Kerala's Tapestry: Tea Gardens, Backwaters & Coastal Bliss
Complete Journey Overview
Kerala's Tapestry: Tea Gardens, Backwaters & Coastal Bliss
Kerala's Tapestry: Tea Gardens, Backwaters & Coastal Bliss
Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences
Day 1 - Arrival in Kochi & Fort Kochi Charm
Arrival and Transfer to Fort Kochi
Arrive at Cochin International Airport (COK). Your pre-booked driver will meet you at the arrivals hall for a comfortable transfer to your hotel in the historic Fort Kochi area.
Check-in at a Heritage Hotel
Check into a charming heritage hotel in Fort Kochi, often converted from old colonial bungalows, offering a unique blend of history and comfort.
Lunch at Kashi Art Cafe
Enjoy a light and delicious lunch at this popular cafe, known for its artistic ambiance, great coffee, and fusion food. It's a perfect spot to relax after your journey.
Fort Kochi Heritage Walk
Explore the charming streets of Fort Kochi on foot. Witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset, visit St. Francis Church (the original burial site of Vasco da Gama), and admire the architecture of the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica.
Kathakali Performance
Experience the vibrant and dramatic classical Indian dance-drama of Kathakali. Arrive early to watch the intricate makeup application process, which is a performance in itself.
Seafood Dinner at Oceanos Restaurant
Indulge in a delicious seafood dinner. Oceanos is renowned for its fresh catch and authentic preparation of Keralan and Portuguese-inspired dishes.
Day 2 - Journey to the Tea-Scented Hills of Munnar
Explore Mattancherry & Jew Town
After breakfast, visit the nearby Mattancherry area. Explore the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) with its stunning murals and the historic Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town, surrounded by antique shops.
Scenic Drive to Munnar
Begin the picturesque journey to Munnar. The drive winds through rubber plantations and spice gardens, with stunning views of waterfalls like Cheeyappara and Valara along the way.
Lunch En Route
Stop for a traditional Keralan lunch at a roadside restaurant. Enjoy simple, authentic flavors amidst the lush greenery.
Check-in at a Munnar Resort
Arrive in Munnar and check into your resort, preferably one with panoramic views of the tea plantations. Settle in and enjoy the cool mountain air.
Dinner at the Resort
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel's restaurant. Many resorts in Munnar offer a mix of local Keralan specialties and international cuisine.
Day 3 - Exploring Munnar's Verdant Landscapes
Lunch at Rapsy Restaurant
Head to Munnar town for an authentic and budget-friendly lunch at Rapsy Restaurant. It's a local favorite known for its delicious biryani and parottas.
Eravikulam National Park
Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. A park bus takes you up to a point from where you can walk and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and tea gardens.
Tata Tea Museum (Kanan Devan Hills)
Learn about the history and process of tea cultivation in Munnar. The museum features a short documentary and a demonstration of tea processing.
Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point
Drive to Mattupetty Dam for beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. You can opt for a boat ride. A little further is Echo Point, a scenic spot where you can have fun shouting and hearing your echo.
Dinner at Saravana Bhavan
For a change of pace, enjoy a delicious South Indian vegetarian dinner at Saravana Bhavan. Their dosas, idlis, and thalis are excellent.
Day 4 - The Serene Backwaters of Alleppey
Drive from Munnar to Alleppey
After an early breakfast, embark on the scenic drive down from the hills of Munnar to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha). The landscape changes dramatically from tea gardens to paddy fields and coconut groves.
Board a Private Houseboat (Kettuvallam)
Arrive at the Alleppey finishing point and board your private houseboat. You'll be welcomed with a refreshing drink. Settle in as your floating home for the night begins its journey.
Traditional Keralan Lunch on Board
Your personal chef will prepare a delicious, traditional Keralan lunch featuring dishes like Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish), sambar, rice, and various vegetable preparations, served on a banana leaf.
Backwater Cruise
Spend the afternoon cruising through the intricate network of canals, lakes, and lagoons. Observe the local way of life: children going to school, vendors in canoes, and lush green paddy fields below sea level.
Dinner Under the Stars
Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner on the deck of your anchored houseboat. The tranquility of the backwaters at night is a magical experience.
Day 5 - Sunrise on the Water & Marari's Golden Sands
Sunrise Cruise & Breakfast
Wake up to a beautiful sunrise over the backwaters. The boat will start a short morning cruise while you enjoy a traditional Keralan breakfast (like Appam and stew) on board.
Disembark and Drive to Marari Beach
Disembark from the houseboat around 9:00 AM. A short and easy drive will take you to the sleepy fishing village of Mararikulam, home to the beautiful Marari Beach.
Check-in at a Beach Resort
Check into your beach resort or homestay. Marari offers a range of options from luxury resorts with private pools to charming, family-run homestays.
Lunch at the Resort
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at your resort's restaurant, often featuring fresh seafood and views of the sea.
Relax on Marari Beach
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the clean, golden sands of Marari Beach. It's much quieter than other Keralan beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply reading a book in a hammock.
Rejuvenating Ayurvedic Massage
Indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage. Kerala is the home of Ayurveda, and this is the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate your body and mind.
Day 6 - Village Life and Coastal Leisure
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a special farewell dinner. This could be the meal from your cooking class or a curated seafood barbecue at your resort.
Morning Yoga or Village Cycle Tour
Start your day with a refreshing yoga session, often offered by resorts. Alternatively, rent a bicycle and explore the surrounding fishing villages to get a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle.
Lunch at a Local Toddy Shop
For an adventurous and authentic culinary experience, visit a local 'Toddy Shop'. These places serve fresh palm wine (toddy) and incredibly spicy and delicious local food, especially seafood and meat dishes.
Afternoon at Leisure
Spend the rest of the afternoon at your own pace. Relax by the pool, take a long walk on the beach, or finish that book you've been meaning to read.
Keralan Cooking Class
Participate in a cooking class to learn the secrets of Keralan cuisine. Many homestays and resorts offer classes where you can learn to prepare a few local dishes using fresh spices and coconut.
Day 7 - Departure from God's Own Country
Final Keralan Breakfast
Enjoy one last Keralan breakfast, perhaps with some fresh tropical fruits and a final cup of local coffee or tea.
Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping
If time permits on your way to the airport, you can stop for some last-minute souvenir shopping. You can buy spices, tea, coffee, or local handicrafts like coir products and Aranmula mirrors.
Transfer to Cochin International Airport (COK)
Your driver will transfer you from your hotel in Marari to the airport for your flight home.
