9 Days Scenic Kerala Tour

Elephant Camp periyar

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes of Kerala with this meticulously crafted tour. Beginning in the vibrant city of Cochin, often referred to as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” you’ll experience the blend of history and culture that defines this coastal gem. Delve into the city’s rich heritage with visits to the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and witness the mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance.

From Cochin, your voyage continues to the picturesque haven of Munnar, nestled amidst lush tea plantations and serene valleys. The idyllic charm of Munnar paints an exquisite backdrop for relaxation and exploration, with possible visits to the Tea Museum and Eravikulam National Park. Journeying to Periyar, you’ll be immersed in the wild allure of the Periyar National Park, home to diverse wildlife and a breathtaking artificial lake.

An evening boat ride on Lake Periyar offers an intimate glimpse into this natural paradise. Your adventure then takes you to the tranquil village of Kumarakom, set on the stunning Vembanad Lake, where vibrant flora, fauna, and a laid-back lifestyle create a serene atmosphere. A scenic drive to Alleppey introduces you to the iconic Kettuvallams, traditional houseboats that navigate the enchanting backwaters of Kerala, offering an immersive experience.

The journey concludes in the coastal haven of Kovalam, known for its pristine beaches and stunning landscapes. Here, you can unwind by the shore or choose to explore nearby attractions like Kanyakumari. This Kerala odyssey culminates in Trivandrum, leaving you with cherished memories of a journey that seamlessly blends cultural exploration and serene relaxation.

Duration:  9 Days / 8 Nights

Places:  Cochin > Munnar > Periyar > Kumarakom > Alleppey > Kovalam > Trivandrum

9 Days Scenic Kerala Tour from Cochin

Destinations Covered

Cochin: Cochin, also known as Kochi, welcomes you with its rich history and vibrant culture. This coastal city in Kerala has been a melting pot of various cultures and influences over the centuries. Explore the Dutch Palace, an architectural marvel showcasing Kerala’s traditional craftsmanship, and witness the Jewish Synagogue’s intricate designs. St. Francis Church, one of India’s oldest European churches, narrates tales of the Portuguese colonial era. Don’t miss the captivating Kathakali dance performance, a traditional art form that combines storytelling with vivid facial expressions and elaborate costumes.

Munnar: Munnar, a picturesque hill station, welcomes you with its emerald tea plantations, misty mountains, and serene landscapes. Located at an altitude of 6000 feet, Munnar’s breathtaking beauty earned it the moniker “God’s Own Country.” The Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, offers a glimpse into the region’s diverse wildlife. The Tea Museum showcases the history of tea cultivation in the region, where the aroma of spice-scented air enhances the tranquil atmosphere.

Periyar: Periyar, also known as Thekkady, boasts the lush Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, where a pristine artificial lake adds to the natural charm. The park’s dense forests and diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic wild elephants, offer a unique wilderness experience. A serene boat ride on Lake Periyar allows you to observe animals as they come to the water’s edge. The region’s spice plantations add an aromatic dimension to your journey.

Kumarakom: Kumarakom’s charm lies in its serene village atmosphere and the vast expanse of Vembanad Lake. This cluster of islands is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, as migratory species flock to its bird sanctuary. The tranquil backwaters and lush surroundings provide a peaceful retreat. The lifestyle of the locals, their traditional dress, and their simple yet wholesome cuisine offer a glimpse into Kerala’s cultural fabric.

Alleppey: Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, unveils the iconic Kettuvallams or traditional houseboats that glide along its intricate network of backwaters. These houseboats, crafted without the use of nails, offer a unique way to explore the tranquil waterways surrounded by lush landscapes. As you drift through the coconut palm-fringed canals, you’ll experience the essence of Kerala’s serene countryside.

Kovalam: Kovalam, a coastal haven, welcomes you with its golden beaches and tranquil surroundings. The three crescent-shaped beaches, each separated by rocky formations, create a breathtaking coastline. Kovalam’s lively yet laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for relaxation. The famous Lighthouse Beach offers stunning views and vibrant beachside activities, providing the perfect blend of leisure and exploration.

Trivandrum: Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, marks the culmination of your journey. The capital city of Kerala offers a mix of modernity and tradition. Explore its historic sites like Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a revered Hindu shrine, and the majestic Napier Museum that houses a remarkable collection of art and artifacts. Trivandrum’s vibrant culture, bustling markets, and impressive architecture leave a lasting impression as you bid farewell to this enriching Kerala experience.

Detailed Tour Plan

Day 1- Cochin 

You will arrive at Cochin International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will meet you as you exit the Arrival terminal building after which you would be transferred to your hotel. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Cochin-International-Airport

Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as ‘God’s Own Country’. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.

Kochi chinese fishnets

Later sightseeing tour of Cochin. Sightseeing includes the visit of Cochin: Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Friday), St Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets Evening Kathakali dance performance.

Jewish-Synagogue-Cochin

Mattancherry Dutch Palace

Kathakali-dance

Overnight stay at hotel in Cochin

Day 2 – In Cochin – Munnar (140 kms/4 Hours) 

Drive from Cochin-Munnar.

tea gardens munnar

Munnar – is breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and tranquility – the idyllic tourist destination in God’s own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations – pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests – aroma of spice scented cool air – yes! Munnar has all these and more. It’s the place you would love to visit.

