Kerala Family Luxury Tour

Route: Arrival at Kochi – Fort Kochi – Mattancherry – Jew Town – Kochi City Centre

Upon arrival at Kochi (Cochin International Airport / Railway Station), begin your journey into Kerala's historic port city, famously known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Drive towards Fort Kochi, a charming seaside area reflecting Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, followed by St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India, and the magnificent Santa Cruz Basilica. Proceed to Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) to witness Kerala murals and royal history. Walk through Jew Town, lined with antique shops and spice stores, and visit the historic Paradesi Synagogue. Later, head towards Kochi city centre for a glimpse of modern Kochi. In the evening, you may opt to attend a traditional Kathakali or Kalaripayattu cultural performance before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay in Kochi.

Experience of the Day

•     Colonial-era streets and architecture

•     Blend of heritage, culture, and coastal life

•     Old spice trade routes and antique markets

•     Cultural immersion through classical art forms

Food — Where to Eat & What to Try

Popular Cafés & Restaurants:

• Kashi Art Café – European & fusion café

• Ginger House Restaurant – heritage dining

• Fort House Restaurant – waterfront dining

• David Hall Café – light meals & coffee

• Dhe Puttu (City Centre) – authentic Kerala cuisine

Must-Try Food:

• Kerala Fish Curry & Rice

• Appam with Stew

• Malabar Parotta with Beef Curry

• Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish)

• Fresh coconut-based seafood dishes

Shopping — Where & What to Buy

• Where to Shop: Jew Town (Mattancherry), Broadway Market (City Centre), Lulu Mall

• What to Buy: Spices (pepper, cardamom, cinnamon), antique curios & brass items, handloom textiles & Kasavu sarees, wooden handicrafts and coir products

Activities to Do

• Sunset photography at Chinese Fishing Nets

• Walking tour of Fort Kochi heritage lanes

• Cultural show: Kathakali / Kalaripayattu

• Café hopping in Fort Kochi

• Local spice market exploration

Optional Nearby Excursions

• Evening harbour cruise from Marine Drive

• Visit Bolgatty Palace Island

• Cycling tour of Fort Kochi

• Backwater village visit near Vypin Island

Route: Kochi – Munnar (130 Kms / approx. 7 Hrs)

After breakfast, begin a scenic drive from Kochi to Munnar, one of Kerala's most beautiful hill stations nestled in the Western Ghats. The journey itself is a visual delight, passing through lush green landscapes, winding mountain roads, spice plantations, and cascading waterfalls. En route, stop at the famous Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls for short breaks and photography, followed by visits to picturesque tea garden viewpoints. Upon arrival in Munnar, check in to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure, soaking in the cool mountain air and serene surroundings. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Experience of the Day

• One of Kerala's most scenic mountain drives

• First introduction to Munnar's tea estates and misty hills

• Relaxed pace with nature-focused sightseeing

• Refreshing climate change from coastal Kochi to hill terrain

Food — Where to Eat & What to Try

• Café / Restaurant Suggestions: Rapsy Restaurant, Saravana Bhavan, SN Restaurant, Tea Tales Café

• Popular Food to Try: Kerala vegetarian meals, Appam & Stew, Idiyappam with curry, fresh cardamom tea, homemade chocolates (local specialty)

Shopping — Where & What to Shop

• Where to Shop: Munnar Town Market, Tea Museum outlet, local spice shops

• What to Buy: Fresh tea leaves (black, green, flavored), cardamom, pepper, cloves, handmade chocolates, essential oils & herbal products

Activities to Do

• Leisure walk through tea gardens

• Sunset viewing from nearby viewpoints

• Photography of waterfalls and hill scenery

• Relaxing spa or Ayurvedic massage (optional)

