BEST KERALA TOUR 10N/11D

DAY 1: Arrival in Cochin – Welcome and Orientation

Arrive at Cochin International Airport, where you'll be warmly received by our representative. After a smooth transfer to your hotel, take some time to relax and settle in. Later, attend a brief orientation session led by your tour guide, who will walk you through the details of your Kerala tour package, including the itinerary, travel tips, and local customs.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel and unwind with an overnight stay in Cochin, the vibrant gateway to Kerala.

DAY 2: Cochin’s Living History and Last Impressions

After breakfast on the Kerala houseboat, proceed to Fort Kochi, the historic heart of Cochin (Kochi) known for its blend of colonial charm and cultural heritage.

Begin with a visit to the Folk lore museum and the iconic St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India and the original burial site of Vasco da Gama. Along the waterfront, witness the fascinating Chinese fishing nets, a unique legacy of ancient trade relations, still in use today by local fishermen.

Make a brief stop at the Dhobi Khana, an open-air laundry where washer-men continue one of Fort Kochi’s traditional community trades—a glimpse into everyday life that few tourists experience.

Continue to Mattancherry, home to the beautifully preserved Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), known for its Kerala murals and colonial architecture. Then visit the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth.

Break for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of Kerala coastal dishes.

After lunch, return to your hotel and take some time to relax. In the evening, attend a live Kathakali dance performance - a captivating display of athleticism, storytelling, and tradition., Kerala’s classical dance-drama known for its dramatic makeup, colourful costumes, and expressive storytelling rooted in ancient epics.

Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Cochin, ending your day steeped in history, art, and culture

DAY 3: Cochin to Munnar – Scenic Drive, Tea Plantations & Factory Tour

After breakfast, embark on a picturesque road trip from Cochin to Munnar, one of Kerala’s most popular hill stations known for its cool climate and lush greenery. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local Kerala restaurant En route.

Upon arrival, check in to your Munnar hotel or resort and take some time to relax amidst the serene surroundings. Later in the afternoon, set off on a scenic drive through Munnar’s iconic tea plantations, soaking in panoramic views of rolling green hills. Visit a renowned tea factory and tea museum to gain insight into the region’s rich tea heritage. Learn about the tea-making process, from harvesting the leaves to final packaging, and experience the aroma and flavours of freshly processed tea.

Return to your accommodation for a traditional Kerala-style dinner. Overnight stay in Munnar.

DAY 4: Exploring Munnar – Eravikulam National Park & Local Highlights

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, set out to explore the top attractions in Munnar, starting with a visit to the famous Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and known for its breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. Walk along the well-maintained trails and enjoy the scenic beauty of rolling hills and rare flora.

Continue your Munnar sightseeing tour with visits to other key landmarks such as Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, or Kundala Lake, depending on time and interest. Break for lunch at a local Munnar restaurant, where you can sample authentic Kerala cuisine.

Later in the afternoon, return to your hotel and unwind. Enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere as you prepare for another restful Dinner & overnight stay in Munnar.

DAY 5: Munnar to Thekkady – Spice Plantation Tour & Cultural Show

After breakfast, check out and enjoy a scenic drive from Munnar to Thekkady, a destination famed for its spice plantations and wildlife sanctuaries. Upon arrival, have a traditional Kerala lunch at a local restaurant in Thekkady.

In the afternoon, head to a nearby spice plantation for a guided tour. Learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of Kerala’s world-famous spices like cardamom, pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Walk through aromatic fields and discover how these spices are dried, stored, and packed for global export.

In the evening, immerse yourself in Kerala’s vibrant performing arts with a live Kerala's traditional Kalaripayattu (martial arts) a captivating display of combat, flexibility & acrobatics.

Return to your hotel for a relaxed dinner and overnight stay in Thekkady.

DAY 6:  Nature Walk, Ayurvedic Wellness & Periyar Lake Safari in Thekkady

Start your day with an optional early morning Green Walk or nature trek in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, accompanied by a trained forest guide. This immersive experience offers a chance to spot unique flora and fauna in the lush Western Ghats. Return to your hotel in time for a refreshing breakfast.

The rest of the morning is at leisure—take this opportunity to explore Thekkady town, visit local spice markets, or indulge in a rejuvenating session of Kerala’s traditional Ayurvedic massage therapy, known for its holistic healing benefits.

In the late afternoon, drive to the entrance of Periyar National Park for a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake. Glide through calm waters surrounded by dense forests and watch for elephants, bison, and a variety of birds along the shoreline.

