Kerala Highlights & Backwater Trails




Duration
13 days
Max Group Size
10
Departure Type
Guaranteed
Guiding Method
Partially guided
Physical level
easy
Operated In
English, French, German, Spanish, Italian
Age Requirement
1 - 85 Ages
About this tour
Experience the best of Kerala on this 13-day journey from Cochin to Mararikulam. Explore historic Cochin, witness the cultural Kathakali dance, and discover the scenic hills of Munnar with its tea estates and Eravikulam National Park. Enjoy wildlife adventures at Periyar, including bamboo rafting and an elephant safari. Relax in the serene backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey on a traditional houseboat. Conclude your trip with leisure time at Mararikulam’s beaches and resorts, before returning to Cochin for departure, experiencing Kerala’s rich culture, nature, and tranquility throughout.
What makes this tour special
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Cochin Airport, our G Experiences representative will assist you and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel for your overnight stay. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Cochin, including visits to Fort Kochi, the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Marine Drive, Hill Palace, Dutch Palace, Pareekshit Thampuran Museum, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Bolgatty Island, and the Indo-Portuguese Museum. In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance-one of India’s most famous classical dance forms-featuring lavish costumes, elaborate makeup, and expressive gestures that highlight the intricate storytelling of the dancers.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Munnar, the scenic hill station of Kerala. En route, enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and the misty mountains with low-hanging clouds. Upon arrival in Munnar, check in to your pre-booked hotel for an overnight stay. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore the surroundings.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Munnar, including visits to Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Old Munnar Town, and the local town market. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk through the tea estates or spend time at your own leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Periyar. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s largest wildlife reserves, covering 777 sq. km (300 sq. miles) and designated as a Tiger Reserve. Upon arrival in Periyar, check in to your pre-booked hotel for an overnight stay. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around the estate or spend time at your own leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Periyar. Enjoy unique activities such as Bamboo Rafting and Border Hiking. You can also experience an Elephant Safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Kumarakom, the “Town of Backwaters.” Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked hotel for an overnight stay. After refreshing, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kumarakom, visiting Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Beach, the Backwaters, and the Bay Island Driftwood Museum. Enjoy a boat ride to Pathiramanal Island, and then spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free for leisure activities. In the afternoon, enjoy a backwaters cruise on a traditional shikara boat through the narrow canals. The cruise takes you through picturesque waterways, passing boats carrying coir, copra, and cashews, while along the water’s edge, you’ll see numerous churches and local marketplaces.
Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Alleppey to board your houseboat for a backwaters journey. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked houseboat for an overnight stay. Cruise through the serene backwaters and lagoons of Alappuzha, enjoying the scenic beauty along the way. Lunch and dinner will be served on the houseboat. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the local streets of Alappuzha.
Overnight at Houseboat.
After breakfast on the houseboat, check out and drive to Mararikulam. Upon arrival, check in to your pre-booked resort for an overnight stay. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or enjoy the resort facilities.
Overnight at Resort.
After breakfast at the hotel, the rest of the day is free for leisure activities. Relax at the resort or explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Overnight at Resort.
After breakfast at the hotel, the rest of the day is free for leisure activities. Relax at the resort or enjoy the beach and surroundings at your own pace.
Overnight at Resort.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Cochin Airport to board your flight for your onward journey or return home.
Trip includes
Included
Accommodation at good 3 star hotels / Twin or Double Sharing basis
• 2 Nights in Cochin
• 2 Nights in Munnar
• 2 Nights in Thekkady
• 2 Nights in Kumarakom
• 1 Night in Alleppey
• 3 Nights in Mararikulam
Check In : 14:00 Hrs / Check Out : 12:00 Hrs
Early check in and late Check out are subject to availability.
• Local English speaking guide at Cochin.
(Other than English guide subject to availability at additional cost)
Guiding Method
Partially guided
• 12 Breakfast at Hotel.
• 1 Lunch at House Boat.
• 1 Dinner at House Boat.
Transportation Details
All sightseeing and airport transfers for this tour will be arranged in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles to ensure a pleasant travel experience.
Vehicle Categories:
• 1–2 guests: Air-conditioned medium cars such as Toyota Etios, Swift Dzire, or similar.
• 3–4 guests: Air-conditioned large cars such as Toyota Innova or similar.
• 5–10 guests: Air-conditioned mini-vans such as Tempo Traveller or similar.
Additional Information:
• All vehicles will be driven by experienced, Local English-speaking drivers.
• Our drivers are well-trained, familiar with local routes, and committed to providing a safe and comfortable journey.
• Vehicle allocation will be based on the group size to ensure maximum comfort and convenience for all travelers.
• 12 Nights accommodation based on double / twin sharing basis.
• Assistance during arrival and departure by G Experiences.
• Daily breakfast at Hotel.
• All transfers including airport transfers by an AC vehicle.
• Local English speaking guide at Cochin.
(Other than English guide subject to availability at additional cost)
• Experience the wildlife at Eravikulam and Periyar National Park.
• Enjoy a boat ride at Preiyar Lake.
• Visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
• One mineral water bottle per person per day.
• All currently applicable taxes including GST.
Excluded
Every traveler is required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Due to the varying nature, availability, and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is an essential and necessary part of every journey. We strongly recommend that all travelers obtain comprehensive travel insurance to ensure protection and compensation for any cancellations or trip interruptions with any cause, as well as for other unforeseen circumstances, including medical emergencies and travel disruptions.
• Visas Fee (if applicable).
• Monument entry fees.
• The package does not include the cost of visas and SDF charges, if applicable.
• Tips (always optional, but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information pack you’ll receive after booking).
• Beverages other than drinking water & any costs of a personal nature.
• International/Internal flights to/from the start/finish of the trip.
Availability
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Make this journey exclusively yours
By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
Personal
Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
Protected
Travel withing your own bubble.
Professional
Access our Travel Specialists insider knowledge.
Privacy
Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
Why book with TravelShop Booking
Cancellation Policy
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