Optional Nearby Excursions

• Short visit to Blossom International Park

• Tea estate visit with local guide

• Evening stroll in Munnar town

Route: Munnar – Mattupetty – Echo Point – Kundala Lake – Munnar Town

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar, Kerala's most popular hill station. Begin with a visit to Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai), famous for its rolling grasslands and as the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Continue towards Mattupetty Dam & Lake, surrounded by lush hills and tea gardens, offering picturesque views. Drive further to Echo Point, where the natural echo phenomenon amidst misty valleys creates a fun and scenic experience. Later, visit Kundala Lake, known for its serene surroundings and pedal boating options. In the evening, return to Munnar town for a relaxed stroll and local market visit. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Experience of the Day

• Wildlife and nature experience at Eravikulam National Park

• Classic hill station landscapes with misty valleys

• Peaceful lakeside moments at Mattupetty & Kundala

• Fun natural acoustics at Echo Point

• Local culture and shopping experience in Munnar town

Food — Where to Eat & What to Try

• Saravana Bhavan – South Indian vegetarian meals, dosa, idli

• Rapsy Restaurant – Kerala meals, appam, stew, seafood

• SN Restaurant – budget-friendly Kerala & North Indian food

• Tea Garden Cafés – fresh cardamom tea, masala chai

• Must-try dishes: Kerala sadya, puttu & kadala curry, Malabar parotta

Shopping — Where & What to Shop

• Munnar Town Market – tea, spices, chocolates

• KDHP Tea Sales Outlet – premium fresh tea leaves

• Local Spice Shops – cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves

• Handicraft Stores – wooden souvenirs, handmade artifacts

Activities to Do

• Nature walk at Eravikulam National Park

• Pedal boating at Kundala Lake

• Photography at Echo Point & tea gardens

• Leisure evening stroll in Munnar town

• Tea tasting at plantation outlets

Optional Nearby Excursions

• Tea Museum (short visit if time permits)

• Blossom Park for leisure time

• Pothamedu View Point (sunset views)

• Attukad Waterfalls (seasonal)

Route: Munnar – Thekkady (Periyar), approx. 90 Kms / 4 Hrs

After breakfast, depart from Munnar and drive towards Thekkady, a journey of approximately 90 km that takes you through scenic spice plantations, dense forests, and winding hill roads of the Western Ghats. Upon arrival, proceed to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's most renowned protected reserves and a major elephant and tiger habitat. Enjoy a private jeep safari inside the forest area (subject to permits and availability), followed by a serene boat safari on Periyar Lake offering chances to spot elephants, deer, wild boars, and rich birdlife along the shores. Later, visit the spice plantation area of Thekkady to understand Kerala's world-famous spices through a guided tour. In the evening, you may opt to watch a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance showcasing Kerala's ancient combat traditions. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Experience of the Day

• Scenic forest drive through spice-growing regions

• Close encounter with wildlife in Periyar Tiger Reserve

• Calm and immersive boat ride on Periyar Lake

• Insight into Kerala's spice heritage

• Cultural exposure through traditional martial arts

Food — Where to Eat & What to Try

• Grand Thekkady Café – multi-cuisine, forest views

• Spice Garden Restaurant – authentic Kerala meals

• Coffee Routes – light bites & fresh coffee

• Popular: Kerala vegetarian meals on banana leaf, Appam with vegetable stew, Malabar parotta with curry, cardamom tea or spice-infused coffee

Shopping — Where & What to Buy

• Kumily Spice Market

• Government-approved spice & handicraft shops

• What to buy: cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon & cloves, essential oils (eucalyptus, lemongrass), tea, coffee & handmade souvenirs

Activities to Do

• Private jeep safari inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Boat safari on Periyar Lake

• Guided spice plantation walk

• Leisure walk in Kumily town

Optional Nearby Excursions

• Bamboo rafting (seasonal & permit-based)

• Nature walk programs by Periyar Eco-tourism

• Border hiking trails (guided only)

• Tribal heritage interaction programs

Route: Thekkady – Alleppey, approx. 140 Kms / 5 Hrs

After breakfast, depart from Thekkady and drive towards Alleppey, descending from the lush hill forests of Periyar into Kerala's iconic backwater region. On arrival at Alleppey, proceed for check-in to your private premium houseboat. Later, enjoy a serene backwater cruise through narrow canals, coconut-lined shores, village settlements, and emerald paddy fields. Experience the slow-paced life of Kerala backwaters while relaxing on board. Enjoy freshly prepared traditional Kerala meals cooked by your onboard chef, and spend a peaceful night on the houseboat amidst calm waters.

