to Cochin airport and connect with your flight home from there.

FAQ

Yes, a classic Kerala tour includes numerous cultural experiences such as Kathakali dance performances, visits to historical sites like Fort Cochin, interactions with locals, spice plantation tours, and a chance to observe daily life in the backwater villages.

Accommodations on a classic Kerala tour typically include boutique hotels in historic areas, luxury resorts in hill stations like Munnar, traditional houseboats on the backwaters, and beachside resorts in Mararikulam. Options can range from budget-friendly to luxury, depending on the tour package.

Yes, a classic Kerala tour is perfect for families, offering activities like gentle nature walks, houseboat rides, beach time, and cultural experiences. The itinerary can be adjusted to accommodate family-friendly accommodations and activities that appeal to all age groups.

A classic Kerala holiday package includes guided historical tours, scenic nature walks in tea plantations, spice garden visits, wildlife safaris, houseboat cruises in the backwaters, and beach relaxation. Additional activities like Ayurvedic massages, village tours, and cultural performances can also be included for a well-rounded experience.

Yes, Kerala is known for its handicrafts, spices, and textiles. Shopping opportunities can be found throughout the tour, with markets in Cochin for spices and souvenirs, handmade chocolates and tea in Munnar, and artisanal crafts in Alleppey and Fort Cochin, ideal for unique mementoes.

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