End the day with a relaxed dinner and overnight stay in Thekkady.

DAY 7: Backwaters & Bliss – Arrive in Kumarakom for Sunset Serenity

After breakfast, drive toward the tranquil village of Kumarakom, set along the serene Vembanad Lake, in the heart of Kerala’s backwaters. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy a relaxing lunch at your resort, where traditional Kerala hospitality welcomes you with warm smiles and local flavours.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, taking in the peaceful surroundings. In the early evening, set out on a sunset cruise through the Kumarakom backwaters, gliding past coconut palms, fishing villages, and houseboats as the golden light reflects on the still waters—an unforgettable highlight of any visit to Kerala.

Return to your resort for dinner and overnight stay in Kumarakom, soaking in the calm and comfort of this idyllic lakeside retreat.

DAY 8: Birdsong & Backwaters – Houseboat Experience in Kerala

Begin your day with an optional early morning visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a lush haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Walk through the peaceful trails along the Vembanad Lake and spot a variety of migratory and native birds, including herons, egrets, and the famous Siberian crane (seasonal).

Return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast before setting off on a short drive to board your private Kerala houseboat, a signature experience of the backwaters of Kerala.

Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on board as you drift through the tranquil canals, past paddy fields, village homes, and coconut groves. The pace is slow, the views are endless, and the experience is pure relaxation.

Spend the afternoon and evening soaking in the scenery, reading, photographing, or simply watching rural Kerala float by. Dinner and overnight stay on the houseboat, lulled to sleep by the gentle rhythm of the water.

DAY 9: Disembark Houseboat – Transfer to Trivandrum Beach Resort

After a relaxed breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and continue your journey south to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), the capital city of Kerala  En route, enjoy the scenic drive past coastal villages, backwater canals, and tropical landscapes.

Upon arrival, check in to your beach resort near Trivandrum, ideally located for relaxation and sea views. The rest of the day is at leisure—unwind by the beach, take a dip in the pool, or simply soak in the laid-back coastal atmosphere.

Enjoy a leisurely dinner at the resort, followed by an overnight stay at the beach resort in Trivandrum.

DAY 10: Trivandrum Sightseeing – Padmanabhaswamy Temple & Napier Museum

After breakfast, set out to explore the cultural highlights of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). Begin with a visit to the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, an architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Please note: entry is restricted to Hindus only, but foreign visitors can admire the temple's intricate exterior and Dravidian-style gopuram from the outside.

Next, head to the Napier Museum, a 19th-century landmark known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and fascinating collection of ancient artefacts, bronze idols, and traditional Kerala art.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local Trivandrum restaurant, offering authentic Kerala flavours.

Return to your beach resort and spend the rest of the day at leisure—relax by the sea, take a sunset stroll, or indulge in a spa treatment. End the day with dinner at the resort and an overnight stay in Trivandrum.

TOUR SUMMARY

A 10 nights 11 days Kerala tour offers the perfect blend of scenic beauty, culture, and relaxation. Starting from Cochin (Kochi), the gateway to Kerala, travellers can explore colonial architecture, historic sites, and local markets. From there, the journey moves to Munnar, one of the best hill stations in Kerala, known for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and cool climate—ideal for honeymooners and nature lovers.

Next is Thekkady, famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spice plantations. This is a great stop for wildlife enthusiasts and those interested in Kerala’s rich biodiversity. Then comes Kumarakom, a peaceful backwater destination on the banks of Vembanad Lake, perfect for birdwatching and relaxing by the water.

A highlight of any Kerala trip is the Alleppey houseboat cruise. Spending a night on a traditional Kerala houseboat, drifting through the tranquil backwaters, offers a truly unique experience of local life and landscapes.

The tour concludes in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, where travellers can explore a mix of heritage and coastal charm. Highlights include the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the elegant Napier Museum with its Indo-Saracenic architecture and cultural exhibits, and a relaxing evening at Kovalam Beach.

This itinerary is ideal for anyone looking for a comprehensive Kerala holiday package, combining hill stations, wildlife, backwaters, and beaches. Whether you're booking a Kerala honeymoon package, planning a family trip, or searching for a Kerala travel itinerary for 11 days, this route covers all the major highlights with a balanced pace.

DAY 11: DEPARTURE

After breakfast, a leisurely start from the hotel to the airport depending on your flight timings - after your unforgettable journey in Kerala.

TOUR ENDS

Detailed Itinerary Best : Oct - Mar