Kerala Backwaters & Beach Escape
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Kick off in Kochi and finish by the beaches of Kovalam on this 10 day Kerala escape. In Kochi you’ll visit Fort Kochi’s Chinese fishing nets and watch a spellbinding Kathakali performance. Head to misty Munnar to wander tea estates, spot Nilgiri tahr in Eravikulam National Park and take in sweeping viewpoints. Continue to Thekkady for a serene Periyar lake cruise and a fragrant spice plantation walk. Drift through Alleppey’s backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat – sunsets and village life included. Round things off in Kovalam and Trivandrum – expect temples, museums, a lighthouse and time to simply unwind.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
KochiEnds
KovalamMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
£2,950.00
£1,475.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
Kochi
Cochin
Kochi (Cochin)
Munnar
Fort Kochi
Periyar
Thekkady
Ramakkalmedu
Thekaddy
Alleppey
Alappuzha
Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Kochi
Arrive in Kochi (Cochin). On arrival at Kochi airport, we meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Standard check in is from 1200 hrs – early check in is subject to availability, or can be guaranteed in advance at an additional cost. In the evening we enjoy a Kathakali performance, a classical dance‑drama of Kerala known for its elaborate costumes, striking makeup and expressive movement. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Exploring Kochi & Drive to Munnar
We head out on a city tour of Kochi. We explore Fort Kochi – known for its Chinese fishing nets, beaches and historic architecture – visit St Francis Church, linked to Vasco da Gama, step into the Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 in Mattancherry, and tour the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, noted for its Kerala temple murals, exhibits and royal portraits. If time allows, you may also visit Hill Palace Museum – the largest archaeological and heritage museum in Kerala – Bolgatty Palace, the oldest Dutch palace outside Holland now operating as a heritage hotel, and Willingdon Island, a man‑made island created in 1933 with pleasant walkways and jetties.
In the afternoon we drive to Munnar – 140 km – approx. 3 hours – and check in at the hotel. Once the summer retreat of British officials, Munnar offers a mild, cool climate year‑round and is surrounded by tea estates, hills, lakes and forests.
Day 3 - Exploring Munnar
After breakfast, we explore Munnar, starting at Pothamedu for wide views over tea, coffee and cardamom plantations – if you wish, you can take a short walk along the trails here. We then visit Mattupetty Dam and its reservoir, a concrete gravity dam built between the hills and used mainly for hydroelectric water storage. Continuing to Eravikulam National Park, we look for the Nilgiri tahr – the park was established to protect this endangered mountain goat and offers striking highland scenery. We round off the day at Mattupetty Dairy Farm, part of the Indo–Swiss Livestock Project, and at Echo Point to experience the natural echo effect. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - Ramakkalmedu & Thekkady
We drive from Munnar to Thekkady, on the edge of Periyar National Park – 110 kilometres – about 2 hours – stopping en route at Ramakkalmedu. The name refers to footprints on the rock, believed to be those of Rama from the Ramayana. Ramakkalmedu is known for its hills and panoramic views across villages in neighbouring Tamil Nadu to the east of the Western Ghats. A striking pillar‑like rock of around 300 metres faces east here, and the area is among the windiest in Asia, with a government wind farm. Nearby sights include Frog Rock, Turtle Rock and Kerala’s highest twin statue, Kuravan and Kurathi.
We continue to Thekkady and check in at the hotel. Later, we take a spice plantation tour to see cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea. You can browse the local market to pick up fragrant spices, and you have the remainder of the day free to relax. Overnight in Thekkady.
Day 5 - Periyar National Park
After breakfast at the hotel, we explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary by boat on its lake, a good vantage point for observing the reserve’s rich flora and fauna. The tropical evergreen and deciduous forests are home to elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers and wild boar, as well as snakes such as cobras, vipers and kraits. Birdlife includes grey junglefowl, Malabar grey hornbills, woodpeckers and bulbuls. Later, we join a spice plantation tour to see cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea growing in their natural setting – an excellent introduction to the region’s spice heritage. If you wish, you can browse the local market to pick up fragrant spices. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 - Thekkady to Alleppey & Houseboat Overnight
After breakfast, we drive 135 kilometres – around three hours – from Thekkady to Alleppey and board a houseboat at the jetty to cruise the backwaters. We glide along palm fringed canals past paddy fields and neat hamlets, with views of traditional Chinese fishing nets along the way. You can try fishing from the boat. As evening falls, we relax on the sun deck and watch the sunset. Your houseboat has electricity, a sitting and dining area, a separate bedroom with attached English toilets, a sun deck, and a fully equipped kitchen with a chef and a driver. Lunch and dinner are served on board, and we stay overnight on the houseboat.
Day 7 - Alleppey to Kovalam
Disembark the houseboat in Alleppey and drive about 200 km – roughly 4 hours – to Kovalam. On arrival, we check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure – you can relax on the beach or spend time on personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 - Trivandrum Day Trip
After breakfast at the hotel in Kovalam, we set out on a city tour of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). We visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the city’s guardian deity - where the Maharaja of Travancore still pays homage to Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent Anantha. We also visit Attukal Temple, then explore the city’s cultural heritage at the Napier Museum, Kuthira Malika and the Sri Chitra Art Gallery. We round off the tour with a coastal drive to see Shankumugham Beach, Kovalam Beach, the Vizhinjam Lighthouse and Light House Beach Road. Overnight at the hotel in Kovalam.
Day 9 - Kovalam at Leisure
After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the day free for you to relax on the beach or enjoy personal activities at your own pace – no transport is included today. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 - Kovalam
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to the airport – in line with your flight schedule – for your onward flight.
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Tour Reviews
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Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
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Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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