Day-wise Itinerary: Kerala Highlights Package (4N / 5D)
Immerse yourself in the captivating natural beauty of God’s Own Country with our highly recommended Kerala Highlights Package. Journey from the mist-covered hill stations of Munnar to the lush wilderness of Thekkady, and unwind along the scenic backwaters of Alleppey while enjoying professional comfort and curated stays throughout the circuit.
Day 1: Arrival in Cochin and Transfer to Munnar
Welcome to Kerala. Upon your arrival at the airport or railway station in Cochin, our representative will greet you and manage your smooth transfer to Munnar. Enjoy a beautiful hill highway drive passing by the spectacular cascading waters of Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls, flanked by the sprawling expanse of lush tea gardens.
Sightseeing Included:
- Airport Transfer to Munnar Hill Station
- Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls Pitstops
- En-route Panoramic Tea Garden Views
Meal Plan: Breakfast included. Dinner available at additional cost.
Stay: Overnight stay in Munnar. Distance approx. 130 km, travel time approx. 3.5 hours.
Day 2: Full-Day Munnar Local Sightseeing
After a delicious breakfast, head out for a comprehensive local sightseeing tour of Munnar. Explore the high grasslands of Eravikulam National Park to spot the rare Nilgiri Tahr. Visit the scenic waterfront at Mattupetty Dam, listen to your voice echo across the valley at Echo Point, and learn about regional history at the popular Tea Museum.
Sightseeing Included:
- Eravikulam National Park Excursion
- Mattupetty Dam and Reservoir Walkway
- Echo Point Natural Phenomenon Site
- Tata Tea Museum and Processing Gallery
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Stay: Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 3: Transfer to Thekkady and Exploration
Enjoy your breakfast before checking out and driving down toward the wildlife haven of Thekkady. Check in to your hotel and proceed to enjoy a serene boating experience on the calm waters of Periyar Lake. Follow this with an educational guided walk through an aromatic spice plantation, with an optional traditional cultural show in the evening.
Sightseeing Included:
- Scenic Mountain Transfer to Thekkady
- Periyar Lake Sanctuary Boat Cruise
- Guided Spice Plantation Educational Walk
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Stay: Overnight stay in Thekkady. Distance approx. 94 km, travel time approx. 3 hours.
Day 4: Transfer to Alleppey (Hotel Stay)
After breakfast, check out and drive down to the world-renowned backwater hub of Alleppey. Check in to your comfortable canal-side or coastal hotel room. Spend your afternoon enjoying a relaxed local backwater cruise or an iconic houseboat experience (available at extra cost) to view peaceful village views and winding waterways.
Sightseeing Included:
- Alleppey Backwater Region Gateway Transit
- Traditional Backwater Village and Coir Settlement Views
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Stay: Overnight stay in Alleppey hotel.
Day 5: Cochin Airport Drop and Departure
Enjoy your final traditional breakfast in Kerala. Pack your luggage and complete your hotel checkout. Our dedicated driver will pick you up from your hotel premises and transfer you safely back to Cochin International Airport for your return flight, carrying home unforgettable memories of your tropical holiday.
Sightseeing Included:
- Private Return Transfer to Cochin Airport / Station
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Stay: Tour ends with cherished memories.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
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Assistance upon arrival at Cochin Airport / railway station.
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Airfare, train fare or any transport not specifically mentioned in inclusions.
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Traditional hotel welcome with tea, coffee, kahwa or welcome drink, wherever provided by the hotel.
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GST at 5% extra as per current applicable taxes.
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02 nights accommodation in Munnar on double sharing basis with breakfast.
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Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, room service, shopping, beverages and telephone charges.
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01 night accommodation in Thekkady on double sharing basis with breakfast.
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Lunch, dinner and extra meals unless specifically included or purchased as add-on.
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01 night accommodation in Alleppey on double sharing basis with breakfast.
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Guide fee, camera fee, monument entrance fee, activity charges and optional tours.
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Return airport / railway transfers and sightseeing by vehicle as per selected category and group size.
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Travel insurance, medical insurance, medicines, oxygen cylinder or emergency medical expenses.
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Highly skilled driver-cum-guide for the journey.
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Additional cost due to flight delay, cancellation, road closure, weather, natural calamity or any factor beyond our control.
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Local sightseeing as per itinerary and transfers between destinations.
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Vehicle usage after sightseeing hours, on leisure days or beyond the agreed itinerary. Anything not clearly mentioned under Package Inclusions.
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24-hour travel support from India Tours & Travels.
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First-aid kit and doctor-on-call assistance facility wherever available.
