12-Day Majestic Kerala Grand Tour: Nature, Culture & Backwaters

11 Nights 12 Days
  

Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey - Kumarakom - Guruvayoor - Athirappally

Tour Itinerary

 

Day 1

Cochin
  • Arrival & The Colonial Legacy of Cochin
  • Your grand tour begins at Cochin International Airport or Railway Station.
  • Our representative will receive you and escort you to your hotel.
  • Known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," Cochin is a blend of medieval Portugal, Holland, and an English village.
    • Sightseeing Highlights: Visit the Jew Synagogue, Dutch Palace, and St. Francis Church.
    • Evening: Witness the sunset through the massive Chinese Fishing Nets and enjoy a breezy walk along Marine Drive.
    • Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 2

Munnar
  • Cochin to the Green Paradise of Munnar
  • Check out and drive toward Munnar.
  • As you leave the coastal plains, the scenery transforms into endless layers of green.
    • Nature Stops: Visit the breathtaking Valara and Cheeyappara Waterfalls, which are prime photography spots during the journey.
    • Arrival: Check into your Munnar resort and soak in the fresh mountain air.
    • Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 3

Munnar
  • Munnar – Tea Estates & The Nilgiri Tahr
  • Today is dedicated to the heart of Munnar.
    • Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai): Venture into the home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
    • Mattupetty Dam: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the dam reservoir, surrounded by dense forests.
    • Tea Plantations: Walk through manicured tea gardens and learn about the "two leaves and a bud" philosophy.
    • Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 4

Munnar Sightseeing
  • High Altitudes & Echoes Deepen your exploration of the high ranges.
    • Echo Point: Test your vocal cords at this natural phenomenon point.
    • Kundala Lake: Experience the charm of a Shikara boat ride on the calm waters.
    • Top Station: Visit the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border for a bird's-eye view of the Western Ghats.
    • Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 5

Thekkady
  • Munnar to Thekkady – Into the Wild
  • Depart for Thekkady, the spice capital of Kerala.
    • Periyar Lake: Board a forest department boat to witness wildlife—elephants, sambar deer, and rare birds—at the water’s edge.
    • Spice Walk: (Optional) Visit a local spice farm to see how cardamom and pepper are harvested.
    • Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 6

Alleppey
  • Thekkady to the Coastal Town of Alleppey
  • Travel from the mountains to the coastal beauty of Alleppey (Alappuzha).
    • Alleppey Beach: Spend a relaxing evening at the historic Alleppey beach, famous for its 150-year-old pier.
    • Overnight stay in Alleppey.

Day 7

Alleppey
  • Exploring the Venice of the East
  • Alleppey is best explored at a slow pace.
    • Local Sightseeing: Visit local temples, churches, and markets to experience the authentic coir-industry heritage of the region.
    • Overnight stay in Alleppey.

Day 8

Kumarakom
  • The Houseboat Experience – Alleppey to Kumarakom
  • Board your private luxury houseboat for a quintessential Kerala experience.
    • The Cruise: Drift through the vast Vembanad Lake and narrow palm-fringed canals.
    • Lifestyle: Observe the rhythmic lives of the local people who live and work on the water.
    • Overnight stay on the Houseboat.

Day 9

Kumarakom
  • Kumarakom – Bird Sanctuary & Lakeside Bliss
  • Disembark at Kumarakom, a cluster of little islands on Lake Vembanad.
    • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Explore the sanctuary known for migratory birds and local species like the Siberian Stork.
    • L Kumarakom.eisure: Enjoy the tranquil resort facilities by the lake.
    • Overnight stay in

Day 10

Guruvayur
  • Spiritual Journey to Guruvayoor
  • Head north to Guruvayoor, one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in India.
    • Temple Darshan: Visit the famous Sree Krishna Temple (Darshan timings apply).
    • Elephant Camp: (Optional) Visit Punnathur Kotta to see over 50 elephants.
    • Overnight stay in Guruvayoor.

