10 Days Splendour of Kerala

Kerala | 

India

Wander through tea-clad hills, wildlife reserves, serene backwaters, and coastal towns on this 10-day journey through Kerala’s timeless landscapes and cultural heart.

Overview

The 10 Days Splendour of Kerala journey blends the region’s most iconic landscapes—misty highlands, forested reserves, palm-fringed backwaters, and colonial-era towns—into one seamless itinerary. Begin in Kochi, where Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences meet vibrant local culture. Travel inland to Munnar’s cool plantations and lush valleys, then continue to Thekkady, where spice gardens and wildlife safaris await in the Western Ghats.

In Kumarakom, life slows to the rhythm of the backwaters. Glide through quiet canals on a houseboat, watch village life unfold, and soak in the peaceful scenery. Then head to the golden beaches of Kovalam, where Ayurvedic wellness and coastal leisure offer the perfect wind-down. The journey ends in Trivandrum with a visit to its vibrant temples and cultural sites.

Ideal for couples, nature lovers, and slow travellers, this itinerary offers a little of everything—cultural immersion, soft adventure, and ample time to relax. Comfortable accommodation, private transfers, and expert guidance along the way make it a smooth, enriching experience from start to finish.

Inclusions
  • Accommodation in well-rated hotels and houseboats
  • Daily breakfast, plus lunch and dinner on the houseboat
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver
  • Guided sightseeing tours in Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Trivandrum
  • Boat ride in Periyar (subject to availability)
  • Spice plantation and tea estate visits
  • Entrance fees to listed monuments and parks
  • Kathakali performance in Kochi
  • All applicable taxes
Highlights
  • Explore colonial Kochi and watch a live Kathakali performance
  • Visit tea plantations and Eravikulam National Park in Munnar
  • Take a scenic boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Cruise the peaceful backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat
  • Unwind on the beaches of Kovalam
  • Tour the historic and cultural sites of Trivandrum
Optional Activities
  • Ayurvedic spa treatments in Thekkady or Kovalam
  • Martial arts performance in Thekkady
  • Cooking demonstration in Kumarakom or Alleppey
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi

Arrive in Kochi and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to rest or take a gentle stroll along the waterfront, where the iconic Chinese fishing nets silhouette against the sunset. This port city is a fascinating mix of cultures shaped by centuries of trade—Portuguese churches, Dutch palaces, colonial mansions, and spice bazaars all interwoven with Kerala’s own rich heritage.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kochi

Day 2: Kochi Sightseeing

Begin your exploration with a guided tour of Fort Kochi. Visit the 16th-century St. Francis Church—India’s oldest European-built church—before seeing the impressive Santa Cruz Basilica and the Mattancherry Palace, which features colourful murals and royal artefacts. Walk through the narrow streets of Jew Town to visit the Paradesi Synagogue and browse antique shops filled with curios and spices.

In the evening, attend a Kathakali dance performance, where expressive storytelling unfolds through elaborate makeup, movement, and drama—one of Kerala’s most iconic cultural experiences.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Kochi

Day 3: Kochi – Munnar

After breakfast, drive to Munnar, a picturesque hill station in the Western Ghats. The journey climbs steadily through winding roads lined with tea gardens, waterfalls, and mist-shrouded valleys. Stop along the way at viewpoints and spice plantations.

On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. Later, take a walk through the nearby tea gardens or visit the local market for handmade chocolates and fragrant spices. Munnar’s cool climate and scenic vistas make it an inviting contrast to the coast.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Munnar

Day 4: Munnar Sightseeing

Spend the day exploring Munnar and its surrounds. Begin with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and stunning views over rolling hills. Continue to Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point, both offering panoramic lake and mountain scenery.

Visit the Tea Museum to understand the history and process of tea production in the region, followed by a walk through a functioning plantation. With clean air, calm walks, and endless green views, Munnar is a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Munnar

Day 5: Munnar – Thekkady

After breakfast, travel to Thekkady, situated near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The drive winds through forests and plantations, arriving in a region known for its biodiversity and spice estates.

In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Lake Periyar (subject to availability), where elephants, wild boar, and bison often gather along the water’s edge. Later, visit a spice plantation to learn how cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and cloves are grown and processed. Evening options include a martial arts performance or an Ayurvedic massage.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Thekkady

Day 6: Thekkady – Kumarakom

Leave the hills behind and descend to the backwaters of Kumarakom. On arrival, check into your resort nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The mood here is peaceful and unhurried.

Enjoy an evening at leisure—watch the sun dip into the water, spot migratory birds from the edge of the sanctuary, or indulge in a spa treatment. The air is thick with the scent of water lilies, coconut, and stillness.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Kumarakom

Day 7: Kumarakom – Alleppey (Houseboat)

After breakfast, transfer to Alleppey and board a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat. Spend the day cruising through Kerala’s famed backwaters—narrow canals, rice paddies, and waterside villages all passing by at a languid pace.

Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine onboard and watch as everyday life unfolds along the banks—children heading to school by canoe, fishermen casting nets, and women washing clothes in the river. Moor for the night in a quiet backwater stretch, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Houseboat

Day 8: Alleppey – Kovalam

Disembark after breakfast and travel south to Kovalam, a popular coastal retreat. On arrival, check in to your resort near the beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sand, dipping into the Arabian Sea, or simply enjoying the resort’s facilities.

Kovalam is known for its Ayurvedic wellness offerings, so this is the perfect place to schedule a massage or wellness consultation if desired.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Kovalam

Day 9: Kovalam – Trivandrum – Kovalam

Today, take a short drive to Trivandrum, Kerala’s capital, for a half-day city tour. Visit the sacred Padmanabhaswamy Temple (entry subject to dress code and access rules), the Napier Museum, and the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, home to works by both Indian and international artists.

Return to Kovalam in the afternoon for some final beach time or souvenir shopping. Enjoy a farewell dinner on your own terms—perhaps with grilled seafood and a sea breeze.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Kovalam

Day 10: Depart Trivandrum

After breakfast, transfer to Trivandrum International Airport for your onward flight. The sounds of temple bells, rustling palms, and lapping backwaters will stay with you long after the journey ends.

Meals: Breakfast

Terms & Conditions

Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.

Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.

Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to 4-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative with a similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.

Booking On Request
All packages are offered on a request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.

Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low-season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.

Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.

Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).

Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 45 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 45 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.

Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.

Price on Application
Trip Summary
● Duration:
10 Days
● Starts: Kochi
● Ends: Trivandrum
● Trip Type: Self Guided Tour with Group Experiences
● Accommodation: 3-Star or 4-Star Hotel and houseboats
● Transportation: Airport transfers and transportation with experienced English-speaking driver/guide

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