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| Destination | Standard | Deluxe | Super Deluxe | Premium | Nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munnar | Green Cove/ Similar | Eastend Munnar/ Similar | Aranyaka Resorts/ Similar | Tea County/ Similar | 02 |
| Thekkady | Spice Residency/ Similar | Jungle Park Resorts/ Similar | Peppervine/ Similar | Cardamom Village Beach Resort/ Similar | 01 |
| Alleppey | Ripple Land/ Similar | Alleppey Prince Hotel/ Similar | Vembanad Village Backwater Resort/ Similar | Paloma Backwater Resort/ Similar | 01 |
Note: If the mentioned hotel is not available, a similar category hotel will be provided. Houseboat accommodation can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability.
| Number of Persons | Standard | Deluxe | Super Deluxe | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 Persons | ₹12,700 PP | ₹15,400 PP | ₹17,900 PP | ₹21,700 PP |
| 04 Persons | ₹10,000 PP | ₹12,700 PP | ₹15,200 PP | ₹19,000 PP |
| 06 Persons | ₹8,500 PP | ₹11,200 PP | ₹13,700 PP | ₹17,500 PP |
| 10 Persons | ₹8,100 PP | ₹10,800 PP | ₹13,250 PP | ₹17,100 PP |
| 12 Persons | ₹7,800 PP | ₹10,400 PP | ₹12,800 PP | ₹16,650 PP |
| Extra Person | ₹3,850 PP | ₹4,800 PP | ₹6,100 PP | ₹8,650 PP |
| Child Without Bed (CWNB) | ₹2,400 PP | ₹3,350 PP | ₹4,550 PP | ₹7,200 PP |
Note: Prices are per person in INR, based on double sharing. GST 5% extra as per current applicable taxes. Rates are not applicable during event, festive or peak surcharge periods unless specifically confirmed.
Kerala: God’s Own Country
Kerala, a narrow strip of land on the southwestern coast of India, has long been celebrated as God’s Own Country. Framed by the Arabian Sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other, it offers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, from misty tea hills and spice forests to palm-fringed backwaters and quiet beaches. The state is known for its high literacy, rich cultural traditions and warm hospitality.
Munnar: The Colonial Footholds of Tea Plantations
A trip through Munnar highlights its rich history, which dates back to the British colonial era when pioneering planters realised the commercial potential of the Kannan Devan hills. Originally inhabited by the Muthuvan tribal community, this mountain landscape transformed into a thriving agro-industrial hub under the leadership of European companies in the late 19th century. The structured terraced layouts visible today represent a long history of tea processing that has shaped the culture of this hill country.
Thekkady: The Maritime Spice Trade Legacy
Exploring the mountainous tracks of Thekkady brings travellers close to the historical heart of the world spice trade route. For thousands of years, global merchants from Roman, Arab and European empires crossed ocean routes to secure premium Malabar black pepper, cardamom and clove varieties cultivated in these high forest areas. The Periyar landscape reflects a long heritage of spice farming, where local growers still practise traditional methods passed down through generations.
Alleppey: The Geographic Evolution of Canal Networks
The coastal city of Alleppey, often called the Venice of the East, features an intricate network of inland canals built by visionaries like Diwan Raja Kesavadas in the late 18th century. Designed to boost regional trade by linking rural farming areas with maritime port facilities, these canals turned the wetlands into a bustling market hub. Today, these waterways support a unique local lifestyle centred around the scenic Vembanad backwaters, attracting travellers from across the globe.
Kochi and the Malabar Coast Heritage
Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, is a melting pot of cultures reflecting centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British influence. Fort Kochi and Mattancherry retain their colonial charm through the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue and the Mattancherry Palace. The city has been a key trading port since antiquity, connecting the Malabar Coast to Arabia, China and Europe. It remains the natural entry point for most Kerala tours.
Kerala Backwaters: A Living Ecosystem
The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. Formed by the action of waves and shore currents, they are a unique ecosystem where freshwater from rivers meets the sea. The backwaters are home to a variety of aquatic life, including crabs, frogs and mudskippers, as well as birds like kingfishers and terns. A traditional houseboat cruise through the backwaters is one of the most iconic travel experiences in the world.
Kerala Cuisine and Ayurveda
Kerala cuisine is distinguished by its use of coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds and a variety of spices. Signature dishes include appam with stew, puttu with kadala curry, fish molee, avial and the traditional Onam sadya served on a banana leaf. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, is deeply rooted in Kerala and has been practised here for over 3,000 years. Ayurvedic treatments and wellness retreats are a major attraction for visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Culture, Festivals and Art Forms
Kerala has a rich cultural heritage expressed through its classical dance forms, martial arts and festivals. Kathakali, with its elaborate costumes and expressive gestures, is the most famous. Mohiniyattam, Theyyam and Kalaripayattu are equally important traditions. Major festivals include Onam, the harvest festival, and Vishu, the Malayali New Year. The state’s temple festivals, with their caparisoned elephants and drum ensembles, offer a vivid experience of Kerala’s living traditions.