Kerala Backwaters & Spices
Kerala
Overview
Cruise through serene backwaters, explore spice plantations in Munnar, and rejuvenate with authentic Ayurvedic therapies. Kerala, God's Own Country, offers a tropical paradise of emerald waterways, mist-shrouded tea hills, and golden beaches framed by coconut palms.
Highlights
Your Journey, Day by Day
7 days of carefully crafted experiences
Day 1 of 7
Arrive in Kochi
Land at Cochin International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the historic Fort Kochi area. This Portuguese-Dutch-British colonial enclave feels worlds away from modern India with its art galleries, antique shops, and spice warehouses. In the evening, attend a mesmerizing Kathakali performance — Kerala's ancient dance-drama told through elaborate makeup and expressive gestures.
Fort Kochi Heritage Walk
Explore Fort Kochi on foot — watch the iconic Chinese fishing nets being operated at dawn, visit the Mattancherry Palace with its stunning Hindu murals, and wander through Jew Town's antique shops to the 450-year-old Pardesi Synagogue. End at the Santa Cruz Cathedral and the art-filled streets of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale neighborhood.
Kochi to Munnar
Drive into the Western Ghats as the road climbs through rubber plantations, spice gardens, and waterfalls toward Munnar, Kerala's high tea country. The winding mountain road offers spectacular views of cascading valleys and mist-covered peaks. Stop at the Cheeyappara Waterfalls and arrive in Munnar to find yourself surrounded by endless carpets of bright green tea bushes.
Munnar Tea Country
Immerse yourself in the world of tea at Munnar's famous estates. Tour the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the 150-year history of tea cultivation in these hills, then walk through the manicured plantations where Tamil women pluck the tender two-leaves-and-a-bud by hand. Visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr mountain goat, and drive through the Top Station viewpoint for panoramic views stretching into Tamil Nadu.
Munnar to Thekkady
Descend from the tea hills into the spice country of Thekkady, gateway to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The drive passes through cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon plantations that fill the air with intoxicating aromas. Visit a spice garden to learn how the spices that once drove global exploration are still grown by hand. In the evening, enjoy a tribal Kalaripayattu martial arts performance.
Thekkady to Alleppey Houseboat
Drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha) and board your private houseboat — a traditional Kettuvallam converted into a floating luxury suite. Cruise through the tranquil backwaters as village life unfolds along the palm-fringed canals: fishermen casting nets, children diving from bridges, and toddy tappers climbing coconut palms. Fall asleep to the gentle sounds of water lapping against the hull under a sky full of stars.
Alleppey to Kovalam — Departure
Disembark from your houseboat after a peaceful morning cruise and drive south to Kovalam, Kerala's most famous beach. The crescent-shaped Lighthouse Beach offers golden sand, turquoise waves, and dramatic cliff-top views. Enjoy a final Kerala fish curry lunch by the sea before transferring to Trivandrum Airport. Carry home the taste of coconut and spice, the sound of temple bells, and the rhythm of the backwaters.
Inclusions
- Airport transfers in Kochi
- 6 nights accommodation (incl. 1 night houseboat)
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- All transfers by AC vehicle
- Alleppey houseboat (AC deluxe)
- Munnar tea factory visit
- Kathakali dance show
Exclusions
- Airfare to Kochi / from Trivandrum
- Lunch and personal expenses
- Ayurvedic spa treatments
- Periyar boat safari
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
Gallery
₹22,000
per person