Duration: 11 Nights - 12 Days
Places Covered: Cochin - Athirapally - Munnar - Periyar - Alleppey - Kovalam - Kumarakom - Trivandrum Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Cochin (Kochi)
Arrive by international flight. After a traditional Indian-style ‘Swagat’ (welcome) by an Exceptional Escapes representative, you will be assisted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Cochin has always been a historically vibrant seaport with trade connections to the Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, and the Dutch. It boasts one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian coast, with a cosmopolitan character reflected in its unique architecture.
In the evening, witness a live Kathakali dance performance, including the opportunity to photograph the elaborate pre-performance makeup ritual.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore the Fort Kochi area and indulge in shopping at colonial streets and antique markets.
Overnight Hotel – Cochin (B)
Day 02: Cochin – Athirapally (65 KM / 1.5–2 HRS)
After breakfast, begin your guided sightseeing of Cochin, including:
Later, drive to Athirappilly, often called the “Niagara of India”. On arrival, check in at your hotel.
Visit the breathtaking Athirappilly Waterfalls, cascading from a height of 25 meters and stretching 100 meters wide. Located within the Chalakudy River basin and surrounded by pristine Western Ghats rainforest, this region is rich in endangered flora and fauna.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore the natural beauty and forest surroundings.
Overnight Hotel – Athirappilly (B, L, D)
Day 03: Athirapally – Munnar (128 KMS / 3–4 HRS)
Start your morning early with a visit to the Kodanad Elephant Centre, arriving by 7:30 AM to witness elephants bathing and feeding. Enjoy breakfast at a scenic riverside resort on the banks of the Periyar River.
Afterward, drive to Munnar, one of South India's most enchanting hill stations. Set at the confluence of three rivers – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala, Munnar was once the summer resort of the British Raj. Enjoy stunning views of tea gardens, winding roads, waterfalls, and lush valleys en route.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore Munnar on your own.
Overnight Hotel – Munnar (B)
Day 04: Munnar – Full Day Sightseeing
Post breakfast, enjoy a private guided sightseeing tour of Munnar visiting:
Overnight Hotel – Munnar (B)
Day 05: Munnar – Periyar (160 KMS / 5 HRS)
Post breakfast, drive to the Periyar Wildlife Reserve, one of South India’s most celebrated sanctuaries, located around the serene Periyar Lake.
Afternoon Activities:
Rest of the evening at leisure at your luxury resort amidst nature.
Overnight Hotel – Periyar (B)
Day 06: Periyar – Kumarakom (125 KMS / 4–5 HRS)
After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, a peaceful backwater village on the shores of Vembanad Lake, surrounded by lush mangroves, lagoons, and paddy fields.
Check in to a luxury lakeside resort. Enjoy an Ayurvedic massage or simply relax by the water.
Highlights:
Overnight Hotel – Kumarakom (B)
Get Free Tour QuotesDay 07: Kumarakom – Alleppey (A/C Houseboat) (33 Kms / 1.5 Hrs Approx.)
Post breakfast, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist’s paradise and a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron, and teal. A walk through this lush green sanctuary introduces you to native kingfishers, egrets, golden-backed woodpeckers, and the paradise flycatchers.
Later, drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha) – known as the “Venice of the East” for its network of canals and lagoons. En route, enjoy scenic views of Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with vast paddy fields and coconut groves.
Upon arrival, board a luxury private houseboat (Kettuvallam). Cruise through the serene backwaters of Kumarakom – Alleppey, passing by village life, coconut plantations, paddy fields, and small temples along the canals. Witness sunset over the backwaters from the deck of your floating home.
Overnight: Luxury Houseboat (B, L, D)
Day 08: Alleppey – Kanyakumari Via Trivandrum (248 Kms / 5–6 Hrs)
After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Kanyakumari. En route sightseeing in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) includes:
Continue the drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India where the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal meet.
Evening sightseeing:
Free time to relax or explore the local market.
Overnight: Hotel – Kanyakumari (B)
Day 09: Kanyakumari – Kovalam (77 Kms / ~2 Hrs)
Post breakfast, morning at leisure in Kanyakumari.
Later, drive to Kovalam, a tropical paradise known for its crescent-shaped beaches, including:
Day free to relax by the Arabian Sea, indulge in Ayurveda treatments or enjoy the beach cafes and local shopping.
Overnight: Hotel – Kovalam (B)
Day 10: Kovalam – Leisure Day
Post breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore independently.
Optional activities:
Overnight: Hotel – Kovalam (B)
Day 11: Kovalam – Leisure Day
Enjoy another full day at leisure to unwind or explore nearby areas.
Suggested add-on: Half-day trip to Padmanabhapuram Palace (former Travancore royal palace), or visit to Varkala Cliff Beach.
Overnight: Hotel – Kovalam (B)
Day 12: Kovalam – Trivandrum (30 Mins) Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Trivandrum Airport to board your flight:
Bid farewell to the serene land of Kerala – “God’s Own Country”, with unforgettable memories of backwaters, beaches, hill stations, and cultural wonders.
Tour Concludes.
Exceptional Escapes representative will assist you with your airport transfer.