8-Day Grand Kerala Discovery: Hills, Wildlife & Southern Beaches

7 Nights 8 Days
  

Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey - Kovalam - Kanyakumari

Tour Itinerary

 

Day 1

Cochin
  • Colonial Charms of Cochin
  • Your journey begins at the historic port city of Cochin (Kochi).
  • Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, our representative will transfer you to your hotel.
  • Cochin is a melting pot of cultures—Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Chinese influences are visible at every corner.
    • Jewish Synagogue & Jew Town: Explore the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.
    • Dutch Palace (Mattancherry): Famous for its mythological murals.
    • St. Francis Church: The original burial site of explorer Vasco da Gama.
    • Chinese Fishing Nets: A sunset walk by the shore to witness these ancient cantilevered fishing nets.
    • Marine Drive: A bustling promenade facing the backwaters.
    • Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 2

Munnar
  • Ascent to the Misty Hills of Munnar
  • Post-breakfast, we depart for Munnar, situated 1,600 meters above sea level.
  • The drive is a scenic transition from coastal plains to the Western Ghats.
    • En-route Attractions: Stop at the breath-taking Valara and Cheeyappara Waterfalls, which serve as the perfect introduction to the greenery of the highlands. 
    • Arrival: Check in at your mountain resort.
    • Spend the evening enjoying the cool breeze and the aroma of fresh tea leaves.
    • Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 3

Munnar Sightseeing
  • Exploring the Tea Capital
  • Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers. Today is dedicated to exploring its iconic landmarks.
    • Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai): Trek through the park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
    • Mattupetty Dam & Lake: A beautiful spot for speed-boating and admiring the reflection of the hills in the still water.
    • Echo Point: Shout into the valley and hear your voice resonate through the hills.
    • Kundala Lake: Experience the charm of Shikara-style boating in a tranquil setting.
    • Top Station: The highest point in Munnar, offering a panoramic view of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.
    • Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 4

Thekkady
  • The Wild Heart of Thekkady
  • We move from the tea gardens to the spice plantations of Thekkady (Periyar).
  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Board a boat on Periyar Lake. It is one of the few places where you can observe wild animals from the safety of a boat. Keep an eye out for elephants, wild boars, and rare bird species.
  • Spice Tours: Take a guided walk through plantations of cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.
  • Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 5

Alleppey
  • Floating through the Alleppey Backwaters
  • A short drive brings you to the "Venice of the East."
  • Here, you will board a traditional Kerala Houseboat (Kettuvallam).
    • The Cruise: Spend the day gliding through narrow canals fringed by swaying coconut palms.
    • Local Life: Observe the unique lifestyle of the backwater villagers as they farm below sea level.
    • Dining: Enjoy traditional Kerala meals prepared on board by your private chef.
    • Overnight stay in the Houseboat.

Day 6

Kovalam
  • To the Sun-Kissed Beaches of Kovalam
  • After breakfast on the houseboat, we head south to Kovalam, Kerala’s most famous beach destination.
  • The Crescent Beach: Kovalam consists of three adjacent beaches—Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach.
  • Leisure: The evening is free for you to relax on the sand, enjoy a sunset swim, or indulge in an authentic Ayurvedic massage by the shore.
  • Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 7

Day Trip to Kanyakumari
  • Kanyakumari – The Southern Tip
  • Today is a full-day excursion to the southernmost tip of mainland India.
  • En-route: Visit the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium and the stunning wooden architecture of Padmanabhapuram Palace. 
  • Kanyakumari: Visit the Suchindram Temple, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue.
  • The Confluence: Witness the spectacular sunset where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet.
  • Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 8

Trivandrum - Departure
  • Departure via Trivandrum After breakfast, we transfer you to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram).
  • Depending on your flight/train schedule, you can visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple or do some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport or railway station for your journey home.

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 Inclusions & Exclusions

What’s Included:

  • Stay & Meals: 5 Nights accommodation for a couple. Includes daily breakfast (CP Plan) at resorts and All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner) during the Houseboat cruise.
  • Private Transport: Dedicated A/C Sedan for airport pickups, inter-city transfers, and all sightseeing tours as per the itinerary.
  • Travel Comforts: Includes all fuel charges, highway tolls, parking fees, and Driver Allowances (Batha).
  • Family Friendly: Complimentary stay for children below 5 years of age (sharing bed with parents).

What’s Excluded:

  • Additional Guests: Extra person/adult charges and extra bed costs.
  • Entry Fees: Entrance tickets to National Parks (Eravikulam), museums, boating charges, and monuments.
  • Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone calls, tips, and any meals not mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Optional Activities: Any activities not specifically listed in the itinerary.

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 Questions8-Day Grand Kerala Discovery: Hills, Wildlife & Southern Beaches

What is included in the 8-Day Grand Kerala Discovery package?

+

The 8-Day Grand Kerala tour is a comprehensive itinerary featuring 7 nights of accommodation across Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kovalam. It includes daily breakfast, all meals during the houseboat stay, and a dedicated private A/C sedan for all transfers and sightseeing.

Which historical landmarks are visited in Cochin?

+

During your first day in Cochin, you will explore colonial treasures including the Jewish Synagogue, the mural-rich Dutch Palace (Mattancherry), and St. Francis Church. You’ll also witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets along the shoreline.

Can I see the Nilgiri Tahr in Munnar?

+

Yes. The trip includes a visit to Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai), the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Guests can also enjoy panoramic views from Top Station and the unique acoustics of Echo Point while exploring the tea capital.

What wildlife activities are available in Periyar?

+

In Thekkady, the itinerary highlights a boat safari on Periyar Lake, offering rare chances to observe wild elephants and boars from the water. Additionally, guests enjoy a guided walk through aromatic Spice Plantations to learn about cardamom and cinnamon cultivation.

How does the Alleppey Houseboat stay work?

+

On Day 5, you board a traditional Kettuvallam to cruise the "Venice of the East." This private floating villa includes a personal chef who prepares authentic local cuisine. While you glide through narrow canals, you’ll observe the distinct lifestyle of backwater villagers living below sea level.

What does the day trip to Kanyakumari involve?

+

From your base in Kovalam, you will take a full-day excursion to the southern tip of India. This includes visits to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the Thiruvalluvar Statue, and the Padmanabhapuram Palace, culminating in the spectacular sunset at the confluence of three oceans.