Experience of the Day

• Scenic transition from spice hills to coastal backwaters

• Authentic Kerala backwater lifestyle experience

• Leisurely private houseboat cruise through canals and villages

• Sunset views over paddy fields and lagoons

• Peaceful overnight stay surrounded by water and nature

Food — Where to Eat & What to Try

• Onboard: traditional Kerala vegetarian & non-vegetarian meals prepared by the houseboat chef

• Steamed rice, sambar, avial, thoran, pachadi

• Freshly cooked fish curry (karimeen / pearl spot, where available)

• Coconut-based curries and appam, depending on the day's menu

Shopping — Where & What to Buy

• Alleppey local markets

• Coir products (mats, carpets, handicrafts)

• Coconut shell handicrafts

• Spices (pepper, cardamom, cloves)

• Traditional Kerala souvenirs

Activities to Do

• Relaxing private houseboat cruise

• Village walk along backwater canals (where the boat docks)

• Sunset photography from the deck

• Birdwatching — egrets, kingfishers, herons

• Onboard Kerala hospitality and home-style dining

Optional Nearby Excursions

• Pathiramanal Island (boat transfer required)

• Canoe ride through narrow canals (extra cost)

• Visit to a local coir-making unit

Route: Alleppey – Alappuzha Beach – Lighthouse – Arthunkal – Kumarakom (Optional)

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and proceed for a relaxed day exploring the coastal charm of Alleppey. Begin with a visit to Alappuzha Beach, known for its golden sands, sea breeze, and historic pier, ideal for a peaceful morning walk. Continue to the Alappuzha Lighthouse, located nearby, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the town. Later, drive to Arthunkal to visit the renowned St. Andrew's Basilica, a significant Christian pilgrimage site famous for its architecture and spiritual importance. In the afternoon, guests may opt for an excursion to Kumarakom, located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, where a visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary allows for birdwatching and a nature walk amid lush greenery. Return to Alleppey by evening and relax overnight.

Experience of the Day

• Leisurely beach experience with coastal views

• Cultural and spiritual visit to Arthunkal Basilica

• Nature and birdlife exploration at Kumarakom

• Scenic drives along backwaters and villages

Food — Where to Eat & What to Try

• Cafe Catamaran (Alleppey Beach area)

• Halais Restaurant

• Indian Coffee House (Alleppey)

• Cassia Restaurant (near backwaters)

• Popular: Kerala Fish Curry with Rice, Karimeen (Pearl Spot) Fry, Appam & Stew, Puttu with Kadala Curry

Shopping — Where & What to Buy

• Alleppey Beach Road shops

• Local markets near the boat jetty

• What to buy: coir products (mats, bags, carpets), coconut shell handicrafts, Kerala spices, traditional souvenirs

Activities to Do

• Beach walk and sunset photography

• Lighthouse climb for coastal views

• Birdwatching and nature walk at Kumarakom

• Village road exploration around backwaters

Optional Nearby Excursions

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary excursion (70 Kms / approx. 5 hrs round trip)

• Sunset Shikara ride at Vembanad Lake

• Visit to local coir-making units

• Short canoe ride through village canals

Route: Alleppey – Kochi (Cochin International Airport / Railway Station), 85 Kms / approx. 2.5–3 Hrs

After breakfast, check out from your hotel/houseboat in Alleppey and begin a comfortable drive towards Kochi. Enjoy the scenic coastal countryside, coconut groves, canals, and village life en route. Upon arrival in Kochi, you will be dropped at Cochin International Airport or the Railway Station as per your departure schedule, marking the end of your memorable Kerala journey.

Experience of the Day

• Relaxing coastal drive through Kerala's backwater belt

• Final glimpses of lagoons, paddy fields, and village scenery

• Smooth conclusion to the Kerala holiday with timely departure assistance