Goa is India’s smallest state but in some circles its most famous.
It certainly packs in a lot of highlights for such a tiny proportion of India’s landmass. Kerala, further down the west coast of India, is locally known as God’s Own Country and also offers a lot to the visitor. We’ve selected a few highlights of each state to create this itinerary.
Detailed Itineary
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Day 1 : Goa Arrival
You’ll be met on arrival at Goa airport. Due to the size of Goa, the transfer to your hotel could take 5 minutes, 2 hours or anything in between. We will discuss hotel location with you carefully during the planning phase of your tour. Overnight in Goa.
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Day 2 : Goa
Settle in and relax for the day, enjoying the beach, some local restaurants and the warm, tropical air. Overnight in Goa.
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Day 3 : Goa
A day for sightseeing and visits to places of historic interest in Old Goa. In the evening take a boat ride on the Mondovi River along with a cultural show. Overnight in Goa.
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Day 4 : Goa - Cochin
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Cochin; here you will be met on arrival and introduced to your driver. Head into historic Fort Cochin, an enclave alongside Cochin Harbour and the oldest, most interesting part of this now-sprawling metropolis. Overnight in Fort Cochin.
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Day 5 : Cochin
It’s easy to get around most of Cochin’s sightseeing highlights in a half a day. We recommend adding a village tour to your day’s activities, with our own programme at Manakkodam. This is a genuinely interactive experience which has been created by members of our Cochin team in their home village. Explore the village, meet the locals and enjoy a traditional Keralan meal- this tour has won plaudits from people from across the world. Overnight in Fort Cochin.
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Day 6 : Cochin - Munnar
Head up into the Western Ghats to Munnar, heart of the tea industry in South India. This afternoon you can take a long walk in a tea plantation or just relax and soak up the wonderful views. Overnight in Munnar.
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Day 7 : Munnar
There are multiple options around Munnar- the hiking here is great if you’re feeling energetic - but there are plenty of other ways of seeing spectacular mountain vistas without much walking at all. Eravikulam National Park is home to the rare Nilgiri Thar, a most impressive species of mountain goats. There is a tea museum (much more interesting than it sounds) and sometimes it’s possible to visit a tea factory. If you just want to go for a scenic drive, Top Station and Echo Point are among the highlights. Overnight in Munnar.
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Day 8 : Munnar - Periyar
A very scenic drive today as you head towards the Periyar region and the Wildlife Sanctuary of the same name- the drive takes around 3 hours, leaving time this afternoon for a spice plantation walk (this is the heart of Kerala’s spice growing region) or trekking in the forest. Overnight in Thekkady/Periyar.
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Day 9 : Periyar - Kumarakom
Further activities around the forest and lake in the morning before heading down to Alleppey and the famous backwaters, a drive of 4 hours or so. Rather than fighting through the mass of houseboats around Alleppey, we strongly recommend spending your backwater-time at one of the lovely, small-scale guesthouses or boutique resorts around the area and exploring in a more low-key, and ultimately more enjoyable, fashion. Overnight near Alleppey.
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Day 10 : Kumarakom
Spend the day observing the local lifestyle, walking or cycling around and through villages, taking a small boat to navigate the maze of tiny streams and rivulets which the larger houseboats can’t possibly enter and generally relaxing to the gentle pace of life here. Overnight near Alleppey.
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Day 11 : Alleppey
A second day here for more of the same from the previous day, or head into Alleppey itself for a heritage walking tour or a stroll on the beach. Overnight near Alleppey.
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Day 12 : Alleppey - Cochin Departure
According to your flight schedule, transfer to Cochin airport and fly home.