Kerala Dreamscape - Hills, Backwaters & Beaches

Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Routing: Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Varkala – Trivandrum

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Cochin – Colonial Charm & Coastal Breeze
Arrive in Cochin (Kochi) and transfer to your hotel.
 In the evening, explore the charming old town of Fort Kochi, visit the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), admire the Jewish Synagogue, and witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets during sunset.
Overnight Stay: Cochin

Day 02: Cochin – Munnar (130 km / approx. 4 hrs) – En Route to the Tea Hills
After breakfast, enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Cochin covering St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, and Marine Drive.
Later, drive to Munnar, a scenic hill station known for its tea plantations.
En route stops: Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls for photography and nature views.
Overnight Stay: Munnar

Day 03: Munnar Sightseeing – Of Wildlife, Tea & Nature’s Beauty
Visit Eravikulam National Park (home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr), then explore the Tea Museum.
Continue to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Kundala Lake.
Enjoy the refreshing mountain air and panoramic views.
Overnight Stay: Munnar

Day 04: Munnar – Thekkady (90 km / approx. 3 hrs) – Into the Wild
Drive to Thekkady, nestled beside the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake, with opportunities to spot elephants, bison, and birdlife.
Optional visit to a Spice Plantation and evening cultural performances (Kathakali/Kalaripayattu).
Overnight Stay: Thekkady

Day 05: Thekkady – Kumarakom (120 km / approx. 4 hrs) – Serenity on the Backwaters
Drive to Kumarakom, a peaceful village on the Vembanad Lake.
Relax and enjoy the serene ambiance or opt for a sunset cruise.
Overnight Stay: Kumarakom

Day 06: Kumarakom Leisure – Bliss by the Backwaters
Day free for relaxation. Indulge in an Ayurvedic massage, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, or enjoy village walks and lakeside serenity.
Overnight Stay: Kumarakom

Day 07: Kumarakom – Alleppey (Houseboat Experience)
Transfer to Alleppey and board your private houseboat for a magical experience on the backwaters.
Cruise through scenic canals, passing lush paddy fields, swaying coconut palms, and glimpses of rustic village life.
All meals served onboard, prepared with local Kerala flavors.
Overnight stay on the houseboat, gently floating under the stars.

Day 08: Alleppey – Varkala (115 km / 3 hrs)
Drive to Varkala, a coastal gem known for its majestic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea.
In the evening, visit the serene Papanasam Beach, where pilgrims take a holy dip and sunsets paint the sky.
Overnight in Varkala, relaxing by the seaside.

Day 09: Varkala Leisure
Free day to unwind at Varkala Beach – soak in the sun, swim, or stroll along the cliff path.
Explore local shops, known for handmade jewelry, textiles, and crafts.
Chill at one of the many cliffside cafes with a view.
Optional: Visit the ancient Janardana Swami Temple, a revered pilgrimage site.

Day 10: Varkala – Kovalam via Trivandrum (50 km / 1.5 hrs)
Head to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala’s vibrant capital.
Visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance.
Discover Kerala’s cultural heritage at the Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery.
Continue to Kovalam, check in and relax by the beach.

Day 11: Kovalam – Day at Leisure
Spend a laid-back day at Kovalam Beach – enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or a quiet book by the shore.
Optional: Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapy session.
Browse through local markets for spices, crafts, and souvenirs.
Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 12: Kovalam – Trivandrum (Departure)
Transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for your flight.
Bid farewell to Kerala – God’s Own Country – with cherished memories of your soulful journey.