Private Kerala Tour: Hills, Wildlife, Backwaters & Beach

Welcome to Kerala. On arrival at Kochi International Airport, complete the immigration and baggage formalities before meeting a MoreIndia Travels representative in the arrivals area.

Transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and recovery after your international journey.

If your flight arrives early in the morning, we can reserve the room from the previous night so that it is available immediately on arrival. This additional night will be clearly included in your personalized proposal when required.

Overnight in Kochi.

After breakfast, meet your local guide and begin exploring Kochi, a historic port city influenced by Indian, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, British and Jewish communities.

Visit the Mattancherry Palace, known for its Kerala murals and royal collections, and walk through the atmospheric streets of the old Jewish Quarter. Visit the Paradesi Synagogue when open and browse the small antique and spice shops of Mattancherry.

Continue to Fort Kochi to see St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, colonial-era buildings and the famous Chinese fishing nets lining the waterfront. There will also be time to explore the neighborhood’s galleries, cafés and independent shops at a relaxed pace.

In the evening, attend a traditional Kathakali performance. Arrive early, when possible, to observe the elaborate makeup preparation that forms an important part of this classical Kerala art.

Return to your hotel after the performance.

Overnight in Kochi.

After breakfast, leave Kochi and travel into the Western Ghats toward Munnar. The landscape gradually changes from coastal plains to forested hills, waterfalls, spice gardens and extensive tea plantations.

The journey normally takes approximately four-and-a-half to five hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Comfortable refreshment and photography stops can be arranged along the way.

On arrival in Munnar, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Your accommodation can be selected for its views, peaceful surroundings, plantation setting or resort facilities.

Overnight in Munnar.

After breakfast, spend the day discovering Munnar’s mountain scenery and tea heritage.

Visit a tea plantation and museum, subject to its operating schedule, to learn how tea leaves are cultivated, processed and graded. Continue through the surrounding hills, stopping at selected viewpoints and scenic locations such as Mattupetty, depending on weather, traffic and local conditions.

When Eravikulam National Park is open, a visit can be included to experience its high-altitude grasslands and look for the endangered Nilgiri tahr. Access is controlled by the forest authorities and may involve waiting during busy periods.

Return to the hotel with time to relax and enjoy the mountain surroundings.

Overnight in Munnar.

After breakfast, drive from Munnar to Thekkady through mountain roads, forests and spice-growing countryside. The journey usually takes approximately three-and-a-half to four hours, depending on road conditions and stops.

On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy some time for lunch and relaxation.

Later, visit a carefully selected spice plantation with a local expert. Walk through gardens where cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla and other tropical plants may be cultivated. The experience provides an introduction to the spices that have shaped Kerala’s cuisine, trade and history.

Return to your hotel after the visit.

Overnight in Thekkady.

Begin the day with a selected nature experience in or around the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Depending on availability, weather, forest regulations and your interests, this may include a guided nature walk, birdwatching experience or boat ride on Periyar Lake. The most appropriate activity will be confirmed in your final itinerary.

Periyar is appreciated for its forest landscape, lake and biodiversity. Elephants, deer, wild boar, monkeys and numerous bird species inhabit the region, but all wildlife sightings are entirely natural and cannot be guaranteed.

The afternoon is kept flexible. You may relax at the hotel, explore the local market or add an optional cultural, culinary or nature activity.

Overnight in Thekkady.

After breakfast, descend from the Western Ghats toward Kumarakom and the shores of Vembanad Lake. The drive normally takes approximately four hours, although the duration can vary according to traffic and road conditions.

On arrival, check in at your lakeside or backwater resort. The remainder of the afternoon is deliberately unhurried, allowing you to enjoy the resort, swimming pool, gardens or views across the water.

An optional sunset cruise, Ayurveda treatment or gentle village experience can be arranged according to your interests and the facilities available at the selected hotel.

Overnight in Kumarakom.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the resort. Depending on the season, your interests and the houseboat boarding time, you may take a morning walk near the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary or simply enjoy the hotel facilities.

Later, transfer to the houseboat boarding point near Alleppey. Board your private houseboat around midday and meet the onboard crew.

Begin cruising through Kerala’s backwaters, passing coconut groves, paddy fields, canals, villages, traditional homes and local boats. Lunch is freshly prepared and served onboard.

The houseboat continues cruising during the afternoon before mooring at an approved location around sunset. Dinner is served onboard, followed by a peaceful night on the backwaters.

Overnight aboard a private houseboat.

Wake to the quiet atmosphere of the backwaters and enjoy breakfast onboard. After a final morning cruise, disembark at approximately 9:00 a.m.

Meet your driver and transfer to Marari Beach, a peaceful coastal area known for its long shoreline, coconut groves and relaxed atmosphere.

Check in at your beach resort. The remainder of the day is free to rest after the journey, walk along the beach or enjoy the hotel’s facilities.

Overnight at Marari Beach.

Today is intentionally free, providing time to relax beside the Arabian Sea before the end of your Kerala journey.

Enjoy the beach, swimming pool and resort facilities, or choose from optional experiences offered in the area. Depending on your interests, these may include an Ayurveda treatment, yoga session, cycling, cooking experience, village walk or visit to a local fishing community.

Sea conditions can change throughout the year, so swimming should only be undertaken when considered safe by the hotel or local authorities.

Overnight at Marari Beach.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer by private vehicle to Kochi International Airport for your onward journey.

The drive generally takes approximately two to two-and-a-half hours, but additional time will be allowed according to traffic conditions and your flight departure time.

For an early-morning international flight, we recommend replacing the second Marari night with a final night near Kochi Airport. Your itinerary will be adjusted once your flight schedule is confirmed.