Elegant Kerala (6 Nights, 7 Days)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kochi - Historic Port & Coastal Charms

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Kochi International Airport or Railway Station. Our representative will warmly greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel.

Afternoon: After check-in and refreshing, begin your exploration of Kochi.

Cherai Beach: Head to the beautiful Cherai Beach, a serene coastal stretch ideal for relaxation and enjoying the sea breeze.

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Visit the Mattancherry Palace (closed on Fridays), renowned for its exquisite murals depicting scenes from Hindu epics and portraits of the Kochi Rajas.

Explore the charming alleys of Fort Kochi, witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, and visit St. Francis Church (India's oldest European church) and the vibrant Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays, Saturdays & Jewish holidays).

Night: Overnight stay in Kochi.

Day 2: Kochi - Munnar Transfer & Hill Station Ascent

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Kochi hotel.

Day: Begin your incredibly scenic drive to Munnar, a breathtaking hill station nestled amidst lush green tea plantations. Enjoy the winding roads, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls along the way.

Neriamangalam Bridge: Cross the historic Neriamangalam Bridge, an architectural marvel spanning the Periyar River.

Valara Waterfalls: Stop to admire the majestic Valara Waterfalls, gushing down amidst dense forests.

Pottas Fun Farm: (Optional stop, if time permits) Enjoy a brief visit to Pottas Fun Farm or similar spice/plantation stops en route for a refreshing break.

Evening: Upon arrival in Munnar, check into your hotel and relax amidst the cool mountain air.

Night: Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 3: Munnar - Thekkady Transfer & Wildlife Encounters

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Munnar hotel.

Day: Drive through picturesque landscapes to Thekkady, nestled in the Western Ghats, renowned for its dense forests and spice plantations.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Thekkady, check into your hotel.

Late Afternoon: Prepare for an exciting encounter with nature:

Visit Periyar National Park and enjoy a boat cruise (optional, at extra cost, advance booking recommended) on Periyar Lake, offering chances to spot wildlife like elephants, gaurs, wild boars, and various bird species from the water's edge.

Experience the unique Elephant Junction (optional, at extra cost), where you can interact with elephants, enjoy an elephant ride, or even participate in an elephant bathing experience.

Night: Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 4: Thekkady - Alleppey Transfer & Backwater Serenity

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Thekkady hotel.

Day: Begin your journey to Alleppey (Alappuzha), the renowned "Venice of the East," famous for its enchanting backwaters.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Alleppey, check into your hotel or houseboat.

Head to Alleppey Beach to enjoy its serene coastline and the historic Alleppey Lighthouse for panoramic views (entry tickets extra).

Experience the unique charm of the backwaters. If staying on a houseboat, settle in and begin your serene cruise through the labyrinthine network of canals, lakes, and lagoons.

Some houseboat experiences offer a brief "5-Minute Captain: Experience Driving a Houseboat" activity, allowing you to briefly steer the houseboat under supervision.

Night: Overnight stay at your hotel or houseboat in Alleppey. (Staying on a houseboat is highly recommended for an authentic backwater experience).

Day 5: Alleppey - Kovalam Transfer & Extended Beach Bliss

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Alleppey accommodation. If staying on a houseboat, enjoy the final moments of your backwater cruise.

Day: Begin your scenic drive to Kovalam, renowned for its pristine crescent-shaped beaches.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Kovalam, check into your beachside resort.

Late Afternoon/Evening: Head out to explore the stunning beaches:

Relax on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach, the most famous of the three crescent beaches.

Visit Hawa Beach (Eve's Beach), a charming beach popular for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful sunsets. You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or simply watching the waves.

Night: Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 6: Kovalam - Trivandrum Excursion - Kovalam: Cultural & Scenic Wonders

Morning: After breakfast, embark on a day trip to explore the cultural and scenic highlights around Kovalam and Trivandrum.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Visit the majestic Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, a revered Hindu temple known for its intricate Dravidian architecture and immense wealth (entry rules apply, dress code strict).

Jatayu Earth Centre: (Optional, requires additional travel time) Consider an excursion to the impressive Jatayu Earth Centre, home to the world's largest bird sculpture, offering stunning views and an adventure park.

You can also explore other significant attractions in Trivandrum like the Napier Museum and Zoo (closed on Mondays and certain holidays).

Afternoon/Evening: Return to Kovalam. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the beach, indulge in a relaxing Ayurvedic massage (optional), or simply soak in the ambiance.

Night: Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 7: Kovalam - Kochi Departure

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Kovalam resort.

Day: Begin your comfortable transfer back to Kochi International Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey. This return journey offers a final glimpse of Kerala's beautiful landscapes, leaving you with cherished memories of your 'Elegant Kerala' adventure.

Inclusions:

6 Nights Accommodation (1N Kochi, 1N Munnar, 1N Thekkady, 1N Alleppey, 2N Kovalam) on Twin Sharing Basis

Daily Breakfast at hotels

Comfortable Private Vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary

All applicable taxes

Exclusions:

Airfare/Train fare to and from Kochi

Lunch & Dinner (unless specified)

Entry fees to monuments, museums, parks, attractions, and cultural shows (e.g., Mattancherry Palace, Periyar National Park entry & boat ride, Elephant Junction, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Jatayu Earth Centre, etc.)

Houseboat stay in Alleppey (unless specifically mentioned as included in your chosen package variation; typically offered as an upgrade)

Charges for optional activities like elephant rides, boat rides, Ayurvedic treatments, etc.

Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, medical emergencies, etc.

Any additional sightseeing or activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Travel insurance