Duration: 10 Days and 09 Nights
Destination: Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Kumarakom – Varkala – Kovalam – Kanyakumari – Trivandrum
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cochin (Kochi)
Your arrival should be at Cochin International Airport and following that, you will be sent to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Fort Kochi’s old European feel and see the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace. Take some time to watch a traditional Kathakali dance show in the evening and then make your way back to the hotel.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar
After you have breakfast, drive along the Western Ghats to reach Munnar, known not only for tea plantations but also its refreshing mountain climate. During the journey, remember to stop at Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls. After reaching your destination, check in at your resort in the greenery and relax.
Day 3: Munnar Sightseeing
Spend the day exploring Munnar’s highlights, starting with a visit to the Tea Museum and a tea plantation tour. Later, visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, followed by Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. Optionally, relax with an Ayurvedic massage in the evening.
Day 04: Munnar to Thekkady
Visit the Tea Museum first and then explore a tea plantation to start your day in Munnar. Then, take a trip to Eravikulam National Park where the Nilgiri Tahr can be spotted and continue to Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. You could choose to have an Ayurvedic massage in the evening, if you like.
Day 05: Thekkady to Alleppey (Houseboat Stay)
On this day, you should visit Alleppey and cruise on a traditional Kerala houseboat. Relax on the backwaters as you sail past small villages, exposed coconut trees and paddy fields. While traveling, eat flavorful local meals and enjoy the scenery around you.
Day 06: Alleppey to Kumarakom (Optional Add-on)
Leave the houseboat and move on to Kumarakom nearby. Spend the day birdwatching at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and relax in one of the local resorts on the lake. Birdwatching, getting a spa treatment or going on a Vembanad Lake sunset cruise are all possible here.
Day 07: Kumarakom to Varkala
Visit beach town Varkala, where red cliffs and a peaceful atmosphere are the main highlights. Enjoy a day at leisure on the beach, get a calming Ayurvedic spa or explore the lively cafes and stores on the cliffs.
Day 8: Varkala to Kovalam via Trivandrum
Take a trip to Kovalam with a short pause in Trivandrum for a look at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple from the outside and the Napier Museum. After that, you can go to Kovalam Beach and sit on Lighthouse Beach to watch the lovely sunset.
Day 9: Kovalam (Optional Day Trip to Kanyakumari)
You may have a relaxed day in Kovalam or take a full-day trip to Kanyakumari which is the most southern point of India. You can see all three oceans come together at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Make Kovalam your home base for the night.
Day 10: Departure from Trivandrum
Have breakfast first before moving to the Trivandrum International Airport for your departure, taking home lasting memories from Kerala.