Kerala Backwaters & Hill Country Expedition

Arrive in Kochi

GATEWAY TO KERALA Your Kerala Backwaters Tour begins in Kochi, a historic trading port once ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and meet your expert guide, who will accompany you on this expedition. Explore at leisure before an optional harbour cruise introduces you to local fishing communities. In the evening, witness a Kathakali dance performance, where artists transform with intricate makeup and storytelling. This traditional art form is an essential introduction to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Enjoy your first taste of Kerala’s renowned cuisine before retreating to your hotel for a restful night.

Accommodations: Fragrant Nature

Cochin

DISCOVER THE COLONIAL CHARMS OF KOCHI Today’s exploration takes you through Fort Kochi, where your guide will reveal the layered history of this ancient trading hub. Stroll past Chinese fishing nets, a unique sight found only here outside China. Visit the Dutch Palace, home to exquisite murals depicting Hindu epics. Continue to the Jewish Synagogue, a 16th-century architectural marvel, and step inside St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was once buried. Engage with the city's past while experiencing its vibrant present. The rest of the day is yours to wander or relax by the waterfront, soaking in Kochi’s timeless allure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Fragrant Nature

Cochin

MUNNAR

JOURNEY TO MUNNAR – TEA COUNTRY ADVENTURE Leaving the coast behind, drive towards Munnar, a breathtaking hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. En route, your local expert will introduce you to the changing landscapes—rolling tea plantations, dense forests, and spice farms. On arrival, settle into your hillside retreat before setting out on an explorer’s walk through the tea-clad valleys. The evening is at leisure, offering the perfect chance to sip on locally grown tea while admiring Munnar’s misty peaks. This serene mountain escape marks the transition from coastal heritage to Kerala’s highland wilderness.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Amber Dale

MUNNAR

TREKKING THROUGH MUNNAR’S TEA ESTATES Lace up your boots for a scenic trek through Munnar’s lush plantations and Shola forests. Starting at 1,420 metres above sea level, the trek winds through tea fields, ridges, and grasslands, revealing panoramic views of Anamudi Peak, South India’s highest point. Along the way, your expert guide will point out endemic bird species and share insights into the region’s rare flora. Visit a tea museum, where you’ll learn about the art of tea production before indulging in a tasting session. The day concludes with a visit to Srishti, a social enterprise supporting local communities through traditional crafts.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Amber Dale

THEKKADY

WILDLIFE EXPEDITION IN THEKKADY Travel to Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This biodiverse reserve is known for its elephant herds, birdlife, and spice plantations. After checking in, relax before an evening Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration, an ancient warrior tradition unique to Kerala. Your expert guide will explain the history and techniques of this combat style. The rest of the evening is free for independent exploration, or you may choose an optional visit to a local spice market, where you’ll discover Kerala’s famed cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: The Elephant Court

THEKKADY

PERIYAR LAKE SAFARI & SPICE PLANTATION TOUR Rise early for a boat safari on Periyar Lake, a stunning waterway winding through dense jungle. Keep your eyes peeled for wild elephants, deer, and exotic birdlife as your guide shares stories of the region’s conservation efforts. Later, embark on a guided tour of a working spice plantation, where you’ll uncover the secrets of Kerala’s fragrant crops—vanilla, nutmeg, and cloves. Learn how these spices have shaped Kerala’s history as a global trading hub. After a day immersed in nature, enjoy a relaxing evening back at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: The Elephant Court

KUMARAKOM

INTO THE HEART OF THE BACKWATERS Travel to Kumarakom, a charming village on the shores of Vembanad Lake. This is the heart of Kerala’s backwater region, where life moves at a slower pace. Your guide will lead you through lush paddy fields and coconut groves, offering insight into traditional village life. Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for migratory birds, before an optional Ayurvedic massage experience, a hallmark of Kerala’s wellness traditions. Spend the evening at leisure, watching the sunset over the tranquil lake—a perfect moment to reflect on your journey so far.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Backwater Ripples

ALLEPPEY

HOUSEBOAT ADVENTURE IN ALLEPPEY Step aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat for the highlight of your Kerala Backwaters Tour. These beautifully crafted Kettuvallams glide through narrow canals, revealing Kerala’s serene landscapes—palm-fringed lagoons, fishing villages, and floating markets. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch as you cruise past local communities living on the water’s edge. Your guide will share the fascinating history of the backwaters and their unique ecosystem. As night falls, enjoy a starlit dinner on the deck before drifting off to sleep, gently rocked by the waters of Alleppey.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Lakes & Lagoons

Cochin

RETURN TO KOCHI & FAREWELL DINNER After breakfast on board, disembark and drive back to Kochi for a final day at leisure. Spend time revisiting the city’s vibrant markets or enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the waterfront. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner, where you can reminisce about your journey through Kerala’s diverse landscapes. Whether it was the tea plantations, wildlife encounters, or houseboat adventure, this expedition has offered a deep dive into Kerala’s natural and cultural wonders.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Fragrant Nature

Cochin

Kochi Departure

Your journey through Kerala’s backwaters, hill stations, and wildlife reserves comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of this expertly guided expedition.

Meals Included: Breakfast