Day 11

Athirapilly
  • Athirapally – The Niagara of India
  • Travel to Athirapally to witness the grandeur of Kerala’s largest waterfall.
    • The Falls: Stand in awe of the Athirapally Waterfalls, which drop from a height of 80 feet. It is a spectacular sight, especially after the rains.
    • Overnight stay in Athirapally.

Day 12

Cochin Departure
  • Farewell to the Land of Greenery
  • After a final Kerala breakfast, check out and drive back to Cochin.
  • Our team will drop you at the airport or railway station for your onward journey, carrying memories of a lifetime.

Note

We offer a variety of tour packages including Standard, Deluxe, Premium, and Luxury options, with customizable hotel and vehicle classifications to suit every preference and budget.

Package Terms & Details

Important Notes

  • All-Inclusive Taxes: Service tax is already included in the total amount.
  • Peak Season: A price hike applies for bookings from 1st October onwards.
  • Peak Flexibility: During high-traffic seasons, minor itinerary adjustments may be made to avoid crowds, but accommodation quality is always maintained.
  • Holiday Exception: Unlike other packages, supplementary charges for Christmas and New Year's Eve are not applicable here (subject to specific hotel policies).

Package Includes:

  • Accommodation for a couple in a specified room (CP Plan - Breakfast included).
  • Private A/c vehicle (Standard: Indica/Equivalent) for all pickups and sightseeing.
  • All toll fees, parking, and driver batha.
  • Complimentary stay for children below 5 years.

Package Excludes:

  • Extra person charges for adults or children above 5.
  • Entry tickets to parks, dams, or monuments.
  • Any laundry, tips, or personal expenditures.

Important Notes for the Guest

  • Check-in/Check-out: Standard hotel check-in is at 12:00 PM / 2:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM / 11:00 AM.
  • Houseboat Timing: Houseboat check-in is at 12:00 PM. The A/C in the cabin is typically operational from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM (unless a Full-time A/C boat is specifically requested).
  • Kanyakumari Visit: The visit is subject to time and traffic conditions to ensure a safe return to Kovalam.

More Tour Packages

Frequently Asked Questions12-Day Majestic Kerala Grand Tour: Nature, Culture & Backwaters

What’s the "big highlight" of this 12-day trip?

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Think of this as the ultimate Kerala sampler. You aren’t just sticking to one area; the 12-Day Majestic Grand Tour takes you from the colonial streets of Cochin to the misty peaks of Munnar, through the spice-scented air of Thekkady, and finally to the thunderous Athirapally Waterfalls. It’s the perfect mix of culture, nature, and relaxation.

Is the Athirapally Waterfall visit just a quick stop?

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Not at all! Unlike shorter tours that just pass by, this Grand Tour gives you a dedicated overnight stay in Athirapally. This means you can truly soak in the majesty of the "Niagara of India" without rushing, catching the falls in the beautiful morning light or the golden hour of the evening.

What’s the difference between the Alleppey and Kumarakom stops?

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It’s the best of both worlds! In Alleppey, you get to enjoy the historic beach and the bustling life of the "Venice of the East." Then, your Luxury Houseboat takes you across the water to Kumarakom, which is much quieter and famous for its Bird Sanctuary and tranquil lakeside resorts. It’s a perfect transition from activity to total relaxation.

What does a "Spice Walk" in Thekkady involve?

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It’s a sensory experience! You have the option to walk through a local spice farm where you’ll see how everyday kitchen staples like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon actually grow. It’s a great way to learn about Kerala’s history as a global spice hub before heading to the Periyar wildlife safari.

Is the A/C on the houseboat available all day?

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To give you the most authentic experience of the backwaters, the A/C in the houseboat cabins is typically operational from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. This lets you enjoy the natural breeze and the sounds of the water during the day while ensuring a cool, comfortable sleep at night. (Full-time A/C can usually be arranged if you ask us in advance!)

What makes the Marari Beach stay different from other beach resorts?

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The Marari Beach Resort follows a "no-TV, no-distraction" philosophy to encourage the "Art of Doing Nothing." It features organic gardens, butterfly farmlands, and a focus on wellness and quietude.