Upon arrival in Munnar check-in at hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city on your own

Overnight stay in Munnar

Day 3 – In Munnar 

The day is at leisure to explore the city on your own.

Optional possible visit’s: Tea Museum, Eravilkulum National Park

eravikulam national park munnar
eravikulam national park munnar
echo point munnar
echo point munnar

Overnight stay at hotel in Munnar

Day 4 – Munnar – Periyar (50 kms/Approx. 1 Hours 20 mins) 

Drive from Munnar to Periyar.

wildlife-sanctuary-of-Periyar

The drive to Periyar is enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich plantations & thick jungles. Thekkady (Idukki district) is the location of the Periyar National Park, which is an important tourist attraction in the Kerala. The Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is spread across 777 km² (300 sq. miles), of which 360 km (139 sq. miles) is thick evergreen forest. This Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park.

PeriyarThe greatest attraction of Periyar is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Thekkady is also considered a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and clove.Upon arrival in Periyar check-in at hotel.

Spice Plantation Periyar

Evening boat ride at Lake Periyar for Game Viewing.

Periyar-Lake-Boat-Ride

Overnight stay at hotel in Periyar.

Day 5 – Periyar – Kumarakom (117 kms/2 Hours 30 mins) 

Drive from Periyar to Kumarakom.

Upon arrival in Kumarakom check-in at hotel.

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanadu Lake in Kerala. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and is noted for its bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit.

Kumarakom-Bird-Sanctuary

The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is also habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with Karimeen, Shrimp and Prawns. It is a major tourist attraction.The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into wavelets. The people on the banks of Vembanadu Lake are generally peace-loving and follow a neat and healthy lifestyle. Their dressing is immaculate, usually spotless whites. The food mainly consists of rice and fish. Fish is a very important item in their menu for lunch and dinner.

Kumarakom

Day 6 – Kumarakom – Alleppey (33 kms/Approx 40 mins) 

Drive from Kumarakom to Alleppey.

Kettuvallom

Kettuvallams, the stitched boats provide the best way to experience the colorful backwaters of Kerala. The wood commonly used to make Kettuvallams is ‘Anhili’, which is found in abundance in central Travancore area. Large planks are tied together using hand made coir ropes and beaten coconut fibers. kettuvallamThis gives the Kettuvallams enough strength to withstand heavy waves in the sea. Kettuvallams are built entirely without the use of nails. It requires great skill and adroitness to construct these giant boats by tying huge planks of jack wood together. The boats are applied with fish oil and cashew nut oil and left to cure for days. With careful maintenance, they last for generations.

Upon arrival embark the Houseboat.

Overnight stay in Houseboat.

Day 7 – Alleppey – Kovalam (175 kms/Approx. 4 Hours) 

Drive from Alleppey to Kovalam

kovalam keralaKovalam offers an excellent diversity with Kovalam beach to suit all desires and occasions. Three curve shaped beaches, alienated by stony outcroppings, from the major attraction of this coastal resort. Backed by precipitously mounting headlands and covered by fertile coconut palms, the beaches, especially the southernmost part of lighthouse beach.

Upon arrival in Kovalam check-in at hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beach on your own.

Overnight stay at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 8 – In Kovalam 

Day free to relax by the beach.. else you have option of full day excursion to Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari kerala

Overnight stay at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 9 – Kovalam – Trivandrum (17 kms/Approx 20 mins)/Onward 

Today on time drive to Trivandrum airport to connect the flight for Onward journey

End of Tour

FAQs about the Tour

q: What is the starting point of the tour?
a: The tour starts in Cochin, also known as Kochi, a vibrant city in the state of Kerala.

q: What are the key attractions in Cochin?
a: Cochin offers a variety of attractions, including the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, and the captivating Kathakali dance performance.

q: What is the highlight of Munnar?
a: Munnar’s breathtaking beauty, with its tea plantations, misty mountains, and serene landscapes, is the highlight of the visit.

q: What can I experience in Periyar?
a: In Periyar, you can explore the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, take a boat ride on Lake Periyar, and enjoy the region’s spice plantations.

q: What is unique about Kumarakom?
a: Kumarakom’s uniqueness lies in its cluster of islands, Vembanad Lake, and bird sanctuary, offering a tranquil escape into Kerala’s natural beauty.

q: What are Kettuvallams?
a: Kettuvallams are traditional houseboats in Alleppey that allow you to explore the region’s backwaters in a unique and serene manner.

q: What is the main attraction of Kovalam?
a: Kovalam’s main attraction is its stunning coastline, featuring three crescent-shaped beaches and a mix of leisure and vibrant beachside activities.

q: What can I explore in Trivandrum?
a: In Trivandrum, you can visit historic sites like Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the Napier Museum, experiencing a blend of modernity and tradition.

q: What is the best time to visit Kerala?
a: The best time to visit Kerala is during the winter months, from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.

q: What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
a: The tour includes surface drives between destinations and the option to fly between cities for longer distances, ensuring comfortable and efficient travel throughout the itinerary.

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